The Son of Man is betrayed. Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.
(Mark 9.30-37)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
125th Anniversary of the Diocese of Pembroke
Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,
With joy, 2023 marks the momentous occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Diocese of Pembroke. This milestone provides an opportunity to give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit and for us to recognize God’s grace continually at work in the life of our diocese. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
People are wondering how they can help victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Here are links to two Catholic aid organizations:
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada: https://www.devp.org/en/
The Catholic Near East Welfare Association: https://cnewa.org/ca/
We’re moving!
Please note the Diocesan Offices new mailing address effective March 22, 2023 will be: 284 Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Archdiocese of Toronto
His Holiness Pope Francis named the Most Reverend Frank Leo as the eleventh Archbishop of Toronto. At the time of his nomination, Archbishop Leo was an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Montreal. He succeeds Cardinal Thomas Collins, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Francis. Cardinal Collins exercised pastoral responsibility for the Archdiocese of Toronto as its Archbishop since 2007. (Read more…)
Bishops and Catholic Organizations in Canada Launch Turkey/Syria Earthquake Emergency Aid Campaign
With the support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Aid to Church in Need (ACN), Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada, and Development and Peace-Caritas Canada (DPCC) are launching an emergency aid campaign in response to the destructive earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday. They have pledged the total sum of nearly one million Canadian dollars. (Read more…)
CCCB Invites Indigenous Peoples to Continue Walking Together on the Journey of Truth, Justice, Healing, Reconciliation, and Hope
Through a series of pastoral letters to First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and the People of God in Canada, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) affirmed its ongoing commitment to renewing and strengthening relations with Indigenous Peoples at the national, regional, and especially the local level. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series – Speaker Cathy Phannenhour
Feature Speaker: Cathy Phannenhour on Tuesday, February 28th from 7-8:30 p.m. Cathy Phannenhour is a member of Big Grassy River First Nation Treaty 3 in Northwestern Ontario, Lake of the Woods. Through her unique perspective as a Sixties
Scoop Survivor, she will challenge hidden bias, and systemic beliefs, while hopefully opening the door to new ways of thinking. Cathy is also a contributing author in Silence to Strength: Writing and Reflections on the Sixties Scoop. To sign up for Cathy’s presentation, please click here. View poster here.
Algonquin Prayers
Chìbayàtigokewin
The Sign of the Cross
Od’ijinikàzowining Wekwisisich
In the name of the Father
Kaye Weyosich
And the Son
Kaye Mino Manido. Kegona kì ingì
And the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Release of Four Pastoral Letters from the CCCB
The CCCB released four pastoral letters on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: to the First Nations, to the Inuit, to the Métis, and to the People of God in Canada.
These pastoral letters, adopted by CCCB members in plenary session last September, are meant to be introduced by the local Ordinary in his diocese/eparchy and to serve as a framework to inspire local reconciliation efforts.
You may access the letters on the CCCB website: https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/that-we-may-walk-together-series-of-pastoral-letters-2023/
For additional context, please refer to the announcement in What’s New on the CCCB website: https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/cccb-invites-indigenous-peoples-to-continue-walking-together-on-the-journey-of-truth-justice-healing-reconciliation-and-hope/
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Blessed Catherine Starflowers Prayer Initiative Update
As has been said, “No work of evangelization will succeed without a strong base of prayer.” That is true, and it has been taken very seriously by many throughout the diocese. In fact, nearly 300 Blessed Catherine’s Starflowers members are now registered on the Diocesan website. Most of these members pray privately, while others also pray regularly as a group. Some groups meet after Sunday Mass. Others meet once a month and include time to socialize. This adds up to a lot of prayer being said.
Let us all go forward with great hope and expectation that many will be brought into a closer relationships with Christ and His Church.
For many, “The Litany of the Patrons of the Parishes in the Diocese”, found in the prayer booklet, is a favourite. They will be pleased to know that this Litany is being printed in a bi-fold format and will soon be distributed to parishes throughout the diocese for everyone’s use.
If you have not yet become a member of Starflowers and would like to do so, or if you have questions regarding the prayer initiative, please contact your parish office, or Mary Doyle (English) at 613 756-6643 gmdoyle@gmail.com, or Lucile Tourigny (French and English) at 613 735-0506 toulux@aol.com.
LENT
Mary’s Way of the Cross for Lent – A Lenten Journey through Mary’s Eyes
This Way of the Cross takes us every Friday through Lent to Easter. It begins in ashes and enters the desert of our emptiness. But our journey goes on to New Life and all the emptiness Spirit-filled. Starting Friday, February 24th at 6:45 p.m.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86321925761?pwd=aVlOdzFoZzJHWjZoaFlTODRVTEwxdz09.For more information, please contact Mike Budge at mike.budge@bell.net.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On March 2nd, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Mission, Latchford Bridge – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). 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. March’s Holy Hour will be at St. Francis de Sales in Latchford Bridge. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. The topic of the reflection this month will be “Poustinia – Entering the Lenten Desert.”
