The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!
(Matthew 26.14-26)
MESSAGES FROM THE BISHOP
Homily of Bishop Guy Desrochers for the Chrism Mass
Given at the Cathedral in Pembroke, Tuesday, April 4, 2023
The Chrism Mass is one of the most beautiful and meaningful liturgies that we celebrate during Holy Week, and I would add perhaps throughout the whole year. Why is that so? It is because the entire assembly of the People of God join and unite in holy reverence and thanksgiving for the gift of priesthood. (Read more…)
The Chrism Mass can be viewed on YouTube here.
Message from the Bishop for Easter
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At last the great feast of Easter has arrived! A feast of life, of springtime and renewal that brings supernatural joy to our hearts. Let us then cease our weeping, for the life that opens up to those who believe in Jesus and in his resurrection chases away all sadness, anxiety or morbid anguish when we contemplate the possibility of dying. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Office Hours
Please be advised that the diocesan offices will be closed from Good Friday (April 7th) to Easter Monday (April 10th) inclusively. The staff at the Diocesan Administration Office takes this opportunity to wish you and those you hold dear peace and happiness this Easter season!
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.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Charlottetown – Sunday, April 2, 2023
2 April 2023 – Ottawa –His Holiness Pope Francis named the Most Reverend Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A., as the fourteenth Bishop of Charlottetown. At the time of his appointment, Bishop Dabrowski was serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of London. He succeeds the Most Reverend Richard Grecco, who exercised pastoral responsibility for the Diocese of Charlottetown from 2009 until 2021. (Read more…)
National Week for Family and Life 2023 – Wednesday, March 29 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…)
Statement by the Permanent council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Joint Statement of the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on the “Doctrine of Discovery” – Thursday, March 30 2023
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (“CCCB”) is grateful that the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development have issued a Joint Statement addressing the concept of the “Doctrine of Discovery,” including the question of certain papal bulls of the 15th century which, according to some scholars, served as the basis for the aforementioned ‘doctrine.’(Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series”
Next April Feature Speakers: Aimee Bailey, on Wednesday, April 5th from 7-8:30 p.m.
‘Aimee Bailey is a Knowledge Keeper from the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, the Spokesperson for The Circle of Turtle Lodge, and an Algonquin College graduate. She holds an Honours Degree in the Humanities from York University and a postgraduate Certificate as a
Traditional Practitioner from First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI). Being from the Sturgeon Clan, who are the educators in Traditional communities, Aimee Bailey often refers to herself as a Reference Librarian. She positions herself as someone to help participants find answers to any cultural question, either from knowledge and experience or by making connections to her wide and varied network of other Indigenous people’. Courtesy of https://www.federationhss.ca/en/blog/reflections-teachings-elder-aimee-bailey
To sign up for Aimee Bailey’s virtual presentation, please click here.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Evangelization Project
We are excited to announce that with the next edition of Ecclesia, parishes will also receive a new pamphlet detailing four major initiatives from the Evangelization team.
The four initiatives are as follows:
- Prayer: Prayer is the foundation of any fruitful evangelization effort.
- Small Evangelization Groups: Small groups are an effective way to build relationships, evangelize and create a sense of community within our parishes.
- Catholic House Missions: We believe that evangelization is not just something that happens within the walls of our parish building, but something that should be taken out into the community.
- Missionary Parishes: Every parish has the potential to be a missionary parish. The evangelization team has developed guidelines and resources to help parishes evangelize and make disciples.
In this pamphlet, you will find more information about each of these initiatives. Additionally, our team has decided to share more of its work and projects in the weekly diocesan bulletin, so that parishioners can stay up-to-date on our efforts and join us in prayer and action. We look forward to working together to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our community.
Pierre-Alain Giffard (Director of Pastoral Work)
Loving our Enemies and Reconciling with Others
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Jesus goes as far as to ask us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. This is a radical and transformative teaching, one that invites us to transcend anger and bitterness and to respond to hurtful acts with kindness and forgiveness. (Read more…)
LENT
CCCB Presents “Journey through Lent 2023“
On this Palm Sunday, Archbishop Dunn provides a reflection on Jesus’ triumphal procession into Jerusalem and the significance of our liturgical processions.
“Journey through Lent” videos can be viewed here.
Mary’s Way of the Cross for Lent – A Lenten Journey through Mary’s Eyes
This Way of the Cross takes us every Friday through Lent to Easter. It begins in ashes and enters the desert of our emptiness. But our journey goes on to New Life and all the emptiness Spirit-filled. Next date: Good Friday, April 7th at 6:45 p.m.
For Zoom link or for more information, please contact Mike Budge at mike.budge@bell.net.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On April 6th, 8-9 p.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke – “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 2 – Tuesday, April 11th 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 2 – April 11th – The Spirituality of the Catechist with Dr. Janet Schaeffler, OP
- 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.
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to join us as we Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 16th from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke. With 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
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions
Next session – Wednesday, April 12th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Signs & Symbols: Our lives are dominated by signs and symbols – ignore them to your own peril. 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 TO BE DETERMINED. 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.
PARISH EVENTS
Scripture 101
Looking for something to do this Lent? St. Michael’s Church in Douglas is pleased to present Scripture 101 on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the sacristy (enter by the side door). Next session: April 5th. Each evening will consist of a video presentation followed by a facilitated group discussion. The video series is produced by the Institute of Catholic Culture and features Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo, a Melkite (Byzantine) priest. In these insightful lectures, Father Sebastian brings out the richness and the profound relevance of the story of our salvation history, and unveils God’s unceasing call for us to trust in His love for us. 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. Seven Thursdays, April 13th to 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.
Celebration of Divine Mercy
At St. Patrick Parish, Mount St. Patrick, on Sunday April 16th, at 3:00 p.m. The celebration will include songs of praise, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, veneration of the image of Divine Mercy, renewal of Baptismal promises, and solemn Benediction. The guest speaker will be Father Michael Lund. Light refreshments will follow. Everyone welcome! Please call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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.
BY MY SIDE – Separated and Divorced Ministry for Women
This nonprofit ministry will assist separated and divorced Catholic women to reconnect and build on their faith. These sessions for women begin on Saturday, April 15, 2023 and are offered virtually over Zoom. All registrants will receive a private link to join prior to their first session. The sessions are 6 weeks in length and run from 9-11 a.m. Important: There are no classes being held on Victoria Day long weekend (May 20th). The program, led from a Catholic faith exploration perspective, is designed to help participants find reconciliation, peace and healing by taking positive steps in their daily spiritual life. For further information and registration, please visit our web site: www.bymyside.ca, or on Facebook at: facebook.com/bymysideott, or contact Mary-Jane Manley at 613 294-1308. We ask participants for a $40 payment to help cover resources and promotion.
At St. Patrick Parish, Mount St. Patrick, on Sunday April 16th, at 3:00 p.m. The celebration will include songs of praise, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, veneration of the image of Divine Mercy, renewal of Baptismal promises, and solemn Benediction. The guest speaker will be Father Michael Lund. Light refreshments will follow. Everyone welcome! Please call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
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
Galilee Centre presents “The Servant at the Supper”
Dinner & Show – April 14, 2023, 6- 9 p.m. at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. N, Arnprior. Clothed in the simple costume of the servant girl who baked the bread and served the wine at the Last Supper, Eleanor Glenn describes the events taking place as she witnesses them at The Last Supper, the Crucifixion, The Resurrection, and Pentecost, ending with a timely message for Christians of this 21st century. Tickets $45 (reservations required). Call 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or visit https://www.galileecentre.com/the-servant-at-the-supper-play-dinner-event/.
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/.