Love your enemies
(Matthew 5.43-48)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Reverend Michael Brehl, C.S.s.R. named the 10th Bishop of Pembroke
With great cause for rejoicing, I announce that today that our Holy Father, Pope Francis has named Reverend Michael Brehl, C.S.s.R. as the 10th Bishop of Pembroke. Father Brehl was born in Toronto in 1955 and entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) in 1975. He professed vows as a Redemptorist on August 15, 1976, and was ordained priest on March 15, 1980. Father Brehl currently serves as Provincial Superior of the Canadian Province of the Redemptorists, a role that he held for the Edmonton-Toronto Province from 2002-2009. In addition to many years in parish ministry, preaching missions and the formation of novices, Father Brehl served two terms as the Redemptorist Superior General in Rome from 2009-2022.
The episcopal ordination and canonical possession will take place at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille in Pembroke on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.S.s.R., this will be the second member of the Redemptorist Congregation that the Lord has bestowed upon the Diocese of Pembroke. Please join with me in prayers of thanksgiving for the appointment of our bishop-elect and may Our Lady of Perpetual Help guide and protect him as he prepares to assume the graces and duties of the episcopal office.
Rev. George Ryan Holly
Diocesan Administrator
11 June 2024
84th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac – Sunday, July 28th
The Triduum of preparation led by Father Ryan Holly, Diocesan Administrator will be Thursday to Saturday, July 25th-27th. The principal Pilgrimage Mass will be held on Sunday, July 28th at 11 a.m. at the Shrine. A Mass of healing with the Anointing of St. Ann’s oil will be celebrated at 2 p.m. (Please bring your own seating). St. Ann’s religious articles, St. Ann’s Mass League memberships, food and refreshment vendors will be on site. For more information visit the website at https://cormacpilgrimage.com/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CormacStAnn.
Walk the Opeongo Line to St. Ann’s Shrine
From July 25th to July 28th. Join pilgrims from all ages (7-77) in this life-changing, 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. Walk, pray, sing and camp your way to St. Ann’s! For more information, or to register, visit the website at https://walktheopeongoline.org/.
Pastoral Appointments
Visit https://pembrokediocese.com/article/pastoral-appointments-june-2024/ for a complete list of appointments dated June 7, 2024.
Ordination to the Priesthood
Reverend Mr. Lukas Časta will receive Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Calling All Singers
All are welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the ordination mass of Lukas Časta at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Saturday, June 29 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.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation for the Diocese of Thunder Bay – Monday, June 17 2024
17 June 2024 – Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Fred J. Colli, after 25 years as the Bishop of Thunder Bay. Bishop Colli submitted his resignation upon reaching the age limit of 75. (Read more…)
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Pembroke
11 June 2024 – Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed the Reverend Father Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., presently Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist of Canada, as the new Bishop of Pembroke. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Ten Principles for Reconciliation:
- Supporting Aboriginal peoples’ cultural revitalization and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, oral histories, laws, protocols, and connections to the land into the reconciliation process are essential.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Ultimate Purpose of Human Life – Glorifying God
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The purpose of our existence as human beings is one of the most profound questions of our lives. From the beginning of time, people have pondered the deeper meaning and ultimate end towards which our lives are oriented. The Christian faith offers a unique and sublime perspective that speaks to the deepest longing of the human soul. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
July 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Casimir Parish, Round Lake Centre. 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
NETWORK Leader Seminars
Join Ignite Ministry Canada this Fall for “NETWORK” Leader Seminars! As a program of the Redemptorists and Ignite Ministry Canada, these seminars provide formation for leaders and volunteers involved with youth, young adult and family ministry. Learn more here! To register please visit NETWORK LEADER SEMINARS – REGISTRATION 2024-2025 Survey (surveymonkey.com).
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Sorrows Strawberry Social
Our Lady of Sorrows Strawberry Social will be hosted by the OLS Parish LIFE Committee on Sunday June 23rd at 11 a.m. Weather permitting, the event will take place outside. Otherwise, we will use the Parish Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship while enjoying flavour-filled white cake, blanketed with delicious Strawberry Maple Syrup sauce, topped with fresh juicy strawberries… and a scoop (or 2) or luscious ice cream. Lemonade and water available. Free Will donations. For your comfort, please bring an outdoor lawn chair. A warm welcome awaits everyone!
Parish Supper
On Sunday, July 28th at Ste-Bernadette Parish, Bonfield, ON. Take-out Sea Pie & Beans, Raffle Draw.
June 21 – Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, at 7:00 p.m. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing, if you wish.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholic School of Evangelization’s Discipleship Formation Program
Join the Catholic School of Evangelization’s Discipleship Formation Program for a transformative year of community living, deepening your Catholic faith, and growing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Embark on a journey of evangelization and ministry, developing missionary zeal and witnessing the Holy Spirit’s work in outreach projects. https://www.catholicway.net/dfp
Cradle of Hope 2024 Adult Program – “Rescued by the Power of the Holy Spirit”
This conference will be held on Saturday June 22, 2024, 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m., at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School, 1515 Bloor St. W., Toronto. For more information, please visit Events – CCRC Toronto or register at Cradle of Hope 2024 Adult Program. “Rescued by the Power of the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:5 (google.com). Cost: $25 adults, $10 children.
150th Anniversary of the Annual Pilgrimage to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape
From the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme, Kingston and Gatineau on August 10-11, 2024. Our Weekend Celebrants: Archbishops Marcel Damphousse, Terrence Prendergast, Guy Desrochers, and Bishops Yvan Mathieu, Raymond Poisson, and Pierre Goudreault. This may be the last Annual Pilgrimage due to health issues with the Rector of the Shrine and Mr. Mike Budge. For registration and information contact: mike.budge@bell.net. See poster at Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre | Annual Pilgrimage.
OTHER
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
With Father Albert MacPherson O.S.A. Augustinian Healing Ministry from September 28 to October 9, 2024. Price: $2,875.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). For additional information please contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.
You’re the Chef
On behalf of the Team at Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario the Renfrew Victoria Hospital is pleased to announce that it is launching You’re the Chef program in partnership with the Renfrew County District Health Unit. This is a FREE five-week cooking program that is designed to promote safe and healthy cooking skills starting Wednesday, July 3rd. Call Mireille at 613 570-8953 or email mirsullivan@renfrewhosp.com to register today!