BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
January 2022

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH – Parenting Tip 136. Our children are, in many ways, like sponges absorbing all we say and do. Even when we think they aren’t watching or listening, they are often taking in our comments, actions and attitudes. In fact, our influence lasts their entire lives and impacts them throughout their lifetime. Equally important is what we don’t say about something they are seeing or hearing or doing, since silence is considered consent. Parenting takes constant work, which is why it is considered a vitally important vocation. The rewards, however, of seeing your children grow into healthy, strong adults is worth the effort.

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH – Marriage Tip 116. Some people drift into their relationships over a number of years, but it can also be said that people drift out of their relationships as well. We can become complacent and take for granted all the nice things are spouse does for us and/or sometimes we stop doing nice things for them. Over time we compliment less, spend less time together, stop sharing our day, feelings, or hopes and dreams and suddenly lose sight of the other. When we continue to treat our relationship as new, taking the time to discover who the other is and complimenting them for it, we stay firmly attached instead of drifting apart.

Year of Amoris Laetitia Family – Hamilton Diocesan Speaker Series – We are excited to present the Year Amoris Laetitia Family Diocesan speaker series designed to look at various topics that impact families with one speaker per month from January to June. In January we will have a special three part presentation on the document itself. They first two sessions will be presented by Bishop Lobsinger, with the final session led by Mrs. Teresa Hartnett. The evening sessions will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 12^th, 19^th and 26^th. The entire series will be presented by zoom, so you must register, but can join in by internet or phone. Check the Diocesan website at https://amorislaetitia.hamiltondiocese.com/ for information and to register. Join us for the entire series, or for a topic of interest to you! Contact Teresa Hartnett at thartnett@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2250.

Marriage Support – Is your marriage experience more trouble than joy, feeling stagnant or disconnected and/or causing you worries?  The solution is Retrouvaille – a program for married couples facing difficult challenges in their relationship.  Retrouvaille has one purpose: 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, designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. It also works well for couples who may be considering separation or divorce.  The next Retrouvaille weekend begins March 13, 2022.  For more information call 905-664-5212 or email teamrecine@gmail.com.

ReStart – Starting over after separation or divorce with support, care and tools for your journey. We invite you to check out the Diocesan website at: https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/family-ministry/divorce-separation.php

to see the programs we offer and to find out dates of the new programs in early 2022. If you have questions, call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.

The Reel Justice Film Festival is back! We are excited to offer another year of engaging films, which spotlight issues of social, political, and economic injustice. Join us January 27, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. for “There’s Something in the Water”. The film documents environmental racism in Nova Scotia, revealing a portrait of ecological and social disaster, where rural areas are plagued by toxic fallout from industrial development and your postal code determines your health. The Reel Justice Film Festival is a partnership between Development & Peace and the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives. Visit us online at https://reeljusticefilmfestival.wordpress.com/ to view our 2022 schedule or to secure your spot at any of our virtual screenings!

Bible Sunday – The Diocese of Hamilton celebrates Bible Sunday on January 23, 2022.  Bishop Crosby has chosen the third Sunday of Ordinary Time each year as our day to emphasize how #TheBibleSpeaks and how #WeListen.  We encourage you to visit our Diocesan webpage dedicated to Bible Sunday 2022. Here you will find resources for adults, youth and children to help foster a relationship with God’s living Word: www.hamiltondiocese.com/thebiblespeaks.

Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre is now open and accepting group and personal retreat bookings for 2022! With a large Chapel and acres of untouched green space Mount Mary is an ideal location for those seeking a retreat experience. Groups of all types are welcome for a day or for an overnight stay. For more information please visit: www.mountmary.ca

Youth ministry online learning – There are spaces open for new learners in the upcoming cycles of the Youth Ministry Certification program. If you are interested in participating in Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry – A Canadian Perspective or Relational Ministry with Youth – A Canadian Perspective, please email: nmccowell@hamiltondiocese.com