If the brother or sister listens to you, you have regained that one.
(Matthew 18.15-20)
FROM THE DIOCESE
The churches of the Diocese of Pembroke
Here is a slideshow of drone videos of all our churches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3nRnwJ_c00. Videos recorded in the summer of 2025, by Father Réal Ouellette and Mackenzie Donohue (MRD Aerial Solutions). Enjoy the view!
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Rev. Mervin Paul Jerome Coulas who passed away at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on August 6th, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, after 62 years of Priesthood. Father Coulas was 87 years old.
Two Members from the Diocese of Pembroke to Receive the Benemerenti Medal
The Holy Father has bestowed the Benemerenti Medal upon two members of the Diocese of Pembroke: Sister Joan Cronin, GSIC and Mr. Mel Ready. The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. will convey the Benemerenti Medal during the celebration of Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 4:30pm. An opportunity to greet the recipients will follow the Mass. All are welcome.
Bishop Brehl wishes to apprise you of the following personnel announcement
Reverend Stephen Helferty resumes academic studies this September with the blessing of Bishop Brehl. Father Helferty will be pursuing biblical studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and residing at the Canadian College in Rome.
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., announces the following pastoral appointments:
- Reverend Daniel Janulewicz, O.M.I., concludes his ministry in the Diocese of Pembroke, effective 31 August 2025 to assume a new assignment from his religious community. Bishop Brehl wishes to thank Father Daniel for his ministry in Round Lake and Wilno.
- Reverend Miroslaw Olszewski, O.M.I., is appointed as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Wilno and St. Casimir Parish, Round Lake. This appointment is effective September 1, 2025.
THE SYNOD
Synod Document: Pathways for the implementation phase of the Synod 2025-2028
Synod Document: Pathways for the implementation phase of the Synod 2025-2028 is available online in its original language, Italian, along with official translations into various languages at: Resources. Kindly note that further information will be provided as it becomes available.
JUBILEE 2025
Pastoral Letter on Debt Forgiveness – Publication by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace
The pastoral letter entitled Forgive us our Debts: Pastoral Letter on Debt Forgiveness in the Jubilee Year 2025, released by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is being released digitally and can be accessed online at: https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Forgive-Us-Our-Debts_Pastoral-Letter-on-Debt-Forgiveness-in-the-Jubilee-Year-2025.pdf.
The Church and Holy Well at Mount St. Patrick is the designated pilgrim site for the Jubilee Indulgence on the Solemnity of the Assumption, Friday, August 15, 2025
A Summer Morning of Prayer at the Mountain will take place at St. Patrick Parish, Mount St. Patrick, on August 15th starting at 10:00am. The morning will begin with a Rosary Procession starting at the Holy Well and concluding at St. Patrick Church. There will be a Holy Hour during which the Sacrament of Confession will be available. The morning will conclude with the celebration of Holy Mass for the Jubilee Year of the Incarnation and the Jubilee Blessing and Indulgence. A BBQ will conclude the time of prayer and fellowship. All are welcome. For further information, contact Our Lady of Fatima Parish: 613 432-8525. Please see https://pembrokediocese.com/article/jubilee-2025-indulgence-en/ for more information about the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence.
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Indigenous Palliative Care
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation’s palliative care program seeks to bridge the gap between community and Western medicine. Culturally specific care to complement medical care received in the final months, weeks and days of life are offered. Any Indigenous person or their spouse in the Renfrew County and area, regardless of status, is eligible for these services without cost. For more information, please contact the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation at 519 803-5762 or info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
Did St. Francis Really Say It?
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
You’ve likely heard it quoted in sermons, seen it on inspirational posters, or read it in books on Christian living: “Preach with our actions and use words if necessary.” The phrase carries an air of quiet holiness, a challenge to live the Gospel without boasting about it. It’s widely credited to St. Francis of Assisi. But what if—he never said it? (Read more…)
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Supper
Buffet meal at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Bancroft on Sunday, September 7th from 11:30am – 6:00pm. Silent auction, raffle tickets, and take-out available! Cost: $20/adult – $6/Children 12 yrs. & under.
PRO-LIFE
Pizza With a Purpose Day!
First Step Options and Domino’s Pizza in Pembroke and Petawawa are once again coming together to build and support stronger communities for those facing pregnancy and parent-related challenges on Wednesday, September 24th. Order a 1 topping pizza for $11.99 using the code word “1STSTEP” and Domino’s will contribute $5.00 for each pizza to First Step Options. Savour the slice and support the cause!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
16th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
At St. Michael Catholic High School, Kemptville, on Saturday, October 4th from 9am – 3:30pm. Theme: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Keynote speaker: Angèle Regnier. Visit www.womensfallretreat.com to register.
Women’s Discernment Weekend
At the monastery of Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-Montagnes on October 17-19, 2025. Limited space available – registrations will be at a first-come first served basis. The cost is $150 for the weekend. Please contact Mary-Kate Long at marykatelong210@gmail.com for more information.
To register: https://forms.gle/8bvDCtsPqAKZNkkTA.
OTHER
Stillpoint House of Prayer presents “The Potter’s Hand – Day Retreat”
Come and enjoy a day with Clarissa Boyce to read scripture, partake in quiet reflections and discover how God, the Creator, designed us in His own image on Saturday, September 13th. Cost: $95 per person including lunch and break. To register or for more information please contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
Celebrating Galilee Centre’s 50th Anniversary
2025 marks a momentous milestone for Galilee Centre! We invite our friends, volunteers, participants, and supporters to celebrate this milestone with us.
- Official Opening of Martha’s Place – Celebrating the legacy at Galilee Centre of the Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish – September 19th from noon-2pm. Luncheon 12-1pm, Opening ceremony at 1:15pm. Limited luncheon tickets available at $25, reservations required at website below.
- 50th Anniversary Mass and Reception at St. John Chrysostom Church in Arnprior – Saturday, September 20th at 11am. Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke presiding. Reception to follow in the church hall.
Register for any or all events by visiting https://www.galileecentre.com/50thanniversary.
Fall 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. Scholarships available! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Fall 2025 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: August 15th at noon.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
From September 30th to October 10th, 2025. Price: $3,125.00 (includes taxes, air fare, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Deadline to register: September 9th. To register or for more information, contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655, email blackfishbay@bell.net or Lois Losole at 613 318-4756, email lelosole@gmail.com.