John the Baptist came and the sinners believed him.
(Matthew 21.28-32)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Ordo Liturgical Calendars for 2022-23
Ordo Liturgical Calendars for 2022-23 are presently available for purchase at the Chancery Office for only $20/copy on a first-come, first-served basis. If interested, please contact Donna Biggs at 613 732-7933 ext. 203 or donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com
FROM THE CCCB
Burying the Dead, Grieving Well – A Guide for Catholics on Bodily Disposition and Grief
In recent decades, there have been numerous changes to the treatment of the bodily remains of the deceased within our Canadian and North American societies, due to rapid developments in the technologies used in bodily disposition. The new practices concerning the treatment of the bodies of the departed have direct consequences on the way we live out our grief. (Read more…)
Journey through Advent 2022
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, Auxiliary Bishop of London, Ontario. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, Bishop Dabrowski provides a reflection on hospitality. (See more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
2022 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples – Tuesday, December 6, 2022
On 12 December, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church in Canada celebrated 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.
2022 Message of the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth (Part 3)
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth (Part 3)
The purpose of this article is to present pastoral orientations that contribute to parish development. These pastoral orientations are intended to be helpful to pastors and pastoral councils as they seek to evangelize and renew their parishes.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
Beginning January 5th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, L’Isle-aux-Allumettes – “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 vocations office is beginning a new prayer initiative in 2023. The First Thursday of each month there will be a Holy Hour to pray for priestly vocations. The Holy Hour will be in a different parish of the diocese each month. It will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by a priest, a Rosary for vocations, and time for silent prayer. The first Holy Hour will be at St. Joseph Parish, QC (10 minutes from Pembroke) with the reflection given by Fr. Scott Murray. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. The topic of the first reflection will be “St. Joseph’s Conspicuous Absence from the Story of the Epiphany.”
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Young Adult Ministry Pre-Christmas Party
Join us on Thursday, December 22nd at Harrington Community Centre, Chapeau QC., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for some 5 pin bowling, and other games as well! Invite friends and family…anyone from 18 to 49 years of age…or so…. (we have expanded our age range). Please invite your spouse along if you have one. This is a potluck snacks party, so bring something you like. Plates, cups, cutlery and drinks will be provided. The bowling alley is in the basement of Harrington Community Centre, which is next door to the sports complex. It’s the first big building on your right past the baseball field as you drive into Chapeau. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
CCCB Office for Family and Life
Earlier this year, in June, the CCCB Office for Family and Life published its first edition of “All Things New”, a quarterly digital newsletter for dioceses, parishes, and families. The subscription link to “All Things New” can be found on the CCCB website or here. In an effort to grow the national family and life network, you are invited to subscribe and share with others. The next edition will be released on 1 December 2022 and include highlights from the 10th World Meeting of Families and related digital resources and social media tools.
Looking for Natural Family Planning course?
We have couples that teach in person or online, whichever suits you. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Image of God evening sessions for Men and Women in Renfrew CANCELLED for December
Come check out the new IMAGE OF GOD monthly evening sessions for Men and Women from 7-9 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew – in the small Hall. (Men 7-8 p.m., Women 8-9 p.m.). This is a new initiative from the Office Family Life, Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Renfrew deanery, but open to all, to reach adults who wish to grow in their faith, marriage and family life. Hosted by Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and Yvette Bourque. Each evening has a different topic and will include lots of discussion and time for questions. NOTE: Next session, Wednesday, December 14th is CANCELLED. See upcoming dates and topics here.
ADVENT
Advent is here!
Do you need some resources? A webinar on letting go this Advent? Check out the link catholicfaithformation@loyolapress.com from Loyola Press on Catholic Faith Formation ideas for all ages.
Also, the St. Josemaria Institute has resources for Advent including podcasts, prayers, articles and activities. If you are interested, you can sign up for them here: https://stjosemaria.org/advent-2022/?mc_cid=1cd98b1844&mc_eid=9a6915e3f1
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Advent Stories from D&P
It has become something of a yuletide tradition at Development and Peace for us to share Advent stories that warm the heart by showcasing the real-world impact of the solidarity and generosity of our Canadian Catholic community.
We have just published our first Advent story, with more to come every Sunday in Advent. We’ve also shared it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
14th Annual Men’s Retreat – 2023
Retreat will be given by Fr. Paul Burchat and Scott Eagen from the Madonna House Community in Combermere, from Friday, January 13th to Sunday, January 15th, 2023 at the Graphite Bible Camp (Between Maynooth and Bancroft). This year’s theme: “God the Father: Our Hope and Salvation (“You are With Me” Jn 15:31). Cost: $175.00 for the weekend (includes retreat, room and great meals). For more information, questions, special requests, dietary or financial concerns, please call Pierre-Paul Filion at 613 602-6580 or email ppfilion@yahoo.ca. Reserve now; deposit and registration due by December 20th, 2022.
OTHER
Looking for a great gift idea for someone this Christmas? Look no further!
Funny in a GOoD Way presents an evening of laughter and praise to celebrate the week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 21st at 7:00 p.m., Festival Hall. Event features, Praise Band – Gate47, a skit by local Clergy, and award winning Comedian Andy Beningo. Cost $20.00 in advance. To purchase tickets, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. More details available at www.funnyinagoodway.ca. Net proceeds go to The Grind Pembroke.