You are Peter; I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 16.13-19)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Pastoral Appointment – February 19, 2022
The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., announces the following pastoral appointment:
- Reverend Jerry Gauvreau, a priest of the Companions of the Cross, has been assigned to give pastoral assistance on a part-time basis at St Hedwig Parish in Barry’s Bay. Father Gauvreau will reside at Assumption Farm in Combermere, which is a house of formation for the Companions of the Cross. This assignment will commence on March 1, 2022.
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/.
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.
COVID-19
Ontario to End COVID Proof of Vaccination March 1st
Please see the following link regarding the recent news on Ontario COVID restrictions: Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place | Globalnews.ca.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
10 Ways to Evangelize
Check out this article suggested by Fr. Joseph O’Malley on 10 ways to evangelize – It’s easier than you think: 10 Ways to Evangelize: It’s Easier than You Think – FOCUS (focusequip.org).
Six Unique Features of Missional Parishes
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
“Success is nothing more than a few disciplines practiced every day”, said Jim Rohn, an entrepreneur and personal development coach. In the context of our parishes, a question arises: What pastoral disciplines should we practice to make disciples? (Read more…)
FROM THE CCCB
Death of The Most Reverend John Aloysius O’Mara, Bishop Emeritus of St. Catharines – Friday, February 18, 2022
The Most Reverend John Aloysius O’Mara, Bishop Emeritus of St. Catharines, died on Tuesday, 16 February 2022, in his 98th year. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, March 26th and Saturday, April 9th via Zoom. Deadline to register is March 11th. Registration is available online at Marriage & Family – Diocese of Pembroke (pembrokediocese.com), or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Ellen Hrkach at 613 297-1496 or ellengablehrkach.com.
Catholic 101
Are you a Catholic woman looking to deepen your Lenten experience this year? Magis Women is offering a spiritually transformative “Lent at Home” mini-retreat, and it’s all online! “Lost and Found in the Desert: A Spiritual Survival Course” is a seven-lesson / seven-week spiritual journey that will introduce you to essential survival elements to help you hone the skills necessary to survive and thrive in the harsh reality of our current culture. This free emailed mini-retreat will begin Ash Wednesday. SIGN UP.
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.
PRO-LIFE
March Lecture Series – Palliative Care and MAiD
The deVeber Institute will be hosting a three-night lecture series entitled “Palliative Care and MAiD” on March 1st, 10th and 16th at 8 p.m. (ET) via Zoom. The lectures will address palliative care in the face of MAiD and feature doctors, lawyers, and psychiatrists at the forefront of the conversation. The topics to be discussed include: dignity conserving care, MAiD and individuals with disabilities, a doctors’ roundtable, and MAiD and mental health. Registration at www.deveber.org. For additional information, please contact The deVeber Institute at bioethics@deveber.org or (415) 256-0555.
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 March 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
Might you be called to become a Catholic school trustee?
The Catholic School Trustees Workshop is a one-day program specifically designed for parishioners to discern through presentations from leading experts, current and former trustees, and others, as well as participate in small-group discussions and prayerful reflection. The program content will include:
- Presentations on the corporate role of the trustee, their role as a community partner and advocate, and the importance of publicly funded Catholic education;
- Testimonials about the experience and opportunities of serving as a trustee;
- Workshops on the vocation of a politician in Catholic social teaching, a Catholic vision for student well-being, and communicating with charity and truth; and,
- Training in campaigning skills for the election.
The presenters and trainers are an extraordinary group of Catholic leaders, including:
- His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto;
- Pat Daly, the President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association;
- A total of six current and former trustees, including five current and former Board Chairs; and,
- Matthew Marquardt, Director of the St. Monica Institute, as well as Founder and President of Catholic Conscience.
This is designed to be a helpful program for those who have never considered becoming a trustee, but are curious and want to learn more, and for those who are actively discerning whether to run as well as those who are committed to running. Potential participants can visit www.CatholicConscience.org/Trustees for more details, including how to apply.
Join the Alpha for Seniors Sessions with Catholics from the Ottawa Archdiocese
Spirits Down? Feeling Forlorn? Need a little spiritual and Catholic Faith refreshment? Think about joining in with your like-minded friends by signing up for an Alpha for Seniors. (Register) or (Read more)
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/.