May 2026 Announcements
Reel Justice Film Festival Join us on May 28, 2026 7:00 – 9:00 PM for our last screening of the season with War for the Woods. The film follows journalist Stephanie Kwetásel'wet Wood as she underscores the impact of clearcut logging and the devastation of old growth forests. Clayoquot Sound, B.C, the site of protests against clearcut logging 30 years ago, serves as the backdrop as the film explores how First Nations and environmentalists are again taking a stand to balance environmental stewardship with economic needs, as protecting these ancient forests becomes ever more complicated. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register at: https://hamiltondiocese.com/reel-justice-film-festival/ A partnership between the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives and Development and Peace, the Reel Justice Film Festival shines a spotlight on issues of social, political, and economic injustices.
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 (6:00pm-7:00 pm), social with food (7:00pm-8:00pm), vocations testimony and praise music (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, June 6th at the Saint Clement’s Church (745 Duke Street, Cambridge, ON). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
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.
Frassati Leadership Program Calling all those entering Grade 10 in September 2026! Are you looking to grow in your faith? Do you want to explore what it means to be a Catholic leader? The Frassati Leadership Program may be for you. Join other Grade 10 Catholic leaders as we reflect on the foundations of Catholic leadership and foster opportunities for you to grow in your own faith and leadership skills. For more information and to register please visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/office/pastoral-offices/youth-ministry/frassati/
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Bishop Dabrowski is sending a delegation of young adults (aged 18-35) to World Youth Day in the summer of 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the world. For more information about WYD and how to join our delegation please visit: https://wyd.hamiltondiocese.com/
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass Time is running out to register to join Bishop Joseph Dabrowski in celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in 2026. The Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, May 31 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 #179 Family creates the foundation on which children will build the rest of their lives. Parents are both leaders and models, so children will learn fundamental skills, including relationship skills, from their families. Parents must reflect on whether the lessons they are modelling for their children are ones that will serve them well in their adult lives. Important to parent’s role is building within their children a foundation of faith by engaging in prayer, attending Mass, reading the Bible as a family and taking part in acts of service. This development of faith will help guide children’s actions as they become more independent. It will also ensure they understand that God is always with them.
Marriage Tip #159 Being able to count on your spouse is a vital component of a healthy and happy marriage. We establish this kind of relationship by discussing what behaviours and actions we want to expect from each other. Couples need to create a list of expectations that they each agree will be helpful to their day to day married life. The list might include: setting a boundary on cell phone and computer use during family/couple time; agreeing to saying I love you daily; using manners during daily interactions; praying together at one or more points during the day; having a hug or kiss of greeting each time you depart or reunite during the day; agreeing to speak the truth about feelings, not bury them within. An agreed upon list put into action brings feelings of security and a deeper love.
The National Week for Family and Life Sunday, May 10 to Sunday May 17, 2026, with the theme “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) Families are encouraged to take time during this week to celebrate their families, express gratitude, offer forgiveness, and/or share meaningful moments with loved ones across generations. This week is an opportunity to uphold the value of life and to live out our calling to love one another within our homes, communities, and the world. Resources can be found on the Hamilton Diocesan website. Watch the video celebrating the week as a family here: National Family and Life Week 2026 (May 10–17) | Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Support Group Struggling after divorce or separation? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings, held the 2nd & 3rd Friday 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!