Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
(Luke 6.20-26)
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.
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.
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
Message from the President, the Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault, on the Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada – Tuesday, September 01 2026
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
The Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will take place on 26 and 27 September 2026. Each year, this collection gives Catholics in every parish an opportunity to support the shared mission of the Church in our country. When you give, your offering begins in your parish but does not end there. It strengthens the mission of your diocese or eparchy and helps sustain the common work of the Bishops of Canada through the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). In this way, Catholics in communities across the country support one another in a truly shared mission. (Read more…)
Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada – Tuesday, September 1, 2026
The annual Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will be held on 26 and 27 September 2026. Each year, this Collection gives Catholics an opportunity to support the mission of their own diocese or eparchy while joining with the faithful across the country in supporting the shared work of the Bishops of Canada through the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
All Nations Water Walk
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation in partnership with Whitney and Area Algonquins presents All Nations Water Walk on Saturday, September 12th at 9am at Lake of Two Rivers Beach (KM marker 31.8), Algonquin Provincial Park. For more information call 613 631-0302 or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com. Please note that the walk is approximately 14km.
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.
Buffalo is associated with the North direction, the place of wisdom. Buffalo gave its entire being to sustain the Anishnabe of the Plains: that is its medicine for us – it teaches us to give.
In order to receive the things that we desire, we must give – we must create the space for the new things to come into. This is especially important if we have been subject to a run of ‘bad luck’ – a giveaway will correct the energy flow and restore our ‘good luck’. In the old days, people gave everything that they had, mostly because they did not have much, and for a time, this ceremony was outlawed. What you give away should be things that are meaningful to you, things that are in good shape, but you no longer need, even things that you wish someone would give to you. You shouldn’t have to go into hock in order to do this, but your investment in your giveaway should be significant to you.
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.
Our Lady’s Helping Hands Turkey Supper Fundraiser
Our Lady’s Helping Hands Turkey Supper Fundraiser will be Saturday, September 26th from 4:00pm-6:30pm at The Westmeath Community Centre. Adults $25.00; Children 5 -12 $10.00; 4 & under Free. Takeout available.
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
Baby Bump Party
First Step Options will be hosting its Baby Bump Party throughout the month of September to help restock the shelves with much-needed baby essentials for families. Please contact FSO at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com for a list of items or to arrange drop off.
FSO presents CONNECTED
Join First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre for this 7-week program starting on Monday, September 28th to November 16th from 10:30am to 12 noon. This program is designed to help you let go of or change relationships that are unhealthy and begin to develop healthy relationships with yourself and the people in your life. Call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com to register.
Rhythms of Hope Fundraising Concert
Featuring Janet Ferreira, Pianist, Curtis & Ester Prins, Romeo Gaudette, The Challengers Trio and New Day at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, October 3rd from 2-3:30pm. Proceeds to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre. For more information, please call FSO at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@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.
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
Third Annual Kendyl Smith -Trimm Caring for Kids CHEO Fundraiser
Third Annual Kendyl Smith -Trimm Caring for Kids CHEO Fundraiser on Saturday, September 12th 8:00pm–1:00am Upper Pontiac Sports Complex, Chapeau, Quebec. Evening includes guest speaker from CHEO Foundation, the magic of Steven Anthony, live music by Willy Rivet and the Hillbilly Deluxe Band & Midlife Krisis, late lunch, 50/50 draw, raffles and door prize. Tickets $25 a person, call or text Sandra 613 633-7634 or Cheryl 613 602-2140.
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.
Marian Pilgrimage
Fatima Lourdes El Camino Barcelona March 31-April 14, 2027, with Msgr Joseph Muldoon, Holy Cross Parish, Ottawa. Contact Dennis Kam Dennis@jbctravel.ca. 613-569-3888 ext. 3. Group Meeting Sunday, October 25, 2pm Holy Cross Parish Hall.
