Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus.
(Luke 24.13-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
No Weekly Bulletin Next Week
Please note that the next Weekly Bulletin will be the week of April 15th.
Ordination to the Priesthood
Reverend Mr. Lukas Časta will receive Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Diocesan Offices Closed
Please be advised that the diocesan offices will be closed on Easter Friday (April 5th), and will reopen on Monday, April 8th.
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Holy Name of Mary Parish, 5 John Street, Quyon, on Wednesday, April 10th from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Message for Easter 2024
Please watch the Diocese of Pembroke Happy Easter 2024 YouTube message given by Father Michael Smith, pastor of Fort-Coulonge, Otter Lake, Vinton and Waltham.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mrs. Maureen Mulhall, mother of the Most Rev. Michael Mulhall, Archbishop of Kingston. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27th in Peterborough, at the age of 97.
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
FROM THE CCCB
2024 Easter message from Bishop William T. McGrattan, President of the CCCB
Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for Easter Sunday 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-TQ5RSP-Lw.
Three Canadian priests to participate in Synod’s International Meeting of Priests in Rome – Wednesday, March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024, Ottawa – The Holy See announced a worldwide meeting of priests as part of the Synod on Synodality to be held this spring in Rome. Three hundred priests, sent by the Bishops’ Conferences and the Oriental Catholic Churches, will participate in a global meeting of listening, prayer and discernment, entitled: “Parish Priests for the Synod: An International Meeting,” to be held on April 28-May 2. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for April 2024
For the role of women – We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognised in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
3. The provisions set forth in the Declaration shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, equality, non-discrimination, good governance and good faith.
Article 46 – United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Diocesan Action Circle Survey
To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
New Evangelization Podcast from St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE)
Grow in faith this Easter season with “Running the Race” – SPSE’s new podcast featuring inspiring stories and evangelization tips. All 6 initial episodes now available:
- Relational Evangelization
- Advice from a Franciscan Friar
- Charisms
- The Eucharistic Revival
- Christmas Apologetics
- The Inaugural Episode
Listen at https://streetevangelization.com/runningtherace/. Two new episodes per month starting in April.
Praying And Sharing The Good News With God’s Redemptive Names
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The seven redemptive names of God found in the Bible offer a powerful way to pray and to introduce people to the Good News. Each name reveals an important aspect of God’s redemptive plan and the healing, provision, peace and restoration available through faith in Jesus. Meditating and praying with each of these seven redemptive names offers a way to intimately connect with God. When shared, these names open eyes to the truth of the Gospel and the blessings available to those who believe. (Read more…)
Alpha for Parents
Feel free to join at any time. Register for an Alpha for Parents session here: https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Embark on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions are open to parents from all backgrounds, providing an opportunity to delve into the foundations of the Christian faith. Connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
April 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. 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.
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 7th from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. Presenter: Fr. Michael Lund. 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 email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. The upcoming dates are Fridays April 12th, and June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Please bring indoor shoes! The waiver form and information can be found here! A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, April 10th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “Signs & Symbols: Our lives are dominated by signs and symbols – ignore them to your own peril.” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are May 8th and June 12th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Monday April 22nd from 7-8:30 p.m. at Cathedral Parish Hall. Guest speaker: Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Topic: “Angels…and demons” (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.). This event 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 related to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list.
PARISH EVENTS
The Chosen: Season 1
You are invited to join the parishioners of Eganville in viewing The Chosen: Season 1, in the parish hall of St. James the Less church in Eganville (78 Wellington Street). Last date is Wednesday, April 3rd at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please call the parish office at 613 628-2020.
Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, on April 5th at 7:00 p.m. All welcome! Format: songs of praise, brief talk by Fr. Michael Smith, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be at least one team to pray with people individually for healing.
Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration
At St. James the Less Parish in Eganville (78 Wellington Street). On Sunday, April 7th, 2024, starting at 3 p.m.
On the program: Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction, Confessions, Renewal of Baptismal Promises, and a talk by Father Réal Ouellette. Refreshments will be served after the celebration. All are welcome!
Divine Mercy Sunday
On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, at 3:00 p.m., in St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, there will be the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (bilingual), accompanied by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 4:00 p.m. Fr. Mike Goring will be available for confessions.
Retreat/Potluck
Retreat/Potluck at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, Pembroke, on Saturday, April 20th from 1:30-6:30 p.m. Guest speakers: Peggy & Keith Doucette, from the John Paul II Centre for Divine Mercy. The afternoon will consist of praise & worship, prayer, fellowship, testimony, veneration of relics, and dinner. There is no cost! Dinner will be around 4:30 p.m. We encourage people to bring something for the potluck. Please RSVP to Anna or John Paul at 613 587-4145. Everyone is welcome!
PRO-LIFE
FSO Free Parenting Workshop
First Step Options presents a free parenting workshop at Wesley Community Church Hall, 210 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Thursday, May 2nd from 7-8:30 p.m. Learn 3 achievable strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, featuring Kelsey Parker, Registered Psychotherapist. Pre-register today at 613 635-7440 or fsocentre@gmail.com, or visit https://www.firststepoptions.com/ for more information.
