It is not the will of your Father that one of these little ones should be lost.
(Matthew 18.12-14)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Bishop’s Advent 2024 Message
Watch the Advent 2024 Message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxmEFAOUL2Y.
Spanish Mass – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Celebrated by Bishop Michael Brehl at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Thursday, December 12th at 7 p.m. Reception to follow at the Cathedral Parish Hall. Come and celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of all the Americas, even if you do not speak Spanish!
Misa en español – Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Celebrada por el Obispo Michael Brehl en la Catedral de St. Columbkille el jueves 12 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. A continuación, habrá una recepción en el Salón Parroquial de la Catedral. ¡Venga a celebrar la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la patrona de todas las Américas!
Prayers
In the charity of your prayers please pray for the repose of the soul of Reverend J. Kenneth O’Brien, priest of the Diocese of Pembroke (1948-2024), who passed away peacefully at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, fortified by the Sacraments of the Church on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the age of 76. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. James the Less Church on Monday, December 9, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
FROM THE CCCB
2024 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples – Tuesday, December 3, 2024
On 12 December, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church in Canada marks the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.
This initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has been coordinated since 2002 by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council (formerly the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council).
This year, the reflection by the Council is inspired by Pope Francis’s words of healing and reconciliation spoken during his “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada.
National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous .
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops congratulates Archbishop Frank Leo on his elevation to the College of Cardinals – Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Church in Canada rejoices with gratitude at the appointment of His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, to the College of Cardinals. This event took place today in Vatican City at the Consistory presided over by His Holiness Pope Francis. (Read more…)
Death of the Most Rev. Frederick Bernard Henry, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Calgary
OTTAWA, 4 December 2024 – His Excellency Frederick Bernard Henry, Bishop Emeritus of Calgary, died on 3 December 2024, at the age of 81. His episcopal motto was Dabo Vobis Pastores (“I will give you pastors”). (Read more…)
Journey Through Advent 2024 – Video Series to Introduce and Reflect on the Season
The General Secretariat of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announces the online weekly video series for this year’s Advent season. Designed to help the faithful prepare for the memorial of the birth of Our Lord celebrated at Christmas, these videos provide valuable resources and opportunities for faith formation. Titled Journey through Advent the series is a collaborative initiative of the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office, and the Office national de liturgie. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for December 2024
For pilgrims of hope – Let us pray that this Jubilee strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope.
JUBILEE 2025
The 2025 Jubilee
The 2025 Jubilee will officially open on December 24, 2024 at 7 p.m., with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord’s Birth inside the Basilica. Official site of the Jubilee: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html.
ADVENT
CCCB – Journey Through Advent 2024
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2024.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the YouTube video “Journey through Advent – Third Sunday of Advent 2024”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iTlK1ZURrw.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming: December 19th – next Talking Circle: December 12th. Visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Men’s Circles
Time to connect with other men, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next Talking Circle: December 16th. For more information, visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Wisdom to Wellness
This program is designed to immerse participants into Indigenous cultural teachings and protocols. Through a series of enlightening sessions, individuals will engage with a variety of teachings deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditions. The program focuses on fostering a profound understanding of cultural values, reciprocity to the land, and the significance of Indigenous protocols in various ceremonies and gatherings. These teachings will be integrated into other programs held at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. Email us at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, December 11th.
Medicine Wheel – 12 Steps Wellbriety Workshop
Meetings will be offered either in-person or via Zoom Tuesday evenings September 24th – December 17th from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, please email the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the hand drum as we come together in community to learn and sing once a month, on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring you personal drum. Limited supply available for those who do not have one. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, December 18th.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Extraordinary Signs in Extraordinary Times
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Throughout history, the Catholic Church has recognized supernatural phenomena as potential signs of God’s continued presence. The Church teaches that God continues to manifest His presence through extraordinary means, serving as profound reminders that the Church, despite human weakness, remains under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Carlo’s Crew Youth Night (A diocesan event)
This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and ALL are welcome. The upcoming dates are Fridays January 17th, March 21st and May 2nd from 7 – 9 p.m. at St. James the Less parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others. The four evenings will focus on Virtues and Vices. The waiver form must be signed either online here or hard copies will be available at the event. One waiver will cover all 4 nights. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
Northern Ontario Catholic Leadership Conference
Northern Ontario Catholic Leadership Conference hosted by the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie is taking place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall in North Bay. This event is open to all young people aged 13-19 who will gather for a day of prayer led by International Catholic Speaker, Singer, Comedian and Social Media Icon Paul J. Kim. The day will also include time for socializing, recreation, personal reflection, prayer and reconciliation. This year’s theme is “AWAKEN – Live for More” giving young people the chance to reflect on making Christ-centered choices in their life within the challenges of today’s world. Registration is now open – and there is an early registration discount until January 17, 2025. See all the details at our website: www.northerncatholic.ca.
