So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
(John 8.31-42)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Message from Bishop Brehl for Lent 2025
Bishop Brehl’s Lent message for 2025 can be viewed on our diocesan YouTube channel:
Message from Bishop Brehl for Lent 2025.
Mass of Chrism
Mass of Chrism will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. on the Tuesday of Holy Week, 15 April, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Calling All Singers
Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to join the Diocesan Choir for the Mass of Chrism at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Tuesday, April 15th at 10:30 a.m. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters346@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and receive additional information.
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
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…)
Journey Through Lent Video Series: Weekly Reflections for the Lenten Season
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, in collaboration with the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie, launches the 2025 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 5 March 2025, and for each Sunday in Lent, up to and including Palm Sunday, a video will be uploaded to the CCCB website featuring pastoral reflections based on the Readings for the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. This series is designed for individuals, families, and communities, providing spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare for the Easter season.
This year’s presenters are the Most Reverend Gary Franken, Bishop of St. Paul (in English), and the Most Reverend Michel Proulx, O.Praem., Bishop of Bathurst (in French). (Read more…)
LENT
The Way of the Cross
PRAYER – The Way of the Cross – Diocese of Pembroke
CCCB Journey Through Lent 2025 – Palm Sunday 2025
On this Palm Sunday, Bishop Franken provides a reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qRNoOrHlP8&t=3s.
NEXT PHASES OF THE SYNOD
The 2028 Vatican Ecclesial Assembly and the Next Phase of Synodality
Pope Francis has approved a three-year process to promote synodality in the Catholic Church, culminating in a Vatican ecclesial assembly in 2028. The plan follows the 2023-2024 Synod on Synodality and aims to evaluate and implement its final document across local and global Church structures. The assembly will not be another synod but will serve as a gathering of diverse Church representatives to assess and consolidate the path taken so far. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
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 – only 8 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 9th and Wednesday, April 23rd.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming: April 10th – Next Talking Circle: April 17th. 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 14th – Next Talking Circle: April 21st. 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, April 16th.
EVANGELIZATION
The Spirit of Spiritual Conversation: A Path to Transformation
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
During the Synod on Synodality, spiritual conversation emerged as an essential means of discernment and communion. This process transcends mere exchange of ideas to become a profoundly spiritual encounter where listening, dialogue, and the shared search for God’s will take center stage. The Synod’s final document aptly illustrates this spirit and underscores the importance of such dialogue in the Church’s mission. (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
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession during the Wednesdays of Lent at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come take time during his holy season for silence, contemplation and prayer, especially for world peace.
Lenten Mission at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Join us for a Lenten mission with Fr. Mark Cherry, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday April 7-9 at 7 p.m. each night. Theme: Let the King of Glory Enter. Free will offering only. All are welcome! For more information contact parish office at 613 687-4764.
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 .
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
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.
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.
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 April 22nd or June 24th for a virtual information session…link found at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp. Application deadline: July 15th.