Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
(Mark 12.13-17)
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
Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Concludes its 101st Meeting
TORONTO – The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation met from May 16-18, 2023 at St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto. The 101st meeting was hosted by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous peoples have the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artefacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature.
- States shall provide redress through effective mechanisms, which may include restitution, developed in conjunction with indigenous peoples, with respect to their cultural, intellectual, religious and spiritual property taken without their free, prior and informed consent or in violation of their laws, traditions and customs.
Article 11 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
News from the Evangelization Team
The evangelization team of the Diocese of Pembroke is fully dedicated to its primary mission of assisting parishes, communities, and other Catholic groups within the diocese in reaching out to those who do not have faith or have abandoned it. (Read more…)
Gather, Witness and Invite
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Becoming a missionary parish begins by organizing various prayer activities for the renewal of the parish and for the people we seek to reach. The next step is for parishioners to focus on building new relationships, opening channels of communication and creating an environment conducive to spiritual discussion. This is what is called pre-evangelization, which is the preliminary step in the process of sharing one’s faith with someone. Activities such as connecting with new people, bringing them together, witnessing to the Gospel, and inviting people are all part of pre-evangelization. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On July 6th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, LaPasse – “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
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.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at J&E’s Bored N’ Saucy, 185 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Tuesday, June 20th from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: John Paul Meenan, Theology professor at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. Topic: “From the Flaming Swords of Eden to the Many Mansions of the Father’s House: A Theological discussion of Proper Notions of Exclusivity and Inclusivity”. 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. 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 at the Legion, 250 John St. Barry’s Bay, Friday, June 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Dennis Buonafede (Sessional Instructor in Theology at OLSWC). Topic: Angels and Demons. 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. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at kentonbiffert@gmail.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.
Faces of Abortion Tour
This summer, the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform is running a national pro-life tour across Canada. Speakers from CCBR will stop in Ottawa for a special evening event on “the faces of abortion.” Participants will learn how they can take action to make abortion unthinkable in Canada today! Please join us for this new program on Friday June 16th at 7 p.m. – Ottawa Reformed Presbyterian Church (466 Woodland Avenue, Ottawa, ON)! For more details and other stop locations visit endthekilling.ca/tour.
PARISH EVENTS
Blessing of the Boats on the Ottawa River
Boaters are invited to gather on the Ottawa River at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, LaPasse on Sunday, June 25th around 12:15 p.m. for the Blessing of the Boats.
Traditional Bazaar Supper (sea pie)
In Fort-Coulonge on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Doors open at 4 p.m. for eat-in or take-out. Cost: Adults: $25 – Children 6 to 12: $10, Children 0 to 5: free. On that same day (June 18), there will be a garage sale (fundraiser) for St-Pierre Parish in Fort-Coulonge.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Praise & Worship, Testimonies, Lunch and Fellowship with the Sisters of Queenship of Mary
On July 8th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 995 Yakabuskie Rd., Westmeath (home of Anna & John Paul Moreau). Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. There will be a free-will offering for the Sisters. Bring a lawn chair! Everyone welcome! RSVP by July 4th. For more information, please email jpplum@nrtco.net or text/call 613 633-6024.
2023 Catholic Family Retreat – August 5, 6 & 7!
Calling all Catholic Families! The 2023 Catholic Family Retreat will be hosted on Saturday, August 5th, Sunday, August 6th, and Monday, August 7th at Sacred Way Farm (745 Kells Road, Powassan, Ontario) with Retreat Leaders Ken & Janelle Yasinski! Join us for prayer, worship, Adoration, family games, activities and inspiring talks. Optional camping on site is available too. For more information, a complete itinerary of the weekend events, and to register your family, please visit: https://holynamestalphonsus.com/familyretreat. The 2023 Catholic Family Retreat is proudly presented by Holy Name of Jesus Church, North Bay, St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, Callander and Sacred Way Ministries.
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/