The Lord had been made to them in the breaking of the bread.
(Luke 24.13-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Mass of the Dead for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis
Bishop Brehl invites the faithful, religious and clergy of the Diocese to a Mass of the Dead for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis to be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke, on Monday, April 28 at 5:00pm.
Message from Bishop Brehl, upon the death of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It was with deep grief that we received the news this morning that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, died today in Rome. In communion with the Catholic faithful across the Diocese, and with Catholics and people of good will across the world, we entrust Pope Francis into the mercy and love of God whom he served so faithfully for many years. I ask all of you to pray with me for our Holy Father, especially in these days of mourning.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
Bishop’s Easter Message 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Christ is Risen! Alleluia! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
After walking with Jesus through the Forty Days of Lent, we accompanied him to Jerusalem where we shared once again in his Last Supper. We prayed with Jesus in his Agony in the Garden of Olives. We followed him to Calvary where we stood with Mary, his mother, beneath the Cross. We watched and prayed in silence as he was laid in the tomb. (Read more…)
(YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/5eBX9h7MU5g)
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Teresa Rice, (Sister Edana) CSJ, who passed away at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, on April 18th. Sister Teresa served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully for over 74 years.
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 24-27, 2025
Join pilgrims from across the diocese and beyond for a 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. It’s an experience that merits many blessings and wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: walktheopeongoline.org. The deadline for registration is Sunday, June 29th. Click for a PDF of the poster.
FROM THE CCCB
Statement by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Passing of Pope Francis – Monday, April 21 2025
It is with profound sadness that I join my brother Bishops, as well as the Catholic faithful in Canada and those around the world, to mourn the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 in Rome at the age of 88. When the Cardinals elected him to the See of Peter in March 2013, Pope Francis invited us on that first night to “always pray for one another, for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity.” Over the past 12 years of his Petrine Ministry, his pastoral witness and leadership of the Catholic Church as the 266th Successor of Saint Peter marked the Church, the world and our Canadian society with the values of the Gospel. Francis’ frequent consoling image of the Church as “a field hospital” brought us a message of hope, peace, compassion and mercy. He desired the Church to be close to the people, to be present in ways that reflected the mercy, forgiveness and care of Christ. He challenged us to become missionary disciples of faith, hope and love and announce the joy of the Gospel to the world. (Read more…)
National Family and Life Week 2025
8 April 2025, Ottawa – The Catholic faithful across Canada are invited and warmly encouraged to celebrate National Family and Life Week 2025 (NFLW) from Sunday, 11 May, 2025, to Sunday, 18 May, 2025. This annual event is an initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, in collaboration with its Standing Committee for Family and Life, and the corresponding Office. (Read more…)
EASTER
Message for Easter 2025 by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – Monday, April 14, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I extend to you the ancient Orthodox Easter greeting: “Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!” (Read more…)
The video message may be accessed by clicking the following link.
JUBILEE 2025
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew, is the designated church for the Jubilee Indulgence on Tuesday 13 May 2025, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Confessions and adoration will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 6:15 p.m. and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at 6:45 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. For more information on the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence, please visit https://pembrokediocese.com/article/jubilee-2025-indulgence-en/ .
Our Lady of Combermere (Madonna House), Combermere
Our Lady of Combermere (Madonna House), Combermere is the designated place of pilgrimage for the Jubilee Indulgence on Saturday 31 May 2025, the Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Woods Chapel, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Benediction at 2:50 p.m. Confessions will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will end with the praying of the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Combermere at 3 p.m., followed by tea. For more information on the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence, please visit https://pembrokediocese.com/article/jubilee-2025-indulgence-en/ .
Jubilee Rome 2025
Young Catholics from the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall are organizing a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee in July 2025 (July 27 – August 6). This pilgrimage is primarily aimed at young adults (ages 18-40), though it is open to all who are interested. Email ottawayouthjubilee@gmail.com for full trip and registration details. Hurry – limited spots available!
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Wisdom to Wellness
This program is designed to immerse participants into Indigenous cultural teachings and protocols. Through a series of enlightening sessions, individuals will engage with a variety of teachings deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditions. The program focuses on fostering a profound understanding of cultural values, reciprocity to the land, and the significance of Indigenous protocols in various ceremonies and gatherings. These teachings will be integrated into other programs held at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. Email us at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next dates: Wednesday, April 23rd and April 30th.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming: April 24th – Next Talking Circle: May 1st. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Men’s Circles
Time to connect with other men, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming: April 28th – Next Talking Circle: May 5th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the hand drum as we come together in community to learn and sing once a month, on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring you personal drum. Limited supply available for those who do not have one. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, May 14th.
EVANGELIZATION
The concept of the “Good News”
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The concept of the “Good News” or “Gospel” is central to evangelization, encapsulating the message of salvation and hope through Jesus Christ. The article titled “We Don’t Need Another Evangelistic Course; We Need a Better Vision of the Good News” challenges the Christian community to reimagine how this message is conveyed. Let’s explore what constitutes a good vision of the Good News, drawing from the article, the Bible, and the teachings of the Magisterium. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our presenter will be Bishop Brehl, C.Ss.R. There will be Adoration, singing of Hymns and the Divine Mercy Chaplet as we pray for God’s Mercy upon the whole world. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
“POP Theology”– PEMBROKE
NEXT event: Wednesday April 30th at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Topic: How to Read the bible like an Ancient Catholic. (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.) This event is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. Please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list. All are welcome!