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at J&E’s Bored N’ Saucy, 185 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Thursday, February 23rd from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Bishop Desrochers. Topic: Truth. Why it matters. This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49 (ish). Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. This new initiative will replace the Diocesan Young Adult Ministry program that ran each month. We have widened the age range in hopes of getting more people out and in a setting that may be easier to invite those who are not as familiar with the Catholic faith. In other words, better suited for evangelization. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming Events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, etc., please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
NEW! Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Friday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Balmoral Hotel. Guest Speaker: Fr. Scott Murray. Topic: “The Plagues on Egypt: Let my son go that he may serve me”. This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49 (ish). Gatherings will take place monthly at the Balmoral Hotel. Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. This new initiative will replace the Diocesan Young Adult Ministry program that ran each month. We have widened the age range in hopes of getting more people out and in a setting that may be easier to invite those who are not as familiar with the Catholic faith. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at deanofstudents@seatofwisdom.ca.
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions
Next session – Wednesday, March 15th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: A Powerful Culture – Your family is unique – it is time to own that. Join us for IMAGE OF GOD monthly evening sessions for women. 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 discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very helpful. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Please note that there will be NO men’s group for now.
Caribou Boys Camp– Aug. 20 – 25,2023. Wilno/Barry’s Bay Area
Caribou Boys Camp is a leadership camp for boys aged 9-13. The style of Caribou is that of a traditional outdoors boy’s camp. At Caribou, participants learn the fundamentals of character, leadership, and teamwork, all in a context of fun and friendship. The activities at Caribou include sports, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and campfires. In the past, we have also had a skit competition, and gone horseback-riding. Each day, there is also a talk on a Christian virtue. At Caribou, we encourage the campers to grow in their life of faith, as part of maturing into responsible men. To this end, each morning Catholic Mass is celebrated by the camp chaplain, who is also available throughout the week for the Sacrament of Confession. Caribou is open to boys of all faiths. Spiritual activities at the camp are entrusted to the Prelature of Opus Dei, an organization in the Catholic Church that helps men and women seek holiness in their ordinary lives. The cost of the camp is: $400 for the first camper, with an early bird rate of $350. $300 for the second camper (i.e. a sibling), with an early bird rate of $250. Early bird rates apply to those who register no later than June 15th! Full payment is due by August 1, 2023. You can now apply online at https://www.caribouboyscamp.ca/.
*If there are other great Catholic camps happening in the area, please let us know by contacting Donna Biggs at donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com with all the details in ad format so that we can advertise them as well.
PARISH EVENTS
St. Francis Xavier Parish Mission
The Mission will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Renfrew, Ontario and led by Mr. Patrick Sullivan. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the church on Monday, February 27th, Wednesday, March 1st, and Thursday, March 2nd.
- Monday, February 27th. Topic: Your Life is Worth Saving: As a general rule we do not see ourselves clearly and because we do not, far too often too many spiritual ills afflict us. Join as we examine our lives in light of the seven deadly sins, and work hard at seeing ourselves through the eyes of the God of mercy.
- Wednesday, March 1st. Confessions will be heard from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the church. Topic: Your Life is Worth Living: Far too many of us are confused about spiritual growth and what it could mean for our lives. This evening, we discuss some virtues and how we work at attaining them so that we can become the very people that we hope to be.
- Thursday, March 2nd. Topic: Your Life is Worth Sharing: The world needs you, and it cannot wait for you to become perfect before that happens. In this final talk, we discuss some practical ways that you can live so that your light gives light to many others. Each evening there will be time for questions. All are welcome to this special time of reflection and prayer.
For more information, please call the parish office at 613 432-5825.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Stand for the Land this Lent!
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is beginning a new campaign cycle this year. Encouraged by our Orientation Assembly in June 2022 and inspired by the October 2021 address of Pope Francis to the world meeting of popular movements, we have chosen the theme Create Hope to guide our actions over the next five years. For the first year, we have chosen to create hope by working to Stand for the Land in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Global South who are defending their homelands by protecting their land and water, the environment and human life. All are welcome to join us at the upcoming Share Lent Workshop, Thursday, March 2nd at 7 p.m. This is an online event (Click HERE to register). If you are running the campaign in your community or parish, please remember to order campaign materials! Questions? Contact your local D&P Animator, Kiegan Irish kirish@devp.org. Zoom link registration.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR) is an annual event for Youth and Adults that focuses on evangelizing through uplifting music, testimonials, reflections, Divine Mercy celebration and Eucharistic Adoration. Tracks for adults ($25) and youth ($15) on Saturday March 4th, 2023, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto. For more information and registration go to: www.LJHR.ca.
Annual Women’s Retreat
The Women’s Retreat at Graphite Bible Camp is full and there is a waiting list. If there is enough interest, we will offer a second retreat, also led by Fr. Zachary Romanowsky and Cheryl Ann Smith from Madonna House, at Elim Lodge near Peterborough on March 17-19. The cost is $250.00. For more information contact us at womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com or call/text Caitlin 613 316-0992 or Kristan 613 585-0579.
Mysteries of the Rosary
The Ministry of the Wild Goose and Paradisus Dei are excited to release Mysteries of the Rosary! Episode one (First Sorrowful Mystery) is available now on WILDGOOSE.TV to watch without signing in to make it easier for you to share this with friends and family! The remaining six episodes will be released on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd): https://wildgoose.tv/.
Adult Steubenville Summer Conferences
Registration is now open for Adult Steubenville Summer Conferences (2 in June, 3 in July). Go to: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/ for more information.