Little girl, get up!
(Mark 5.21-43)
FROM THE DIOCESE
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
FROM THE CCCB
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…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for February 2025
For vocations to the priesthood and religious life – Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Acudetox Acupuncture
Encouraging community wellness for behavioural health including addictions, mental health, emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. 6 weekly sessions on Mondays from 9-10 a.m. (except holidays), January 6th – February 10th, 2025. To register or for more information, please email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
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 Talking Circle: February 6th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
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 10th. 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 5th.
EVANGELIZATION
In the Beginning Was the Word: The Primary Role of Scriptures in Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Before anything else – before the sacraments, before church traditions, before religious practices – Scripture stands as the foundation of all evangelization. Just as a seed must be planted before a tree can grow, the Word of God must take root in hearts before faith can flourish. And Holy Scriptures are more than mere instruments of evangelization; they embody a life-giving Word that draws humanity closer to Christ. (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
February 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Paroisse St-Pierre, Fort-Coulonge, QC. 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.
PARISH EVENTS
February 7 – Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, at 7:00 p.m. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing, if you wish.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
“Throw Open the Doors of Your Heart“
“Throw Open the Doors of Your Heart”, the annual CCRSO (Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario) conference, will be in Toronto, March 14th and 15th, with Bishop Scott McCaig and Michelle Moran (UK). More details to come.
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
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Drama Production
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College’s Don Bosco Drama Club presents Robert Bolt’s award-winning play A Man For All Seasons, which dramatizes the sixteenth century conflict between the King of England, Henry VIII and St. Thomas More, ending in Thomas’s martyrdom. More, a loyal Roman Catholic, lawyer and statesman, believed that any law worthy of obedience must be imbued with moral legitimacy and defended by one’s conscience. February 7-8, 7 pm. February 9, 1 pm. Royal Canadian Legion, 250 John St., Barry’s Bay. TICKETS at the door: ADULT: $25, SENIORS: $20, STUDENTS: $10 (cash, cheque only). Children under 6: Free; Family rate: $50.For reservations, email: drama@seatofwisdom.ca.
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.