The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.
(Luke 21.5-11)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for December 2025
For Christians in areas of conflict – Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
FROM THE CCCB
Journey Through Advent – Video Series to Introduce and Reflect on the Season – Monday, November 24, 2025
The General Secretariat of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announces the online weekly video series for this year’s Advent season. Designed to help the faithful prepare for the memorial of the birth of Our Lord celebrated at Christmas, these videos provide valuable resources and opportunities for faith formation. Titled Journey through Advent the series is a collaborative initiative of the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office, and the Office national de liturgie. (Read more…)
Launch on the National Ecumenical Strategy – Monday, November 24 2025
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is pleased to announce the publication of the National Ecumenical Strategy (NES), a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to fostering Christian unity and strengthening interfaith relationships in Canada. (Read more…)
Episcopal Appointment for the Archdiocese of Edmonton
OTTAWA, 21 November 2025 – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed the Most Reverend Stephen A. Hero, Bishop of Prince Albert, as the eighth Archbishop of Edmonton.
He succeeds the Most Reverend Richard Smith, who was appointed Archbishop of Vancouver on 25 February 2025. The Reverend Paul Kavanagh has served as Archdiocesan Administrator in the interim. (Read more…)
2025 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples – Wednesday, November 19 2025
12 DECEMBER 2025 – Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council – As Catholics, we continue to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, remembering his call to be “pilgrims of hope” in this year of Jubilee. It has been a time for reconciliation, pilgrimage and “coming home”. For Christians, this “Reconciliation” is the accomplishment of Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection reconciles humanity to God. Responding to the Lord’s call to be reconciled to one another in love, Catholic Canadians have set on a journey towards reconciliation with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples, one born out of a painful and difficult history. That history included the Indian residential schools, administered by Catholic and Christian churches alike. Accounts of prejudice, discrimination, and abuse came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which concluded ten years ago. For many people impacted by this history, healing may well require generations to realize. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee Indulgence at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke
Our Lady of Lourdes is the designated church for the Jubilee Indulgence on Monday, 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Mass will be offered at 10:00am followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with Rosary at 2:30pm and Benediction at 3:00pm. Confessions will be available from 11:00am-12:00pm and from 2:00pm-3:00pm. Please see Jubilee 2025 – Indulgence – Diocese of Pembroke for more information about the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence.
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation – Call for Volunteers
MMF, a Federally recognized Not for Profit Corporation that focuses on the overall health and well-being of the Urban Indigenous population of Renfrew County and surrounding area, is currently looking for volunteers to assist with the following:
- Planning/facilitating fundraising events
- Grant writing
- Supporting land-based learning and cultural events (e.g. through meal planning, cooking, event setup and takedown)
- Social media and the creation of promotional materials.
If interested, please visit the website at http://www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com/, or email mmf.volunteering@gmail.com.
Pope Leo XIV’s Gift of Indigenous Artifacts to the CCCB
As announced in a joint statement by the Holy See and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Pope Leo XIV gifted 62 Indigenous artifacts to the CCCB. This gift, initiated by the late Pope Francis, is linked to the Jubilee Year of Hope and represents the Church’s ongoing friendship with Indigenous Peoples, built on trust and mutual respect. (Read more…)
Spiritual Laws
These 20 statements are a collection of sayings common among Anishnabe people. They are included here as universal knowledge. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
9. Knowledge, once shared, is the greatest equalizer.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
December 4th from 6:30-7:30pm at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. The Holy Hour will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by Fr. Scott 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.
ADVENT
CCCB – Journey Through Advent 2025
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2025.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the YouTube video “Journey through Advent – First Sunday of Advent 2025”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ra06xAiu5U&t=3s.
Advent Quiet Day
Advent Quiet Day led by Father Holly and Father Časta at Our Lady of Grace Church, Westmeath on Saturday, December 6. Mass at 9:00am followed by a period of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession and a spiritual talk. The morning will conclude by 11:30am. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch. All are welcome.
Advent Fair and “The Christmas Carol Play”
On Saturday, December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, beginning at 6pm. Handmade gifts, crafts, baked goods and drinks will be available! St. Nicholas will be visiting the children with special treats after the drama production. Free admission!
