I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to other cities; for I was sent for this purpose.
(Luke 4.38-44)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Back to School 2024
Watch this Back-to-School 2024 YouTube video from the Diocese of Pembroke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK-VILpM_ik.
Chancery Office Hours
Starting Tuesday, September 3rd, the Diocesan Offices will resume normal hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Episcopal Ordination and Installation
The episcopal ordination and installation of Most Reverend Michael Brehl as 10th bishop of Pembroke, which took place at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 is now available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J-4ACuFF3k.
FROM THE CCCB
2024 Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada– August 27, 2024
The annual Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will be held on 28 and 29 September 2024. This annual initiative assists the Bishops in their ministry of accompanying, teaching, guiding, sanctifying and caring for the Church in Canada.
As part of their episcopal ministry, the Bishops will continue to work together on important doctrinal and ethical questions; ecumenical initiatives and interreligious dialogue; international relations; evangelization, faith education and catechesis; questions of social justice; responsible ministry, the development of a culture of life and family, as well as on relations with Indigenous peoples.
In order to promote the Collection and the collective work of the Bishops through their Episcopal Conference and the Regional Episcopal Assemblies, the CCCB is making the promotional materials available on its website:
- Message from the CCCB President to pastors and collaborators in pastoral ministry;
• Two short texts intended to be adapted or printed in parish bulletins on 22 and 29 September, or distributed by other means of communication such as websites and emails;
• Suggested prayers of the faithful for the weekends of 22 and 29 September.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for September 2024
For the cry of the earth – We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Ten Facts on the UN Declaration:
- The Declaration affirms collective rights of Indigenous nations or peoples and the individual rights of Indigenous persons.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Evangelization: Finding Life and Giving Life
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the New Testament, the concept of life is central to the Jesus’ message, and it is intricately connected with the mission of evangelization. Evangelization, at its core, is not just about spreading a set of beliefs or doctrines; it is about offering the life that Christ Himself gives—God’s life. This life, often referred to as “zoe” in Greek, signifies more than mere biological existence. It is a fullness of life that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with God. Evangelization, therefore, can be seen as a process of finding this divine life and sharing it with others. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
September 5th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Deep River. 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
Jubilee of Youth – Rome, Italy! Join Us!
The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie is inviting all Catholic young adults aged 18-35 to participate in our Pilgrimage to Rome, Italy for the Jubilee of Youth from July 27 – August 10, 2025 led by Fr. Daniele Muscolino. We will join millions of other Catholic young adults in participating in the Jubilee activities, catechesis sessions and festivals, and prayer times and Sunday Mass with the Pope, and then take an extended stay by visiting the tomb of St. Padre Pio, the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, the Holy House in Loreto and a day trip to Assisi! For prices, dates, itinerary, requirements and application, visit: bit.ly/jubileessm. Deadline to apply is September 25th.
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 5th and Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register is October 1st. Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $100/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.
PRO-LIFE
Pizza with a Purpose Day!
First Step Options and Domino’s Pizza are coming together to build and support stronger communities for those facing pregnancy and parenting-related challenges all day on Wednesday, September 25th. Skip the dishes and order a large pepperoni or large cheese pizza for $11.00 at both Pembroke and Petawawa locations using the code word “1STSTEP”, and Domino’s will contribute $5.00 for each pizza to First Step Options. Savour the slice and support the cause!
PARISH EVENTS
September 6 – 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.
Parish Supper
At Our Lady of Mercy Church, Bancroft on Sunday, September 8th from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Silent Auction, Raffle Tickets. $20/Ticket – $8/12 yrs. & Under. Take out available!
September 15 – Celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. Peter’s Church in Fort-Coulonge
Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by a light lunch in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Please spread the word to your relatives and friends, including those from out of town who would like to come.
Healing Mass
Followed by general healing prayers and blessings with Father Albert MacPherson OSA, founder of the Augustinian Healing Ministry at Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish, Combermere, on Saturday, September 21st at 6 p.m.
St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish Spaghetti Fundraiser
At the Cathedral Parish Hall on Sunday, September 22nd from 12-2 p.m. Adults $25 – Children $10 – Family $50 (maximum 2 adults). One sitting only! Contact the parish office for tickets at 613 732-8513. Limited to 160 tickets… Get yours before they sell out!
St. Alphonsus Parish Supper
At the Upper Pontiac Complex, 52 chemin Pembroke, Chapeau on Sunday September 29th, from 12-6 p.m. Turkey dinner with all the trimmings! Homemade baked beans, pies, and more! Take-out available. Cost: Adults $20 – Children (under 12) $10.00 – Children under 6 free. Fr. Murray and parishioners welcome you!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Mary’s Way of the Cross
Join us for a special evening of devotion and unity at Mary’s Way of the Cross on Friday, September 6th. We’ll begin at 6:50 p.m. with uplifting hymns (French and English). This is a perfect opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow believers.
ZOOM LINK
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84333430106?pwd=I7gfM7J1buTGebtMgB5bKlX5hrO
Meeting ID: 843 3343 0106
Passcode: 150284
The Church: From Pentecost to Today
Interested in Church history? Join us for a new course taught by Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. beginning September 16, 2024 at St. George’s Parish, 415 Piccadilly Avenue, Westboro. Tuition: $350.00 per person ($200 for full-time undergraduate students). Please register via this link. Payment is due in full by September 13. Once payment has been received you will be sent full details including a syllabus for the course. Should you have any questions please contact Fr. Dcn. Andrew at apwbennett@gmail.com.
15th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
Please join us on Saturday, October 26th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic School, 521 Clothier Street West, Kemptville, ON. The presenter is Nancy Steele, a well-known author and motivational speaker. The theme this year is, “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Cost: $50. For more information and to register please visit the website at www.womensfallretreat.com. Deadline to register: October 18th.
OTHER
Drop & Donate: Cheers for Change Bottle Drive!
SAVE YOUR EMPTIES! For over 30 years, staff and students at the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board have been helping the Grey Sisters of the Ottawa Valley with their mission work to support the poorest of the poor in Yamasa, Dominican Republic. All donations will provide school supplies, food security, medical supplies, and sacramental preparation materials to people in need. Drop off your empties at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 7th from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Please email Angela at angela.watson@rccdsb.ca for more information.
Do You Like to Sing?
The Pembroke Community Choir invites you to join us this September as we begin rehearsals for our concerts celebrating “Christmas Past and Present”. Online registration begins on August 15. Practices are from 7-9 pm every Monday, starting September 9, at Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Concerts are set for November 30 and December 1. No auditions. Register by August31st to get the early bird discount. Online registration and more info at the PCC website: www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org.
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.