You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.
(Mark 7.1-13)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Family Day
Please note that the Diocesan Offices will be closed on Monday, February 17th, and will reopen on Tuesday, February 18th at 8:30 a.m.
Diocesan Pastoral Planning – Letter from the Bishop – January 14, 2025
The letter and PDF version from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. can be found here: Diocesan Pastoral Planning – Diocese of Pembroke
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Catherine Fairbairn (Sister Mary Deborah), a Grey Sister of the Immaculate Conception, Pembroke, who passed away on the 9th of February in the 70th year of her Religious Life.
FROM THE CCCB
Pope Francis’ message for the 33rd World Day of the Sick (11 February 2025)
Ottawa, 6 February 2025 – Earlier this year, the Vatican published Pope Francis’ message for the 33rd World Day of the Sick, celebrated each year on February 11. (Read more…)
Launch of Video Series and Resources for the Pastoral Letter on Social Media
Ottawa, January 20, 2025 – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is launching a dedicated webpage for the Pastoral Letter on the use of social media, “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious,” authored by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace and originally published by the CCCB in January 2024. This webpage also contains new resources and materials, inspired by the Pastoral Letter, to help readers – individually or in group settings – to unpack the observations and apply the guidance provided by the members of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace on the use of social media in today’s world from a Catholic social and moral perspective. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Virtual Talking Circle
Friday mornings at 10 a.m. (exceptions for holidays). For more information call the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation at 613 281-7969 or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming Circle: February 13th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email 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 your 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, February 19th.
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 Talking Circle: February 24th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email 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, February 26th.
EVANGELIZATION
Living in The Joy of The Gospel
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In 2013, Pope Francis gifted the Church with his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel), a profound meditation on the fundamental relationship between Christian faith and joy. This landmark document reminds us that joy is not peripheral to our faith but central to it – a divine gift that flows from our encounter with Jesus Christ. As we explore the depths of Christian joy, we discover that it is both a blessing to be received and a mission to be lived. In a world often marked by darkness and despair, Pope Francis’s message resonates with particular urgency, calling us to rediscover and embrace the transformative power of Christian joy in our daily lives. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark your calendars for two upcoming events: A Lenten Retreat with Bishop Brehl on April 5, 2025 and Divine Mercy Sunday with Bishop Brehl on April 27,2025. More information to follow as we approach these dates. Stay tuned!
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
“POP Theology” PEMBROKE
NEXT event: Tuesday, February 25th at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director for Pastoral Work, Diocese of Pembroke. Topic: How to become a missionary disciple (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.) This event is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. Please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list. All are welcome!
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. See all the details at our website: www.northerncatholic.ca.
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 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!
Separated and Divorced Ministry – VIRTUAL CLASSES (approved by the Archdiocese of Ottawa)
Classes begin March 29 2025, 2 hours/week for ladies this year, and runs for 6 weeks. This is a non-profit ministry. The cost is $40, which covers reimbursement of expenses only and no fees go to the facilitator. Any extra money goes directly to charity. All class details, dates, times and registration form can be found at www.bymyside.ca. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested. Mary Jane Manley, By My Side Program Facilitator. Email: mj@bymyside.ca. Cell: 613 294-1308.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
March 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish, Killaloe. 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.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre – AGM
You’re invited to join FSO for their Annual General Meeting at 362 Miller Street, Pembroke on Monday, February 24th at 7 p.m. Come and celebrate God’s blessings! For more information, please call 613 635-7440.
Become a Monthly Donor!
The month of February is a great time to become a monthly donor for First Step Options! Become a monthly donor and help FSO repaint the canvas of someone’s life with hope. Simply go to www.firststepoptions.com and click on the “DONATE” tab to sign up today! For more information, please call FSO at 613 635-7440, or visit the website at https://www.firststepoptions.com/.
FSO – Paint with a Purpose
Join First Step Options by painting a picture and supporting a great cause on Saturday, March 1st from 1-3 p.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke. Payment of $30 can be made at the door. Go to Paint with a Purpose to register today! Please call 613 635-7440 for more information.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
D&P Share Lent Workshop (Virtual)
Join Development and Peace’s annual Share Lent workshop for the new Jubilee campaign Turn Debt into Hope. You’ll leave with a good understanding of Development and Peace — Caritas Canada and our partners, of Jubilee 2025, and of the debt issue and its impact on the countries of the Global South. Workshop will be held on Thursday, February 20th at 7 p.m. Please register here. For questions and more information please contact Kiegan Irish at kirish@devp.org.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
CCRSO Annual Spring Conference 2025
“Come. Throw Open the Doors of Your Heart. Hope Does not Disappoint.” The annual CCRSO (Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario) conference, will be held at St. Theresa Parish, 100 Tenth St., Toronto on March 14th and 15th, with Bishop Scott McCaig and Michelle Moran (UK). Tickets: $20. For more information, or to register, visit https://www.ccrso.net/.
Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The annual Toronto Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Information and registration: https://www.ljhr.ca/.
OTHER
St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission Open House
Consider attending St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission’s open house in Bruno, SK from Monday to Saturday of the February Break (February 17th to February 22nd). Meal and lodging included! Visit the website at https://sttherese.ca/events/ or call 306 369-2555 for more information.
Drama Production and Dinner
Queen of the Angels Co-op presents a Pancake Dinner followed by a performance of The Real Princess – A Princess and the Pea Story, at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Killaloe on Saturday, March 1st starting at 6 p.m. Cost: $20 for adults – $5 for children/students. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, please email coopdrama@proton.me.
Women’s Retreats Combermere
We warmly invite all women to a weekend women’s retreat….
“The Eucharist: Christ our Hope” – two retreats offered:
- March 14-16 at the Elim Lodge 696 Elim Lodge Road, Lakehurst, ON, led by Christina Milan and Fr. Brian Christie, Madonna House – Register Here.
- April 4-6 at the Graphite Bible Camp, 702 Graphite Road, Maynooth, ON, led by Christina Milan and Fr. David Linder, Madonna House – Register here.
For questions or more information please call Astrid (Elim Retreat) at 905 377-0688 or Kristan (Graphite Retreat) at 613 585-0579.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
Departure from Pearson International Airport from May 7th to May 18th. Price: $3,150.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Non-refundable deposit of $400.00 required on booking. To register, or for more information contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.