The dawn from on high will break upon us.
(Luke 1.67-79)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Bishop’s Christmas and New Year Messages
Bishop Brehl’s Christmas message is now available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKCdDEvp8DY.
The Bishop’s New Year messages will soon be available on our diocesan YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@pembrokediocese.
Christmas holiday schedule
The Chancery will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th and will re-open on Monday, January 6th. The staff at the Diocesan Administration Office takes this opportunity to offer you and your family a Christmas Season filled with peace and joy!
FROM THE CCCB
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2024 from the Most Rev. William McGrattan – Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
A Saviour has been born for us; a Son has been given to us.
Christ, who in his birth and in becoming human has allowed us to share in the glory of his immortal nature. He has freed us from death, and the power of sin and darkness. This promise of salvation is ours and thus we rejoice in the knowledge that God is with us. (Read more…)
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Tbqe965W8JI.
World Day of Peace 2025
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.”
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for January 2025
For the right to an education – Let us pray for migrants, refugees and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
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.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Acudetox Acupuncture
Encouraging community wellness for behavioural health including addictions, mental health, emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. 6 weekly sessions on Mondays from 9-10 a.m. (except holidays), January 6th – February 10th, 2025. To register or for more information, please email 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.
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, January 8th.
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, January 15th.
EVANGELIZATION
Evangelizing Through Healing: Manifesting God’s Loving Presence
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The mission of the Church has always been to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every corner of the earth. Central to this mission is the reality of God’s love, and his call to heal the sick. Healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—has been a profound sign of God’s loving presence throughout salvation history, from the miracles of Jesus to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church today. (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.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
January 2nd from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s, QC. 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.
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.