Woman, great is your faith!
(Matthew 15.21-28)
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.
Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. named the 10th Bishop of Pembroke
On June 11, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. as the 10th Bishop of Pembroke. The Episcopal Ordination will be held at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Thursday, August 15, 2024 (The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary) at 10 a.m. All are welcome!
Calling All Singers!
All are welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the Episcopal Ordination of Rev. Father Michael Brehl at St. Columbkille on Thursday, August 15th at 10 a.m. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters346@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and to receive additional information.
Additional Parking for Episcopal Ordination Mass
For those attending the Episcopal Ordination on Thursday, August 15, please note that if you cannot find parking in proximity to the Cathedral, additional parking will be available at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke. A shuttle bus between Holy Name parking lot and the Cathedral will commence at 9:00 a.m. that morning and run for an hour after the conclusion of Mass.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Reverend Father Leo August Ramsperger, a priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto who passed away peacefully at Humber River Hospital, Toronto, on Friday, August 2nd at the age of 100. Fr. Ramsperger resided within our diocese for a number of years in his retirement.
FROM THE CCCB
Preparation Underway for Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
OTTAWA, July 25, 2024 – On 9 July 2024, the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops released the Instrumentum laboris for the upcoming second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held 2-27 October 2-27 2024 in Rome. This session will mark a significant moment in the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, initiated in 2021, by discerning how the Church can become more synodal and missionary. (Read more…)
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:
Educational institutions include the Declaration in their curriculum, including teacher training.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Bible Sharing Guide for Small Groups: A Synodal Approach
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In this text, you will find a step-by-step approach to leading a small group one-hour spiritual conversation using texts from the Bible. The approach is inspired by the method of spiritual conversations used during the Synod on Synodality. This structured format emphasizes listening, discernment, and community, fostering a deeper connection with scripture and with each other. (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 Fundraiser – St. James the Less Parish, Eganville
6 Hand Euchre Fundraiser for St James the Less Parish on Sunday, August 11th at 1 p.m. in the church hall at 78 Wellington St. in Eganville. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Elevator is available. $10 per person with prizes, 50/50 draw, and raffle. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone welcome!
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
National Eucharistic Congress
The 10th National Eucharistic Congress, an historic outpouring of grace held July 17-21, was a profound moment for the whole Church in the United States and beyond as our Catholic family united in prayer. 60,000 Catholics gathered in Indianapolis for this generational event, and countless more joined via livestream.
Recordings are available on the EWTN YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@EWTNcatholictv) or through subscription on the Congress website (https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/). They are well worth experiencing!
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.
150th Anniversary of the Annual Pilgrimage to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape
From the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme, Kingston and Gatineau on August 10-11, 2024. Our Weekend Celebrants: Archbishops Marcel Damphousse, Terrence Prendergast, Guy Desrochers, and Bishops Yvan Mathieu, Raymond Poisson, and Pierre Goudreault. This may be the last Annual Pilgrimage due to health issues with the Rector of the Shrine and Mr. Mike Budge. For registration and information contact: mike.budge@bell.net. See poster at Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre | Annual Pilgrimage.
“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
13th Wojtyla Summer Institute
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is happy to announce that registration is open for the Wojtyla Summer Institute, August 8-11. This year’s theme on “Literature and the Catholic Imagination,” with the keynote address by Dr. Randy Boyagoda, will consider various works and eras of literature and their importance for Catholic readers. To learn more and to register, please visit www.seatofwisdom.ca.
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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Chaplaincy Lead Position – St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, Renfrew
Attention all job seekers! An exciting opportunity awaits you at the St. Joseph’s High School. They are currently looking for a qualified Candidate for the position of “Chaplaincy Lead Position“. To apply or learn more about the job specifics, please visit Permanent Chaplaincy Leader (1.0 FTE) | Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (applytoeducation.com). Application deadline: August 12, 2024. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. Apply today!