At once the man was made well
(John 5.1-16)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Message for Lent 2024
Please watch the Diocese of Pembroke Message for Lent 2024 YouTube video given by Father Michael Smith, pastor of Fort-Coulonge, Otter Lake, Vinton and Waltham.
Mass of Chrism
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated during Holy Week on Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke. The Most Reverend Brendan O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston will be the principal celebrant. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Calling All Singers
Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the Mass of Chrism at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Tuesday, March 26th at 10:30 a.m. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters346@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and receive additional information.
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
International meeting of the Church in the Americas
TAMPA, FLORIDA – Concluding a three-day summit, officers and members of the Episcopal Conferences of the Americas met from February 26th – 28th at a retreat center to pray and discuss their shared ministry as Pastors. The twelve bishops attending included bishops from El Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y Caribeño (CELAM), The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), and The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The bishops issued the following joint statement: (Read more…)
Journey Through Lent Video Series: Weekly Reflections for the Lenten Season
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, in collaboration with the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie, launches the 2024 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 14 February 2024, and for each Sunday in Lent, up to and including Palm Sunday, a video will be uploaded to the CCCB website featuring pastoral reflections based on the Readings for the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. Geared to individuals, families, and communities, this series is meant to offer spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare well for the Easter season. (Read more…)
LENT
CCCB – Journey Through Lent 2024
On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Hagemoen provides a reflection on rejoicing on our journey to Christ. Watch video here.
Mary’s Way of the Cross
Celebrate via Zoom every Friday during Lent with “Mary’s Way of the Cross.” Hymns start at 6:50 p.m. – Mary’s Way of the Cross at 7 p.m. Next date: March 15th.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88358882382?pwd=NEFFSmRTZVk1dkRLNFIwdXpqVWNQZz09
Meeting ID: 883 5888 2382
Passcode: 377792
Biblical Walk-through Christ’s Passion
Join in a “Pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us” at St. Francis Xavier Main Parish Hall in Renfrew. The last session takes place on Thursday March 14 at 7:00 p.m. Using Ascension Press’ 30-minute videos and discussions we will deepen our faith this Lent and Easter, deepen our understanding of the Passion of Christ, follow the events of the Passion and Death of Jesus, and learn how to apply the Passion of Christ to our own lives.
A Complete Guide to Catholic Lent 2024
Check out the Dynamic Catholic website to learn all about Lent here.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Nothing in this Declaration may be construed as diminishing or extinguishing the rights indigenous peoples have now or may acquire in the future.
Article 45 – 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
What is Most Pleasing to God? Bringing Souls to Christ
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sends his followers on a mission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20). This is the Great Commission which makes clear that Christians are called to spread the Good News and help others come to know and follow Jesus Christ. (Read more…)
Alpha for Parents
Feel free to join at any time. Register for an Alpha for Parents session here: https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Embark on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions are open to parents from all backgrounds, providing an opportunity to delve into the foundations of the Christian faith. Connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
April 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. 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.
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 7th from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. Presenter: Fr. Michael Lund. There will be Adoration, singing of hymns, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet as we pray for God’s mercy upon the whole world. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. The upcoming dates are Fridays April 12th, and June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Please bring indoor shoes! The waiver form and information can be found on the front page of the diocesan website, www.pembrokediocese.com. A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Theology on Tap (19-49ish) – Pembroke
Join us for Theology on Tap Thursday March 21st from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Cathedral Parish Hall. Guest speaker: John Paul Meenan. Topic: “How can we know that God exists?” Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, March 20th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “A Powerful Culture: Your family is unique – it is time to own that” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are April 10th.and May 8th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH EVENTS
The Chosen: Season 1
You are invited to join the parishioners of Eganville in viewing The Chosen: Season 1, in the parish hall of St. James the Less church in Eganville (78 Wellington Street). Next dates are Wednesdays, March 13, 27, and April 3. at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please call the parish office at 613 628-2020.
Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration
At St. James the Less Parish in Eganville (78 Wellington Street). On Sunday, April 7th, 2024, starting at 3 p.m.
On the program: Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction, Confessions, Renewal of Baptismal Promises, and a talk by Father Réal Ouellette. Refreshments will be served after the celebration. All are welcome!
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 March 21st 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@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
By My Side 2024 Virtual Zoom Program for Separated and Divorced Catholic Women
Classes begin April 6, 2024, 2 hours/ week for ladies and run for 6 weeks. The cost is $40 which covers reimbursement of expenses only. For all class details, dates, times, and registration form, go to www.bymyside.ca .
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception – Pembroke, Ontario
The Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception is seeking people to fill the following positions:
- Spiritual Care Coordinator (.5FTE)
- Health Care Navigator (RN/RPN – .5FTE)
For more information, please contact Ian Welton, Executive Director at iweltoncga@greysisters.ca or 613 735-4111 Ext. 2208.
OTHER
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
From May 11 to May 22, 2024. Price – $2795.00 (includes taxes, side trips and gratuities). Departure from Pearson International Airport Toronto, LOT airlines economy class flight to Dubrovnik, Croatia. For more information contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655 or email blackfishbay@bell.net.