Young woman, I say to you, get up.
(Mark 5.21-43)
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Abolishing Borders
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Last Sunday’s gospel tells of Jesus entering the synagogue in Nazareth, the place where he spent much of his youth, and reading from the book of Isaiah. This particular passage foretold the day when God would be reconciled with people through his messenger, who had come to free them from their oppression and heal them of all diseases and infirmities. These ‘miracles’ or wonders that he would perform in God’s name would in fact become a true proof or sign of the authority he had received from God to bring people back into his heavenly Kingdom. Imagine the surprise of relatives and friends who had known Jesus, Mary, and Joseph for years, when they heard him say, “Today this passage of Scripture you have just heard is fulfilled.” (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Message from the Synodal path committee
We would like to thank everyone who has filled out the questionnaire for the Synod so far. For those who plan to respond in the days to come, we have provided some explanations for the first three questions.
- How can we, the faithful and our Christian communities, be more open to evangelization? (Mission)
It is common for Catholics to be uncomfortable with the word evangelization and its practice. We don’t see ourselves evangelizing others. Although evangelizing is simply sharing God’s love with our whole life, many Catholics see it as proselytism (recruiting members for an organization). Specifically, the question asks how we can become less averse to evangelization and more open to it. How can we desire more to call those who do not know God to believe that He is a God of love, compassion, and mercy?
- How can we, the faithful and our Christian communities, better respond to the universal call to holiness through a greater love for God and for one another? (Communion)
Simply put this question asks how we can be better Christians by having, and showing, more love for God and one another. Among other things, how can we be attentive to the needs of the people around us and respond to them?
- How can the priests, deacons, religious and all the faithful be mobilized to evangelize? (Participation)
Another way to phrase this question would be: What do you think could motivate all Catholics in the diocese to become more involved in spreading God’s love to those who do not know him?
Please join in large numbers to answer questions from the Synod.
Pierre Alain Giffard, Coordinator of the Synodal path
Promotional Video of the Synod 2021-2023
Pope Francis has launched the Synod on Synodality, an ambitious global process of listening to the faithful. He is asking every Catholic to help discern what the Holy Spirit is telling us for the mission of the Church as enters its third millennium. The first phase of the Synod will last through the first half of 2022 and will see the world’s faithful sharing their thoughts at a diocesan level. All those diocesan-level responses will be collected and summarized. Then the bishops of Canada will meet to discuss what they heard in their respective dioceses, followed by larger multinational meetings and, ultimately, culminating in a synod of bishops in the Vatican in 2023.
This video raises awareness of the Synod in the diocese of Pembroke: https://youtu.be/juYLcIT1uds.
Your participation is crucial, we kindly ask you to complete the questionnaire below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBBPbJLn9hvaT0lKisR4JcjVNMiukQj0na6Hy2TtsP4c1ypg/viewform.
Thank you and God bless.
The Synod’s Questions
The Synod’s questions can now be answered on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/article/you-can-now-answer-the-synods-questions-online/.
Development and Peace – Share Lent Campaign
We are soon beginning our Share Lent campaign. Development and Peace partners with local organizations in the global south working to develop their communities. Share Lent promotes the work of our partners and educates Canadians on the root causes of global poverty. During this season of penance and reflection, we look squarely at our place in the world, and ask how we can echo Christ’s actions through extending our love of our neighbours to all of creation. We challenge ourselves to lean into the prophetic vocation of the church, and offer good news to the poor in the context of a globalized and deeply unequal world. A formation on how to mobilize the Share Lent Campaign in your parish will be held on February 12th and is open to all. If you are interested in the formation, or in learning more about D&P Parish Representatives, please contact Kiegan Irish, the regional animator at kirish@devp.org, or Jean Tyler, Chair of the Pembroke Diocesan Council at jmstyler56@gmail.com.
Ecclesia
Then next issue of Ecclesia is due to come out in early May. The deadline for the submission of articles is March 25th. Please send all submissions to heather@pappin.com.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Steps Towards Becoming A Missional Parish
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Missional here, missional there — the word seems to be everywhere these days. But where should it actually be used? Well, in at least two places: missional disciples and missional parishes. The Church is missional by nature, which is why parishes should work to assume their identity and become more evangelizing. (Read more…)
Join us weekly Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m.
The diocesan evangelization team is hosting an online prayer group weekly to intercede for the evangelization project and for all those that you would like to see follow Jesus. We hope you will be with us Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. We pray the rosary, sometimes a novena, or meditate on a Gospel passage. Please mark your calendar and join us by clicking the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646.
FROM THE CCCB
Canada’s Bishops Announce Indigenous Reconciliation Fund to Support Projects Across Canada – Friday, January 28 2022
Canada’s Catholic Bishops have agreed to establish a new registered charity to support and advance healing and reconciliation initiatives. The charity is expected to manage the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, which will accept contributions from 73 dioceses across Canada in order to fulfill the $30 million financial commitment made by Canada’s Bishops in September. (Read more…)
Canadian Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Announce Rescheduled Dates for Rome Delegation – Tuesday, February 1, 2022
The Canadian Catholic Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami are pleased to announce that the delegation to Rome to meet with Pope Francis, originally planned for December 2021, is now scheduled to take place at the end of March and early April of this year. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry
Time to gather again! Next gathering is Wednesday February 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral hall. Join us for the second half of the study of REVELATION with bible scholar Jeff Cavins (on DVD). To join our group, send your e-mail to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Free “Amen App” for your Mobile Phone!
Augustine Institute presents a free Catholic App called “Amen App”. From daily Mass readings to the dramatized Bible, from traditional Catholic prayers to sleep stories and meditations, from the Rosary to “Bible in a Year”, there is something for everyone! Sign up here.
