My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.
(Luke 8.19-21)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sr. Marguerite Somers (Sister Mary Sheila), a Grey Sister of the Immaculate Conception, who passed away on September 15th in the 80th year of her Religious Life.
FROM THE CCCB
2025 Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada – Monday, September 22, 2025
The annual Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will be held on 27 and 28 September 2025. This annual initiative assists the Bishops in their ministry of accompanying, teaching, guiding, sanctifying and caring for the Church in Canada.
In fulfilling their episcopal responsibilities, the Bishops continue to work collaboratively on significant doctrinal and ethical matters; ecumenical and interreligious dialogue; evangelization, faith formation, and catechesis; social justice issues; responsible ministry; the promotion of a culture of life and family; liturgy; and relations with Indigenous peoples.
Participation in this Collection enables the Bishops to sustain these vital endeavors, thereby supporting the pastoral and spiritual mission of the Church nationwide.
All the faithful are encouraged to contribute generously to this year’s Collection.
CCCB President’s Follow-up Letter to the Federal Minister of Finance Re: “Charitable Status” (2025)
The full letter can be read here: 2025-09-12-CCCB-Letter-to-The-Hon.-Francois-Philippe-Champagne-M.P_.pdf.
Catholic Bishops of Canada Gather for the Annual Meeting of the Plenary Assembly
15 September 2025, Ottawa – This week (22-26 September 2025), the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly. This meeting is always focused on how the Bishops of Canada can serve the Church’s mission at the national level. The following are some of the topics that will be covered during that full week of discussion carried out under the guidance of the Holy Spirit: (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee Indulgence at St. Mary Church, Wilno
St. Mary Church, Wilnois the designated church for the Jubilee Indulgence on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Mass will be offered at 11:00am followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day, concluding with Rosary at 3:30pm and Benediction at 4:00pm. Confessions will be available from 12:00pm-1:00pm and from 3:00pm-4:00pm. Please see Jubilee 2025 – Indulgence – Diocese of Pembroke for more information about the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence.
15th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Brother André
Autumn pilgrimage to St. Joseph Oratory in this Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from the Archdioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Kingston and Gatineau, and the Dioceses of Pembroke, St-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. Contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or Liane Ladouceur at 819 661-9426 for more information.
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation
Mashkiwizii Manido has been fulfilling the needs of the urban Indigenous populations by providing a lot of requests through programs and services. This foundation has become a federally recognized not for profit corporation and is currently on its way to becoming a registered charity.
For a list of programs and more information, visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com call 613 281-7969.
EVANGELIZATION
Authentic Evangelization and the Avoidance of Fanatism
By Dr. Pierre-Alain Giffard
From the moment Jesus charged his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19–20), evangelization has been woven into the very DNA of the Church. Vatican II reminds us that the pilgrim Church exists “to be…a universal sacrament of salvation,” compelled by divine love to share the Gospel with every person. Yet this same urgency can slip into its opposite—fanaticism, an excessive zeal that crushes freedom, distorts truth, and wounds both evangelizer and evangelized. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? O.C.I.A. might just be for you!
O.C.I.A (Previously known as R.C.I.A.) stands for the Order of Christian initiation of Adults. It 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, or maybe you have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith. Maybe you have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for your life’s mission. If any of the above 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 us in exploring this new quest at St Columbkille Cathedral. First Session starts on Wednesday October 15, 2025, from 6:00-7:30pm in the Parish Hall. To register or for more information please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) – Registration is open for Pembroke Level 1 and Level 2 CGS at Our Lady of Lourdes Church
This Montessori-based (experiential learning) and child-centered catechetical program offers children a deep engagement with Scripture and the Liturgy, to facilitate the child’s encounter with God, especially Our Lord, the Good Shepherd. The program runs from mid-October to the end of May. This year we are also offering Level 2 (ages 6-8) on Friday from 4:15-5:45pm. Children new to CGS are welcome into Level 2 Level 1 (ages 3-5) runs Saturday from 10:15am-12:00pm. Please register at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish office. The cost is $175, plus $150 for each additional child. To learn more about this beautiful program for our young children, visit cgsac.ca (The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada), or contact Maria Reilander st.hedwigs.cgs@gmail.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Third Annual Fall Festival
The Third Annual Fall Festival will be held on September 27th from 11:00am – 2:00pm at Our Lady of the Angels Parish Hall, Brudenell. Back by popular demand will be the soup bar, and craft and bake sale. Everyone is welcome!
St. Patrick Parish Supper
St. Patrick Parish Supper at Mount St. Patrick will take place on Sunday, September 28th from 1 – 6pm featuring a delicious meal of ham, potatoes, coleslaw, beans, dessert and beverages of your choice for $20.00/adult and 12 years of age and under, $12.00. There will be a raffle, a bake sale tent at DACA, and White Elephant tables and religious articles at St Patrick parish hall. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon. All are welcome!
PRO-LIFE
Pizza With a Purpose Day!
First Step Options and Domino’s Pizza in Pembroke and Petawawa are once again coming together to build and support stronger communities for those facing pregnancy and parent-related challenges on Wednesday, September 24th. Order a 1 topping pizza for $11.99 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 4th from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle. Featuring Kathryn Perry, Red Hot Mamas, The Wall Family, Romeo Goyette, and Curtis and Esther Prins with Val Pellerin. Donations to First Step Options appreciated. Please call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com 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 5th 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
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
16th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
At St. Michael Catholic High School, Kemptville, on Saturday, October 4th from 9am – 3:30pm. Theme: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Keynote speaker: Angèle Regnier. Visit www.womensfallretreat.com to register.
Rosary Rally
Organized in partnership with Canada Needs Our Lady, the rosary rally, to pray for Canada through the intercession of Mary, will take place on Saturday, October 11th from 12-12:30pm at the Pembroke Marina’s Amphitheater., Pembroke. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before, and dress according to the weather. For more information visit https://old.cnol.org/.
Women’s Discernment Weekend
At the monastery of Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-Montagnes on October 17-19, 2025. Limited space available – registrations will be at a first-come first served basis. The cost is $150 for the weekend. Please contact Mary-Kate Long at marykatelong210@gmail.com for more information.
To register: https://forms.gle/8bvDCtsPqAKZNkkTA.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Employment Opportunities
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is currently looking for a part-time Payroll & Reconciliation Specialist and a full-time Donor Relations Officer. Additional part-time positions will be posted in the coming weeks. For more information, see seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/.
OTHER
“The Prodigal Son – A Book of Poems”
Father Réal Ouellette has published a book titled “The Prodigal Son – A book of poems”. Through poetry, he explores verse by verse the emotions and movement of this famous parable of the Prodigal Son. For more information, please visit his website: https://padrereal.com/en/home-2/.