I know who you are, the Holy One of God.
(Luke 4.31-37)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chancery Office Hours
Starting Tuesday, September 8th, the Diocesan Offices will resume normal hours from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
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.
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!
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for September 2026
For the care of water – Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.
FROM THE CCCB
Statement issued by the Military Ordinary of Canada on Spiritual Reflections in Military Settings
Ottawa – The Most Rev. Scott McCaig, C.C., Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, has released a statement on the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) Military Personnel Instructions on Spiritual Reflections in Military Settings, which was issued on 29 July 2026. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Wisdom to Wellness – Water Teachings and Water Walk
Elder Margaret explains the importance of water, how we honour it, and our sacred responsibility. Our Algonquin water walk in just over a week, on Wednesday, September 2nd at 6pm. Contact the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation to register and for the virtual link at 613 631-0302 or visit the website: http://www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.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.
Bear is associated with the West direction, the place of healing. The bear hibernates – it goes away from the rest of the world. In order for us to heal, we must go inside ourselves to contemplate our inner resources, so that we can emerge refreshed and ready to face the world once more. Bear Grease is used as a base for many of the traditional ointments prepared by our Medicine Persons, and Bear Medicine is the strongest known to the Anishnabe, The Bear also offers us protection.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 17th and Saturday, October 31st, 2026 (Location to be determined). Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $150/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. Deadline to register is October 15th. For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208. Space is limited. Don’t delay!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) – Registration is open for Pembroke Level 1 and Level 2 CGS at Our Lady of Lourdes Church
This Montessori-based (experiential learning) and child-centered catechetical program offers children a deep engagement with Scripture and the Liturgy, to facilitate the child’s encounter with God, especially Our Lord, the Good Shepherd. The program runs from mid-October to the end of May. Level 1 (ages 3-5) runs Saturday from 10:15am-12:00pm. Level 2 (ages 6-8) on Friday from 4:15-5:45pm. Children new to CGS are welcome into Level 2. Please register at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish office. The cost is $175, plus $150 for each additional child. To learn more about this beautiful program for our young children, visit cgsac.ca (The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada), or contact Maria Reilander st.hedwigs.cgs@gmail.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Supper
Join the parishioners in Bancroft for a buffet on Sunday, September 13th from 11:30am – 6:00pm. Tickets: $25/meal – $20/meal for advance tickets, available at Stedman’s V&S, Bancroft or by contacting Kathy at the parish office at 613 332-2954! Silent auction, raffle tickets ($5 each or 3 for $10), and curiosity shoppe. Everyone welcome!
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 or call Byron at 705 297-8981.
The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation
St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay will offer the second part of The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation beginning Wednesday, September 30th at 7:00-8:45pm until November 11th, 2026 (7 weeks). There will be a group discussion on assigned Scripture readings for the class, followed by an engaging high production video on the material. For those who have not taken the first session earlier this year, there will be a short review of that part offered on Wednesday, September 23rd. For more information, contact Julie Culshaw at 613 756-1136 or email julieculshaw5@gmail.com.
PRO-LIFE
Renfrew County Right to Life
Renfrew County Right to Life meets three times a year to plan events and discuss current pro-life issues. Next meeting: Thursday, September 3rd at 7pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (back door) in Pembroke. RCRTL will be planning two fall events and stuffing envelopes with their newsletter. Anyone who shares RCRTL views and goals is welcome to participate in these meetings. Come and lend a hand!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Mary’s Way of the Cross – First Friday
Will begin at 6:40pm on Friday, September 4th with the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, followed immediately by Mary’s Way of the Cross. Please join us as we begin September together in prayer, faith, and devotion to Our Blessed Mother and remembering the birth of Our Mother on September 8th.
ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89970437522?pwd=uLahdd7r3Nqkg3rokGeWzCwekanNig.1
Meeting ID: 899 7043 7522
Passcode: 269503
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.
16th Annual Autumn Pilgrimage to St-Joseph’s Oratory
This year’s pilgrimage will include a special visit after leaving the Oratory to the Shrine of St-Kateri Tekakwitha in Kahnawake, where pilgrims will have the blessed opportunity to pray at the site of her tomb on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Departures available from various locations throughout the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, and Kingston.
For information or reservations, please email Mike Budge at mikebudge2021@gmail.com or call 613 224-8110. Space is limited. Please reserve as soon as possible!
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (Nepal’s Emergency Flood Relief Efforts)
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada is calling on Canadians to give generously to support Caritas Nepal’s emergency flood relief efforts. The needs in Nepal are urgent, and D&P animators have been hearing from people wishing to donate. People can also call 1 888-234-8533 toll-free to donate. Visit: Nepal floods necessitate a deluge of solidarity.
OTHER
Wesley United Church Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Wesley United Church Committee of Stewards is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, September 4th from 3-7pm in the Fellowship Hall, 275 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke. Dinner includes spaghetti with a delicious meat sauce, coleslaw, garlic bread and dessert. Plates are $20 each. Everyone welcome!
Celtic Concert
Celebrate a century with the Grey Sisters and Deirdre Ni Chinnéide, renowned composer, vocalist, and facilitator from the Aran Islands, with guest performances by The Pembroke Community Choir, conducted by Gerald LaRonde, at the Carefor Mackay Centre, Carrera Hall on Thursday, October 15th at 7pm. Cost: $20 per person. Proceeds to support Carefor Renfrew County. To purchase tickets or for more information visit the website at https://carefor.ca/event/celtic-concert-feturing-deirdre-ni-chinneide/.
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.
Pilgrimage to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Pilgrimage to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg with Fr. Francis Ching, CC. April 22 – May 4, 2027. 13 days/11 nights. 3 Marian apparition sites, 1 Eucharistic Miracle site, St. Damien of Molokai, famous relics, Flanders Fields. Price includes all fares, fees, tips, stipends, taxes, & meals except 10 lunches. $7335 per person (double occ) Toronto Departure. Information Meeting Sunday, November 15th 2:00pm at St. Mary’s Parish, Ottawa. For information contact Tour Coordinator Laurie Courchesne-Dooley at 613 732-5739, mobile 613 602-3535 or e-mail lafrcodo@outlook.com.
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.
