Give me, here and now, John’s head on a platter.
(Mark 6.17-29)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Mass of Thanksgiving for the Episcopal Ministry of the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. as the Ninth Bishop of Pembroke
Mass of Thanksgiving for the Episcopal Ministry of the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. as the Ninth Bishop of Pembroke will be held at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. A farewell reception will be held in the Cathedral Hall immediately after the Mass. All are welcome for this occasion to wish Archbishop-designate Desrochers well as departs to assume his ministry in the Archdiocese of Moncton.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Reverend Father Joseph Clement Legree, who passed away peacefully at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, on Monday, August 28th, at the age of 93 and 67 years of priesthood. Solemn Rite of Reception at St. Michael’s Parish, Douglas, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. at St. Michael’s Parish, Douglas, on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery. May Father Legree’s soul rest in peace.
No Weekly Bulletin Next Week
Please note that the next Diocesan Weekly Bulletin is scheduled for the week of September 18th.
Labour Day Weekend
The Diocesan Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th and will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th at 8:30 a.m.
Chancery Office Hours
Starting Tuesday, September 5th, the Diocesan Offices will resume normal hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At St. John Chrysostom Parish, 295 Albert Street, Arnprior on Wednesday, September 20th from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
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.
OFFICE OF THE NEW MEDIA
Back to School Message
A “Back to School” video message has been published on the YouTube channel and Facebook page of the Diocese:
https://youtu.be/0YZhSGw3-70?si=GJz_kkX3vGN8x0Ru
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Eparchy of New Westminster for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada – Thursday, August 24 2023
His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed the Reverend Father Michael Kwiatkowski, from the Archeparchy of Winnipeg, as the new Bishop of the Eparchy of New Westminster for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for exercising their right to development. In particular, indigenous peoples have the right to be actively involved in developing and determining health, housing and other economic and social programmes affecting them and, as far as possible, to administer such programmes through their own institutions.
Article 23 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Pope Francis on Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Pope Francis has often emphasized the importance of evangelization and the role of every member of the Church in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. In his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, he states that “All the baptized, whatever their position in the Church or their level of instruction in the faith, are agents of evangelization” 1. He further emphasizes that evangelization is not limited to professionals, but requires personal involvement from each baptized individual. Pope Francis calls all Christians to become “missionary disciples” and states that anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love can go out and proclaim that love without much time or lengthy training. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for September 2023
For people living on the margins – We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
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.
FAITH FORMATION
Diaconate Retreat
Please keep our diocesan permanent deacons and their wives in prayer during their retreat scheduled for September 11-13th. God Bless!
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
Join us on Friday, September 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at 35 Casey Street. Topic: “Trans Athletes – A brave new world?” presented by Fred Duquette. This monthly 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 relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. For inquiries, please contact Kenton Biffert at kentonbiffert@gmail.com.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Come join us on Thursday, Aug 31st – 7 – 8:30 p.m. 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.” 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.
Save the Dates! Theology of the Body for Teens
YOU Program will be presented over three Saturdays on the following dates October 21st, November 18th and December 9th. This program is for youth age 14 to 19 yrs. On-line registration will be available after September 18th on the diocesan website along with all the details.
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
13th Autumn Annual Pilgrimage to St-Joseph’s Oratory
13th Autumn Annual Pilgrimage to St-Joseph’s Oratory and 13th Anniversary of the canonization of St-Brother André from the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall taking place on Sunday, October 15, 2023. For costs and departure times, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or email mike.budge@bell.net. Limited space.
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.