March 2026 Bulletin Announcement
Ministerial Formation through VLCFF The Diocese of Hamilton is proud to partner with Dayton University’s Virtual Learning Community for Adult Faith Formation (VLCFF) to offer certificate programs for ministry and enrichment for adult faith formation. We are currently taking enrollment for the Youth Ministry Certification Program and the Catechist Formation Program for the Diocese of Hamilton, which begins in September 2026. Three- and five-week e-seminars are also available at a discounted rate for all adults in the Diocese looking to further their learning. For more information about our programs, and how to register, visit us at www.hamiltondioceselearns.com .
The Journey Continues: The Synod on Synodality The Synod on Synodality is not over! The Universal Church has entered the “Implementation Phase” (2025-2028), inviting a careful reading of the final document of the Synodal journey to help shape a more listening, participatory church. You are encouraged to read the final document of the Synod on Synodality, described by Pope Francis as a 'Gift to the People of God.' Learn how we can better walk together in communion, participation, and mission. Access it at www.synod.va .
Listening and Fasting: Pope Leo XIV’s Message For Lent 2026 Pope Leo XIV's message for Lent 2026, entitled “Listening and fasting. Lent as a time of Conversion,” was published on Friday, February 13, by the Holy See Press Office. To read Pope Leo’s message, and download a helpful infographic, visit the Dicastery for Integral Human Development here: www.humandevelopment.va .
Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi From Jan 10, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, the Church marks a special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death. During this year, the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence by fulfilling the usual conditions (confession, Communion, prayer for the Holy Father, detachment from sin) and engaging in acts inspired by the Franciscan spirit, such as pilgrimage, prayer, works of charity, and humble service. To learn more about this Holy Year, visit https://bit.ly/yearoffrancis.
Young Adults Night Fr. Mark Morley invites young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to attend an evening of fellowship and music as you discern your vocation and as we celebrate the Easter Season. The Young Adults Night includes a social with food (7:00pm-8:00pm) followed by a vocations testimony and praise music ending with Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, April 11th (note Second Saturday, not First Saturday) at Mount Mary Retreat Centre (437 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Vocations Recognition Dinner 2026 The Serra Club of Hamilton warmly invites you to attend the 23rd Annual Vocations Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Liuna Station to celebrate the dedicated service of our Priests, Deacons, Religious Brothers and Sisters, and Consecrated Virgins in the Diocese of Hamilton. Milestone anniversaries will be honored and we will hear the inspiring faith journeys of this year’s ordinandi and candidates. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $90 per person. For more information and to order tickets, visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/. This event is co-sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton.
Reel Justice Film Festival Join us for our March screening of Living on One Dollar. Four college students from the United States travelled to rural Guatemala to live on just $1 a day for two months. They battled hunger, parasites, and the realization that there are no easy answers to solving extreme poverty. Yet, the generosity and strength of their neighbors left them a resilient optimism. $56 for 56 days, how would you survive? There is no discussion with this screening. Watch the film any time once you receive the link on March 26th. Registration required. Register and view our full schedule of events at: https://hamiltondiocese.com/reel-justice-film-festival/ A partnership between the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives and Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, the Reel Justice Film Festival shines a spotlight on issues of social, political, and economic injustices.
Looking for Support for your Marriage – Does your marriage feel like it is more trouble than joy, does it feel stagnant, or disconnected? Is it causing you constant stress? The solution is Retrouvaille – whose one purpose is to help couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This is a practical program, where sharing is not required except between the couple themselves. It is designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. This is for struggling couples, including those who may be considering separation or divorce. The next Retrouvaille weekend is March 13-15, 2026. Call 905-664-5212 or email 1013r@helpourmarriage.org.
Parenting Tip Parenting is a profound vocation, one that requires great stamina and loads of love. Fortunately, God has provided parents with both! Character is at the forefront of all parenting because our kids are watching more than listening! The task of parents, once they bring life into this world, is to center themselves on guiding their child(ren) to maturity. It is a job that requires ongoing learning, teaching and always witnessing to our faith. No one has a greater influence on a child than their parents. Embrace your vocation with dedication and perseverance. Ask God for guidance and support and be confident that your children, by observing you, will learn to be wonderful, faith filled adults whose lives will be find joy and success! (Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2026? You are cordially invited to join Bishop Dabrowski and couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton at 1:30 pm. (Space allows room for Anniversary couples only - those married 60 years or more may bring one guest if you require assistance). Registration is found under Upcoming Events on the home page at hamiltondiocese.com or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
When Life Changes Grief Program Using Dr. Bill Webster’s grief material these programs are intended to help you to understand your grief and provide practical tips and support for helping you through. Part two (for those who have completed part one), The Ongoing Journey, will be offered at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West on Wednesday evenings from April 8 - May 13 from 7:00-8:30pm. All are welcome. To register look for the program start date under Upcoming Events on the Diocesan home page at hamiltondiocese.com or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
ReSTART: Moving Forward (New Dates) Have you experienced a divorce or separation? Are you looking to learn ways to cope, for support from others and to gain a feeling of moving forward? Our 10-week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal or simply learn more. The sessions will run Tuesdays from April 6– June 16 from 7-9 pm and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com an looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 or at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM (New Dates) This program provides the opportunity to increase awareness of yourself and to learn specific skills for building positive self-esteem. It can help you to feel stronger in all areas of your life. Issues covered during the course include taking responsibility for your own thoughts and feelings, positive ways to behave assertively and setting realistic goals for your future. The program will run Tuesdays from April 6 – June 9 from 7-9 pm and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West Hamilton. Cost is $35 for materials. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com and looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
Hope after an Abortion - Are you struggling with an abortion decision – either your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is a ministry of healing for any person suffering pain or problems from an abortion experience. This confidential service allows people to work through their feelings and find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999 or toll free at 1-888-385-3850.