It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
(John 6.30-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Bishop’s Easter Message 2026
Bishop Michael Brehl’s Easter message is now available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-Qsgv7a3Nc.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Francis Joseph Barrett, father of Deacon Christopher Barrett, who passed away in Ottawa on April 14th at the age of 97.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Jane Fischer, csj, who passed away peacefully at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, Pembroke, on Friday, April 10th. Sister Jane served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully for over 60 years.
Pastoral Planning Information
Any information regarding Pastoral Planning may be found on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/diocesan-pastoral-planning/.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Diocese of London – Tuesday, April 21 2026
Ottawa – Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, Bishop of London since 2002, and appointed the Most Reverend Daniel J. Miehm as his successor. At the time of his nomination, Bishop Miehm was serving as Bishop of Peterborough. (Read more…)
Reflection on the Holy Father’s Call for Peace, Human Dignity, and Moral Responsibility in Public Life – Thursday, April 16 2026
Ottawa — In light of recent public commentary surrounding the Holy Father’s appeals for peace, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Communications Service wishes to reiterate several principles of Catholic teaching that remain especially relevant in times of war and international tension. (Read more…)
Statement by the Permanent Council Calling the Catholic Faithful to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East – Wednesday, April 15 2026
The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expresses its deep concern about the war currently ravaging Iran and several countries in the Middle East. We cannot remain indifferent to this armed conflict, which risks escalating into a protracted war. During the Angelus on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV stated: “Stability and peace cannot be built through mutual threats or through weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.” (Read more…)
Meeting of the Hindu-Catholic Dialogue – Wednesday, April 15 2026
Ottawa — The national Hindu-Catholic Dialogue, co-sponsored by the Hindu-Federation of Canada and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), convened on 14 March at the Ram Mandir in Mississauga. The meeting focused on the theme of sacred architecture within the respective religious traditions. (Read more…)
Resources for National Family and Life Week 2026
Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce the release of resources in preparation for National Family and Life Week 2026 (#NFLW2026), taking place Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 17 May 2026. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Hybrid Women’s Circles
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation invites you to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey, bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next dates: April 23rd and 30th at 84 Isabella Street, Suite #10, Pembroke. For more information or for Zoom link, email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website.
Thirteen Moons
Adapted from Year of the Spirit Moons Calendar, produced by the Anishnaabe Kendaaswin Publishing Company, North Bay, in 1998. Reference should also be made to Jamie Sams’ book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, whose work has reinforced these interpretations. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
September – Corn Moon: The ninth moon of Creation is the Corn Moon, during which time we learn about the cycle of life. Each cob of corn has thirteen rows of multicolored seeds which present all the spirits waiting to begin their Earth Walk. These will be the future generations for whom we must prepare.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
NEW Session!! Marriage Preparation Program
Due to popular demand, an extra Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program will be offered on Saturday, May 9th and Saturday, May 30th at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa. Deadline to register: May 5th. Register online at Clone of Marriage Preparation Course. E-transfers of $125/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
St. Carlo’s Crew Youth Night! (A diocesan event)
This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and all are welcome! The upcoming date is Friday, May 15th from 7-9:30pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection.
Questions or to be added to the e-mail list for reminders? Contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
PARISH EVENTS
33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph
During crisis, confusion, and a world at war with the Church, it’s time to come home again to our spiritual father, St. Joseph. In this richly researched and lovingly presented program of consecration to St. Joseph, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, brings to life the wonders, the power, and the ceaseless love of St. Joseph, Universal Patron of the Church and the Terror of Demons. Those participating in the Consecration will need to buy a copy of Fr. Callaway’s book “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” available through Sunrise Marian or Amazon. Participants will meet in St. Joseph’s sacristy, St. Joseph, QC for prayers and discussion from 10:30-11:30am on Wednesdays until May 1st.
PRO-LIFE
PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents…
PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents a free screening of the film “Life Worth Living: Averting the Canadian Euthanasia Crisis” at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 423 Witt Rd., Pembroke on May 21st at 6:30pm. Featuring special guest, Alex Schadenberg, film producer, and EPC Int’l Chair. Q&A time following the movie. Watch the trailer at https://lifeworthlivingfilm.com/. For more information, call Pastor Paul DeGraaf at 613 585-9501 or email info@parasolcare.com.
