The Father and I are one.
(John 10.22-30)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Benemerenti Medal
The Apostolic Nuncio has informed Bishop Brehl that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the papal honour of the Benemerenti Medal upon Mme. Lucile Tourigny of Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste, Pembroke. Bishop Brehl will confer the medal upon Mme. Tourigny at the Sunday Mass at Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Congratulations are extended to Mme. Tourigny for this great honour!
Pastoral Planning Information
Any information regarding Pastoral Planning may be found on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/diocesan-pastoral-planning/.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2026
That everyone might have food – Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.
FROM THE CCCB
Reflection on the Holy Father’s Call for Peace, Human Dignity, and Moral Responsibility in Public Life
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
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…)
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 date: April 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:
October – Falling Leaves Moon: The tenth moon of Creation is the Falling Leaves Moon, a time when Mother Earth is honored with the grandest of colours. As all of Creation makes their offerings to her, we become aware of all the miracles of Creation before us and our spiritual energies are once again awakened.
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.
First Step Options 2026 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 10th) to Father’s Day (June 21st). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440. E-transfers and cheques accepted! Or become a monthly donor by filling out the form at https://www.firststepoptions.com/donate.
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
Grief Support Group
Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care is offering a Grief Group for anyone who has experienced the death of a special person. Weekly meetings begin April 28th and run until June 2nd from 1-3pm in Barry’s Bay. Email bereavementmvhospice@sfmhosp.com or call 613 756-3045 ext. 350 to register and be provided with meeting location. You do not have to carry it alone!