Pray then in this way.
(Matthew 6.7-15)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Pastoral Planning – Regional Meetings
Segments from the Renfrew and Pembroke Deaneries are now available on YouTube: Regional Meetings – Main Presentations.
Pastoral Planning – Overview Report
Diocese of Pembroke: Overview Report of Parishes (2025) – This report provides a comprehensive report of the current state of the Diocese of Pembroke’s nearly 55 parishes, as drawn from the most recent five-year financial data and parish profiles across its five deaneries: Mattawa, Pembroke, Renfrew, Pontiac, and Barry’s Bay. (Read more…)
Pastoral Planning – Summary Report
Diocese of Pembroke: Summary Report (2025) – The Diocese of Pembroke’s 55 parishes face converging crises requiring immediate strategic response, yet they also possess significant strengths. The diocese can seek deeper renewal, not just survive, but only with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to grant us a clear vision as we make hard choices and engage together in unified action. (Read more…)
Pembroke Diocese Parishioners invited to save the date
Parishioners of Pembroke Diocese are invited to save the date to attend one of the pastoral planning information meetings that will be held in all five deaneries of the diocese during the first weeks of Lent. Bishop Brehl and members of the diocesan steering committee will present relevant pastoral, statistical and financial data to help equip parishioners in ongoing dialogue and discernment on the future of the diocese. If you cannot make the local meeting in your home deanery, please feel welcome to attend any of the scheduled meetings.
Dates and Locations of Deanery Meetings
- Pontiac Deanery: Saturday, February 28 at Club de l’Âge d’Or, Fort-Coulonge -French at 10:00am to 12:00pm; English at 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Barry’s Bay Deanery: Sunday, March 1 at John Bosco School, Barry’s Bay - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for March 2026
For disarmament and peace – Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
FROM THE CCCB
Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026 – Friday, February 20, 2026
The 2026 Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent is titled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.”
In his message, the Holy Father writes: “Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.”
Message from the Dicastery of Interreligious Dialogue for the Month of Ramadan – Friday, February 20, 2026
The Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has recently published a message for the month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. (Read more…)
Meeting of the Bishops of the Church in the Americas – Thursday, February 19, 2026
This year’s Meeting of the Bishops of the Church in the Americas was held in Tampa, Florida, from 14 to 17 February. (Read more…)
Journey Through Lent: Weekly Video Reflections
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) presents Journey Through Lent. This video series, a joint project of the CCCB’s National Liturgy Office, Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, provides weekly Lenten spiritual reflections. (Read more…)
Death of the Most Rev. Eugène Tremblay, Bishop Emeritus of Amos – Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Most Reverend Eugène Tremblay, Bishop Emeritus of Amos, Québec, died February 18, 2026, at the age of 89. He served as Bishop of Amos from 2004 to 2011, when he reached the age of retirement for Bishops (75) under the 1983 Code of Canon Law (Canon 401 § 1). (Read more…)
LENT
A message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. for Lent 2026
Bishop Brehl’s message for Lent is now available on YouTube: A message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. for Lent 2026.
CCCB – Journey Through Lent – First Sunday of Lent 2026
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Lent with the Most Rev. Bishop Daniel Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Lent 2026.
On this First Sunday, Bishop Miehm provides a reflection on the Lord’s temptation in the desert and invites us to be strengthened by grace in the face of our own daily temptations.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the 1st Sunday of Lent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TJsS7mlQkg&t=1s
Ash Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxWxlpbB6Xs&t=1s.
Lenten Mary’s Way of the Cross
The Committee of the Annual Pilgrimages to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Our Lady of the Cape, and St-Joseph’s Oratory invite you to the Second Friday of Lent to Way of the Cross through Mary’s Eyes via Zoom on Friday, February 27th from 7pm to 7:35pm.
ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89943962561?pwd=CqQQpk2sn0lauhMxaiS2cNWtJyX0Dh.1
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Hybrid Women’s Circles
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation invites you to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey, bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next dates: February 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th at 84 Isabella Street, Suite #10, Pembroke. For more information or for Zoom link, email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website.
Thirteen Moons
Adapted from Year of the Spirit Moons Calendar, produced by the Anishnaabe Kendaaswin Publishing Company, North Bay, in 1998. Reference should also be made to Jamie Sams’ book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, whose work has reinforced these interpretations. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
January – Spirit Moon: The first moon of Creation is Spirit Moon, and it is manifested through the Northern Lights. It is a time to honour the silence and realize our place within all of Great Mystery’s creatures.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Spring Marriage Preparation Program NOW FULL
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program scheduled for Saturday, March 28th and Saturday, April 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew is now full! Stay tuned for upcoming dates! For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
PARISH EVENTS
A Little Pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s, Thursday, March 19th at 8:30am
The pilgrimage begins with prayers at St. Alphonsus, Chapeau at 8:30am and then pilgrims walk the 12.5km to St. Joseph’s for Mass at 11:30am followed by a pizza lunch in St. Joseph’s community centre. Please try to pre plan a carpool to get your vehicle from Chapeau.
6 Hand Euchre Fundraiser
This upcoming St. James the Less Parish fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 28th at 7pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Lots of laughter, table pounding, 50/50 draw and prizes! Pre-register your team at 613 628-2020 or drop by the office at 78 Wellington Street for only $20 per person (includes late lunch)! Hope to see you there!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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
Dr. Keith Cassidy Lecture
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College invites you to the annual Dr. Keith Cassidy Lecture on Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30pm in St. Hedwig’s Church Hall in Barry’s Bay. Founder of the Gregory the Great Institute, our guest speaker Dr. Ryan N.S. Topping, will be lecturing on ‘Cardinal Newman Among the Doctors. Admission is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. For those who are unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and available on the College’s website (www.seatofwisdom.ca).
Ecumenical World Day of Prayer
The Pembroke Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada invites you to this prayer service on Friday, March 6th at 2pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 68 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. This year’s theme: “I Will Give You Rest: Come.” All are welcome!
Why Lent? A Retreat with Fr. Jim Clarke at Galilee Centre
Discovering deeper meaning in the Lenten Experience from March 13-15. The purpose of this retreat is to help us go deeper into the Christian mysteries through the portal of our own lives. Visit https://www.galileecentre.com/why-lent/ for more information and registration.
Tuesday, March 17 – A Day Honouring St. Patrick
Join the Galilee Centre St. Patrick’s Day morning for an introduction to Celtic Spirituality, focusing on the teachings of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, followed by an Irish Celebration Luncheon. Lead by Tim Kehoe and Mike McBane. $22 luncheon only, $50 luncheon & program. Register online at https://www.galileecentre.com/a-day-honouring-st-patrick/.
Daring to Walk Where Faith & Life Meet: Weekend Retreat
A Galilee Centre retreat exploring transformative perspectives and practices for flourishing on the journey of faith and life March 20-22. Facilitated by Dr. Carol Kuzmochka (Saint Paul University). Visit https://www.galileecentre.com/daring-to-walk-where-faith-and-life-meet/ for more information and registration.
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.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Cana Colony – Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario
Looking for 4 Activities Coordinators for children and youth at a family camp that runs from July 5 to Aug 8, 2026. Must be 18+. Deadline to submit a resumé: March 15th. For more information, please contact Emmanuella Kim, Cana Registrar mhcanacolony@gmail.com or 613 756-3713.