His face was set toward Jerusalem.
(Luke 9.51-56)
FROM THE CCCB
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
OTTAWA, 29 September 2024 — “God walks with His people” is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which this year is commemorated on 29 September 2024. (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
STATEMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL
on the occasion of the 2024 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – Monday, September 30, 2024
In solemn prayer and reflection, the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops mourns the painful legacy of the former Indian Residential Schools and reaffirms its commitment to walking with Indigenous Peoples on their healing and reconciliation journey. (Read more…)
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Loving Jesus and Making Him Loved
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Evangelization, at its core, is more than simply proclaiming doctrines or sharing beliefs; it is about a profound and personal encounter with Jesus Christ and the desire to make Him known and loved by others. This mission is grounded in the greatest commandment given by Christ: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). To evangelize is to embody this twofold love—loving Jesus intimately and, in turn, spreading that love to others. (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
“POP THEOLOGY”– PEMBROKE
NEXT event: Tuesday, October 22nd at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Lukas Časta, Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: To be announced (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.) This event is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). 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!
Carlo’s Crew Youth Night is back! (A diocesan event)
This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and ALL are welcome. The upcoming dates are Fridays November 1st, January 17th, March 21st and May 2nd from 7 – 9 p.m. at St. James the Less parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others. The four evenings will focus on Virtues and Vices with Bishop Michael Brehl as our speaker on November 1st. The waiver form must be signed either online here or hard copies will be available at the event. One waiver will cover all 4 nights. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
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.
RENEW Toronto for Young Adults (19-39)
This year, on Saturday, November 23rd, 600+ Young Adults aged 19-39 will gather to deepen their Catholic Faith through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, praise & worship, Mass, Confession, Eucharistic Adoration and fellowship. Location: Canada Christian College in Whitby. Theme “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary,” drawing from the Lord’s promise in Isaiah 40:31. For more info. visit: www.renewtoronto.org. Questions, youth@archtoronto.org.
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
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
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
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/.
Grief Support for Pembroke and Area – Hosted by Marianhill
Grief touches family, friends, and caregivers whether professional or volunteer. Join us to find comfort, validation and the knowledge that you are not alone in your time of grief. Meetings are on the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Marianhill 600 Cecelia Street, Pembroke in the Meeting Room. For more information, please contact Pastoral Care at 613 633 4316. Registration not required.
Winter 2025 Classes – Assumption University
Receive a graduate diploma in Catholic Studies (online) at one of Canada’s most historic universities! A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a cumulative average of 70% required. Scholarships available (Deadline to apply: November 29th at noon)! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Winter 2025 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: January 3rd, 2025.
Piano to Give Away to any Parish
A very well-maintained upright piano is available to any Parish in the Diocese that would be interested. It would be a great asset for many church functions. If interested, please contact Deacon Robert Wilson at maranatha@shaw.ca.