Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
(Matthew 1.1-17)
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.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Rita Catherine Kehoe (Sr. Mary Claudia), a Grey Sister of the Immaculate Conception, Pembroke, who passed away on December 14th in the 81st year of her Religious Life.
FROM THE CCCB
World Day of Peace 2025 – Thursday, December 12, 2024
The Holy See published the Holy Father’s Message for the 58th World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on 1 January 2025, the liturgical Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, who is likewise the Queen of Peace. The theme chosen by Pope Francis is “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace’’.
This theme aligns with the spirit of the Jubilee Year, focusing on hope, forgiveness, and bringing people together. Inspired by Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, the message highlights the need for change to build lasting peace in our lives individually, in communities, and worldwide.
In his message, the Holy Father states: “May 2025 be a year in which peace flourishes! A true and lasting peace that goes beyond quibbling over the details of agreements and human compromises. May we seek the true peace that is granted by God to hearts disarmed: hearts not set on calculating what is mine and what is yours; hearts that turn selfishness into readiness to reach out to others; hearts that see themselves as indebted to God and thus prepared to forgive the debts that oppress others; hearts that replace anxiety about the future with the hope that every individual can be a resource for the building of a better world.”
Episcopal appointment for the Archdiocese of Quebec
December 12, 2024, Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis named Father Jean Tailleur as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Quebec. At the time of his appointment, Bishop-elect Tailleur was serving as Vicar General and Moderator of the diocesan curia, a position he has held since February 2024, before which he had been diocesan Chancellor since 2011. (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
Prayer for the Jubilee
“Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom…” (See full prayer at: https://pembrokediocese.com/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 – Fourth Sunday of Advent 2024”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdjjOyCv21w&t=8s.
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. 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 Drumming: January 6th. For more information, visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
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.
EVANGELIZATION
The Parable of the Wise Landowner
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Once upon a time, there was a wealthy landowner who possessed many horses. His lands were vast, and his well was deep, providing abundant water for his entire herd. Each day, the stable hands led the horses to the well to drink, and the horses were strong and healthy. (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.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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.