April 2026 Bulletin Announcements
Young Adults Night Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to attend an evening of prayer, fellowship and praise music in support of your vocations. The Young Adults Night includes a Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30 pm), social with food (7:30pm-8:00pm), vocations testimony and praise music(8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, May 2nd at the Saint Benedict Church (300 Yates Drive, Milton. Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Reel Justice Film Festival Join us April 23, 2026 7:00 – 9:00 PM for a screening of Deep Rising. Narrated and executive produced by Jason Momoa, the documentary investigates the push to mine the deep seabed for rare metals, exposing geopolitical, corporate, and scientific maneuvering to control these vital elements. Through awe-inspiring footage of the deep’s most dazzling creatures, Deep Rising reveals the need to protect the seabed as the common heritage of humankind and stresses the urgency of responsible choices for the future of sustainable energy. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register and view our full schedule of events at: https://hamiltondiocese.com/reel-justice-film-festival/.
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 Year of St. Francis of Assisi The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed this to be the “Year of St. Francis of Assisi,” a special Jubilee in celebration of the 800th year since the holy death of St. Francis. The Diocese of Hamilton has put together a special webpage in celebration of this moment of faith. Join us in prayer and contemplation as we turn our hearts towards this saint of simplicity, peace, and joyful discipleship. All resources for adults and young people can be found here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/year-of-st-francis-of-assisi/.
What does it mean to be a “Synodal Church?” A Synodal Church works to meet people where they are at, invite shared experiences in mutual safety and respect, and offer paths of deeper connection with God, and each other. Pope Leo XIV has described a Synodal Church as “a church that walks together, a church that always seeks peace, always seeks charity, always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.” (Urbi et Orbi, 2025) To learn more about the call to be a Synodal Church, visit us at https://hamiltondiocese.com/synod-on-synodality/.
Did You Know… Children in our parishes benefit from the Catechetical Correspondence Program each year for ongoing religious education and preparation for the Sacraments. We need volunteers to support the program! If you are willing to accompany these children in their learning journey, please reach out to the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis at catechesis@hamiltondiocese.com . To learn more about the Catechetical Correspondence Program, please visit: https://bit.ly/DOHCCC.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 The young people of the world have begun their preparations to meet with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV at the 41st International Celebration of World Youth Day, Seoul, South Korea. To learn more about this pilgrimage of faith, visit: https://wydseoul.org/en. Join us in praying for all young people discerning their participation from our Diocese.
Youth Ministry Certification Program We are currently accepting enrollment for the Youth Ministry Certification Program, which begins in September 2026. Join us as we explore the practical strategies for youth ministry and the accompaniment of young people in our diocesan community. To review a full course list and for more information, please visit: https://www.hamiltondioceselearns.com.
Vacation Bible School Training Day Many of our parishes are blessed to have teens and young adults involved in the preparation and leadership of Vacation Bible School experiences. The Office for Youth Ministry and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis warmly welcome all VBS coordinators and youth leaders to a day of formation and training on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. For more information, and to register please visit: http://bit.ly/419nh7w. For all other questions regarding VBS, reach out to us at: youthministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
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 https://www.hamiltondiocese.com or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Parenting Tip Easter is a special season for the Church, where we remember Jesus’ suffering, but rejoice in his resurrection and the hope it brings to each one of us. When we read simple versions of the Easter story, we offer children a beautiful understanding of what Easter is all about. They will see the Paschal candle at the Church, which is lit at the Easter Vigil Mass, so explain that it represents the light and hope Christ brought to the world. Remind them that Easter eggs (even when chocolate!) are meant to represent new life, just as the resurrection brings new life to all. All of this will help them to understand the liturgical celebrations you attend together and to know how much God loves them.
Marriage Tip All people have busy times in their lives when they seem to need more hours in a day than the actual twenty-four hours allows! It is essential then that we stop long enough to ask ourselves what really matters to us and then to ensure we adjust our schedules accordingly. A spouse should not be on the short end of receiving your time and attention (nor should your family). Set up a date night regularly, be sure to eat at least one meal (even if it is early morning breakfast) together most days, take time to pray together and attend church together. Life is hectic but sacrificing time with the one you love will not help you get more done, it will only help to distance you from the one you need most.
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 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 This program provides the opportunity to increase awareness of yourself and to learn specific skills for building a 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.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Support Group Struggling after divorce or separation? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings. It is held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month. These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Register here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home anytime the week of the session, or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!