The HCFM Canada Board gathered for its first formal meeting since 2024 at the newly blessed National Office and Operational House in Niagara Falls on 15th September 2025. This meeting marked a significant milestone, bringing together nearly all new members of the Board. The session was dedicated to Honouring the Legacy of Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC, and Envisioning the Future of Family Prayer in Canada. The meeting began with an Opening Prayer led by Fr. Frank Wagner, CSC, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Fr. Patrick Peyton, asking for guidance in the work ahead. Fr. Wagner extended a warm welcome to all Board members, expressing deep gratitude for their commitment to the mission of HCFM in Canada. He formally acknowledged the newly constituted Board, emphasizing the significance of collective discernment and shared leadership as the ministry embarks on its next phase of service.
In a spirit of communion, each Board member was invited to share a brief personal introduction. Members reflected on their unique faith journeys, offering glimpses into their spiritual lives, and mentioned their hopes and aspirations for the future of HCFM in Canada. This exercise fostered a sense of unity and connection among the group, setting a collaborative tone for the meeting. Fr. Pinto CSC, the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries, shared a global perspective on the mission and vision of HCFM. He revisited the spiritual legacy of Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton CSC, whose life motto, “The family that prays together stays together,” continues to inspire HCFM’s outreach in over 17 countries worldwide. Fr. Pinto highlighted the following core charisms of HCFM’s mission: Promoting Family Prayer and the Rosary, Fostering Spiritual Renewal within Families, Encouraging Collaboration with Dioceses and Lay Partners. Fr. Pinto CSC invited members to view HCFM Canada as part of a global movement dedicated to fostering family spirituality, a movement rooted in Holy Cross values, yet tailored to the unique context of Canadian families. Fr. Pinto CSC also outlined his expectations for the Board, emphasizing the following points:
- Spiritual and Pastoral Leadership: Board members are called to lead with a heart of service, grounded in prayer and pastoral care.
- Shared Responsibility in Governance: Active involvement in governance, planning, and advocacy is crucial for the continued growth and success of HCFM Canada.
- Prayerful Discernment: Every decision should be rooted in prayerful discernment and collaborative decision-making, guided by the Holy Spirit.
- Fr. Shaji CSC provided a comprehensive overview of HCFM Canada’s ongoing outreach efforts across both English and French-speaking regions by giving everyone a brochure outlining the organization’s mission, vision, and key activities. This resource will be vital in furthering the Board’s understanding and engagement with the ministry’s initiatives. The initiatives currently underway include:
- Schools and Parishes: Organizing Family Rosary events, Marian prayer gatherings, and school retreats.
- Media Ministry: Using print, radio, and digital platforms to promote prayer campaigns and devotional practices for families.
- Family Prayer Events: Hosting annual Rosary rallies and virtual prayer gatherings, which unite families across the country in prayer and devotion.
The Provincial of Holy Cross Fathers, Province of Canada, Fr. Claude Grou CSC, shared a touching reflection on the role of the family as a “domestic church,” emphasizing the centrality of prayer in the life of the family unit. He called upon the Board members to continue nurturing hope and faith within Canadian homes, fostering an environment where family prayer is a living and vital practice. The meeting concluded with a Prayer for Canadian Families, invoking the intercession of Fr. Patrick Peyton for the renewal of family prayer across Canada. The prayer emphasized the importance of deepening family bonds through prayer, strengthening the spiritual fabric of homes across the nation. The meeting also discussed a couple of administrative concerns. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the legacy of Fr. Patrick Peyton, while also envisioning a vibrant future for family prayer and well being of every family in Canada.
