God does not desire the loss of the little ones.
(Matthew 18.12-14)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chancery Office Closed on December 8th
Please note that on Thursday, December 8th the Chancery Office will not be open, as staff members will be involved with the Day of Reflection for Secretaries being held that day at Holy Name Parish.
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Guy Desrochers
Evangelization and the Reform of Diocesan Structures (dated November 17, 2022).
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 Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Dabrowski provides a reflection on joy. (See more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Prayer for Smudging
Cleanse my eyes
that I will see only the good intent of others.
Cleanse my heart
that I will feel only the good intent of others.
Cleanse my ears
that I will hear only the good intent of others.
Cleanse my head
that I will understand only the good intent of others.
Cleanse my mouth
that I will speak only my good intent to others.
Cleanse my mind
that I will think only good intentions towards others.
Cleanse my body
that I will act only on my good intent towards others.
Meegwetch (thank you), Meegwetch, Meegwetch, Meegwetch. (Aimee Bailey)
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Divine Renovation – “How to Lead When you’re not in Charge”
An online event for parish leaders, on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 7 p.m. UK (2 p.m. ET). Join Fr. Gary Buckby and Maria Heath, and Divine Renovation’s Matt Regitz and Hannah Vaughan-Spruce for a conversation exploring the ways you can influence, lead, pray, and serve fruitfully in a parish that is not yet oriented to mission. Register today!
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.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for December 2022
For volunteer not-for-profit organisations – We pray for volunteer non-profit organisations committed to human development; may they find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
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
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. Next session: Wednesday, December 14th. 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 three more to come every Sunday in Advent. We’ve also shared it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
PARISH EVENTS
Novena of Talks for Our Lady
St. Michael’s Church in Douglas is hosting a novena of talks for the Immaculate Conception. Evenings of the novena include a reflection on Our Lady from one of our priests, sacred music, and prayers. Join us for one night…join us for all! Next dates:
- Tuesday, December 6th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. with Fr. Peter Do
- Wednesday, December 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. with Fr. Scott Murray
The novena culminates with the celebration of Lessons and Carols on Thursday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m., followed by refreshments and visiting.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Madonna House: A Song of Love
This half-hour documentary celebrates the gift of the Madonna House Apostolate, based in Combermere, Ontario, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year on Sunday, December 11th at 8:30 p.m. ET on Salt & Light TV.
“Jesus Christ the King” Rally
This past Saturday the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Toronto held the annual “Jesus Christ the King” Rally. The theme was “The Floodgates of Heaven Are Open” Malachi 3:10. Father Matthias Amuzu, Brian Sullivan, Bishop Robert Kasun, Father Sam Samuel VC. Watch the recorded 4 hour event on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8RYLTsz3_Q.
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
Stroll-Thru Bethlehem
Free event at Wesley Community Church (corner of Moffat St. and Renfrew St.), Pembroke, on Saturday, December 10th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Come experience the wonders of Jesus’ birth. Donations for food bank appreciated. Accessible to all!
Funny in a GOoD Way!
Funny in a GOoD Way! presents an evening of comedy and worship on January 21st at 7 p.m. at Festival Hall, Pembroke. Featuring Andy Beningo and Gate 47. Ticket details available online at www.funnyinagoodway.ca. Net proceeds go to The Grind Pembroke.