It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.
(Matthew 19.23-30)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Pastoral Planning – Letter from the Bishop, August 6, 2026
Diocesan Pastoral Planning – Letter from the Bishop – August 6, 2026 – Diocese of Pembroke
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. announces the following pastoral appointments:
- Reverend Scott Murrayis appointed as Administrator of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Campbell’s Bay; St. James the Greater Parish, Portage-du-Fort; St. Anne Parish, Île-du-Grand-Calumet; Immaculate Conception Parish, Bryson; Holy Name of Mary Parish, Quyon; St. Edward Parish, Bristol; and St-François-d’Assise Parish, Lac-des-Loups. This pastoral appointment is effective 1 September 2026.
- Reverend Réal Ouellette, while remaining pastor of St-Jean-Baptiste Parish, Pembroke, and Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke, is additionally named as Administrator of St. Alphonsus Parish, Chapeau; St. Paul the Hermit Parish, Sheenboro, and St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph’s. This pastoral appointment is effective 1 September 2026.
- Reverend Michael Smithwill remain pastor of Fort-Coulonge, Waltham, Vinton and Otter Lake.
As of September 5, 2026, Sunday Mass will be celebrated only in the following churches in Pontiac Deanery:
- Alphonsus Church, Chapeau
- Église Saint-Pierre, Fort Coulonge
- John the Evangelist Church, Campbell’s Bay
- Holy Name of Mary Church, Quyon
August 6, 2026
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Diocesan Weekly Online Prayer Meetings
In light of the situation taking place in the Pontiac Deanery, the Diocesan Online Weekly Prayer Meetings, led by Viviane Shank (of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Corbeil, Ontario), would like to lend our support in prayer and invite fellow parishioners of the Pembroke diocese to join us on-line in the coming weeks as we pray together, “A Rosary for Priests“. “A Rosary for Priests” is a devotional rosary structured to pray for the sanctification, strength and protection of Catholic priests. Parishioners who are interested are welcome to join us online any Monday night from August 17th through to September 28th, 7:30pm – 8:15pm via Zoom (participants can log into the waiting room as early as 7:15pm). Through the Zoom app, first time participants may enter the Meeting ID directly: Meeting ID#: 814 1171 6854. Regular participants will receive a weekly email with the Zoom link. If you require technical support on how to use Zoom on your phone, tablet or computer or have trouble logging in, please call our tech lead, Robert Poisson at 416 560-7024 or email: pembrokedioceseprayergroup@gmail.com.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Madeline Cooke (Sister of St. Vincent de Paul), gsic, who passed away at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on Friday, August 14th. Sister Madeline (Maddy) celebrated her 100th birthday on October 14, 2025.
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.
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 Edmundston – Saturday, August 15 2026
(Ottawa)– His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Claude Champagne, O.M.I., Bishop of Edmundston, and appointed the Most Reverend Michel Proulx, O. Praem., Bishop of Bathurst, as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Diocese of Edmundston. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Monthly Friday Morning Virtual Talking Circle
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation presents the Monthly Friday Morning Virtual Talking Circle; a brave space to share what is on our minds and in our hearts: Next date: August 21st. For Zoom meeting ID and Passcode please contact Cathy Phannenhour, facilitator at cathyphannenhour@gmail.com.
Medicines
The information that follows is based on the following books: Animal Speak by Ted Andrews; Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson; and 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:
Animal Medicines: Every animal has its medicine, and there are many books on the market that can tell us these meanings. Usually, their medicine comes from how they act and what they do. However, their personal significance for us depends on how they have shown up in our lives. For example, if you were considering a career change while driving home from work, and suddenly you came upon a turtle in the middle of the road, then you might want to side with the job that offers you more stability, which is turtle’s medicine. On the other hand, it may be a sign that your present job has become too rigid for your spirit.
Some animals will be mentioned more often than others. Favourites are: Eagle, Coyote, Bear, Buffalo, Wolf, Turtle, and Thunderbird.
Eagle is associated with the East direction. It can fly the highest of all the birds, and thus, is a messenger from the Creator. Feathers from the Eagle are held in the highest esteem by the Anishnabe, and to receive one is to receive a great honour. They adorn our Flags, staffs, and sacred pipes, and it is said that only the truth can be spoken in their presence. Those of our dancers who wear Eagle feathers must treat them with great care – if they should lose one while dancing, it is a sign from the Creator that someone else needs it more that them and they must give it away.
PARISH EVENTS
Got questions about life, faith, or God? Join us for Alpha!
Each session includes a snack board, a short video exploring the basics of the Christian faith, and an honest, open discussion where you can share your thoughts. Sessions will be on Thursdays, starting September 17th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at St. Andrew’s Church, Killaloe. Invite a friend or family member that isn’t connected to the Church or come on your own! For more information or to register, email alphastandrews2026@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Divine Mercy Pilgrimage – St. Faustina Feast Day
Join Fr. Marcus Schonnop and Fr. John Ogbaje in Wilno, Ontario on Saturday, October 3rd. Cost: $100 (includes transportation and lunch). To register or for more information please contact Stan and Maria at mhbielec@gmail.com or 613 914-0427.
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.
OTHER
Pembroke Community Choir Fall Registration
Do you like to sing? Online registration for the Pembroke Community Choir is now open. Regular practices are from 7-9pm every Monday, at Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke.
There are no auditions, and Tenors and Basses are especially welcome. The ability to read music is recommended, at-home practice is essential, and a commitment to the December 5th & 6th performances is expected.
Visit www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org for more info about the choir, the registration process, and fees. Rehearsals begin on September 14th.
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. 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.
