On the day of judgment, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you.
(Matthew 11.20-24)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Volunteers Needed – 86th Annual Cormac Pilgrimage
Our Annual Cormac Pilgrimage is fast approaching, and we are looking for volunteers to help make this year’s pilgrimage a welcoming and meaningful experience for everyone attending.
We are seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of roles, including:
- Parking and traffic guidance
- Setting up and taking down equipment on July 18th and July 27th
- General assistance throughout the day.
Whether you can spare an hour or are available for the entire event, your help would be greatly appreciated. Volunteering is a wonderful way to support our faith community, meet fellow pilgrims, and help ensure the day runs smoothly. If you are willing to volunteer, please let us know your availability and any areas where you would particularly like to help. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve. Your generosity of time and talent helps make the 86th Annual Cormac Pilgrimage a special and memorable event for all. Call 613 628-2020 or email secretarystjames@gmail.com.
Summer Office Hours
Chancery summer hours from Thursday, 2 July until Tuesday, 8 September:
Monday – Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 12 noon
Closed for lunch between 12 noon-1:00pm.
Pastoral Appointment
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. announces the following appointment:
Reverend Paweł Ratajczak, O.M.I. (Assumption Province) is appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish, Wilno, effective 1 September 2026.
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.
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!
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!
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil – Sunday, July 11 2026
(Ottawa) – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Claude Hamelin, Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, and appointed the Most Reverend Martin Laliberté, P.M.É. as Bishop of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil. At the time of his appointment, Bishop Laliberté was Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil. (Read more…)
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Archeparchy of Winnipeg – Thursday, July 09 2026
(Ottawa) – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M., Metropolitan Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg, and appointed the Most Reverend Michael Kwiatkowski as his successor. At the time of his appointment, he was the Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Medicines
The information that follows regarding ‘Medicines’ is based on the accumulation of many years of oral teachings by members of our Circle, and it is supported by that found in Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook, by Sun Bear, Wabin Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan. The Section on Stone Medicines has been adapted from the work of Nancy Anderson, They Came from the Earth. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
Plant Medicines: The medicines most commonly used in Anishnabe ceremonies are tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, cedar & strawberries. Plant medicine can be harvested from the wild, but it should be done in a respectful manner, ensuring that it will continue for the future generations by taking only every fourth one.
Tobacco always comes first. It is used as an offering before you harvest anything from Mother Earth. You must place your offering in a respectful way on the earth near the plant or animal or stone you wish to take and ask its permission for you to take it. This ensures that more will come to take its place in nature.
Tobacco is believed to open the door between our world and the Spiritual World, so it is used to carry your prayers to the Creator. Hold it in your hand as you pray, then leave it in a special place on Mother Earth when you are done or offer it to a sacred fire.
Tobacco can be left in a pouch and carried with you; some say that it’s the Anishnabe 9-1-1 number, always make sure you have some. It offers us clarity when it is used in the proper way. It was not meant to be used in the recreational way that smokers use it today. Whenever possible, use traditional, naturally cured tobacco rather than the chemically treated varieties you buy in stores. Some people choose to grow their own.
The proper way to ask a favour of someone is to offer them tobacco. Generally speaking, the bigger the favour, the more tobacco you offer. Tradition holds that if they are able to do the thing that you ask, then the tobacco will compel them to do it for you. But if they cannot, then they will return it to you, perhaps with a referral to someone else who might be able to provide the help that you need. Of course, requesting assistance in this way must not be done frivolously.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Youth Pilgrimage to Cormac
Ages 13–19 · Beginning Saturday evening, July 18, 2026 · St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac.
For one week this summer, young people from across the diocese will set out on pilgrimage to St. Ann’s Shrine in Cormac — walking, camping, and praying together under the open sky. The days are filled with the things that form a young heart: time in prayer, honest conversation about faith and vocation, and the kind of friendships forged on the road that last long after the walk is over.
It’s a week many of our youth come home from changed — and already asking about next year.
Registration is now open — but space is limited, so families are encouraged to register early. Parishes are warmly encouraged to sponsor youth from their community, so that no young person is kept home by cost.
Starting Location: St. Mary’s Church, Wilno. Final Location: Shrine of St. Ann, Cormac.
