It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
(Matthew 19.23-30)
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Homily for the Feast of Saint Anne in Cormac
July 30, 2023
Dear faithful and pilgrims who have gathered here today in large numbers to honour Good Saint Anne on her feast day,
I know that many of you have come here today to ask for a special favour, for a healing, or even for a miracle. I must remind you though, that Saint Anne does not operate or do any miracle whatsoever. She simply turns to her grandson Jesus and begs him to grant a particular grace or divine favour to the person who invokes her in faith and who believes that her intercession is extremely powerful. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Installation of Archbishop-Designate Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R, as Archbishop of Moncton, New Brunswick
The Most Rev. Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. will be installed as the Archbishop of Moncton on October 18, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
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 4th to September 1st inclusively.
FROM THE CCCB
Status update on the recent wildfires in the Northwest Territories (NWT) by Bishop Jon Hansen – Monday, August 21, 2023
First of all, thank you for all the wonderful thoughts and prayers that have filled my text and email apps. Yesterday I had a 12-hour drive from Yellowknife to Grande Prairie, where I am “sheltering”. I am one of the lucky evacuees who have family in Alberta so I am very comfortable staying in the home of my niece and her husband. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in the implementation of this Declaration.
- States shall take measures, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination.
Article 22 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Revitalizing the Rural Parish for Mission
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Rural parishes face a unique set of challenges that can make evangelization and vitality seem like insurmountable goals. Declining and aging populations, few resources, and maintenance burdens on aging buildings can all contribute to a sense of struggle or even despair. However, with intentionality, creativity, and a focus on empowering laity, rural parishes can tap into their potential to become strong, missional faith communities. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On September 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Bancroft – “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. 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 14th and Saturday, October 28th, 2022 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Deadline to register is October 5th. Registration available online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. registration fee is $100 per couple. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Presentations will begin again in September.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Come join us on Thursday, Aug 31st – 7 – 8:30 p.m. Please join us at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speakers: Veronica Ferri, Fr. Zach Romanowsky, David Guzman, all from Madonna House. Topic: “How and why to strive for a life of Purity in this current age – PART II.” This is an initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). Gatherings will take place monthly at various local restaurants or parishes in the Pembroke area that offer private rooms for such an event. 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. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be placed on a group e-mail list.
PARISH EVENTS
60th Anniversary of the Dedication of Our Lady of Lourdes Church
All are invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dedication of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 16th at 4:30 p.m. A festive reception and presentation by the children of the parish will follow in the parish hall. All are welcome.
Spanish Mass
St. Columbkille will begin to offer monthly Mass in the Spanish language, which will take place on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. If there is sufficient interest, the Mass in Spanish will be offered each month.
Misa en Español
Como hay muchas personas que hablan español en el área, intentaré comenzar una misa mensual en español. La primera de estas misas se llevará a cabo el 17 de septiembre de 2023 a las 9:00 AM. Si puede ayudar en la misa con lectura o música, comuníquese con el padre Beachey, frbitsche@gmail.com Un sacerdote de Chincha Baja en Perú celebrará la primera misa.
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Supper
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Supper in Bancroft, Ontario, on Sunday, September 10th from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Silent Auction, Raffle Tickets, Cash Prizes! Cost: $15/adult – $6/children 12 & under. Take-out available!
St. Patrick Annual Supper and Bazaar
St. Patrick Annual Supper and Bazaar will take place on Sunday, September 24th from 1-6 p.m. at the DACA Center. Visitor’s Mass at 12 noon at St. Patrick Church.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 3rd Annual Baby Bump Party
Everyone will have the opportunity to gift items to FSO throughout the month of September, much like a virtual baby shower! For a list of items or more information, please contact Frist Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Marian Pilgrimage
Father Réal Ouellette has the great pleasure and honour of accompanying a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Compostela (Spain), and Fatima and Lisbon (Portugal) from October 25th to November 6th 2023. For more info: https://spiritours.com/en/product/france-spain-portugal-acn/.
Women’s Fall Retreat 2023
14th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat, Saturday, October 21st, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Holy Cross Church, 503 Clothier St., Kemptville, ON. Miriam Wright, a well-known speaker, will encourage us to respond wholeheartedly to the call of Jesus, the Bridegroom: “Arise, My Beloved, Come!” (Song of “Songs 2:10), so that we may come to love as we are loved. Cost ($70) includes three keynote addresses and follow up discussions, plus lunch and snacks. Register at www.womensfallretreat.com.
OTHER
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College Bachelor of Catholic Studies
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is a faithfully Catholic liberal arts college in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, offering a three-year Bachelor of Catholic Studies degree. Small class sizes and a strong academic program set students up for success in the classroom and in all future pursuits. Faculty take their Catholic faith seriously, and profess an oath of fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church. A vibrant campus life, men’s and women’s residence houses, and ample spiritual opportunities create a Catholic culture that forms the whole person. Students build life-long friendships, and often discern their vocations. The tuition is affordable, and financial aid is available. There are still spots available for 2023-2024! Please visit www.seatofwisdom.ca.