FRASSATI LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The Office of Youth Ministry will be holding a Catholic leadership program for young people in grade ten (ages 15-16). This program will equip them and encourage them to draw closer to Christ and their respective communities. The goal of this program is that young people will join us for opportunities for formation as Catholic leaders and then go back to their respective communities to turn their learning into practice. Registration for this program closes October 25th and can be found at https://tinyurl.com/frassati2024

YOUTH MINISTERS RETREAT The annual Youth Ministers’ Retreat for the Diocese of Hamilton will be held the weekend of Friday, September 27th to Sunday, September 29th at Mount Mary Retreat Centre. The retreat is open to all those who minister to young people within the diocese. Information and registration about the retreat can be found at hamiltondiocese.com or contacting youthministry@hamiltondiocese.com.

YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH – FORMOSA 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), praise night with vocations testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, September 7th at Immaculate Conception Church (212 Concession Rd 12, Formosa, Ontario). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.

ANNUAL RED MASS The “Red Mass” is the name given to the Eucharistic celebration during which the guidance of the Holy Spirit is invoked for divine wisdom for all those who plead, interpret and apply the law for the welfare of the people. The Mass takes its name from the red vestments worn by the clergy at a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, and the red robes traditionally worn by the judges. You are welcome to attend this year’s Red Mass in Hamilton Diocese, which will be celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, at St. Augustine Parish, Dundas, at 9:30 am on Wednesday, September 11. The Mass will be followed by a brunch, with guest speaker Mr. Sam Mercanti, the author of “Risen From the Shop Floor: Lessons from an Entrepreneur”. For more information, or to register for the Brunch, e-mail Sam Garcia at sgarcea@confentegarcea.com.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS MONTH - OCTOBER 2024 Bishop Crosby has designated October as Diocesan Vocations Month. Each Sunday we will have an intercession for vocations and before the end of Mass we will pray together a prayer for vocations. You are also encouraged to pray for vocations throughout the month. Moreover, if you know someone who you think should consider a particular vocation, such as marriage, priesthood or consecrated virginity lived in the world, be sure to tell that person. Mary, Mother of Vocations, pray for us! For more information about vocations, visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/.

YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH – HAMILTON Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to participate in our Diocesan Vocations Month under the patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary by attending 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), praise night with vocations testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, October 5th at Canadian Martyrs Church (1349 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD The Diocese of Hamilton provides formation for Ministers of the Word each year as they exercise a very important ministry at Mass. In this workshop, participants receive formation in Liturgy and Ministry, Techniques to Proclaim the Word of God, and an opportunity to practice. It is ideal for both parishioners new to this ministry or considering it and a good refresher for experienced Ministers of the Word. Participants receive a mandate from the Bishop of Hamilton. There is always good participant sharing. The cost is $30 and includes lunch. First Workshop Saturday, September 21, 2024, Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph, ON, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Second Workshop Saturday, November 9, 2024, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Hamilton, ON, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops. https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2024/02/minister-of-the-word-formation-workshop-2/

RCIA 101 Each year, parishes welcome new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). In addition, parishes need and welcome new team members to assist pastors in providing spiritual and catechetical accompaniment and formation for those seeking entry into the church. It is helpful and important that RCIA team members receive formation. This formation workshop is a four-part introduction and walk-through designed for any team member (Director, Coordinator, catechists, support team, etc.). It is a good introduction for new team members and an opportunity for existing team members to learn more about the ritual and share experiences. It helps RCIA team members confidently accompany catechumens and candidates. This program will be offered in Kitchener starting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Daniel Parish, Kitchener, and continues each Tuesday until October 1, 2024, and in Hamilton starting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Diocese of Hamilton Chancery Office, Hamilton, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and continues each Wednesday until October 16, 2024. Register using the Diocese of Hamilton website: https://hamiltondiocese.com/office/pastoral-offices/liturgy-office/rcia/

ADULT FAITH 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 2023. 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 .

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

ReSTART: Moving Forward – Our 10 week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal and move forward after divorce or separation. The sessions will be offered from Sept. 30th– Dec. 2nd. and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person, or you are welcome to join our zoom classroom if you are from outside the Hamilton area. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. To register go to hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH As school begins a new, we set up new schedules and set boundaries and guidelines to help our children achieve the best success they can. It is a great time to incorporate prayer, perhaps before meals and bed, into the family routine. Let your children know that speaking to God at any time is an easy way to ask for support and share their joys. God is always ready to listen and provide help; this is a proven way to help your children succeed! (From: Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH Relationship experts remind us that quantity and quality time matter in relationships. Take a moment to assess your relationship: how much time are you spending together and are you considering how you connect during those times. You might share a movie, family time and chores, but be sure there are times when you talk directly to each other, share your joys and sorrows, discuss your plans as a couple. Staying connected takes effort but ensures a strong and everlasting love. (From: Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

ACT II (SEPARATED & DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP) WATERLOO 3rd Tuesday of every month - 7:30pm at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo - Our Act II monthly informal support group will continue to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. With the support of others, you can begin to heal the emotional, social and spiritual devastation of divorce. Join us when you can. Visit the website (www.stmichaelw.ca/separated-and-divorced), or contact our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca for more information.

STRUGGLING MARRIAGE? FIND HOPE WITH RETROUVAILLE 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 – a program designed to help couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This practical program, where sharing is not required except between the couple themselves, is designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. It has proven positive results for struggling couples, including those who may be considering separation or divorce. The next Retrouvaille weekend is Oct. 18-20, 2024. For more information call 905-664-5212 or email teamrecine@gmail.com.

HEARTACHE TO HEALING - GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP AT ST. MICHAEL PARISH, WATERLOO - Grief support provides companionship on the long journey through the grief process. Our support group follows the process developed by Dr. Bill Webster, an experienced leader in grief counselling. All who have suffered a loss are welcome, regardless of how much time has passed since your loss. A monthly informal drop-in support is available at St. Michael Parish on the 2nd Wednesday of the month; 7pm in the Parish Resource Centre/Library. The 6- week Program-theory and sharing runs Wednesday evenings (6 consecutive weeks) from October 16th to November 20th at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo. Registration is required by October 1st for this program by contacting our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca.