Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit.
(Luke 10.21.24)
FROM THE DIOCESE
A Message for Advent 2025
The Diocese of Pembroke presents “A Message for Advent 2025” YouTube video with Fr. Réal Ouellette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHzPCweruOk.
Ecclesia
The Ecclesia Fall 2025 edition is now available in parishes and on the Diocese of Pembroke website at https://pembrokediocese.com/wp-content/uploads/Ecclesia-Fall-2025-final.pdf.
Spanish Mass at St. Columbkille Cathedral
Bishop Brehl will celebrate Mass in Spanish at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Friday, December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome, even if you do not speak Spanish!
Misa en español en la Catedral de San Columbkille
El obispo Brehl celebrará una misa en español en la Catedral de San Columbkille el viernes 12 de diciembre, festividad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, patrona de las Américas, a las 7:00 p. m. ¡Todos son bienvenidos, incluso si no hablan español!
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for December 2025
For Christians in areas of conflict – Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
FROM THE CCCB
Journey Through Advent – 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…)
Launch on the National Ecumenical Strategy
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is pleased to announce the publication of the National Ecumenical Strategy (NES), a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to fostering Christian unity and strengthening interfaith relationships in Canada. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee Indulgence at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke
Our Lady of Lourdes is the designated church for the Jubilee Indulgence on Monday, 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Mass will be offered at 10:00am followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with Rosary at 2:30pm and Benediction at 3:00pm. Confessions will be available from 11:00am-12:00pm and from 2:00pm-3:00pm. Please see Jubilee 2025 – Indulgence – Diocese of Pembroke for more information about the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence.
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
2025 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
12 DECEMBER 2025 – Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council – As Catholics, we continue to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, remembering his call to be “pilgrims of hope” in this year of Jubilee. It has been a time for reconciliation, pilgrimage and “coming home”. For Christians, this “Reconciliation” is the accomplishment of Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection reconciles humanity to God. Responding to the Lord’s call to be reconciled to one another in love, Catholic Canadians have set on a journey towards reconciliation with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples, one born out of a painful and difficult history. That history included the Indian residential schools, administered by Catholic and Christian churches alike. Accounts of prejudice, discrimination, and abuse came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which concluded ten years ago. For many people impacted by this history, healing may well require generations to realize. (Read more…)
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation – Call for Volunteers
MMF, a Federally recognized Not for Profit Corporation that focuses on the overall health and well-being of the Urban Indigenous population of Renfrew County and surrounding area, is currently looking for volunteers to assist with the following:
- Planning/facilitating fundraising events
- Grant writing
- Supporting land-based learning and cultural events (e.g. through meal planning, cooking, event setup and takedown)
- Social media and the creation of promotional materials.
If interested, please visit the website at http://www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com/, or email mmf.volunteering@gmail.com.
Spiritual Laws
These 20 statements are a collection of sayings common among Anishnabe people. They are included here as universal knowledge. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
10. There is no forward growth free of risk of pain, for pain is the balance of joy. Each heightens our understanding and appreciation for the other.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
December 4th from 6:30-7:30pm at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. The Holy Hour will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by Fr. Scott 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.
ADVENT
CCCB – Journey Through Advent 2025
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2025.
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 – Second Sunday of Advent 2025”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTPWNoq-sfc&t=6s.
First Sunday of Advent 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ra06xAiu5U&t=3s.
Advent Quiet Day
Advent Quiet Day led by Father Holly and Father Časta at Our Lady of Grace Church, Westmeath on Saturday, December 6. Mass at 9:00am followed by a period of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession and a spiritual talk. The morning will conclude by 11:30am. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch. All are welcome.
Advent Fair and “The Christmas Carol Play”
On Saturday, December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, beginning at 6pm. Handmade gifts, crafts, baked goods and drinks will be available! St. Nicholas will be visiting the children with special treats after the drama production. Free admission!
Advent Retreat at Stillpoint House of Prayer
Advent is a sacred and spiritual journey taken by those who wish to pause and reflect as they prepare for Jesus’ birth. Stillpoint invites you to this self-guided event with spiritual direction from Friday, December 12th at 4:30pm to Sunday, December 14th at 11am. Cost: $270. To register or for more information, email inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Sorrows Religious Articles Store
Did you know that our parish has a wonderful Religious Articles Store located in Our Lady of Sorrows church basement Petawawa? The store is open after 10am Mass every Sunday and offers a beautiful selection of religious gifts perfect for Christmas, Confirmations, weddings, and other special occasions. Come take a look and find something meaningful for yourself or a loved one!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Christmas is here!
Join us for a special First Friday of the Month evening: “Mary’s Way of the Cross” on Friday, December 5th starting at 6:30pm.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82173284163?pwd=eRvSTLhLGkeaS6wRCpfbOAYHQ5E4iR.1.
2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally
2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be held Saturday, March 14th at the Toronto Convention Centre. Come for a great experience! For details and registration please visit Home – Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR).
OTHER
Winter 2026 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 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: December 12th, 2025.
“Emmanuel God With Us” Christmas Concert
On Saturday December 13th at 7pm at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle, 34 Jordan Avenue, Pembroke. Tickets: $10.00 for adults – free for children 12 under. Proceeds to the Grind Christmas Food program. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput for tickets at 613 732-7933 ext. 206.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
: From May 18 to May 28, 2026 with Fr. Christopher Shalla, Diocese of Pembroke. Price – $3150.00 (includes taxes, side trips and gratuities). Departure from Pearson International Airport Toronto, KLM airlines economy class flight to Amsterdam and Split, Croatia. For more information contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655 or email irishjack@bell.net.