Beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod.
(Mark 8.14-21)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Pembroke
Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,
With joy, 2023 marks the momentous occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Diocese of Pembroke. This milestone provides an opportunity to give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit and for us to recognize God’s grace continually at work in the life of our diocese. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
People are wondering how they can help victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Here are links to two Catholic aid organizations:
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada: https://www.devp.org/en/
The Catholic Near East Welfare Association: https://cnewa.org/ca/
Family Day
Please note that the Diocesan Offices will be closed on Monday, February 20TH, and will reopen on Tuesday, February 21st at 8:30 a.m.
We’re moving!
Please note the Diocesan Offices new mailing address effective March 22, 2023 will be: 284 Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Archdiocese of Toronto – Saturday, February 11, 2023
His Holiness Pope Francis named the Most Reverend Frank Leo as the eleventh Archbishop of Toronto. At the time of his nomination, Archbishop Leo was an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Montreal. He succeeds Cardinal Thomas Collins, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Francis. Cardinal Collins exercised pastoral responsibility for the Archdiocese of Toronto as its Archbishop since 2007. (Read more…)
Bishops and Catholic Organizations in Canada Launch Turkey/Syria Earthquake Emergency Aid Campaign – Friday, February 10 2023
With the support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Aid to Church in Need (ACN), Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, and Development and Peace-Caritas Canada (DPCC) are launching an emergency aid campaign in response to the destructive earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday. They have pledged the total sum of nearly one million Canadian dollars. (Read more…)
Quebec Bishops extend prayers and condolences for victims of bus crash in Laval – Thursday, February 09 2023
The Most Rev. Christian Rodembourg, Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe and President of the Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops, has issued a media release to express the sadness of the Bishops of Quebec for the tragic bus crash at a daycare in Laval on February 8 and to invite prayers for the victims and their families.
CCCB Invites Indigenous Peoples to Continue Walking Together on the Journey of Truth, Justice, Healing, Reconciliation, and Hope – Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Through a series of pastoral letters to First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and the People of God in Canada, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) affirmed its ongoing commitment to renewing and strengthening relations with Indigenous Peoples at the national, regional, and especially the local level. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series – Speaker Cody Coyote
Next February Feature Speaker: Cody Coyote on Thursday, February 16th from 7-8 p.m. on Healing Through Art. ‘With this presentation, Cody Coyote speaks about how he found healing through art while overcoming bullying, racism, and certain life experiences. He also shares about his experiences as an intergenerational survivor of Canada’s 60’s Scoop. This presentation is an hour in duration and also includes live music from his album “Mamawi” and “Ma’iinganag”.’ To sign up for Cody’s presentation, please click here. View upcoming series and poster here.
Release of Four Pastoral Letters from the CCCB
The CCCB released four pastoral letters on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: to the First Nations, to the Inuit, to the Métis, and to the People of God in Canada.
These pastoral letters, adopted by CCCB members in plenary session last September, are meant to be introduced by the local Ordinary in his diocese/eparchy and to serve as a framework to inspire local reconciliation efforts.
You may access the letters on the CCCB website: https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/that-we-may-walk-together-series-of-pastoral-letters-2023/
For additional context, please refer to the announcement in What’s New on the CCCB website: https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/cccb-invites-indigenous-peoples-to-continue-walking-together-on-the-journey-of-truth-justice-healing-reconciliation-and-hope/
“Half-breeds” and Other Names
Metis individuals and communities have also been known by other names over the years.
These names appear frequently in the historical record in the Upper Great Lakes, parts of Ontario and the Prairies. There are even a couple of forms of the word” Metis” in the historical records in the Upper Great Lakes and parts of Ontario, including “Metif,” “Metiff,” “Metis” and “Metes.”
The racialized term “half-breeds” is found extensively in historical records in Ontario, referring to both individuals and communities. In 1846, Lt.-Col. Richard Henry Bonnycastle wrote that in Penetanguishene, “you first see the half-breed, the offspring of the white and the red, who have all of the bad qualities of both with very few of the good either, except in rare circumstances.” The term “half-breed” is now considered outdated and offensive, especially when used by non-Metis individuals.
Dylan Miner, Rivers of Resistance.
Canadian Geographic, Vol. 147 #5
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
What is a Missionary Parish? (Part 2)
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In order to reach out to people who are not Christians or who do not attend church, missionary parishes pursue 4 main goals: (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On March 2nd, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Mission, Latchford Bridge – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). The Holy Hour will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by Fr. Murray, a Rosary for vocations, and time for silent prayer. March’s Holy Hour will be at St. Francis de Sales in Latchford Bridge. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. The topic of the reflection this month will be “Poustinia – Entering the Lenten Desert.”
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Winter Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, February 25th and Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register is February 11th. Registration is available online at www.pembrokediocese.com, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
2023 Northern Ontario Catholic Youth Leadership Conference – LEVEL UP, Find Your Purpose
This event is for ages 13-19 (gr. 8 to 19 yrs.), and includes a day full of prayer, music, workshops, games, Catholic vendors and motivational talks from Keynote Speaker, Ken Yasinski. Mr. Yasinski has been speaking full time for 20 years within the Catholic Church. He is the founder of Face to Face Ministries, a Lighthouse Catholic Media Speaker, author, and songwriter. This event is being hosted by the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall North Bay, on February 25th from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. More information can be found at www.holynamestalphonsus.com/levelup. Young people from all over Northern Ontario and beyond are welcome to attend this Conference.
