His was a new teaching with authority.
(Mark 1.21-28)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Ordo Liturgical Calendars for 2022-23
Ordo Liturgical Calendars for 2022-23 are presently available for purchase at the Chancery Office for only $20/copy on a first-come, first-served basis. If interested, please contact Donna Biggs at 613 732-7933 ext. 203 or donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com
FROM THE CCCB
Statement by Bishop Raymond Poisson, Bishop of St-Jérôme-Mont-Laurier and President of the CCCB on the Passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – Saturday, December 31, 2022
Read statement here.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit to Canada
In speaking at Maskwacis Alberta, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness, and spoke of his sorrow and shame since learning of Catholic involvement in Canada’s residential school system. Do you agree with Pope Francis assertion that “the opposite of love in not hatred, it is indifference, and the opposite of life is not death, but indifference?”
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Missionary Renewal of Catechesis
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In September 2022, the Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization came to Ottawa and met the Commission for Evangelization and Catechesis and catechetical leaders in Canada. The purpose of the meeting was to look at the renewal of catechesis from a missionary perspective in the Catholic Church in Canada. The discussion also focused on how the phases of catechesis (first proclamation, Christian initiation, ongoing formation) are developed in various contexts, including parishes, schools, movements and associations. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On February 2nd, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Michael Parish, Douglas – “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 vocations office is beginning a new prayer initiative in 2023. The First Thursday of each month there will be a Holy Hour to pray for priestly vocations. The Holy Hour will be in a different parish of the diocese each month. It will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by a priest, a Rosary for vocations, and time for silent prayer. The first Holy Hour will be at St. Joseph Parish, QC (10 minutes from Pembroke) with the reflection given by Fr. Scott Murray. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. The topic of the reflection will be “Candlemas – A Light to Reveal You to the Nations (Lk. 2:31)”.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Image of God Monthly Men’s and Women’s Sessions for Men and Women
Next session – Wednesday, January 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Join us for IMAGE OF GOD monthly evening sessions for Men and Women from 7-9 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier parish. (Men 7-8 pm, Women 8-9 pm). This is a new initiative from the Office of Family Life, Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Renfrew deanery, but open to all, to reach adults who wish to grow in their faith. Hosted by Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist and Yvette Bourque, each evening has a different topic and will include time for questions. Topic for January – Do you really know them? Here is what can dramatically improve the relationships in your life and family. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
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.
NEW! Theology on Tap – East Side Mario’s, Pembroke – Wednesday, January 25– 7 – 8:30 p.m. (Feast Day of the Conversion of St. Paul)
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 various local restaurants in the Pembroke area that offer private rooms for such an event. 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. Guest speaker for January is Fr. Scott Murray speaking on “The Conversion of St. Paul.”
2023 Northern Ontario Catholic Youth Leadership Conference – LEVEL UP, Find Your Purpose
For ages 13-19. Includes a day full of prayer, music, workshops, games, Catholic vendors, and motivational talks. Keynote Speaker: Ken Yasinski, full time speaker for 20 years within the Catholic Church, 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 in North Bay, Ontario, on February 25th at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Registration 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 a bus to attend this conference. Cost: $30.00 per participant (includes bus, lunch and dinner). Bus will do pickups along Hwy 417, which will be determined once youth have registered, and will travel to North Bay and back on the same day. Deadline to register: Friday, February 17th. Contact Yvette for more information and to receive a registration form at 613 585-6301 or yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
ALPHA – A Great Way to Start the New Year!
Hosted by Holy Rosary Parish, Ottawa.A great way to start 2023 is to participate in an ALPHA Series online starting January 12th (Thursdays) at 7:00 p.m. for 10 weeks. The ALPHA group offers an opportunity to connect, watch, and discuss life, faith, and God together. Sign up by emailing Susan Munn or Brother Mathieu Vezina at ottawaholyrosary@gmail.com or by calling the parish office at 613 728-4935.
Recollection for Women
Recollection for Women at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on Thursday, January 19th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recollections help you take a break from your busy schedule to think about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch for a get together afterward.
This spiritual activity, inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information on the Prelature of Opus Dei go to https://opusdei.org/en-ca/. Should you have any questions, please contact Nadia at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
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 24th, 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. Early bird discount $68.95US until January 17th. Visit https://ascensionpress.com/products/bible-in-a-year-retreat for more information.
OTHER
Ignite Ministries Network Workshop Series
On January 12th – Family Faith Formation: It Takes a Village. Alexandria Fung BA, MRE, from the Diocese of London will offer a workshop on Family Faith Formation as part of the NETWORK WORKSHOP SERIES. This workshop is available online and those working in family ministry, or would like to, are encouraged to attend. Registration information is available at https://ignite-canada.ca/network-workshop-011/. Please register by January 10th. Fr. Santo Arrigo C.Ss.R. is the Coordinator of Ignite Ministry.
Funny in a GOoD Way!
Funny in a GOoD Way presents an evening of laughter and praise to celebrate the week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 21st at 7:00 p.m., Festival Hall. Event features, Praise Band – Gate47, a skit by local Clergy, and award winning Comedian Andy Beningo. Cost $20.00 in advance. To purchase tickets, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. More details available at www.funnyinagoodway.ca. Net proceeds go to The Grind Pembroke.