The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!
(Matthew 26.14-25)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chrism mass, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, celebrated by Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke
2026 Chrism Mass – Messe chrismale – YouTube.
Diocesan Office Hours
Please be advised that the diocesan offices will be closed on Good Friday (April 3rd) and Easter Monday (April 6th). The staff at the Diocesan Administration Office takes this opportunity to wish you and those you hold dear peace and happiness this Easter season!
Pastoral Planning Information
Any information regarding Pastoral Planning may be found on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/diocesan-pastoral-planning/.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for April 2026
For priests in crisis – Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
FROM THE CCCB
Message for Easter 2026 from the Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault, Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – Monday, March 30, 2026
Warm greetings to each and every one of you,
International news does not often give us reasons to rejoice. Wars continue in Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere, causing loss of human lives and the destruction of many communities. In some parts of South America, Africa and Asia, human rights are not respected, threatening the common good of the people.
To counteract the gloom that could weigh heavily on our hearts, the Easter season is here to tell us: “Have confidence! Christ is alive!” The Risen One comes to meet us to rekindle our hope in love, which is victorious, for it will always have the last word.
On behalf of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wish you a blessed Easter Season. Thank you for being signs of love, peace, and hope through the quality of your presence and your commitment to making the world a more human place.
Happy Easter!
Watch the CCCB Easter Message 2026 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6npaUmv0jI.
Resources for National Family and Life Week 2026 – Tuesday, March 31 2026
Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce the release of resources in preparation for National Family and Life Week 2026 (#NFLW2026), taking place Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 17 May 2026. (Read more…)
Statement Calling for Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
Ottawa, Ontario – The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued a Statement Calling the Catholic Faithful to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East. The statement affirms that we cannot remain indifferent to an armed conflict that risks escalating into a prolonged war. (Read more…)
LENT
CCCB – Journey Through Lent – Palm Sunday of The Passion of the Lord 2026
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Lent with the Most Rev. Bishop Daniel Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Lent 2026.
On this Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Bishop Miehm provides a reflection on Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and his crucifixion.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry9j5KUQ69c
5th Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS1pqEJTin4&t=1s
4th Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jAkruSQ9Wg&t=2s
3rd Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82DxMTxQaVg
2nd Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoNg0ZzLuo4
1st Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TJsS7mlQkg&t=1s
Ash Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxWxlpbB6Xs&t=1s.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Hybrid Women’s Circles
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation invites you to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey, bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next dates: April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th at 84 Isabella Street, Suite #10, Pembroke. For more information or for Zoom link, email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website.
Thirteen Moons
Adapted from Year of the Spirit Moons Calendar, produced by the Anishnaabe Kendaaswin Publishing Company, North Bay, in 1998. Reference should also be made to Jamie Sams’ book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, whose work has reinforced these interpretations. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
June – Strawberry Moon: The sixth moon of Creation is Strawberry Moon. The medicine of the strawberry is reconciliation. It was during this moon cycle that communities usually held their annual feasts, welcoming everyone home, regardless of their differences over the past year, and letting go of judgment and/or self-righteousness.
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, 2026 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our presenter will be Father Réal Ouellette. There will be Adoration, singing of Hymns and the Divine Mercy Chaplet as we pray for God’s Mercy upon the whole world. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Spring Marriage Preparation Program NOW FULL
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program scheduled for Saturday, March 28th and Saturday, April 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew is now full! Stay tuned for registration for the next dates: May 9th and 30th in Petawawa! For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
PARISH EVENTS
The Bible Timeline – The Story of Salvation Bible Study
St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay will offer The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation beginning Wednesday, April 15th from 7:00-8:45pm for 10 weeks (until June 24, 2026). Participants will view an engaging high production quality video, followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. Registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Julie Culshaw at 613 756-1136, julieculshaw5@gmail.com. Deadline to register: Tuesday, April 7th.
33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph
During crisis, confusion, and a world at war with the Church, it’s time to come home again to our spiritual father, St. Joseph. In this richly researched and lovingly presented program of consecration to St. Joseph, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, brings to life the wonders, the power, and the ceaseless love of St. Joseph, Universal Patron of the Church and the Terror of Demons. Those participating in the Consecration will need to buy a copy of Fr. Callaway’s book “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” available through Sunrise Marian or Amazon. Participants will meet in St. Joseph’s sacristy, St. Joseph, QC for prayers and discussion from 10:30-11:30am on Wednesdays until May 1st.
Divine Mercy Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew: “The Seven First Words of Mercy” led by Father James Zettel
Join us on Sunday April 12th at 3:00pm in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and a reflection on the words of the Risen Christ that bring healing and hope. The service concludes with the Renewal of Baptismal Promises and Solemn Benediction. Light refreshments will follow in the parish hall. Offered by the CWL of Fatima Parish. Everyone Welcome. Please call the parish office at 613 432-8525 or email fatimarenfrew@gmail.com for more information.
PRO-LIFE
National March for Life
Renfrew County Right to Life is co-sponsoring a bus to the National March for Life which takes place on Parliament Hill on Thursday May 14th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45am, with stops at the Cobden Pentecostal Church and the Renfrew Visitors’ Centre. Payment by donation. To reserve seats, please email RCRTlife@gmail.com with names of all riders or call Susan Dagenais at 613 401-6482. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .
Help Not Harm: Take Action to Support Bill C-218. Write your Member of Parliament Today!
You’re invited to visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca where you can e-mail your Member of Parliament (MP), asking for their support of Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act), which would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being provided when mental illness is the sole underlying condition. Without this change, MAiD will be available for those suffering from mental illness alone beginning in March 2027.
Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection — not death — to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.
Dinner Theatre Production – “Chaos at Confirmation”
Join First Step Options for a delightful night out at a Dinner Theatre Fundraiser featuring the play “Chaos at Confirmation!” on Saturday, May 2nd at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke. Doors open at 6:00pm – Dinner at 6:30pm. Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner followed by a live performance. Silent auction available. Email Amy Belder at ma.belder@gmail.com for tickets (tickets: $50/person). All proceeds will be donated to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre.
OTHER
Spring/Summer 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. Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Spring/Summer 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: April 24th.
JOB & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Part-time Parish Secretary Position
St Casimir’s Parish in Round Lake Centre is accepting applications for a part-time parish secretary. Interested candidates to email a letter of interest and a resume to roundlakeparish@hotmail.com.
Galilee Centre – Manager of Spiritual Programs
Galilee Centre is seeking a new Manager of Spiritual Programs. This a part-time leadership role (16 hours per week) responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating spiritual programming at Galilee Centre. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Manager ensures all programs and their development align with Galilee Centre’s mission, vision and values, and the spiritual needs of retreat and program participants.
Visit the posting on the website for more information: https://www.galileecentre.com/careers/.
Volunteers Needed!
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre needs volunteers for the “Chaos in Confirmation” Dinner Theatre on Saturday, May 2nd. If you are interested in helping, please contact Amy Belder at 613 732-3848 or email ma.belder@gmail.com to sign up.