Cost: $150 per person.
Click Here To register or email Benjamin our coordinator at youthonthehill23@gmail.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Feast of St. Anne
Saint Anne’s Parish in Mattawa will be celebrating the feast of Saint Anne at 10:30am Sunday mass on Sunday, July 26th. A social where everyone can gather and enjoy some tasty treats, have a hot beverage (tea or coffee) and socialize with fellow parishioners will be held afterwards. Everyone welcome!
PRO-LIFE
Save the Date!
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre’s 4th annual “Breath of Hope” Concert will be held once again at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, October 3rd, starting at 2pm. FSO looks forward to seeing you there!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Thursday, July 16th at Mt. Carmel Hill (Ferrant Family Farm), 293 Hubers Road, R.R.#3 Killaloe. Celebration of Rosary at 5:00pm. Mass at 6:00pm. Followed by potluck lunch and fellowship. Please bring chairs, games and food to share. For more information, call Ted or Maria at 613 757-0438. Bring friends and family, everyone welcome!
The Encounter School of Ministry Summer Intensive – Try it out!
This annual event provides a survey of the content offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry. The summer intensive is perfect for anyone desiring to attend the Encounter School during the year but unable to do so because of distance or schedule. It is also ideal for those discerning their enrollment in the school of ministry but needing greater discernment.
The survey includes: Identity & Transformation • Hearing God’s Voice & the Prophetic Gifts of the Holy Spirit • Power & Healing • Inner Healing & Freedom -Worship – Teach – Equip – Activate. Available in-person at 3 satellite locations:
- Ottawa Campus: July 23rd evening, July 24th evening and July 25th day hosted this year at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa. Cost: $60 – https://servantsofthecross.ca/encounter-school-of-ministry/.
Registration: https://encounterottawacampus.regfox.com/encounter-ottawa-2026-summer-intensive
- Kingston Campus: July 17th evening, July 18th day, hosted at St Paul the Apostle Parish Hall, Kingston. Cost: $40 – https://encounterschool.org/kingston/#summer Registration: https://ourladyofdivinefire.regfox.com/2026-summer-taste-and-see
- Toronto Campus: 4 evenings July 27-30th, hosted at St Timothy’s Parish Hall, North York. Cost: $75. – https://encounterschool.org/toronto/
Registration: https://encounterschooltoronto.regfox.com/copy-encounter-toronto-summer-intensive-2026
“’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.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Collection for Venezuela
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada has begun a collection for quake-affected people in Venezuela.
D&P – Caritas Canada’s partner Caritas Venezuela has already begun providing food, water, clothing, medicines, hygiene kits, emergency supplies, psychosocial support and pastoral care, according to priority to the most vulnerable people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities and chronic ailments. Thankful as they are for our initial contribution of $50,000, they have stressed that they will need a lot more support.
Development & Peace – Caritas Canada is now participating a government donation matching scheme. This means that every dollar donated for Venezuela to Development and Peace ― Caritas until July 14 will be doubled, up to a maximum of $4 million!
Please join us in praying for the suffering people of Venezuela. Thank you for your support.
OTHER
17th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
On Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 3:30pm at St. Michael Catholic High School, 2755 Hwy. 43, Kemptville. Guest speaker Melanie Rabishaw reflects on the 200th anniversary theme of the Archdiocese of Kingston: “To know Christ and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). Join us for Holy Mass, inspiring reflections, worship, personal prayer and fellowship. Morning snack and lunch provided. Registration ($50) is limited to 100 participants: romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/womens-fall-retreat.
Fall 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: August 14th)! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Fall 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: August 28th at noon.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
From September 23rd to October 3rd, 2026, accompanied by a priest! Price: $3,995.00 (includes taxes, air fare, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Deadline to register: September 16th. To register or for more information, contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email irishjack@bell.net. Please visit YouTube at https://youtu.be/qbgSqkZdqxY to see the interview with Father Shalla in Medjugorje on last May’s pilgrimage.
JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Employment Opportunities at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College has a number of paid positions open, including positions in our Admissions, Facilities, and Development offices. To learn more about these positions, see https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/ .
