Canada

Global Leadership Influence for Family Well-being 

Canada engaged with key figures such as bishops, clergy, and community leaders to expand its mission and promote family prayer and unity. Highlights included a leadership visitation from Fr. Fred and Fr. Pinto in July 2024, facilitating meetings with Bishop Douglas Crosby, Monsignor Murray, and other Holy Cross collaborators. The ministry maintained its presence at the Montreal office in St. Joseph's Oratory, working towards inclusivity in French language and culture. Efforts were made to distribute 2,500 handmade rosaries and leaflets as part of the Year of Prayer, emphasizing family prayer in schools, hospitals, and parishes. Maintaining the Registered Charity status strengthened HCFM's accountability and ability to grow its resources. 

Family-Centered Educational Programs

Canada developed and implemented programs that enriched family bonds and spirituality. Initiatives included sacramental preparation, with nearly 1,000 attendees at Assumption High School's Mass and graduation. Archbishop James Macdonald presided over confirmation ceremonies, preaching on family prayer. The ministry also promoted young adults' programs involving 40 participants, offering prayer, adoration, and faith formation. A retreat for vocation discernment drew 40 young women, while Bible camps and prayer breakfasts encouraged family engagement during the summer. 

Holistic Family Counseling and Mental Health

HCFM Canada integrated spiritual guidance with psychological approaches, organizing grief support retreats and family-related seminars. Montreal hosted retreats for immigrant families, and grief ministry sessions helped families heal from pandemic-related losses. Visits to nursing homes and hospitals facilitated spiritual connections, offering support to isolated individuals. Spiritual direction was also available on request, contributing to overall family well-being. As part of the Marriage Day celebration, 105 couples renewed their marriage vows, reinforcing their commitments and highlighting the importance of unity and prayer in married life.

Cultural Engagement via Media

Efforts to reach wider audiences through newsletters, websites, and social media saw considerable success. Two bilingual newsletters (English and French) were distributed, reaching 300 members. Social media platforms like Facebook engaged 1,000 followers, with some posts reaching 6,000 views. YouTube videos for faith formation and spiritual life totaled 320 uploads. Prayer resources, including rosary leaflets, were widely shared in schools, parishes, and hospitals to promote Catholic values.  

Community Building and Catholic Connections

The ministry participated in various events to strengthen Catholic community ties. These included the Pentecost Conference, attended by over 400 people, and the Jesus Youth National Conference, drawing 1,000 youth and families. Vocation promotion remained a focus, with monthly meetings for religious men and women and an appreciation event hosted by the Serra Club. HCFM Canada collaborated with organizations like TAVDA and NAVFD to enhance community engagement. 

Youth Empowerment Initiatives 

HCFM Canada prioritized engaging young people through creative and leadership-driven activities. The ministry collaborated with youth in Montreal to create videos promoting the life of Ven. Patrick Peyton. Social media platforms were used to share gospel values and engage students in making rosaries and value education. The "Try Prayer Contest" introduced a video-making competition at the national level, encouraging youth creativity and involvement. Programs during the Year of Hope emphasized the sacrament of reconciliation and youth retreats. 

Adoration at St. Alphonsa Cathedral, Mississauga 

Quantitative Highlights: 

• Distributed 2,500 rosaries and prayer leaflets to schools, parishes, and hospitals.

• Reached 1,000 followers and 900 likes on Facebook, with post views exceeding 6,000.

• Organized events like the Pentecost Conference (400 attendees) and Jesus Youth National Conference (1,000 attendees).

• 320 YouTube videos published for faith formation​. 

• 105 couples renewed their marriage vows during Marriage Day​.