It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone to enter the kingdom of God.
(Matthew 19.23-30)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
A healing service will be offered at St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish on Thursday, September 11th at 7:00pm. Guest speaker will be Deacon Adrien Chaput. Musical accompaniment for the service will be provided. See posters at the church entrances for further information. All are welcome!
What is a Healing Service? A healing service is a time of prayer for those suffering any physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional challenges. The prayer can also be offered on behalf of others who are going through a time of challenge but who cannot personally attend the service. Father John Burchat will give an individual blessing with the Blessed Sacrament while you remain in your pew. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available and there will be people available to pray individually with you for your intentions or the intentions of your loved ones following the service.
What a Healing Service is Not. A healing service is not a mass. It is a prayer service which features a time of Eucharistic blessing and individual prayer.
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!
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
Jubilee Day of Pilgrimage, Holy Name of Mary Church, Quyon
On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Roman Catholic Church in Quyon will open its doors at 8:00am.
- 8:30am – 12:00 noon: Adoration and Confession
- 2:00pm: Church reopens
- 2:30pm – 3:30pm: Adoration
- 4:00pm: Mass
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Community Crafting
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation’s community crafting is an opportunity to learn or gather to make medicine pouches, beading, ribbon skirts, moccasins, talking sticks, etc. Mondays from 1-3pm (excluding holiday Mondays). For more information, please contact the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation at 519 803-5762 or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
The Silent Drift
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In countless churches across the Western world, an invisible crisis quietly unfolds every Sunday. What was meant to be the beating heart of Christian life — the sacred celebration of the Eucharist — often struggles to touch souls, inspire hearts, or even hold attention. Visitors and parishioners alike slip away unnoticed, their hunger for transcendence unmet, their yearning for authentic community left unsatisfied. Yet beneath these troubling signs, hidden opportunities flicker, offering hope for a profound renewal. But time is pressing: either the Sunday Mass reclaims its splendor, or it risks fading into irrelevance for entire generations. (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
RCRTL Meeting
Renfrew County Right to Life meets three times a year to plan events and discuss current pro-life issues. Anyone who shares our views and goals is welcome to participate in our meetings. Next meeting: Thursday September 4th at 7pm, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien St., Pembroke. Bring a friend! Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RCRTL.
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.
Stillpoint House of Prayer – “Cup of Light!”
Cup of Light! Is a powerful spiritual journey towards Divine Light happening September 19th-21st. Come and spend time with Karen Lahaise, writer and musician, and explore this inspirational book through discussion and art. Cost: $300 per person, including meals, room and art materials (book may be purchased for a nominal fee). To register or for more information please contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
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.
Pembroke Community Choir Registration
Do you like to sing? The Pembroke Community Choir invites you on September 8th as they begin rehearsals for “Magnificat“. Regular practices are from 7-9pm every Monday, at Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Concerts will take place on November 29th & 30th. There are no auditions, but the ability to read music is helpful; some homework is expected. Visit www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org for more info about the choir, the registration process, and fees.