Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons.
(Mark 1.29-39)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
A healing service will be offered at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Wednesday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Father Real Ouellette. Deacon Adrien Chaput will provide musical accompaniment for the service. See posters at the church entrances for further information. All are welcome!
What is a Healing Service? A healing service is a time of prayer for those suffering any physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional challenges. The prayer can also be offered on behalf of others who are going through a time of challenge but who cannot personally attend the service. Father Ouellette will give an individual blessing with the Blessed Sacrament while you remain in your pew. There will be people available to pray individually with you for your intentions or the intentions of your loved ones following the service.
What a Healing Service is Not. A healing service is not a mass. It is a prayer service which features a time of Eucharistic blessing and individual prayer.
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
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
FROM THE CCCB
Christmas Message 2023
The Christmas Message for 2023 from The Most Rev. William McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops can be read here.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for January 2024
For the gift of diversity in the Church – We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognise the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous peoples, in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with their own members as well as other peoples across borders.
- States, in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, shall take effective measures to facilitate the exercise and ensure the implementation of this right.
Article 36 – United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Diocesan Action Circle Survey
To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Step into a journey of faith exploration of God’s love!
Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. – watch faith related videos with others, online, followed by a discussion. Whether you’re a curious seeker or a steadfast believer, these videos provide a secure and inclusive environment to seek answers, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and deepen your faith. Extend an invitation to a friend or acquaintance who may be yearning for God’s love and transformation. Together, let’s embark on this journey of faith and renewal. To join, simply click on the following Zoom link every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646. Pierre-Alain Giffard
God’s Longing for Love and our Mission to Make it Known
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
God’s heart overflows with love and longing for all. His great compassion compelled Him to send Jesus, His Son, into the world to seek and save the lost. Even when mankind turned away, God’s heart kept burning with perfect love. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).(Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
Next date and location TBD. 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 (19-49ish) – PEMBROKE
Join us for Theology on Tap Tuesday January 23rd, 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Michael Lund Topic: “St. Therese, Doctor of the Church” (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.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
On hold until a suitable location can be found.
Know any teenagers? Send them to Youth Alpha!
There is a youth group for grade 7-12 students on Sundays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke. This Youth Alpha program will provide a space to ask and explore some of life’s biggest questions. Please visit the following website for more info and to register. There is no cost, and it is open to all youth. https://jwmccluskey.wixsite.com/our-lady-of-lourdes Email Jessica McCluskey at jwmccluskey@nrtco.net with any questions.
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions continue Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the parish centre and run monthly until June. Topic: “Do You Really Know them? – Here’s what’s missing to dramatically improve the relationships in your life and family” 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. Upcoming dates are Feb. 7th and March 20th. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PRO-LIFE
Pro-Life Week of Action
Are you in high school and want to spend your March break making a difference for pre-born children in Canada, while making amazing memories and lasting friendships? Join CCBR in Toronto from March 11-14 for our Pro-Life Week of Action. You will join passionate pro-life youth for training, and public outreach, learning how to have effective conversations about abortion. You will also join CCBR’s team on the streets, to change hearts and minds, and save lives from abortion. For more information and to apply go to https://www.endthekilling.ca/plwa/ or email csibiga@endthekilling.ca. The application deadline is January 31st. Lodging/accommodations can be provided.
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Development & Peace – Stand for the Land
In solidarity with the defenders of Guapinol and the San Pedro sector in Honduras, Development and Peace are seeking to collect 32,000 signatures on a letter to the Honduran ambassador to Canada by February 25, 2024. A Development and Peace-Caritas Canada delegation will meet the ambassador and hand her the letter during the spring of 2024.
Act now! Sign the letter digitally at this link: https://devp.org/en/campaign/stand-for-the-land/act/.
OTHER CATHOLIC 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 January 25th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch and stay to socialize afterward. 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, please contact nadia.bagshaw@sympaticoca or 613 584-9388.
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College – Winter Semester Courses
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College has opened registration for Winter Semester courses. The list of course offerings is available online at seatofwisdom.ca under “Academics” on the “At a Glance” page. One course that may be of interest to part-time students is Dr. Christine Schintgen’s LIT 104 Literature and Composition course, which is open to Grade 12 students or above, with permission of the instructor (in-person only; spaces are limited).
Save the Date! Women’s Retreat at Graphite Bible Camp – April 5-7, 2024
Madonna House members Fr. Kieran Kilcommons, Victoria Fausto and Mary McGoff will be leading the retreat. Please note registration for this retreat will be open, first to women from the Pembroke Diocese, on January 26th. Please email womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com. If you would like to receive registration details.
OTHER
Funny in a GOoD Way
Funny in a GOoD Way presents an evening of laughter and praise to celebrate the week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 20th at 7:00 p.m., Festival Hall. Featuring Byron Trimble Comedy and worship music by Gate47. Cost $25.00 in advance. To purchase tickets, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. More details available at www.funnyinagoodway.ca. Net proceeds go to First Step Options.