No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
(John 3.7b-15)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Bishop’s Easter Message
Bishop Guy Desrochers’ Easter message is available on YouTube at Happy Easter 2023 – Message from Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. – YouTube or on our official Facebook page at Diocese of Pembroke | Facebook.
FROM THE DIOCESE
125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Pembroke
All are invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Pembroke. The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, CSsR will be the principal celebrant. A reception in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Mass to which all are invited.
125th Anniversary Choir
On May 4th, the diocese will celebrate its 125th anniversary with Mass at the Cathedral. Anyone interested in singing in the choir for that Mass is invited to attend the first practice on Thursday April 20th, at 7 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral.
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, 284 Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, on Tuesday, May 9th from 7-8:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
FROM THE CCCB
Bishops Release North American Final Document to Conclude Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod – Wednesday, April 12 2023
OTTAWA – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) have issued the North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. (Read more…)
National Week for Family and Life 2023
OTTAWA – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) warmly invites the Catholic faithful to celebrate together National Family and Life Week 2023 (NFLW), which will take place between 7 – 14 May 2023. The theme chosen for this year is Jesus’ words, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, love one another” (John 13:34). (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series”
Next April Feature Speaker: Dr. Pam Palmater on Tuesday, April 18th from 7-8:30 p.m.
‘Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw citizen and member of the Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick. Pam has been studying, volunteering and working for over 30 years on a wide range of social, political and legal issues, like poverty, housing, child and family services, treaty rights, education and legislation impacting First Nations. Pam’s area of expertise includes Indigenous law, sovereignty and nation-building. She is frequently called as an expert before Parliamentary and United Nations committees dealing with laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples. She has been recognized with many awards and honours for her social justice advocacy on behalf of First Nations generally, and Indigenous women and children specifically, and most recently for her work related to murdered and missing Indigenous women. ’. Courtesy of https://pampalmater.com/about/
To sign up for Dr. Pam Palmater’s virtual presentation, please click here.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
“Indigenous Peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-governance in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means for financing their autonomous functions.”
Article 4 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Evangelization Update
By Fr. Michael Smith
Each of us on the Evangelization Team has been asked to write a short piece describing the evangelization initiatives that he or she has been undertaking. My initiatives focus on the cluster of parishes to which I have been assigned: Fort-Coulonge, Waltham, Vinton, and Otter Lake.
My intention was to start a prayer group one year after arriving here in September 2022. At the encouragement of a parishioner, however, I began the prayer group only three months after my arrival. There were to be two groups, French and English, but only Francophones showed up. The group is small but the sharing is profound, and there is high level of trust. Owing to the large number of requests by adults for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), the consensus in the group is that we will become a French-language RCIA group in the fall. We will use the Alpha program as a start.
In the meantime, I have been preparing adults for the Sacraments of Initiation on my own, a daunting but rewarding task. An adult was baptized at the Easter Vigil. At and around Easter, seven other adults will be confirmed, five of whom will receive their First Communion. Since there is no catechesis in Quebec schools, I began by telling people of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and of the spread of the Church after the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Touched by the Master
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The old violin sat battered and worn, a relic of a forgotten time. Its strings were loose, and the wood was scarred, and the auctioneer’s voice was filled with apathy as he tried to sell it to the highest bidder. But no one wanted it; it was barely worth a dollar, the crowd murmured. (Read more…)
A resource to evangelize – The Sycamore course
The Sycamore course is an excellent resource for anyone who is curious about Christianity or looking to deepen their understanding of the faith. It consists of a series of short films and accompanying discussion questions that cover topics such as God, Jesus, prayer, and the Bible. It is designed to be accessible to anyone who wants to explore the basic beliefs and practices of Christianity.
The course is flexible and can be used in various settings, including small groups, one-on-one conversations, and even online. It is intended to be a welcoming and non-threatening way for people to learn more about the Christian faith, regardless of their background or previous experiences. https://www.sycamore.fm/
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On May 4th, 8-9 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish, Chapeau – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). The Holy Hour will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by Fr. Murray, a Rosary for vocations, and time for silent prayer. April’s Holy Hour will be at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Pembroke. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. For more information and details please visit Pembroke Vocations.
FAITH FORMATION
CCCB – The Call of the Catechist
Session 3 – Tuesday, April 18th from 1-2 p.m., the CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis will offer a webinar series, The Call of the Catechist. This three-part series will explore the needs of the catechist today and will be of interest to those involved in evangelization and catechesis. Keynote speakers include Sherry Weddell (Catherine of Siena Institute), Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP (Adrian Dominican Sisters), and Anne Walsh, D.Min. (Redemptorist Lay Missionary).
- Session 3 – April 18th – Theological Reflection & the Catechist with Anne Walsh
Please click here to access the online registration form.
For more information, please contact Mrs Marg Shea-Lawrence at m.shea-lawrence@cccb.ca.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions
Next session – Wednesday, May 10th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Home Grown Spiritual Guides: We are all walking a long and difficult journey – it’s time to talk about who we have invited to walk with us. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at J&E’s Bored N’ Saucy, 185 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Wednesday April 26th from 7–8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Topic: The Life and Role of a Catholic Missionary Explained. This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming Events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Friday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m. LOCATION CHANGE – 126 Dunn St., Barry’s Bay. Guest Speaker: John Paul Meenan. Topic: “From the Flaming Sword of Eden to the Many Mansions of the Father’s House: A Theological Discussion of Proper Notions of Exclusivity and Inclusivity.” This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). Gatherings will take place monthly at the Balmoral Hotel. Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at kentonbiffert@gmail.com.
