“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
(Luke 8.19-21)
FROM THE CCCB
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – 2024 Plenary Assembly – Monday, September 23 2024
Brother Bishops, distinguished guests and members of the CCCB staff, (Read more…)
CCCB Prepares the Faithful for Jubilee 2025 with New Initiatives
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce a series of events, resources, and initiatives in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, which has been themed “Pilgrims of Hope” by Pope Francis. The Jubilee invites the faithful worldwide to renew their hope and actively engage in this sacred time. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for October 2024
For a shared mission – We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.
SYNOD
News of the Synod
The second Vatican assembly for the global Synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis in 2021, will commence on October 2, 2024. This multiyear process aims to gather feedback from Catholics worldwide on enhancing “journeying together” in the Church. The synod has already progressed through diocesan, national, continental, and the first global assembly stages. Read more
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Ten Facts on the UN Declaration:
- The Declaration builds on decades of expert interpretation of existing international human rights laws and standards. It does not create new rights.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Embracing a Lifestyle of Worship and Praise
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the tapestry of Christian life, worship and praise form vibrant threads that weave believers closer to God. The Bible, the teachings of the Church, and the lives of saints all testify to the transformative power of a life dedicated to glorifying the Lord. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
October 3rd from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, Bryson. 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 is taking a new name – “POP THEOLOGY”– PEMBROKE
Our new name is to reflect our current location at St-Jean Baptiste parish now and not a local restaurant or pub where drinks can be “On Tap” which are quite difficult to find the right fit to suit the needs of this group.
NEXT event: Wednesday September 25th at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Ryan Holly, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pembroke. Topic: Why do we need laws in the Church anyways? (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.) This event is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics related to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. Please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list. All are welcome!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) – Registration is extended until September 30 for Pembroke Level 1 CGS at Our Lady of Lourdes Church: This Montessori-based (experiential learning) and child-centered catechetical program offers children a deep engagement of Scripture and Liturgy, to facilitate the child’s encounter with the Mystery of God and Our Lord, the Good Shepherd. A Saturday morning session, from 10:15 am – 12:00 pm will run October 19 to the end of May. Children ages 3-5 may register at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Office. For more info, contact Maria Reilander st.hedwigs.cgs@gmail.com or 613 756-0528.
National Evangelization Team of Canada (NET)
This team of young adults provides Catholic retreats for Schools and parishes both for youth grade 6 and up and families as well. The retreats help youth learn and express their faith through personal testimonies, games, talks, music, short dramas, small group discussions and building relationships with other young people. The NET will be in the diocese of Pembroke from January 14th to 16th and available to book retreats. NOTE: the 14th is already booked. Just the 15th and 16th are available. NET also has Retreat Resources (https://www.netcanada.ca/net-retreat-resources/) for further information about NET and the retreat options. This web page includes a NET Information Package (a link to a PDF document) that helps answer your initial questions concerning a retreat. For further questions contact Yvette Bourque yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or 613 585-6301.
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!
Rhythms of Hope Fundraising Concert
On Saturday, October 5th from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle. Featuring Kathryn Perry, Pine Arts Collective, Andrea Smith, Gate 47, Curtis and Esther Prins and Michael Kennedy. Donations to First Step Options appreciated. Please call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com for more information.
Annual Life Chain – Renfrew
The annual Life Chain, a silent, prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life, will take place on October 6th, from 2-3 p.m. We will meet in front of the Renfrew post office, at the corner of Raglan Street S. and Renfrew Avenue E. Signs will be provided. Contact Maureen Troutman at 613 570-8220 for more information.
Life Chain – Pembroke
Life Chain is a powerful, peaceful street witness and prayer vigil held every year across North America. We stand silently and prayerfully on the sidewalk. Signs provided. Bring your whole family! Life Chain goes rain or shine. Lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers are welcome. Meet at the Festival Hall parking lot at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday October 6th to collect your sign and greet fellow pro-lifers. Please join us in standing for life!
Sponsored by Renfrew County Right to Life: www.facebook.com/RCRTL
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Grace Helping Hands Turkey Supper
Our Lady of Grace Helping Hands Turkey Supper will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Westmeath Community Centre. Admission: Adults $20 – Children 5-12 $10 – Children under 4 free. A sale table with homemade goodies and a 50/50 draw will be available.
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!
St. Patrick Parish Supper
Hosted by St. Patrick Parish, Mount St. Patrick on Sunday, September 29th from 1-6 p.m. at the DACA Centre. Holy Mass will be celebrated at noon beforehand.
October 4 – 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.
Youth Alpha is back!
We are thrilled to announce that Our Lady of Lourdes will be hosting Youth Alpha, a dynamic and engaging program designed to explore the big questions of life, faith, and meaning. This is an incredible opportunity for young people grades 6-12 to dive deeper into their faith, connect with others, and grow spiritually in a welcoming and interactive environment. Sundays, starting October 20th, from 6:30-7:45 in the boardroom at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Visit jwmccluskey.wixsite.com/youth-alpha-1 for more information and to register or contact Jessica McCluskey at jwmccluskey@nrtco.net.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Pembroke Diocesan CWL Annual Day of Reflection
Pembroke Diocesan CWL Annual Day of Reflection will be held on Saturday September 28th at Our Lady of Mt Carmel; Parish in LaPasse. Refreshments /registration: 9:30 a.m. Start time: 10 a.m. Guest speaker will be Patrick Sullivan. Title: What Does God Want For Me? Memorial service for deceased members. Opportunity for sacrament of Reconciliation available. For further information please contact Margaret 613 432 6276 or maloneym@bell.net
14th Autumn Pilgrimage – St.-Joseph’s Oratory
On Sunday, October 20, 2024 from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, St-Jérôme-Mont Laurier, and Kingston. Seats are limited. Cut off date October 4, 2024. For information: Mike Budge 613 224-8110 or by email: mikebudge2021@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
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College 25th Anniversary Galas
Come and Celebrate the 25th Anniversary and the 4th year degree granting status of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College on Saturday, October 19th, in Barry’s Bay! Dinner, speaker, and dancing. For more information and to register go to: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/event/25th-anniversary-celebrations-presidents-ball-and-deans-dinner/.If you can’t attend and would like to donate to the college for this special occasion, go to: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/support/.