Help Not Harm Campaign – Bill C 218
Private Members’ Bill C-218, currently at second reading in Parliament, seeks to prevent the scheduled 17 March 2027 expansion of MAiD to individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness.
The Archdiocese of Toronto, in collaboration with the CCCB Office for Family and Life, has just launched a national, bilingual online advocacy tool under the campaign banner “Help Not Harm.” By registering, individuals can automatically generate a letter to their Member of Parliament and request that it be sent on their behalf, with copies to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice. The tool is available at: https://www.helpnotharmcanada.ca/.
Since the CCCB Permanent Council publicly endorsed Bill C‑218 on 4 February 2026, you are invited to consider promoting the Help Not Harm campaign in your diocese/eparchy and to encourage the faithful to subscribe to it as a quick and easy way to support Bill C-218.
Key Info – HelpNotHarmCanada.ca.
National March for Life
Renfrew County Right to Life is co-sponsoring a bus to the National March for Life which takes place on Parliament Hill on Thursday May 14th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45am, with stops at the Cobden Pentecostal Church and the Renfrew Visitors’ Centre. Payment by donation. To reserve seats, please email RCRTlife@gmail.com with names of all riders or call Susan Dagenais at 613 401-6482. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .
Dinner Theatre Production – “Chaos at Confirmation”
Join First Step Options for a delightful night out at a Dinner Theatre Fundraiser featuring the play “Chaos at Confirmation!” on Saturday, May 2nd at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke. Doors open at 6:00pm – Dinner at 6:30pm. Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner followed by a live performance. Silent auction available. Email Amy Belder at ma.belder@gmail.com for tickets (tickets: $50/person). All proceeds will be donated to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholic Education Week – Ontario
Catholic Education Week begins on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The Catholic schools in our diocese will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to learn about the various celebrations that are happening in your children’s school, and are welcome to attend, if possible. Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations.
This year’s Catholic Education theme is, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.”
Second Annual RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage
We are pleased to extend an open invitation to all staff, families, and community members of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board to participate in our second annual RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage on Saturday, May 9th, 2026.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for a day of walking, spiritual reflection, and community fellowship. Along the route, we will take moments to pray the Rosary for the month of Mary. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Event Details: Saturday, May 9th at 9:30am at St. Michael’s Parish, Douglas to St. James Parish, Eganville. We anticipate arriving in time to celebrate Mass at 4:00pm, with Father Michael Lund as the celebrant.
The Route: The walk is approximately 15.2 kilometres via Fourth Chute Road. It is estimated to take around 3.5 hours of walking time, and there will be planned rest stops along the way.
What to Bring & How to Prepare: Please ensure you come prepared for a comfortable walk!
Your own lunch and a refillable water bottle – your Rosary – comfortable walking shoes – weather-appropriate clothing (this event will proceed rain or shine).
We look forward to sharing this meaningful journey with our RCCDSB community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to kylie.gibson@rccdsb.ca. We hope to see you there!
OTHER
Spring/Summer 2026 Classes – Assumption University
Receive a graduate diploma in Catholic Studies (online) at one of Canada’s most historic universities! A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a cumulative average of 70% required. Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Spring/Summer 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: April 24th.
JOB & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Galilee Centre – Manager of Spiritual Programs
Galilee Centre is seeking a new Manager of Spiritual Programs. This a part-time leadership role (16 hours per week) responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating spiritual programming at Galilee Centre. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Manager ensures all programs and their development align with Galilee Centre’s mission, vision and values, and the spiritual needs of retreat and program participants.
Visit the posting on the website for more information: https://www.galileecentre.com/careers/.
Volunteers Needed!
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre needs volunteers for the “Chaos in Confirmation” Dinner Theatre on Saturday, May 2nd. If you are interested in helping, please contact Amy Belder at 613 732-3848 or email ma.belder@gmail.com to sign up.