The seed grew and became a tree.
(Luke 13.18-21)
MESSAGES FROM THE BISHOP
Appeal Letter – Evangelization Collection
Please read Bishop Desrochers’ appeal letter from the Office of the Bishop here.
The War in Ukraine – A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Action
The war in Ukraine rages on with no end in sight, claiming the lives of thousands of innocent children, men and women. In light of the recent intensified attacks, The Ukrainian Rite Catholic Bishops of Canada invite and seek your attention to the plight of the people of Ukraine in an effort to continue to “Stand with Ukraine.” You are all invited to show your solidarity by praying and fasting, according to your condition or personal possibilities, from Thursday 24 November and ending on Saturday 26 November. You can also contribute financially by choosing one of the following organizations:
Kindly donate through your local parish, Catholic Near East Welfare Association – Canada (CNEWA), Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, Aid to the Church in Need – Canada, Canadian Jesuit International, or the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Please read Pastoral letter from the Ukrainian Rite Catholic Bishops of Canada.
FROM THE DIOCESE
News of the Synod
In October 2021 Pope Francis launched the path of synodality “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. Since then, members of dioceses worldwide have prayed and reflected on how to better “journey together” to accomplish the Church’s mission. As you know, our diocese took part in that reflection, and you can now find the report that summarizes the participants’ responses on our diocesan website. Reflection continues and should result in diocesan priorities by spring 2023.
Parishioners who do not have access to the Internet can contact Donna Biggs 613 732-7933 and request a printed copy of the report.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sandra Wood, member of the Madonna House Lay Apostolate, who died in Windsor on October 22, 2022. Among her assignments, Sandra was known in the Pembroke Diocese as the Local Director of St. Joseph’s House, Combermere from 1983 to 1984. Reception of the Body at St Mary’s Chapel, Combermere on Friday, October 28, followed by visitation 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wake service at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Chapel on Saturday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m.
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Pastoral Letter to Young People
A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Canada to Young People can be read here.
CCCB chooses its delegates to attend XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops – Monday, October 17 2022
The General Secretariat of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops announces that the following Bishops will represent this Episcopal Conference at the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme of Synodality. (Read more…)
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Diocese of Nicolet –Tuesday, October 18, 2022
His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend André Gazaille as Bishop of Nicolet, and appointed the Most Reverend Daniel Jodoin, currently Bishop of Bathurst, as his successor. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
Treaty Indian: Members of a community whose ancestors signed a treaty with the Crown and as a result are entitled to treaty benefits.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Alpha Life Shared Summit
I was very grateful to participate in the Alpha Life Shared Summit in September. Members of the evangelization team and priests from the diocese of Pembroke participated in this two-day event. We heard from Shaila Visser as she spoke of courageous imagination and hope, Vijay Krishnan as he talked about widening our circles and we listened to Brent Ingersoll as he shared about what it looks like to courageously risk. Each talk was filled with wisdom and the panel discussions that followed, filled with insight. I was happy to see that these topics talks are now available for those who weren’t able to join the Summit. They can be watched here.
Pierre-Alain Giffard
We are called to share our faith with others
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The Church has always been clear about the importance of evangelization. In the Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) This commission was not just for the first disciples, but for all Christians. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? R.C.I.A. might just be for you!
R.C.I.A stands for the Rite of Christian initiation of Adults. It is a journey for anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic and growing in the life as a Christian. It is for someone who has never been baptized, or maybe you have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith. Maybe you have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for your life’s mission. If any of the above apply to you, we would love to help in your spiritual journey. Want to know more about your Catholic faith? All are welcome to join us in exploring this new quest at St Columbkille Cathedral. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
Important Gathering Call to Register
A Faith Formation day open to all will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at The Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. Topic: The Sacrament of Joy. Lunch and refreshments will be provided (please inform us you have any food allergies). Cost: FREE, but registration is necessary. To register, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206, or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com by November 3, 2022.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
D&P Event
Development and Peace has begun mobilizing in Pembroke Diocese this fall! We are looking to grow our movement in pursuit of human dignity, social and economic justice. Together let’s answer the Laudato Si call to be stewards of God’s Creation. If these goals resonate with you, feel welcome to come to our upcoming event!
- November 17th at 7 p.m. is the Pembroke Diocesan Fall Campaign Workshop. This formation will work on mobilizing the People and Planet First campaign in our own communities. If you’re new, this is a wonderful opportunity to get to know D&P! This will be a hybrid event, in person location to be announced soon. Register online at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlf-GtqDouGdVdggpmLzUwMLMXgk0bhtfk.
If you would like more information, please contact D&P’s regional animator, Kiegan Irish at kirish@devp.org
PRO-LIFE
Engage with FSO
First Step Options is pleased to present an “Engage with FSO” information session at 337 Murray Street, Pembroke, on Wednesday, November 23rd from 3:30-8 p.m. If you have ever struggled with how to approach the topic of abortion as a Christian, wanted to learn about what FSO does, wondered how to respond with compassion to those facing difficult pregnancy situations, or considered volunteering, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com or contact FSO at 613 635-7440.
OTHER
Celebrating the Art of Michael D. O’Brien
Celebrating the Art of Michael D. O’Brien, Catholic novelist, religious artist, and lecturer on faith and culture. Join us at St. Patrick’s Basilica Scavi (Kent & Nepean Streets), Ottawa, on Thursday, November 3rd at 7:00 p.m. for a mini art exhibit, book signing and short address by Michael D. O’Brien, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of his first religious art exhibit, held at St. Patrick’s in 1977. Wine and Cheese event sponsored by Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. For more information, contact development@seatofwisdom.ca.
OLSWC Ecclesiastical Schola
Please join Our Lady Seat of Wisdom’s Ecclesiastical Schola for traditional vespers on All Saints’ Day (Tuesday, November 1st) at 6:00 p.m. in St Hedwig’s Church in Barry’s Bay. The Schola will lead the beautiful chants as we pray for the intercession of all the saints on this solemnity.