Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes.
(Luke 12.35-38)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Interview with Bishop Michael Brehl
Watch the YouTube video of the interview with Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., 10th Bishop of Pembroke, interviewed by Patrick Sullivan.
Ecclesia
The Ecclesia Fall 2024 edition is now available in parishes. It can also be read on our website here.
Mass of Thanksgiving
A Mass of Thanksgiving in honour of the Canonization of Saint Marie-Léonie Paradis will be offered by the Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Monday, November 4 at 12:10 p.m., the 122nd anniversary of Saint Marie-Léonie Paradis’ visit to Pembroke. All are invited to attend.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Keith Fitzpatrick, father of Reverend Tom Fitzpatrick. Mr. Fitzpatrick passed away in Ottawa last week following complications after surgery. We extend condolences to Father Tom, his mother and the other members of the Fitzpatrick family during this time.
FROM THE CCCB
Urgent appeal for support in Lebanon – Joint call for help and prayers
Montreal, 15 October —With the support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Aid to the Church in Need Canada (ACN), Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, and Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) are launching an appeal for prayers and generosity to support the most urgent needs of people in Lebanon, following the bombardments in the country that have already claimed hundreds of innocent lives. (Read more…)
Canadian Youth Leader Appointed to International Youth Advisory Body
OTTAWA, 16 October, 2024 – On 7 October 2024, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life announced the appointment of the new members of the International Youth Advisory Body (IYAB), composed of 20 young people from different regions across the world and several international movements, associations and communities. (Read more…)
SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
A Comprehensive Glossary for the 2024 Synod on Synodality
The 2024 Synod on Synodality represents a significant moment in the life of the Church. As bishops and faithful gather, they embark on a journey of communal discernment, seeking to deepen their understanding of synodality—a concept rooted in the Greek word “to meet” or “to walk together.” This synod aims to foster co-responsibility, enhance consensus, and promote accountability within the Church. Let’s delve into key terms and themes shaping this journey. (Read more)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Ten Facts on the UN Declaration
- Indigenous peoples’ representatives worked for more than two decades to achieve the Declaration. It is the first international instrument where the rights holders themselves participated equally with states in the drafting.
Friday Morning Virtual Talking Circle
Brought to you by the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation every Friday at 10 a.m. (except for holidays). A brave space to share what is on our minds and in our hearts. For more information, please visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Acudetox Acupuncture
Encouraging community wellness for behavioural health including addictions, mental health, emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. 6 weekly sessions on Mondays from 9-10 a.m. (except holidays). Next dates: November 4th – December 9th, 2024. To register or for more information, please email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Men’s Circles
Time to connect with other men, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next Drumming: October 28th. For more information, visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Talking Circle: October 31st. Visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Medicine Wheel – 12 Steps Wellbriety Workshop
Meetings will be offered either in-person or via Zoom Tuesday evenings September 24th – December 17th from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, please email the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Evangelization Power of Prayer and Love for God
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the tradition of Catholic mysticism, saints and mystics have often spoken of the supernatural power that lies in prayer and our love for God. This power does not merely affect the one who prays but also mysteriously brings others closer to God. One of the most eloquent voices on this subject is Saint Marguerite Mary Alacoque, the French Visitation nun who was granted mystical visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her writings reveal that prayer, especially when inspired by love, holds within it a divine force that transcends the visible, moving silently but effectively toward the salvation of souls. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
Scheduled for November 5th at Ste-Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Témiscaming is CANCELLED.
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? R.C.I.A. might just be for you!
R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey for anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic and growing in the life as a Christian. It is for someone who has never been baptized, may have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith, or may have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for their life’s mission. If any of the above questions apply to you, we would love to help in your spiritual journey. Want to know more about your Catholic faith? All are welcome to join in exploring this new quest starting Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
Faith Formation Day
A Faith Formation Day will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Most Holy Name of Jesus in the Parish Annex, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke starting at 9:30 a.m., Mass 10:00 a.m. and the day concluding at 2:00 p.m. This day is open to all. A special visit by Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. Guest speakers will be Father Michael Smith, Vicar General, Pierre- Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work, and Patrick Sullivan, Office of New Media and Evangelization. There is no registration fee, but registration is necessary. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please inform us of any food allergies. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput to register for the day at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com by October 31, 2024.
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: Living as a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture (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.
PRO-LIFE
Florida Abortion Awareness Project
Join CCBR this February in Florida to change minds and save lives from abortion! This project is designed for anyone who wants to learn effective pro-life apologetics, strategy, and more from leaders in the pro-life movement. On this trip you will put the skills you’ve learned to practice on Florida campuses. Week One: February 7-14 – Week Two: February 14-21. Learn more and apply online at endthekilling.ca/florida/. Final Application deadline: November 9th.
Vengeance at Vestry
One night only dinner theatre in support of First Step Options at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke on Saturday, November 9th at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Silent auction on site. Tickets: $50. Contact First Step Options for your tickets today at 613 635-7440.
PARISH EVENTS
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 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.
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Development and Peace Fall Campaign
The focus this year is Create Hope: Reaping our Rights campaign, to petition the government of Canada to adopt the UN recommended human rights and environmental due diligence legislation. Other countries have adopted this, but not Canada. We are petitioning so that Canadian companies be accountable and prevent them from polluting the environment, confiscating lands, and abusing the workers and child labour workers when that Canadian company is working in the Global South.
We will and ask that you sign a petition. Or you can sign online at devp.org/act. More information at devp.org/campaign.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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.
OTHER
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.