Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18.1-5, 10, 12-14)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Summer Office Hours
The Diocesan Offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and will close at noon every Friday from July 2nd to August 30th inclusively.
Episcopal Ordination and Installation
The episcopal ordination and installation of Most Reverend Michael Brehl as 10th bishop of Pembroke will take place at St. Columbkille Cathedral (188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke, Ontario) on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).
The event will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube shortly afterwards and where people from near and far will be able to see for the first time or relive this great celebration in our Diocesan Church.
Our YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@pembrokediocese
For those attending in person, additional parking is available at Holy Name of Jesus Parish (Trafalgar Road) with a shuttle bus to the Cathedral running from 9:00 a.m. on the day of the ordination and for one hour following the Mass. (Read more…)
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Pembroke
11 June 2024 – Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed the Reverend Father Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., presently Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist of Canada, as the new Bishop of Pembroke. (Read more…)
SYNOD
News of the Synod
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has compiled a synthesis of diocesan reflections from across Canada, focusing on key themes and questions from the 2023 Synthesis Report. This document highlights the collective insights and priorities of the Latin Rite Dioceses, which represent 66% of the dioceses in Canada. The reflections emphasize the Church’s mission, the importance of listening and accompanying, and the need for improved structures of participation. The synthesis provides a valuable overview of the current state and possible future directions of the Catholic Church in Canada. Click here to read the synthesis of diocesan reflections from across Canada.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Coalition for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples promotes the full and effective implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we urge that:
Corporations and investors ensure their human rights policies and business practices incorporate the standards in the Declaration.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Practical Steps for Reaching the Unchurched
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Many believers would like to share their faith with others, but they struggle with how to effectively reach out to those who are not part of a parish community. They are often primarily surrounded by fellow believers and feel unsure about how to bridge the gap between their church community and those outside it. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
September 5th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Deep River. 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.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 5th and Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register is October 1st. Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $100/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 Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Wednesday August 28th at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, 500 Isabella Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Michael Weitl from Madonna House. Topic: “Purgatory Explained” (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
Parish Supper
At Our Lady of Mercy Church, Bancroft on Sunday, September 8th from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Silent Auction, Raffle Tickets. $20/Ticket – $8/12 yrs. & Under. Take out available!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
67th Annual Pilgrimage – Our Lady of Knock Shrine
Our Lady of Knock Shrine at St. Malachy’s Church in Mayo, Quebec, will be holding our annual pilgrimage on Sunday, August 18th to honour Our Lady’s apparition at Knock, County Mayo, Ireland on August 21, 1879. The Eucharist will be celebrated in English by Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe (Bishop Emeritus of Sault St. Marie and Ottawa native), assisted by Father Greg Murray of St. Malachy’s parish. Info: http://stmalachyolv.com/pilgrimage.asp. Contact: Mrs. Ellen Butler 819 986-3860; Mrs. Virginia Sellers 819 281-6490. mayopilgrimage@gmail.com.
“Awaken Your People That the World May Believe”
All day retreat with speakers, Worship, Prayer Ministry, Testimonies at St. Mary’s Parish, Ottawa, on Saturday, August 24th. Cost: $35/person or $60/couple. Registration at https://stmarysottawa.ca/events/awaken-your-people-retreat-2024/.
The Church: From Pentecost to Today
Interested in Church history? Join us for a new course taught by Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. beginning September 16, 2024 at St. George’s Parish, 415 Piccadilly Avenue, Westboro. Tuition: $350.00 per person ($200 for full-time undergraduate students). Please register via this link. Payment is due in full by September 13. Once payment has been received you will be sent full details including a syllabus for the course. Should you have any questions please contact Fr. Dcn. Andrew at apwbennett@gmail.com.
OTHER
Do You Like to Sing?
The Pembroke Community Choir invites you to join us this September as we begin rehearsals for our concerts celebrating “Christmas Past and Present”. Online registration begins on August 15. Practices are from 7-9 pm every Monday, starting September 9, at Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Concerts are set for November 30 and December 1. No auditions. Register between August 15 and 31, to get the early bird discount. Online registration and more info at the PCC website: www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org.
Fall 2024 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. Scholarships available! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Fall 2024 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: August 22nd.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
With Father Albert MacPherson O.S.A. Augustinian Healing Ministry from September 28 to October 9, 2024. Price: $2,875.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). For additional information please contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.