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 2nd from 7 – 9 p.m. at St. James the Less parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others. The four evenings will focus on Virtues and Vices. The waiver form must be signed either online here or hard copies will be available at the event. One waiver will cover all 4 nights. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
May 1st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Ann Parish, Cormac. 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. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. For more information and details please visit Pembroke Vocations.
PARISH EVENTS
Major Relics of the Holy Canadian Martyrs
The Major Relics of the Holy Canadian Martyrs (including the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf and bones of St. Charles Garnier and St. Gabriel Lalemant) will be present Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish in Combermere on Easter Thursday, April 24th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. for the public veneration of the faithful of our pastoral cluster of Holy Canadian Martyrs, St. Francis de Sales, St. Lawrence O’Toole, and for the faithful of the Diocese of Pembroke.
Joining the relics of the Canadian Martyrs is the relic of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Indigenous North American saint, canonized in 2012. St. Kateri holds a special place in the hearts of First Nations communities, and her presence serves as a reminder of a shared history while inspiring Christian hope for ongoing healing and reconciliation.
There be a short talk at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Encountering the Canadian Martyrs by Fr. John O’Brien S.J., who is a Jesuit priest and the director of the Canadian Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland as well as a religious vocation from the Barry’s Bay Deanery. There will also be time for personal prayer and reflection. Attendees will be encouraged to bring written prayer intentions, which will be taken back to the Martyrs’ Shrine. Holy cards, rosaries, and medals can also be pressed to the reliquaries to create spiritual keepsakes.
Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, on May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing, if you wish.
Life in the Spirit Seminar
A Life in the Spirit Seminar will be held at St Lawrence O’Toole parish hall, Barry’s Bay, Thursday evenings, from May 15th to June 26th. All are welcome! Details to follow. For more information or to register, call or text Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643.
PRO-LIFE
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 8th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45 a.m., 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. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .
First Step Options 2025 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 11th) to Father’s Day (June 15th). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholic Education Week 2025
Catholic Education Week begins on Sunday, May 4th. The Catholic schools in our diocese will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “Pilgrims of Hope.” You are invited to learn about the various celebrations that are happening in your children’s school, and are welcome to attend, if possible.
Pilgrimage to Quebec’s Major Shrines
Fr. Réal Ouellette is organizing a bilingual pilgrimage to Quebec’s Major Shrines, this coming May 26-28 (2025). The coach bus will be leaving from Pembroke and making stops in Renfrew and Arnprior. We need a minimum of 40 pilgrims (maximum of 50 pilgrims). More information available on St-Jean-Baptiste website: https://sites.google.com/view/sjbpembroke.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Career Opportunities at Catholic Christian Outreach
CCO currently has positions available. Check out the website at Careers – CCO | Catholic Christian Outreach for more information.
OTHER
10th Annual Bluegrass Sunday
At the Knights of Columbus Hall, 170 Ellis Street, Pembroke, on Sunday, April 27th from 1:30-4:30 p.m. All proceeds go to PERRY MEDICO (formerly Friends for Life International). Cost: $25.00 available at the door only. For more information, contact Ron at 819 689-5440, or visit the website at Perry Medico | Friends For Life.
Spring 2025 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 2025 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: April 25th, 2025.
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board Walking Pilgrimage
Join RCCDSB to walk reflect, pray, and connect with the community on Saturday, May 10th, meeting at St. Michael’s Parish, Douglas at 9:30am, walking 15.2km to St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Visit RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage – May 10th, 2025 | Renfrew County Catholic District School Board for more information. All are welcome!
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
Departure from Pearson International Airport from May 7th to May 18th. Price: $3,150.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Non-refundable deposit of $400.00 required on booking. To register, or for more information contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.
Stillpoint House of Prayer presents “Getting to Know the Holy Spirit”
Join facilitator Clarissa Boyce, Chaplin, Spiritual Director, Artist and Potter for an information morning discussion on Saturday, May 10th from 9am to noon. Cost: $40 including coffee and baked goods. Contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791 to register or for more information.
2025-26 Discipleship Formation Program (DFP)-St. Malo, MB – Applications being accepted
Young Adults! It’s time to apply! Take a year off to dive deeper into your relationship with God and Catholic faith. The DFP is an 8-month live-in program for post high school students 18 yrs or older, at the Catholic School of Evangelization in St. Malo Manitoba. This is an opportunity to live in community, develop your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, study the Catholic faith with the head and heart, and to grow in missionary zeal through evangelization and ministry. Experience the challenge and satisfaction of helping children and teens in Manitoba Catholic schools encounter the love of God. Get ready for a memorable year as you build friendships with other young adults from various places in Canada. Is God calling you? Tuition is $7,500…$300 early bird price reduction when applying by April 30th. Apply today at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp.For more information please contact Louis or Mary at richards@catholicway.net. Join us on June 24th for a virtual information session…link found at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp. Application deadline: July 15th.