Advent Retreat at Stillpoint House of Prayer
Advent is a sacred and spiritual journey taken by those who wish to pause and reflect as they prepare for Jesus’ birth. Stillpoint invites you to this self-guided event with spiritual direction from Friday, December 12th at 4:30pm to Sunday, December 14th at 11am. Cost: $270. To register or for more information, email inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
PARISH EVENTS
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Turkey/Ham Bingo
On Thursday, November 27th at 7pm at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, 141 Queen Street, Killaloe. 15 regular games (turkey or ham prize). 4 special games with special prizes. Jackpot $500.00 guaranteed. Canteen, prize table and 50/50 tickets also available. For more information, please contact the parish office at 613 757-2443.
St. James Parish Fundraising Dance
Live music provided by the Leahy family. Country, square, and Ceili dances called by Jackson Corry on Friday, November 28th from 6:30 to 10pm at St. James Parish Hall, Eganville. Come out for a great night of dancing and music! Admission: $20/person – $60/family (tickets sold at door). Late lunch served. Bar. Elevator access available. Everyone welcome!
Bible Study about Mary
Have you ever wondered what the bible teaches us about Mary and why Catholics honour her so much? Then you need to come to our Bible study! The instructor is Patrick Sullivan, Family, Life and Youth Ministry Director for the Diocese of Pembroke and a Catholic Evangelist who speaks to audiences around North America about all aspects of our faith. Meetings will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall every Wednesday from 9:30am to 11am. The final session will be November 26th. All are welcome!
Coffee with Christ Bible Study
Join Fr. Scott Murray and Patrick Sullivan for a weekly gathering every Friday from 9:45-10:45am in St. Joseph Sacristy, St. Joseph, QC. All are welcome!
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options’ November Baby Bump Party
Help support parents and their wee ones by restocking FSO’s shelves! Purchase an item from the list found on the website at www.firststepoptions.com or make a donation by cheque, cash or e-transfer at firststepoptions@gmail.com, and items can be purchased on your behalf! For more information, please contact First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre at 613 635-7440.
Speed Puzzle Competition
Come and join in the fun and fast-paced Speed Puzzle Competition Fundraiser in support of First Step Options on Wednesday, November 26th at 6:30pm (doors open at 6pm). Location: St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke. Cost: $40 per team (teams of 4). Call 613 635-7440 or email firststepoptions@gmail.com for the QR to register.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
CCRSO Fall Conference
The talks from the CCRSO (Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario) Fall Conference in North Bay this past weekend are now available on YouTube:
Friday Evening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD8MQa9cTdw&t=23s
Saturday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PEGkkf3CWs&t=6318s
2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally
2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be held Saturday, March 14th at the Toronto Convention Centre. Come for a great experience! For details and registration please visit Home – Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR).
OTHER
Winter 2026 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 28th at noon)! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Winter 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: December 12th, 2025.
Pembroke Community Choir – “Magnificat Plus Special Christmas Selections”
The Pembroke Community Choir presents “Magnificat Plus Special Christmas Selections by John Rutter“. There will be an afternoon concert on Saturday, November 29th at 1:30pm, and an evening performance on Sunday, November 30th at 7pm at Calvin United Church, in Pembroke. Tickets are available at Fleurish in Petawawa, the Customer Care Centre at the Pembroke Mall, and from Choir members for just $15. Tickets purchased at the door are $20. Students 13 and under are Free! Visit https://pembrokecommunitychoir.org/ for more information.
“Emmanuel God With Us” Christmas Concert
On Saturday December 13th at 7pm at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle, 34 Jordan Avenue, Pembroke. Tickets: $10.00 for adults – free for children 12 under. Proceeds to the Grind Christmas Food program. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput for tickets at 613 732-7933 ext. 206.
Our Lady of Sorrows Religious Articles Store
Did you know that our parish has a wonderful Religious Articles Store located in Our Lady of Sorrows church basement Petawawa? The store is open after 10am Mass every Sunday and offers a beautiful selection of religious gifts perfect for Christmas, Confirmations, weddings, and other special occasions. Come take a look and find something meaningful for yourself or a loved one!