The scribes and Pharisees do not practice what they teach.
(Matthew 23.1-12)
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
The great feast of St. Joseph
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On Saturday, March 19, we will once again have the opportunity to celebrate the feast of the good and great St. Joseph, patron of the universal Church. It is an opportunity to remember how this humble servant of God was tested many times in the crucible of trial, as gold is refined in the fire, in order to bear much spiritual fruit for the good of the Church and for the greater glory of God. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Donations for Relief Efforts in Ukraine
Here are three links for those who would like to make donations for relief efforts in Ukraine. Many thanks to Fr. Ryan Holly and to Bishop Desrochers for suggesting these links:
- The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
- Malteser International (relief agency of the Order of Malta)
- 2022 DF – Ukraine Regional Assistance (e2rm.com).
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.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
- Aboriginal people/persons: More than one Aboriginal person.
- Aboriginal people: Entire body of Aboriginal persons in Canada.
- Aboriginal Peoples: Defined in the Constitution Act, 1982 to include all Indigenous people of Canada: status Indians, non-status Indians, Métis, and Inuit.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Evangelization Project Has an Online Prayer Group
A primary and essential task of the Church is to draw people to Christ through prayer. As baptized and confirmed members of the Church, we are all commissioned to pray for the lost and to proclaim the Good News with our whole lives. With this conviction in mind, the evangelization hosts an online prayer group every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. We intercede for the diocesan evangelization project, for the intentions of the participants, and for all those who God wants us to reach. We hope you will join us. The Zoom link to connect on Wednesday nights is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646.
LENT
LifeTeen – 102 Things You Should Really Give Up For Lent
Please check out this article for teens suggested by Fr. Joe O’Malley – 102 Things You Should Really Give Up For Lent – LifeTeen.com for Catholic Youth.
FROM THE CCCB
Bishop Appointed for the Diocese of Trois-Rivières – Monday, March 14, 2022
His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Most Reverend Martin Laliberté, P.M.É., as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Trois-Rivières. At the time of his appointment, Bishop Laliberté was serving as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Québec. Bishop Laliberté will assume the pastoral governance of the Diocese currently under the care of the Most Rev. Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, O.M.I., Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Trois-Rivières, who has been serving as its Diocesan Administrator since January 2021, following the resignation of Bishop Luc Bouchard. (Read more…)
VATICAN NEWS
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Lent is a favourable time for personal and community renewal, as it leads us to the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For our Lenten journey in 2022, we will do well to reflect on Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity (kairós), let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10). Link to Message: Link to the Message.
FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT CALL TO REGISTER – Faith Lenten Retreat
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development is sponsoring an Adult Faith Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville Ontario from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful. The theme of the retreat is the “A Walk through the Mass.” Our guest speaker will be Fr. Michael Smith, Vicar General of the Diocese of Pembroke. Please join us for this very special day. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at (613) 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadriendchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 24, 2022.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
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 lecture series entitled “Palliative Care and MAiD” on March 16th (Mental Health and MAiD) 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.
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre AGM Invitation
Please join us for our Annual General Meeting that will take place on Wednesday, March 30th at 6:30 pm. The decision was made to meet virtually again this year. We would love to have you join us via Zoom or phone. For more details, please contact the First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre at 613 635-7440.
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 the first Saturday of each month. 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. Next Latin Mass – April 2nd.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The 2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally: More Than Conquerors retreat held on March 5th can now be found on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xog0H2LVOQ.
Galilee Centre – “What do You Seek in the Desert?”
“What do You Seek in the Desert?” retreat introducing contemplative prayer, Ignatius practices, and creating a heightened awareness of God moving in our lives from Saturday, March 19th – Monday, March 21st. Recommended for those who are new to silent retreats, or anyone seeking a Lenten time of quiet and contemplation. In person $295 (including accommodations and meals), Commuter $150 (including meals) https://www.galileecentre.com/workshops-events/.
Galilee Centre Retreat – “Women of Faith: I Have Called You by Your Name”
“Women of Faith: I Have Called You by Your Name,” with a focus on the importance of names, this day of worship and fellowship features presentations on The Names We Are Given, Drawing Prayers by Name, and The Names of Mary on Saturday, March 19th from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. In person $55 (includes breakfast and lunch), Virtual $25. https://www.galileecentre.com/workshops-events/.
Renewal Ministries’ Annual Gathering – April 22-23, 2022 | Eagle Crest Marriott | Ypsilanti, MI
Join us for The Gathering, Renewal Ministries’ annual conference, Friday evening, April 22nd from 7-9:30 p.m. (ET), and Saturday, April 23rd from 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (ET). Our time together will include inspiring talks by Ralph Martin, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Jonathan Reyes, as well as praise and worship, time for Mass and Adoration, encouraging fellowship, and more! Registration for on-line participation (free): https://www.renewalministries.net/the-gathering-virtual-registration-form-page/.
OTHER
6 Things Children Learn When You Skip Mass on Sundays
Please check out this interesting link: “6 Things Children Learn When You Skip Mass” (submitted by Fr. Joe O’Malley).
A Catholic Dad Gives His 10 Best Strategies For Mass With Kids
Please see attached link that parents may find useful, as suggested by Fr. Joe O’Malley: A Catholic Dad Gives His 10 Best Strategies For Mass With Kids (catholic-link.org).
Is It Possible to Go to Mass With Children? Tips For Taking Your Family To Church
Here is another link submitted by Fr. Joe O’Malley for parents of young children: Is It Possible To Go To Mass With Children? Tips For Taking Your Family To Church – Catholic-Link.
Release, Rest and Rejoice
Want to show God that you truly trust him? Here are three things you can do right now:
Number one, RELEASE: God says: “Give everything to me in prayer. “Release” says God, “Trust me with your trouble”.
Number two, REST: Be still externally and internally. Rest says: “I trust Your way and Your timing”.
And number three, REJOICE: You believe that God is going to come through for you? Why not rejoice before you see the victory? “Rejoice”, says God. Tell Him: “It doesn’t matter what it’s going to look like, I trust you”.
(Transcribed from a Kris Reece video)