The mustard seed grew and became a tree.
(Luke 13.18-21)
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.
FROM THE CCCB
Bishop Alain Faubert has been elected to the Ordinary Council of the Synod
OTTAWA, 28 October 2024 – The Most Rev. Alain Faubert, Bishop of Valleyfield, was elected to the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod. The Ordinary Council will play a fundamental role both in the implementation of Synod on Synodality and in the preparation of the next Synod. (Read more…)
Statement and Recommendations following the International Interfaith Symposium on Palliative Care
OTTAWA, 24 October 2024 – As a follow-up to the International Interfaith Symposium on Palliative Care, “Towards a Narrative of Hope,” a Post-Symposium Working Group has released its anticipated Statement and Recommendations as a key concrete outcome of the event which took place from 21 to 23 May 2024. (Read more…)
The Church Embraces Pope’s Encyclical “He Loved Us’ – Thursday, October 24, 2024
At Saint Peter’s Basilica, in the twelfth year of his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis issued his latest Encyclical Letter, Dilexit Nos (“He loved us”): On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for November 2024
For anyone who has lost a child – We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.
SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
The Final Document the Synod: Main Ideas and Proposals
The final document from the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, dated October 26, 2024, outlines propositions aimed at fostering a more synodal Church. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the active participation of all Church members, seeking to harmonize decision-making and expand lay roles in ecclesiastical life. (Read More)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Ten Facts on the UN Declaration
10. The UN Declaration constitutes a principled framework for justice, reconciliation, healing and peace.
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 Talking Circle: November 4th. For more information, visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Wisdom to Wellness
This program is designed to immerse participants into Indigenous cultural teachings and protocols. Through a series of enlightening sessions, individuals will engage with a variety of teachings deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditions. The program focuses on fostering a profound understanding of cultural values, reciprocity to the land, and the significance of Indigenous protocols in various ceremonies and gatherings. These teachings will be integrated into other programs held at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. Email us at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, November 6th.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming: November 7th. 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 Transformative Power of Love
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
From Genesis to Revelation, we see how God’s boundless love redeems, restores and sanctifies even the most broken and lost souls. And as we grow in our own love for God, we become vessels of His healing grace to a world in desperate need.(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.
IMPORTANT Gathering – Call to Register (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 celebrated by Bishop Brehl at 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: Wednesday, November 20th at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Peter Do, Parochial Vicar of St. Columbkille Cathedral and Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke. Topic: The History of the Mass (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!
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.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Special All Hallows Eve Online Holy Hour
Join Msgr. Rossetti for a Special All Hallows Eve Online Holy Hour (Thursday midnight October 31st to 1 a.m. Friday November 1st Eastern time). Msgr. Rossetti and the St. Michael Centre team will lead us in adoration of the Holy Eucharist, the Litany of the Saints, the Holy Rosary, the Litany of Loretto, a prayer for healing, and moments of silence. For more information, please visit https://www.catholicexorcism.org/post/exorcist-diary-315-a-halloween-holy-hour.
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.