Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit.
(Luke 10.21-24)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 33110 Hwy 17 E., Deep River on Friday, December 15th from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Guest speaker: Patrick Sullivan. All are welcome!
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
FROM THE CCCB
Statement by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Non-Permissibility of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide within Canadian Health Organizations with a Catholic Identity – Thursday, November 30 2023
For generations, Catholic dioceses and religious orders in Canada have been major contributors to the development and delivery of healthcare services across the country. The first hospital in Canada, the Hôtel-Dieu in Quebec City, was established in 1639 by three Religious Sisters of the Augustines de la Miséricorde de Jésus to provide medical care to the French settlers and Indigenous populations of the time. That hospital was the first in North America and is still in operation. (Read more…)
Visit of the CCCB Presidency – Friday, December 1, 2023
The CCCB Presidency’s annual visit to the Holy See takes place from 28 November to 12 December 2023. The delegation is composed of the Most Reverend William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President, the Most Reverend Pierre Goudreault, Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and CCCB Vice-President, and Father Jean Vézina, General Secretary. A total of 23 visits have been planned to the heads of the various Vatican dicasteries and other offices. All these meetings are held in a spirit of listening and dialogue in support of the CCCB’s orientations and activities. On 30 November, the delegation of the presidency met with His Holiness Pope Francis.
Episcopal appointment to Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon –Thursday, November 30 2023
Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Reverend Father Michael Smolinski, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Province of Canada, as the new Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for December 2023
For persons with disabilities – We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions ma offer inclusive programmes which value their active participation.
ADVENT
CCCB – Journey Through Advent 2023
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Bishop Jon Hansen, CSsR, Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2023.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
On this First Sunday, Bishop Hansen provides a reflection on waiting and waking up to the presence of God.
Watch the videos here.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
CCCB – National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples 12 December – Wednesday, November 29, 2023
On 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, the Church in Canada celebrates the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This year, we take a moment to recall the Holy Father’s Penitential Pilgrimage to Canada in July 2022, and in particular his words of prayer offered at Lac Ste. Anne:
“Lord, as the people on the shores of the Sea of Galilee were not afraid to cry out to you with their needs, so we come to you, Lord … with whatever pain we bear within us. We bring to you our weariness and our struggles, the wounds of the violence suffered by Indigenous brothers and sisters. In this blessed place, where harmony and peace reign, we present to you the disharmony of our experiences, the terrible effects of colonization, the indelible pain of so many families, grandparents and children. Lord, help us to be healed of our wounds. We know, Lord, that this requires effort, care and concrete actions on our part; but we also know that we cannot do this alone. We rely on you and on the intercession of your mother and your grandmother. Yes, Lord, we entrust ourselves to the intercession of your mother and your grandmother, because mothers and grandmothers help to heal the wounds of our hearts.”
Diocesan Action Circle Survey
To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
ALPHA for Parents
Join us on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith with Alpha for Parents, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions welcome parents from all backgrounds to learn about the foundations of the Christian faith. Take the chance to connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment. For more details or to sign up, visit https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Your faith journey starts here.
Guide for the Missionary Transformation of Parishes (PDF)
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The goal of this guide is to assist parishes in transforming into missionary communities. It is possible for every Christian community, regardless of size or age, to find a way towards mission. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On December 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. 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.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Know any teenagers? Send them to Youth Alpha!
There is a youth group for grade 7-12 students on Sundays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke. This Youth Alpha program will provide a space to ask and explore some of life’s biggest questions. Please visit the following website for more info and to register. There is no cost, and it is open to all youth. https://jwmccluskey.wixsite.com/our-lady-of-lourdes Email Jessica McCluskey at jwmccluskey@nrtco.net with any questions.
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions continue Wednesday, December 13th from 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the parish hall and run monthly until June. Topic: “The looks we give – Reclaiming our eyes for God, our spouse and our kids.” This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for separate discussion for men and women. The purpose is to grow in your own spiritual life, your spousal relationship, and your relationship with your children. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre
FSO is a Christian non-profit, non-political, charitable organization providing compassionate care to women, men and families facing an unintended pregnancy, pregnancy loss or parenting needs. For more information, please visit the website at https://www.firststepoptions.com/what-we-offer or call the office at 613 635-7440.
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Development & Peace – Stand for the Land
In solidarity with the defenders of Guapinol and the San Pedro sector in Honduras, Development and Peace are seeking to collect 32,000 signatures on a letter to the Honduran ambassador to Canada by February 25, 2024. A Development and Peace-Caritas Canada delegation will meet the ambassador and hand her the letter during the spring of 2024.
Act now! Sign the letter digitally at this link: https://devp.org/en/campaign/stand-for-the-land/act/.
PARISH EVENTS
Seat of Wisdom College Choir at St. Alphonsus Parish
The Seat of Wisdom College Choir will be singing at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Alphonsus Parish, Chapeau, QC, on Sunday, December 10th. Come experience the 2nd Sunday of Advent in the beautiful St. Alphonsus Church with the exceptionally talented Seat of Wisdom Choir.
OTHER
Waiting for Bethlehem’s Light
The Eganville Community Choir invites you to their 2023 concert and Christmas carol sing-along on Saturday, December 9th at 2 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, 14 Bonnechere St. E., Eganville. Guest performance by Steve Agnew and Missy O’Connor. Reception to follow. Freewill offering. Everyone welcome!