PRO-LIFE
Upcoming Event – First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre
FSO Rhythms of Hope Concert and Dessert Fundraiser at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, April 29th at 2 p.m. For more information please call 613 635-7440.
Campaign Life Coalition – Stopping More Assisted Suicide
The Trudeau government is determined to make more and more Canadians “eligible” for their cost-saving euthanasia program (called MAiD or medical assistance in dying). First, it was the terminally ill. Then, it was the physically disabled. Now, the mentally ill – people struggling with depression, confusion, or anxiety – are next on their “hit list”.
Bill C-314, the “mental health protection act”, brought forward by Conservative MP Ed Fast, will help save troubled souls from suicide. It will help stop the radical expansion of Mr. Trudeau’s “MAiD Service” death cult. Help us get it passed: CONTACT YOUR MP!
PARISH EVENTS
Scripture 101
Our study of Scripture continues every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Douglas in the sacristy (enter by the side door). Each evening consists of a video presentation featuring Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo, a Melkite (Byzantine) priest, followed by a facilitated group discussion. In these lectures, Father Sebastian brings out the richness and the profound relevance of the story of our salvation history. Please join us, even if you have missed some of the classes already! The video lectures are available for free online if you want to catch up on missed weeks (https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/courses/scripture-101). Bring along a bible, a pencil, and a highlighter, and prepare for a new encounter with the Lord.
New Life in the Spirit of Christ
Do you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit and a vital rediscovery of the Sacraments in your life? Do you long for a personal relationship with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a greater outpouring of God’s healing and love? Do you yearn for a greater openness to prayer and Scripture? The Spirit of the Living God Prayer Group invites you to a “Life in the Spirit” Seminar. St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Hall, Barry’s Bay. Every Thursday until May 25th, 7-8:15 p.m. “With all my heart I hope that Renewal in the Spirit may be a true “gymnasium” in the church for prayer, asceticism, virtue and holiness.” (St John Paul II). Contact: Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643. call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Free Evangelization Webinar from Steubenville Conferences
“Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize.” These words of St. Paul VI are a clarion call to all Catholics to believe in and act upon the missionary mandate given to us by Jesus.
If you want to embrace this mission, yet feel unprepared or lacking in confidence, join us for a webinar on Monday, April 24, at 7:00 PM ET to be inspired, encouraged, and get practical skills to bring the truth and love of Jesus to your family, co-workers, and fellow parishioners.
Everyone is called to evangelize, and everyone can with the help of God’s grace!
To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7588603182990287447
Spring and Summer Registrations at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is pleased to announce that registration for its Spring and Summer Semester 2023 online courses is now open. The courses being offered for the Spring Semester (May-June) are: Tolkien, Special Topics in Theology: Canon Law, and Biomedical Ethics. The courses being offered for the Summer Semester (July-August) are: Creative Writing, Philosophy of Education, and Psychology. For more information please visit the College’s website at www.seatofwisdom.ca/spring-and-summer-online-courses/, or to sign up for courses please contact admissions@seatofwisdom.ca.
Spring CCRSO Conference – “Be Clothed With Power”
The Spring CCRSO Conference, “Be Clothed With Power”, will take place April 29th, 8 a.m to 9 p.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ottawa. Speakers are Bishop Scott McCaig CC and Dr. Ralph Martin. For more information or to register go to: www.CCRSO.net (Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario).
Spring Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
With Father Albert MacPherson OSA, Augustinian Healing Ministry, May 10 to May 20, 2023. Price $2450.00 per pilgrim. Includes all taxes, two meals per day, double occupancy, 3-piece bathroom in each room. Five minutes from St. James Church. Services of a knowledgeable guide. Departure from Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Please contact the Tour Leader, Jack Duggan, for additional information at 613 756-2655 or email at medjugorje2023@bell.net.
OTHER
Two Spring Concerts from the Pembroke Community Choir
The Pembroke Community Choiris excited to be back with “Sounds of the Sixties,” a concert of upbeat pop songs, golden oldies medleys, and meaningful gospel and folk songs. Our 60-voice choir guarantees you will leave with a spring in your step and a melody in your mind. Both concerts are at Calvin United Church in Pembroke. Saturday matinee, April 22nd at 1:30 p.m., and the regular Sunday concert on April 23rd at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Students 13 and under are free. Tickets are available from choir members; Fleurish in Petawawa; the Customer Care Centre in the Pembroke Mall; or at the door. Visit www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org for more information.
8th Annual Bluegrass Sunday
At the Knights of Columbus Hall, 170 Ellis Street, Pembroke, on Sunday, April 30th from 1:30-4:30 p.m. All proceeds go to Friends for Life International. Cost: $20.00 at the door only. For more information, contact Ron at 819 689-5440, or visit the website at www.friendsforlifeintl.ca.
Opening to Goodness Spring Retreat
From May 25-27 at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. North, Arnprior. Facilitated by Contemplative Outreach of Eastern Ontario and West Quebec. This retreat is an invitation to deepen your experience of your true self in relation to Earth and the goodness of all beings. Cost: Single $310, Commuter $160. Register by calling 613 623-4242 ext. 21, or visit the website at https://www.galileecentre.com/opening-to-goodness-coeo-wq/.