Love your enemies.
(Matthew 5.43-48)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Fathers’ Day – June 21st
Let us pray and show appreciation for fathers and father figures on this special day.
Walk the Opeongo Line
Join pilgrims across the Diocese and beyond for a 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine. Cormac, from Thursday, July 23rd to Sunday, July 26th. Visit the website at https://walktheopeongoline.org/ to register. Deadline to register: June 28th.
86th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac
86th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac on Sunday, July 26th. The Triduum of preparation will be led by Bishop Michael Brehl, Bishop of the Diocese of Pembroke. The principal Pilgrimage Mass will be at 11:00am at the Shrine. The Sacrament of Confession is available throughout the day. A Mass of healing with the Anointing of St. Ann’s oil will be celebrated at 2:00pm (Please bring your own seating). On site: St. Ann’s religious articles and other religious articles, St. Ann’s Mass League memberships, food and refreshments vendors. For more information: St. Ann’s Pilgrimage – The Shrine to St. Ann in Cormac, ON or Shrine of St. Ann Cormac | Facebook. Welcome everyone!
All are invited to the following receptions honouring members of the presbyterate who will retire at the end of June
- Reverend Kerry Brennan on Sunday, 28 June from 11:30am to 2:30pm at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, Renfrew.
- Reverend John Lacey on Sunday, 21 June following the 9:00am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, Renfrew.
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. announces the following retirements and pastoral appointments: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/pastoral-appointments-may-1-2026/
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mrs. Anna Maria Burchat, mother of Reverend Father Paul Burchat of Madonna House who passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8th at the age of 96. Please pray for the consolation of Father Paul and the members of his family.
Clergy Personnel
Reverend Emmanuel Dibia a priest of the Diocese of Issele-uku, Nigeria, is appointed as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew; St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew and Most Precious Blood Parish, Calabogie, effective 2 July 2026. Father Dibia has been granted permission of his Bishop to serve the Diocese of Pembroke for a period of six years. He has just completed a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counselling at the Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he has also assisted in parish ministry.
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception – Celebrating 100 years of service and presence in the Ottawa Valley and beyond
Join the Grey Sisters and staff to celebrate a Century of Service among God’s People at the Grey Sisters Caritas Residence, 215 Deacon Street, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 1-4pm. Everyone welcome!
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for June 2026
For the values of sports – Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
FROM THE CCCB
“Building Bridges for Peace, Justice and Human Dignity” – Appeal for the Presidents of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and the United States, with the support of the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, on the occasion of the G7 Summit – Friday, June 12 2026
On the occasion of the G7 Summit held in France in 2026, we, the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences of the G7 member states, with the support of the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, wish to address a united message to the Heads of State and Government, inspired by the Gospel and by the social teaching of the Church. Amid armed conflict, geopolitical fragmentation, the crisis of multilateralism, growing inequalities, climate disruption and accelerating technological change, we affirm that the dignity of the human person must remain the foundation of political and economic governance. The G7 bears a particular responsibility for the global common good. The decisions taken by member states have direct consequences for peoples, for international stability, and for the future of younger generations. (Read more…)
Canadian Bishops Mark 10th Anniversary of Bill C-14 with Statement on Human Dignity, MAID, and Palliative Care – Wednesday, June 10 2026
OTTAWA — The Standing Committee for Family and Life of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), with authorization from the Permanent Council, has issued a statement marking the 10th anniversary of Bill C-14, the legislation that legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada under the term “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”) on 17 June, 2016. (Read more…)
Statement by the Standing Committee for Family and Life to the Catholic Faithful in Canada and All People of Good Will Voicing Concern and Calling for Prayers on the 10th Anniversary of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (“MAID”) – Wednesday, June 10 2026
A decade has passed since Bill C-14 received Royal Assent on 17 June 2016, legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide across Canada, and permitting eligible adults, under specified conditions, to access what is legally termed “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”). As we mark this sobering anniversary, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Standing Committee for Family and Life invites the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to voice renewed concern about “MAID,” to remain steadfast in opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds away from this practice, and to be present to persons who are sick and vulnerable. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Here we “Grow” Again at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation
As our services and client base expand, so must our location and capacity. Join us in celebration of the community’s new home and team at 595 Pembroke St. E. Unit 3, Pembroke, on Saturday, July 11th between 9am – 4pm! Call 613 631-0302 or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com to RSVP today!
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: June 18th and 25th 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.
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the handrum as we come together in community to learn and sing at 84 Isabella Street, Unit 10, Pembroke, on Wednesday, June 17th from 6-7:30pm. Bring your personal drum. Limited supply available to those who do not have one.
The Medicine Wheel
What follows is based on oral teachings given by Elder Jules Lavaley of Red Willow Lodge in Anola, Manitoba. His information is supported by that found in Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook, by Sun Bear, Wabin Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
Everything in nature is cyclic. Our path in daily life follows that of the sun. it begins in the East, moves though the South to the West, and then travels through the North. For the reason, all movement within any circle is always done clockwise by entering from the East, and all our ceremonies and gatherings are set-up as a circle.