The Diocese of Pembroke, Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, is organizing transportation to attend this 1 day conference. The cost is $30.00 per participant (includes transportation, lunch and dinner). Deadline is Friday, February 17th. Contact Yvette for more information or to receive the registration forms and payment options at 613 585-6301 or yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Network Workshop – “Accompanying the Next Generation”
We are pleased to share with you that we will welcome Isabel Correa, Director of the Youth Ministry Office, Archdiocese of Montreal, and Coordinator for the Canadian World Youth Day Delegation for our next ONLINE NETWORK Workshop entitled, “Accompanying the Next Generation”. This Workshop will explore practical and insightful topics that are helpful for ministry with young people today, especially in regards to invitation to accompany our young people in life and in their life with Jesus Christ. The Workshop will take place Thursday, February 16th from 7- 9 p.m. EASTERN, and available again 7-9 pm MOUNTAIN Time (if enough register). Registration required. Fee: $15 per person, payable upon registration. Register at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NETWORK-WORKSHOPS.
* This workshop will be conducted in English with translation in French available based on advanced registration.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at J&E’s Bored N’ Saucy, 185 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Thursday, February 23rd from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Bishop Desrochers. Topic: Truth. Why it matters. This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49 (ish). Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. This new initiative will replace the Diocesan Young Adult Ministry program that ran each month. We have widened the age range in hopes of getting more people out and in a setting that may be easier to invite those who are not as familiar with the Catholic faith. In other words, better suited for evangelization. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming Events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, etc., please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
NEW! Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Friday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Balmoral Hotel. Guest Speaker: Fr. Scott Murray. Topic: “The Plagues on Egypt: Let my son go that he may serve me”. This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49 (ish). Gatherings will take place monthly at the Balmoral Hotel. Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. This new initiative will replace the Diocesan Young Adult Ministry program that ran each month. We have widened the age range in hopes of getting more people out and in a setting that may be easier to invite those who are not as familiar with the Catholic faith. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at deanofstudents@seatofwisdom.ca.
PARISH EVENTS
St. Francis Xavier Parish Mission
The Mission will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Renfrew, Ontario and led by Mr. Patrick Sullivan. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the church on Monday, February 27th, Wednesday, March 1st, and Thursday, March 2nd.
- Monday, February 27th. Topic: Your Life is Worth Saving: As a general rule we do not see ourselves clearly and because we do not, far too often too many spiritual ills afflict us. Join as we examine our lives in light of the seven deadly sins, and work hard at seeing ourselves through the eyes of the God of mercy.
- Wednesday, March 1st. Confessions will be heard from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the church. Topic: Your Life is Worth Living: Far too many of us are confused about spiritual growth and what it could mean for our lives. This evening, we discuss some virtues and how we work at attaining them so that we can become the very people that we hope to be.
- Thursday, March 2nd. Topic: Your Life is Worth Sharing: The world needs you, and it cannot wait for you to become perfect before that happens. In this final talk, we discuss some practical ways that you can live so that your light gives light to many others. Each evening there will be time for questions. All are welcome to this special time of reflection and prayer.
For more information, please call the parish office at 613 432-5825.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR) is an annual event for Youth and Adults that focuses on evangelizing through uplifting music, testimonials, reflections, Divine Mercy celebration and Eucharistic Adoration. Tracks for adults ($25) and youth ($15) on Saturday March 4th, 2023, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto. For more information and registration go to: www.LJHR.ca.
Diocesan CWL Mini Retreat
An evening of Lenten Reflections with Reverend Michael Coyne. Diocesan CWL mini retreat on the origins of Lent, how to prepare for Lent and the impact our ashes have on others will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. 1D: 861 3351 0110 – Password: 805650. Everyone welcome. For more information please contact Margaret Maloney at maloneym@bell.net or 613 432-6276.
Annual Women’s Retreat
The Women’s Retreat at Graphite Bible Camp is full and there is a waiting list. If there is enough interest, we will offer a second retreat, also led by Fr. Zachary Romanowsky and Cheryl Ann Smith from Madonna House, at Elim Lodge near Peterborough on March 17-19. The cost is $250.00. For more information contact us at womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com or call/text Caitlin 613 316-0992 or Kristan 613 585-0579.
Mysteries of the Rosary
The Ministry of the Wild Goose and Paradisus Dei are excited to release Mysteries of the Rosary! Episode one (First Sorrowful Mystery) is available now on WILDGOOSE.TV to watch without signing in to make it easier for you to share this with friends and family! The remaining six episodes will be released on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd): https://wildgoose.tv/.
Adult Steubenville Summer Conferences
Registration is now open for Adult Steubenville Summer Conferences (2 in June, 3 in July). Go to: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/ for more information.
OTHER
The Grind Pembroke Chili Dinner
Please join us for a chili dinner at the Best Western Pembroke on Thursday, February 16th at 6 p.m. Tickets available at The Grind Pembroke, 273 Victoria St., Pembroke: $10/adult – $3/child. Proceeds support The Coldest Night of the Year and The Grind Pembroke. For more information, please call 613 732-9423.