Loyola Press – Catholic Faith Formation
This is a very useful site chalk full of tools for parishes wishing to form Catechists and parents wishing to form their children in the Catholic faith. You are invited to check out all the areas of this website as it is very helpful with free downloads and quick videos for parents and catechists including retreats. Helpful tools for Catechists/parents here and training for Catechists here.
Four Redemptorist online seminars on Youth, Young adult and Family Ministry
Fr. Santo Arrigo C.Ss.R., a Redemptorist priest in Toronto, Canada has been working with Ignite Ministry – a ministry of the Redemptorists with young people. This past year, they have been hosting a series called, “NETWORK”, inviting parishes to journey in developing and enhancing programming with young people in youth, young adult and family ministry. They initially invited parishes served by the Redemptorists across Canada and will now host four online seminars, to anyone interested, on topics that pertain to ministry with young people in parishes and other pastoral settings under the following topics:
- Justice and Service: Walking in the Way of the Redeemer
- Prayer and Worship: Gathered and Nurtured in Christ
- Pastoral Care: Bringing Together Hands and Heart
You are invited to participate in one or more of the sessions based on your interest or involvement in ministry with young people. The sessions are on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET and are “stand alone sessions”. As these are “stand alone” sessions. There is no fee for participating in these seminars, as well as no cap on enrollment. The Presenters are Fr. Santo Arrigo C.Ss.R., and Dr. Anne Walsh D.Min.
As many programs have been paused due to COVID-19, this might be a good time to provide enrichment for leaders and volunteers for the sake of future programming in youth, young adult and family and children ministry.
The second session, “Justice and Service” is Saturday, February 5th. To register for this and other sessions, click: https://bit.ly/NETWORK-Winter-Seminars. For more information about Ignite Ministry and Network, please visit our website at www.ignite-canada.ca. May this opportunity will be of benefit for you, your volunteers and your ministry!
Separated and Divorced Catholics
By My Side Ministry for separated and divorced Catholics will be held virtually via zoom this spring. This is a program offering spiritual friendship and healing for separated and divorced Catholics. The program is designed to help individuals navigate through the stress of separation and divorce from a Catholic faith exploration perspective. Classes begin March 26, 2022, 2 hours/ week for both ladies and men separately and runs for 6 weeks. The cost is $40. All class details, dates, times and registration form can be found at www.bymyside.ca or by emailing Mary Jane Manley mj@bymyside.ca or by calling 613 294-1308. This ministry has been running every spring for the past 7 years and have had over 120 amazing women and men participate. Participants often mention how they gain a greater perspective on how the treasures and wisdom of our Catholic faith can give them a sense of renewed hope for their future.
PARISH EVENTS
Latin Mass
A Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 is offered at St. Columbkille Cathedral at 9 a.m. on February 5th. This is basically the same form of the Liturgy which nourished the faith of many Catholics for centuries. English translations of the entire Mass are provided.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Encounter Ministries – Transformation Night
Topic: “Mary: Model of the Spirit-Filled Life” with Worship, Teaching and Prayer Ministry. Speaker: Patrick Reis, Executive Director of Encounter Ministries. Join live on February 4th. Available over Zoom. Please register at https://encounterministries.us/calendar/tn-patrick-reis-feb-4/ for free virtual attendance.
2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally
This is an annual event for Youth and Adults that focuses on evangelizing through uplifting music, testimonials, reflections, Divine Mercy celebration and Eucharistic Adoration. Whether you are coming for the first time or the twenty-ninth time, the Lift Jesus Higher Rally will open the door for God’s graces and blessings to flow into your life. It will be a day of compelling talks, spirit-filled praise and worship, and much more. 2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be streamed live on YouTube from Michigan, March 5th. No Registration Required. https://www.ljhr.ca/.
The Bible in a Year
“The Bible in a Year” with Father Mike Schmitz is one of the top podcasts in the world! It is recommended for anyone looking to enter more deeply into God’s Word. Based on “The Great Adventure Bible Timeline,” the material is organized around the fourteen narrative books of the Bible, and then relates the other Biblical books to them. It is thematic, not simply chronological. Each podcast (about 20 minutes) includes the Biblical readings and then the explanation and context given by Fr. Mike. As they say on the Ascension Press website, “you won’t just read the Bible in a year, you will understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together, to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!”
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Employment Opportunity for Church Custodian
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke, Ontario is accepting applications for a custodian. The successful candidate must be an independent, reliable, and flexible worker with a strong work ethic. The person must have a positive attitude, be able to work effectively with people, and demonstrate a professional and respectful demeanour. Three verifiable references are to be submitted with application. Job Description:
- maintenance of church, hall, rectory and grounds
- keeping the facilities clean, welcoming and hospitable
- minor plumbing, electrical and carpentry repairs
- events set-up and take down
- lifting up to 70 lbs.
- some flexibility in hours of work (i.e. snow removal)
Starting hourly rate will be $22 / hour at 35 hours a week. Hiring will be dependent on submission of a current criminal record check and physical fitness examination. Applications (covering letter, resume, and references) will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on February 4, 2022 by email at ollparish@nrtco.net or by mail at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 280 Lourdesview Drive, Pembroke, Ontario K8A 2G4. Potential candidates will be notified of interviews.
Employment Opportunities– Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall
The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall currently has employment opportunities for the following:
- Diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry
- Human Resources Officer
- Financial Controller for Catholic Cemeteries.
Please visit https://en.archoc.ca/employment-opportunities for more information.
Employment Opportunities – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
The CCCB currently has the following positions available:
- Information Systems Technician, Department for Digital, Print, Media and Information Technologies
- Advisor for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, General Secretariat
- Research and Resource Development Assistant, Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
For full descriptions please visit https://www.cccb.ca/about/careers/.