You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.
(Mark 7.1-13)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 196 Bridge Street West, Bancroft, on Wednesday, February 21st from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Jean-Pierre Martel, son of Deacon Frank and Danielle Martel, who passed away suddenly on Monday, January 29th at the age of 54.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Olga Edith Rakai (Sister Mary Olga), G.S.I.C., who passed away on the 3rd day of February in the 74th year of her Religious Life.
FROM THE CCCB
Pope Francis’ message for the 32nd World Day of the Sick (February 11, 2024)
Earlier this year, the Vatican published Pope Francis’ message for the 32nd World Day of the Sick, celebrated each year on February 11. The Holy Father’s message for this year is entitled: “It is not good that man should be alone” – Caring for the sick by caring for relationships. Echoing the Holy Father’s message, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) renews its commitment to prayer and accompaniment of the sick. Pope Francis reminds us of the fundamental importance of human relationships in the process of healing and comforting the sick. (Read more…)
Bishops Release a Pastoral Letter on the Use of Social Media
On the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, and with the approval of the Permanent Council, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) releases its Pastoral Letter on the use of social media titled: “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious.” (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for February 2024
For the terminally ill – We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous peoples have the right to have access to and prompt decision through just and fair procedures for the resolution of conflicts and disputes with States or other parties, as well as to effective remedies for all infringements of their individual and collective rights. Such a decision shall give due consideration to the customs, traditions, rules and legal systems of the indigenous peoples concerned and international human rights.
Article 40 – United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Diocesan Action Circle Survey
To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Encountering Christ: The Path to Transformation
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Evangelization is best understood as the process of leading individuals to encounter Christ. Nonetheless, we can ponder: what does it mean to encounter Christ, and how can we prompt this experience? (Read more…)
On-Line Deliverance Prayer Session
All are welcome to participate in these prayers of healing. This is a free resource to find spiritual healing for you and your family at home. Monsignor Rossetti, an exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington, will lead the next livestreamed free deliverance session on Monday, February 19th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Rosary starts at 6:30 p.m. This is an un-listed YouTube livestream, so registration is required. To register go to: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/february-19th-online-deliverance-prayer-session.
Alpha for Parents
Feel free to join at any time. Register for an Alpha for Parents session here: https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Embark on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions are open to parents from all backgrounds, providing an opportunity to delve into the foundations of the Christian faith. Connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
March 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay. 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.
FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Diocesan Lenten Retreat
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development presents “The Dwelling of God In our Souls” on Saturday, February 17th at St. James the Less Parish Hall, 78 Wellington Street, Eganville, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration at 9:30 a.m. – Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful, with guest speaker Father Réal Ouellette, Administrator of St. James the Less Parish. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Registration deadline: Thursday, February 15th.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
NEW! Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. The upcoming dates are Fridays February 9th, April 12th, and June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Please bring indoor shoes! The waiver form and information can be found on the front page of the diocesan website, www.pembrokediocese.com. A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Theology on Tap (19-49ish) – Pembroke
Join us for Theology on Tap Thursday February 22nd (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Scott Murray. Topic: “St. Peter – A history of the Papacy.” Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, February 7th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “Ready for the World – Training, formation and catechesis- The difference will mean the world to your family” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are and March 20th and April 10th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Northern Ontario Youth Conference – St. Joseph-Scollard Hall North Bay
February 24th. Theme for 2024: “Where are you going?” This event is for ages 13-19 and includes a day full of prayer, music, workshops, games, Catholic vendors and presentations from Keynote Speaker, David Patterson. David has led the way in youth ministry, high school chaplaincy and most recently through social media by founding “Yes Catholic.” Conference runs from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Cost is $25.00 and includes lunch and dinner. For more information or to register visit www.northerncatholic.ca.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Annual General Meeting
FSO Annual General Meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 26th at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Pembroke. For more information, please call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Development & Peace – Stand for the Land
In solidarity with the defenders of Guapinol and the San Pedro sector in Honduras, Development and Peace are seeking to collect 32,000 signatures on a letter to the Honduran ambassador to Canada by February 25, 2024. A Development and Peace-Caritas Canada delegation will meet the ambassador and hand her the letter during the spring of 2024.
Act now! Sign the letter digitally at this link: https://devp.org/en/campaign/stand-for-the-land/act/.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Five Week Biblical Walk-through Christ’s Passion
Join in a “Pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us” at St. Francis Xavier Main Parish Hall in Renfrew. Each one-hour session takes place on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. – February 15, 22 & 29, March 7 & 14. Using Ascension Press’ 30-minute videos and discussions we will deepen our faith this Lent and Easter, deepen our understanding of the Passion of Christ, follow the events of the Passion and Death of Jesus, and learn how to apply the Passion of Christ to our own lives.
Women’s Retreat at Graphite Bible Camp
“Arise, my love… and come away. (Song 2:10)” from April 5-7th, led by Fr. Kieran Kilcommons, Victoria Fausto and Mary McGoff of Madonna House. Cost $225. Please register early, as it filled up quickly last year! Spots will be reserved until February 2nd for women from Pembroke Diocese, at which point those on a wait list from other dioceses will be admitted. For more info email womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com or call Kristan 613 585-0579.
OTHER
Theatrical Production – Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College’s Don Bosco Drama Club presents live theatre with Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s boisterous comedy on marriage. Will Katharina and Petruchio find an enduring balance amidst their disputes? Showtimes: Friday, February 9th, 7 p.m., Saturday, February 10th, 7 p.m., Sunday (matinee), February 11, 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406, 250 John St., Barry’s Bay.
Tickets at the door: Adults: $25, Students: $15 (cash, cheque only). Advance tickets: $26.94 (adult) / $15:94 (student) by e-transfer-only – e-mail drama@seatofwisdom.ca.Children under 6: Free – Family rate: $55. Cash/cheque at the door, cash-only bar.
By My Side 2024 Virtual Zoom Program for Separated and Divorced Catholic Women
Classes begin April 6, 2024, 2 hours/ week for ladies and run for 6 weeks. The cost is $40 which covers reimbursement of expenses only. For all class details, dates, times, and registration form, go to www.bymyside.ca .