Keewatinong is Spirit Keeper of the North: It is the place of rebirth, like the winter. It is the life stage of eldership, when we share our life experience with those younger. It is also a time of the giveaway, part of which is to prepare our bodies to return to Mother Earth. Its colour is white which symbolizes perfection, completion, and purity. Its animal is the buffalo who brought us the pipe, the gift of Spirit, to our people. Its plant medicine is sweetgrass, whose teaching is kindness because it bends without breaking; it attracts positive energy.
PARISH EVENTS
Fort-Coulonge Community Supper
Knights of Columbus Council 7221 invites you to the Community Supper – Bazar (Cipaille) at the KofC Community Hall, 525 Baume St., Fort-Coulonge, on Sunday, June 21st starting at 4:30pm. Cost is $25/person. All are welcome!
PRO-LIFE
PARASOL Care Team Volunteer Intro & Training
Sponsored by the Pembroke and Region Association for the Sanctity of Life (PARASOL). Consider joining the PARASOL Care Team to journey and visit those who are suffering, socially isolated, sick or dying, to renew their hope and purpose in life. The training event will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9:30am to 3pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 357 Miller Street, Pembroke. Lunch will be provided (donations gladly accepted). For more information, please email info@parasolcare.com, call 613 585-9501 or visit the website at www.parasolcare.com.
First Step Options 2026 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 10th) to Father’s Day (June 21st). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440. E-transfers and cheques accepted! Or become a monthly donor by filling out the form at https://www.firststepoptions.com/donate.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
So Sings My Soul
Music as Prayer Young Adult Retreat from July 3-5, 2026. Join us at the Galilee Centre in Arnprior for a summer gathering celebrating music and faith with facilitator Catherine Cardeal. Open to young adults 18-25 (student ages 16-17 may apply with parental consent). Cost: $100 per person (single and double rooms available). Retreat includes transportation in the Ottawa and Ottawa Valley area, 2 nights accommodation and all meals. Visit www.galileecentre.com or call 613 623-4242 ext. 21 for more information. Program made possible by the generous contributions of the Ex Corde-Foundation.
Encounter School of Ministry Ottawa Campus Summer Intensive 2026 – July 23rd-25th
Encounter School of Ministry provides a survey of the content offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry. This introductory experience (hosted this year at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Woodroffe Ave.) is good on its own but ideal for those who are discerning enrollment in the full Encounter School of Ministry (hosted at St. Mary’s Parish) and would like to experience our content and culture beforehand. Cost: $60. For more information or to register please visit Encounter Ottawa 2026 – Summer Intensive.
“’Be Not Afraid’: The Church’s Call to Mission in a Post-Christian World”
Strengthen your faith and enjoy the Ottawa Valley! Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, located in Barry’s Bay, Ontario invites you to their annual Wojtyla Summer Institute from August 6-9, 2026.
Keynote Speaker is Archbishop Marcel Damphousse (Ottawa-Cornwall Archdiocese).
For more information and to register: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/news/summer-institutes/wojtyla2026/.
JUBILEE 2026 PILGRIMAGE (152nd Annual Pilgrimage) to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Notre-Dame-du-Cap – August 8–9, 2026
For the dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Kingston, Pembroke, Gatineau, and Mont-Laurier. The weekend will be spiritually led by Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu, Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. For information or to register, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or by email at mikebudge2021@gmail.com. Space is limited. Please register as soon as possible.
69th Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Knock in Mayo, Quebec
This year’s Pilgrimage to honour Our Lady of Knock will be held on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026. The Eucharist will be celebrated at 11am in English by Archbishop Paul-André Durocher assisted by Father John Braganza of St. Malachy’s Parish. For more information, please contact Mrs. Ellen Butler at 819 986-3860, Ms. Joann Kearnan at 819 986-7827 or email mayopilgrimage@gmail.com.
JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Spiritual Care Volunteers needed at the Pembroke Regional Hospital
The Pembroke Regional Hospital is looking for Spiritual Care Volunteers; people who are willing to sit with others, listen, and offer a calm, caring presence. This isn’t about having the right words or specific training; it’s about being there for patients and families during some of life’s harder moments, or when they may be feelings disconnected from what matters most to them.
Each of us brings our own gifts—whether it’s presence, conversation, compassion, or companionship through simple activities like playing cards, reading, or helping patients stay connected with loved ones. At times, and when welcomed, volunteers may also offer prayer or spiritual support, depending on the needs of patients and families.
If you’re someone who is open, caring, and comfortable with people from all walks of life, this could be a meaningful way to extend your compassion to those who need it. To learn more about what’s involved, please reach out to Dan Cuddy, Coordinator of Spiritual Care & Ethics, at 613-732-2811 ext. 6264 or by email at dcuddy@prh.ca.