Father, glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you.
(John 17.1-11a)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate – Mr. Lukas Časta
With great joy, we announce the ordination to the Diaconate of Mr. Lukas Časta, a native of St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay, on the Solemnity of St. Columbkille, June 9, 2023 at 7 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral. All are welcome!
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, 19450 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay on Tuesday, June 13th from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 27-30, 2023
Join pilgrims from ages 7-77 in this life changing, 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. This will be our 5th year making the 67km walk! It’s an experience that merits many blessings and many wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: Pilgrimage to St. Ann’s Shrine – 2023 Pilgrimage (walktheopeongoline.org)
FROM THE CCCB
“There is always hope” – CCCB Issues Two Statements on Mental Illness and Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide
- Message from the Permanent Council to the Catholic Faithful on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide (2023);
- Open Letter from the Permanent Council to the Government of Canada on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide (2023).
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous people and individuals have the right to belong to an indigenous community or nation, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the community or nation concerned. No discrimination of any kind may arise from the exercise of such a right.
Article 9 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Thank You!
A big thank you to all parish priests who have been offering Masses for the intentions of the members of the Starflowers Prayer Initiative. A second big thank you to those who celebrated the feast of Blessed Catherine of St Augustine, May 8th, with Mass and with presentations about Blessed Catherine and the Starflowers prayer initiative. A third big thank you to all parishes praying the Litany of the Patrons of the Diocese, whether weekly or monthly. This is much appreciated. Prayer is the foundation for the success of the evangelization efforts being made throughout the diocese.
The Language of the Cross: The Voice of Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the New Testament, St. Paul explains that Christ commissioned him to proclaim the Gospel using the language of the cross, stating that this language is the very power of God (1 Corinthians 1:17-18). (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On June 1st, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Paroisse Sacré-Cœur, Corbeil – “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. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. For more information and details please visit Pembroke Vocations.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at West Winds Restaurant (private room) at the Best Western Hotel, Pembroke across from Irving Big Stop on Thursday May 25th, 7– 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker: Christine Helferty. Christine is very well educated about Our Blessed Mother and has spent a couple of years discerning the religious life. She has spoken previously at our Young Adult Ministry and is a very engaging and dynamic speaker. Topic: “Our Mother, Sister, and Queen: Unveiling Mary’s Presence in Our Lives.” This initiative 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. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Join us on Friday, May 26th at 7:30 p.m. at 35 Casey Street, Barry’s Bay. Rev. Pawel Ratajczak, parish priest of St. Hedwig parish, Barry’s Bay is speaking on “The Blessed Virgin Mary: Mother of comfort or Woman of challenge in the Christian life?” This initiative 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. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at kentonbiffert@gmail.com.
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions – LAST SESSION
On Wednesday, June 7th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: A no nonsense look at the deserts in marriage, parenting and our spiritual lives. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 2023 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 14th to June 18th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. Donations of $20 or more will receive a receipt. E-transfers, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more information, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Supper
Barbecued chicken served in the air conditioned hall on Sunday, May 28th from 2-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside, Ontario. Take-out available! Cost: Adults $20 – Children (under 12) $10 – Children (under 6) free. Pastor and parishioners welcome you!
New Life in the Spirit of Christ
Do you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit and a vital rediscovery of the Sacraments in your life? Do you long for a personal relationship with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a greater outpouring of God’s healing and love? Do you yearn for a greater openness to prayer and Scripture? The Spirit of the Living God Prayer Group invites you to a “Life in the Spirit” Seminar. St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Hall, Barry’s Bay. Every Thursday until May 25th, 7-8:15 p.m. “With all my heart I hope that Renewal in the Spirit may be a true “gymnasium” in the church for prayer, asceticism, virtue and holiness.” (St John Paul II). Contact: Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643. call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Marian Day of Prayer
Prophesy for today and the End of the Age, on Saturday, May 27th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral, 2 High Meadow Place, North York, ON. Featuring speakers Fr. Terrence McKenna, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Moira Noonan, OSB, called by Jesus and Mary back into the Catholic faith, and Christine Watkins, MTS, LCSW, popular Catholic speaker and author. Free admission (love offering). Limited seating available. Registration required at Marian Day of Prayer Tickets, Sat, 27 May 2023 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite. Please call 416 251-4245 for more information.
149th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 12-13, 2023
Buses will depart from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme and Kingston August 12, 2023. Weekend celebrant: Bishop Guy Desrochers. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
Marian Pilgrimage
Father Réal Ouellette has the great pleasure and honour of accompanying a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Compostela (Spain), and Fatima and Lisbon (Portugal) from October 25th to November 6th 2023. For more info: https://spiritours.com/en/product/france-spain-portugal-acn/
OTHER
Opening to Goodness Spring Retreat
From May 25-27 at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. North, Arnprior. Facilitated by Contemplative Outreach of Eastern Ontario and West Quebec. This retreat is an invitation to deepen your experience of your true self in relation to Earth and the goodness of all beings. Cost: Single $310, Commuter $160. Register by calling 613 623-4242 ext. 21, or visit the website at https://www.galileecentre.com/opening-to-goodness-coeo-wq/.