January 2020
Parenting Tip
Colder days in January can mean more time indoors, a
perfect time to connect as a family. Board games, puzzles, movie night, sharing
a decade of the Rosary, baking or cooking a meal together – these are all great
ways to interact and learn about each other. The more time we spend with each
other, the greater the connection we feel for the other. Children need to feel
they are valued and nothing speaks to their hearts more compared to time spent
together!
Marriage Tip
New Year’s Resolutions are often lofty goals that
don’t last too long after they are made, but even thinking about them reminds
us that there is room for change/improvement. This year skip the resolutions
and plan for a specific change in your couple relationship: a date night once a
month (weekly if that is realistic); time at the end of each day to ask, what
did we do good today, what could we do better; holding hands on walks or while
shopping; sharing a coffee every morning before the kids wake up or work
interferes; finding one thing to thank your spouse for daily; looking for
moments to compliment. There are so many more possibilities, so take the time
to do something! At the end of 2020 you will feel a renewed sense of connection
and love – try one or try them all, but do try something!
Diocesan Wedding
Anniversary Mass June 14, 2020
Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding
Anniversary in the year 2020? If you
are, you are cordially invited to join couples from across the Diocese of
Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the
Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King at 1:30 pm. (Space allows room for
Anniversary couples only – those married 60 years or more may bring 1 guest if
you require assistance). Please refer to the poster in the church for
information on how to register for the celebration, or go to www.hamiltondiocese.com.
Finding Strength after
Separation or Divorce
Has a separation or divorce caused you to feel upset, or like you are on
a roller coaster? Would you like to minimize the impact on yourself and feel
stronger? LEARNING TO COPE (Level 1) is a ten week support program offered in
Hamilton starting Tuesday, March 24 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. at the
Diocesan Chancery Office, 700 King St. W, Hamilton. A newly written level 2
program will be offered for the first time on the same evening (past
participants welcome!) and level 3 and 4 will run at the same time and location
on Wednesday evenings. Contact the
Family Ministry Office at (905) 528-7988, ext. 2249 or find out more on line
at: www.hamiltondiocese.com. Come on your own or bring a friend and find your strength again.
Stress in Your Marriage? Rediscover Joy in Your
Relationship!
Retrouvaille is a program for married couples that feel
bored, frustrated or angry in their marriage. This program has helped countless
couples experiencing marital difficulty. For confidential information about, or
to register for the program being offered on the weekend of March 13, 2020,
call 905-664-5212 or email hamiltonretrouvaille1@cogeco.ca or visit the website at www.retrouvaille.org.
Friday
Night Support Group for Persons Separated or Divorced
Would it help you to have people around you to
understand what you’re going through? Would you like to hear some ideas that
will encourage you and help you to develop new ways of coping with the stresses
in your life? The Hamilton Diocesan Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Friday of each
month and they can help! No need to
register just come and join us at the
Chancery Office at 700 King St. West, Hamilton from 7 – 9 p.m. For more
information call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. There is
NO COST, but great learning, caring and support!
Healthy Relationships
Share Common Skills – Come and Learn More!
“Keys to
Loving Relationships” is a ten week video-based program that all people (married,
dating, or single) can use to develop the skills needed to have a truly
meaningful relationship with a spouse, family member or friend. Learn how to become a better “me” in all your
relationships! The program is offered in both Kitchener and Hamilton as
follows:
In Kitchener: At St. Mark’s Parish,
55 Driftwood Drive, Kitchener (519-571-9200)
Tuesday
evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. January 28 – March 24, 2020
In Hamilton: At the Diocesan Chancery Office, 700 King ST.
W., Hamilton
Thursday
evenings from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. March 26 – June 4, 2020
The cost is
$45.00. For more information or to register, call the Family Ministry Office at
(905) 528-7988 ext. 2249 or register at: www.hamiltondiocese.com.
Senior
Adult Study Sessions, “The Bible & the Sacraments” is a deeper look at the
mystery of the sacraments as illuminated by Sacred Scripture. Examining the
rich relationship between the Old & New Testaments, the sacraments are more
than mere earthly rituals! This DVD presentation & discussion format is
based on the work of Dr. Scott Hahn. David Dayler, Director for the Office of
Discipleship & Parish Life will facilitate this 10 session program on
Wednesday afternoons, beginning January 22, 2020 from 1 – 3pm at the Chancery Office
in Hamilton. The cost is $50 and includes the book, “Swear to God” by Dr. Scott Hahn. Please register by Jan. 13th
with Monica by email, mverin@hamiltondiocese.com or telephone,
905-528-7988 ext. 2238.
Bible Sunday
Pope Francis has established the
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as Bible Sunday.
This year it will be observed on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Prayer Cards have been sent to each Parish
and will be distributed at Mass on the weekend of January 25-26th. Parishioners are invited to offer this prayer
together at the conclusion of the General Intercessions in thanksgiving for the
gift of God’s Word. Order forms for
Bibles will also be available in each Parish on that weekend for parishioners
who wish to purchase a Bible. We pray that
our observance of Bible Sunday will deepen our gratitude for the Word of God
and inspire us to root our lives more firmly in the Word of God.
