You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.
(Mark 7.1-13)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
You are the salt of the earth (…) the light of the world!
Dear friends, this past weekend, our Lord Jesus used the symbolism of salt and light to help us understand the divine nature of the mission that he confides to those who decide to follow him. He did not say: “You are like the salt of the earth (…) you are like the light of the world.” He voluntarily declared: “You are the salt of the earth (…) you are the light of the world.” This is who we truly are as Christians, as loving disciples of Christ. So, let’s take a closer look at this reality to better understand the nature of the evangelizing mission that Jesus confides to all of us today, whether we are lay faithful, clergy or religious. (Read more…)
FROM THE CCCB
Pope Francis’s Message for the 31st World Day of the Sick (11 February 2023)
The Vatican released Pope Francis’s message for the 31st World Day of the Sick, celebrated every year on 11 February, liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Holy Father’s message is entitled: “Take care of him” – Compassion as a synodal exercise of healing. In light of the Church’s synodal journey, Pope Francis invites “all of us to reflect on the fact that it is especially through the experience of vulnerability and illness that we can learn to walk together according to the style of God, which is closeness, compassion, and tenderness.” (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series – Speaker Cody Coyote
Next February Feature Speaker: Cody Coyote on Thursday, February 16th from 7-8 p.m. on Healing Through Art. ‘With this presentation, Cody Coyote speaks about how he found healing through art while overcoming bullying, racism, and certain life experiences. He also shares about his experiences as an intergenerational survivor of Canada’s 60’s Scoop. This presentation is an hour in duration and also includes live music from his album “Mamawi” and “Ma’iinganag”.’ To sign up for Cody’s presentation, please click here. View upcoming series and poster here.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
What is a Missionary Parish?
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In simple terms, a missionary parish is a Christian community dedicated to the mission of the Church to reach out to those who do not know Christ or do not follow Him and lead them to become disciples of Jesus Christ and responsible members of his Church. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for February 2023
For parishes – We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
CHANGE OF PROGRAMMING – Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions
Next session – Wednesday, February 8th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. February Topic: READY FOR THE WORLD – Training, formation and catechesis – the difference will mean the world to your family. 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 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.
Marriage Preparation Program
The Winter Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, February 25th and Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register is February 11th. Registration is available online at www.pembrokediocese.com, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
2023 Northern Ontario Catholic Youth Leadership Conference – LEVEL UP, Find Your Purpose
This event is for ages 13-19 (gr. 8 to 19 yrs.), and includes a day full of prayer, music, workshops, games, Catholic vendors and motivational talks from Keynote Speaker, Ken Yasinski. Mr. Yasinski has been speaking full time for 20 years within the Catholic Church. He is the founder of Face to Face Ministries, a Lighthouse Catholic Media Speaker, author, and songwriter. This event is being hosted by the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall North Bay, on February 25th from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. More information can be found at www.holynamestalphonsus.com/levelup. Young people from all over Northern Ontario and beyond are welcome to attend this Conference.
The Diocese of Pembroke, Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, is organizing transportation to attend this 1 day conference. The cost is $30.00 per participant (includes transportation, lunch and dinner). Deadline is Friday, February 17th. Contact Yvette for more information or to receive the registration forms and payment options at 613 585-6301 or yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Network Workshop – “Accompanying the Next Generation”
We are pleased to share with you that we will welcome Isabel Correa, Director of the Youth Ministry Office, Archdiocese of Montreal, and Coordinator for the Canadian World Youth Day Delegation for our next ONLINE NETWORK Workshop entitled, “Accompanying the Next Generation”. This Workshop will explore practical and insightful topics that are helpful for ministry with young people today, especially in regards to invitation to accompany our young people in life and in their life with Jesus Christ. The Workshop will take place Thursday, February 16th from 7- 9 p.m. EASTERN, and available again 7-9 pm MOUNTAIN Time (if enough register). Registration required. Fee: $15 per person, payable upon registration. Register at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NETWORK-WORKSHOPS.
* This workshop will be conducted in English with translation in French available based on advanced registration.
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.
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.
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.
2023 Bible in a Year Online Retreat
This three day online retreat with Jeff Cavins, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio will help attendees embrace their rich inheritance as sons and daughters of God. From February 11-13, 2023. Visit https://ascensionpress.com/products/bible-in-a-year-retreat for more information.
Annual Women’s Retreat
March 24 to 26, 2023 at the Graphite Bible Camp in Maynooth. Fr. Zachary Romanowsky and Cheryl Ann Smith from Madonna House will be leading the retreat. The cost is $175.00. 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.
OTHER
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College & The Don Bosco Drama Club present live theatre with “Candida”, a comedy by George Bernard Shaw
Considered by many to be the original situation comedy, Shaw’s drama about a brooding young poet’s infatuation with a married woman (Candida Morell) provokes realizations about the sacred bond of marriage and the proper aim of love, amidst all the laughter. Showtimes: Friday, February 10th, 7 p.m., Saturday, February 11th, 7 p.m., Sunday (matinee), February 12th, 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406, 250 John St., Barry’s Bay. Tickets available at the door – Adults: $20, Students/Seniors: $12 (cash, cheque, etransfer only). Advance tickets – Adults: $15.35, Students: $11.70 (etransfer-only), Children under 6: Free, Family rate: $50. For more details contact candida@seatofwisdom.ca or call 613 756-3082.