PARISH EVENTS
Bible Study on the Gospel According to Saint John
This study group will use the book The Gospel of John: A Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture by Fr. Francis Martin, on Wednesdays, starting January 22nd 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the St. Lawrence O’Toole Hall. A typical evening begins with opening prayer, a hymn, and a conversation about the current chapter we’re reading with regular attention to the Old Testament and Catechism. We close each week with intercessory prayer. These evenings are led by John Morris. Books for this study have been ordered and are $30 each. Please contact St. Lawrence O’Toole office to reserve yours at 613 756-2037.
Living with Christ Sunday Missals
St. Theresa’s Parish in Témiscaming and Our Lady of the Lake Mission in Kipawa would like to buy extra copies of the 2024-2025 Living with Christ Sunday Missal. If your parish can spare some copies and would be willing to sell them, please contact Lise Anne Gaudet, Parish Secretary, at ste.therese.eglise@gmail.com, her cell at 705 358-9766 or call the rectory at 819 627-3381.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Advent Confessions
Mass (bilingual) will be on Thursday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge. Two bilingual confessors (Fr. Goring and Fr. Smith) will be available in the confessionals beginning at 6:00 p.m. People from throughout the region are invited to come. The confessors will be available after Mass if need be.
Hour of Eucharistic Adoration
Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in silence from 9:00 to 9:55 a.m. before every weekday French mass at St-Jean-Baptiste Parish (Pembroke). See parish bulletin for mass schedule at https://www.facebook.com/stjeanbaptistepembroke.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Steubenville Conference – “Night of Hope”
Join us for this free Steubenville Conference livestreamed from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Let’s gather together as a Church to pray for our world with one heart and one voice. You’ll enjoy a keynote presentation from Chris Stefanick, Eucharistic Adoration with Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, and more, on Thursday, December 12th, 7-9 p.m. EST. To register: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/night-of-hope/.
2025 Annual Men’s Retreat
The 2025 Annual Men’s Retreat, “Eyes on the Lord” (Graphite Bible Camp, north of Bancroft) will be held from January 10th to January 12th, 2025. Cost: $175. Includes Talks, Fellowship, Mass, adoration, confession and meals. Registration deadline: December 20th. To register or for more information contact Pierre-Paul Filion at 613 602-6580 or ppfilion@yahoo.ca.
OTHER
Winter 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. Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Winter 2025 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: January 3rd, 2025.
Are you looking for that special gift this Season?
Look no further! You won’t need to exchange because of wrong colour or size! Join us for the Christian Unity Event “Funny in a GOoD Way,” an evening of laughter and praise at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on January 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Cost: $25 each. All proceeds go towards the St. Vincent de Paul St. Columbkille Conference. Featuring live Gate 47, comedian Joey I.L.O., and last but not least, the great skit by the Pembroke and Area Clergy Association! Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput to get your ticket or special ticket packages today at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Let’s make someone’s Christmas special while helping others right here in our community!
Do You Like to Sing?
The Pembroke Community Choir invites you to join us in January as we begin rehearsals for our Spring Concert. Online registration begins on December 15. Practices are from 7-9 p.m. every Monday, starting January 6, at Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our concert will take place on April 27. There are no auditions, but the ability to read music is helpful and you can expect some homework. Register between December 15 and 31, to get the early bird discount: $40 for adults and $25 for students. After December 31, the fee will be $50 for adults and $30 for students. Online registration and more info at the PCC website: www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org.