National March for Life – Parliament Hill
All are invited to participate in this important event to show support for life at all ages and stages. The march through downtown Ottawa begins on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Masses and prayer services begin in the morning, a rally on the Hill at 12:30 p.m., and testimonies after the march.
Renfrew County Right to Life has chartered a coach that leaves Moncion Metro in Pembroke at 8 a.m. and stops in Cobden and Renfrew. To reserve a seat please contact Barb at 613 735-6265 or email RCRTLife@gmail.com. For more details see marchforlife.ca and www.facebook.com/RCRTL.
Living in Colour
Are you hurting from an abortion experience, even years later? You are not alone! First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre is offering a post-abortion recovery healing program called “Living in Colour.” Contact FSO at 613 635-7440 or visit https://www.firststepoptions.com/ for more information.
First Step Options Trivia Night
Come join FSO for a fun-filled trivia night at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 280 Lourdesview Dr., Pembroke, on Saturday, May 25th at 7 p.m. Theme: “Books vs. Movies.” Cost: $10/person (4-6 players/team). Costumes are encouraged for bonus points! Cash canteen and silent auction available. Register by Tuesday, May 21st at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Pilgrimage to Quebec Shrines
St. James the Less Parish in Eganville is organizing a pilgrimage accompanied by Father Réal Ouellette, from Monday, June 10, 2024, to Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with departures and returns in Pembroke and Renfrew. Shrines to be visited are St. Kateri’s Shrine, Divine Mercy Shrine, Our Lady of the Cap Shrine, Ste-Anne de Beaupré Shrine, and Oratory St. Joseph. We need a minimum of 40 pilgrims by May 9th to make this pilgrimage viable. For more information, please visit https://stjameseganville.com/ or call Fr. Réal during office hours at 613 628-2020, or by email at padrereal2002@yahoo.ca.
By My Side 2024 Virtual Zoom Program for Separated and Divorced Catholic Women
Classes begin April 6, 2024, 2 hours/ week for ladies and run for 6 weeks. The cost is $40 which covers reimbursement of expenses only. For all class details, dates, times, and registration form, go to www.bymyside.ca .
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Cana Colony – Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario
Looking for 4 Activities Coordinators for children and youth at a family camp that runs from June 28 – Aug. 4, 2024. Must be 18+. For more information, please contact Christina Milan, Cana Registrar mhcanacolony@gmail.com or 613 756-3713.
Parish Secretary Position
St. Hedwig Church in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, is now soliciting applications for the position of parish secretary. To see the job description please navigate to https://sainthedwigchurch.com/ and then click on “News” at the top of the page. Application deadline: April 12th.
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception – Pembroke, Ontario
The Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception is seeking people to fill the following positions:
- Spiritual Care Coordinator (.5FTE)
- Health Care Navigator (RN/RPN – .5FTE)
For more information, please contact Ian Welton, Executive Director at iweltoncga@greysisters.ca or 613 735-4111 Ext. 2208.
OTHER
Pembroke Community Choir – Spring Concert
The Pembroke Community Choir invites you to their spring concert of the beautiful and moving Brahms’ Requiem (sung in English). One performance only on Sunday, April 21st at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 357 Miller Street, (corner of Miller and Doran), Pembroke. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door; students 13 and under are free. They may be purchased until Thursday, April 18th from choir members, at the Pembroke Mall’s Customer Care Centre, and at Fleurish Floral Designs in Petawawa. For more information, visit the choir’s website at www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org.
Walking the Path of Adult Faith – April 19-21, 2024
This retreat is an invitation to prayerful reflection opening to God who comes alongside to walk with us, leading into the learning/growing spaces of adult faith. Facilitator, Dr. Carol Kuzmochka’s (Saint Paul University) approach to the Emmaus story offers a way into the wide, rich, real, and relational journey of integral faith that can prepare us to be vitally a part of the Synodal Church. Single $395, Double $345, Commuter $245. Call Galilee Centre 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or visit www.galileecentre.com to register.
Spirituality of the Paschal Mystery – April 27, 2024
The liturgy of the Church, the celebration of the sacraments, and the seasons of Lent and Easter are particular times when we pay attention to what Jesus has done for us through his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. Yet these are not the only times when we experience the Paschal Mystery. It is a part of our everyday life. It is the undercurrent of all that we do and all that we are. Let us be united and move forward with hope as a pilgrim People of God. Day Retreat facilitated by Monique deBaets, based on the teachings of Sr. Rosemary O’Toole, CSJ. $95 per person. Call Galilee Centre 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or visit www.galileecentre.com to register.
9th Annual Bluegrass Sunday
At the Knights of Columbus Hall, 170 Ellis Street, Pembroke, on Sunday, April 28th from 1:30-4:30 p.m. All proceeds go to Perry Medico (formerly 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 https://perrymedico.ca/.