“We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!”
(Luke 17.7-10)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Archbishop Guy Desrochers Installation
Installation Mass on October 18, 2023 for Mgr Guy Desrochers, Archbishop of Moncton, (Abbreviated Version) can now be viewed on YouTube: Installation 18 Octobre 2023 – YouTube
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 33110 Hwy 17 E., Deep River on Friday, December 15th from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Guest speaker: Patrick Sullivan. All are welcome!
Ecclesia
The Ecclesia Fall edition can now be found on our website: https://pembrokediocese.com/wp-content/uploads/Ecclesia-Fall-2023-final.pdf.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
THE SYNOD
News of the Synod (2023-10-27)
The XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops recently concluded, and in a letter addressed to the People of God. (https://www.synod.va/content/dam/synod/news/2023-10-25_letter_to_the_people_of_god/ENG_2023.10.25-Lettera-al-Popolo-di-Dio.docx)
The assembly emphasized the importance of pastoral and missionary conversion, emphasizing that its role is to proclaim the Gospel and serve God’s love for the world. The centrality of love, especially Trinitarian and Eucharistic love, was highlighted. The Church hopes to encourage missionary communion and synodality among its members, emphasizing the need for genuine involvement from all.
To achieve this, the documents say, the Church should listen to all voices, especially the marginalized and victims of abuse within its ranks. It should also engage with laypeople and families. The prophetic voice of consecrated life and those seeking truth should not be ignored. (Read more…)
FROM THE CCCB
Synthesis Report from First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to the People of God – Thursday, November 9, 2023
The Participants in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have approved a Letter to the People of God. The text offers reflections and proposals on topics such as the role of women and the laity, the ministry of bishops, priesthood and the diaconate, the importance of the poor and migrants, digital mission, ecumenism, and abuse. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
- In conjunction with indigenous peoples, States shall take effective measures to recognize and protect the exercise of these rights.
Article 31– United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
ALPHA for Parents
Join us on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith with Alpha for Parents, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions welcome parents from all backgrounds to learn about the foundations of the Christian faith. Take the chance to connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment. For more details or to sign up, visit https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Your faith journey starts here.
Creating Vibrant Faith Communities: Insights from ‘Excellent Catholic Parishes’
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The book Excellent Catholic Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Practices by Paul Wilkes, identifies several key factors that can assist a Catholic parish in becoming a vibrant and dynamic community. These factors are the result of extensive research conducted by the author, Paul Wilkes, and his team of researchers, Marty Minchin and Melanie Bruce. The team visited hundreds of Catholic parishes across the United States, conducting interviews with pastors, staff, and parishioners, and observing the various programs and initiatives that were in place. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for November 2023
For the Pope – We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him with the help of the Holy Spirit.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On December 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. 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 MEN & WOMEN Sessions
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions continue Wednesday, December 13th from 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the parish hall and run monthly until June. Topic: “The looks we give – Reclaiming our eyes for God, our spouse and our kids.” 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 separate discussion for men and women. The purpose is to grow in your own spiritual life, your spousal relationship, and your relationship with your children. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us for Theology on Tap on Thursday November 30th, 7-8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Real Ouellette. Topic:” Healing wounds through the “Unbound” ministry. “(Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.). Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Ignite Canada is offering NETWORK WORKSHOPS for those working with youth, young adults, and family ministry
Throughout the year, we will be hosting online 2-hour workshops on a variety of topics pertaining to ministry with youth, young adults and family and ministry. These workshops provide information, skills, and practical elements to enhance the work of staff and volunteers in these ministries. These workshops take place on Thursday evenings (roughly every second week) from 7-9 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Zoom. Pre-registration is required. Simultaneous closed-captioned translation for French and Spanish is available for participants, as well as all major language groups. Registration is completed with payment of $15/workshop. The following schedule of workshops include:
TO REGISTER FOR A WORKSHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE
PRO-LIFE
CCBR’s Florida Abortion Awareness Project
What could be better than a mid-winter trip to Florida? How about a mid-winter trip to Florida to change minds and save lives from abortion? Join CCBR for this life-saving, life-changing outreach tour across Florida campuses. Here you will learn effective pro-life strategy and apologetics that will equip you to reach our culture. You will also do pro-life outreach at university campuses, putting your skills to use to make a difference. All while enjoying the warm sun! Join CCBR from February 16-23 (Reading Week) or February 23–March 1. For more information go to endthekilling.ca/florida or email (csibiga@endthekilling.ca) Application Deadline is November 17th. Accommodations, meals, and transportation are provided in Florida.
PARISH EVENTS
Recollection for Women
Recollections are like mini retreats that help you take a break from your busy schedule to think and pray about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Join us at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Pembroke on November 23rd from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Bring a lunch if you wish to stay and socialize.
This spiritual activity, inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a personal Prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information on the Prelature of Opus Dei go to www.opusdei.org.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Nadia Bagshaw at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
Christmas Tea at the Mountain
St. Patrick’s Parish, Mount St. Patrick, invites you to their Christmas Tea with sandwiches and savouries, scones and biscuits at the Mountain on Saturday, November 25th at 1 p.m. at the DACA Centre. Tickets $15 adults, $10 children 12 years and under. Bingo, door prizes and photography backdrop to take holiday pictures with friends and family. Please call or text Julie at 613 603-2955 to RSVP.
Christmas Tea and Market
Saturday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall, 11 Mohns Avenue, Petawawa. Tea/coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, crafts, vendors, draws, raffle tickets and more! Market free to attend. Tea tickets – Adults $10, children under 10 $4, Children under 3 are Free! Hosted b Our Lady of Sorrows CWL.
OTHER
The Grind Presents… CNOY2024 Kick-Off Spaghetti Dinner
Please join us on Thursday, November 23rd at 6 p.m. for a spaghetti dinner at Zion Lutheran Church, 454 Miller Street, Pembroke. Tickets: $12 – Youth 10 & under: $5. All proceeds support The Grind and our Coldest Night of the Year 2024 Fundraising Event. Tickets available at The Grind, 273 Victoria St., Pembroke, and must be purchased in advance. Please call 613 732-7423 or visit the website at www.thegrindpembroke.ca for more information.
Pembroke Community Choir Christmas
Travel the globe from Africa to Wales and over a dozen countries with the Pembroke Community Choir as we bring you beautiful music to begin the festive season. We are presenting two “Christmas Around the World” concerts at Calvin United Church. A matinee performance will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:30 p.m. and an evening performance on Sunday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance until November 30th, or $20 at the door. Students 13 and under are free. Tickets are on sale now from choir members, Fleurish in Petawawa, the Customer Care office at the Pembroke Mall, or at the door.