He taught them as one having authority
(Mark 1.21-28)
FROM THE DIOCESE
A Message from Bishop Michael Brehl for New Year 2026
A message from Bishop Michael Brehl for New Year 2026
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
- Renfrew Deanery: Tuesday, February 17 at St. Joseph’s High School, Renfrew – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Pembroke Deanery: Thursday, February 19 at Bishop Smith High School, Pembroke – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Mattawa Deanery: Saturday, February 21 at Corbeil Park Hall, Corbeil- French at 10:00am to 12:00pm; English at 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- 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 January 2026
For prayer with the Word of God – Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Spiritual Laws
These 20 statements are a collection of sayings common among Anishnabe people. They are included here as universal knowledge. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey,with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
15. Acknowledgement of the Creator is the beginning of understanding.
FAITH FORMATION
Diocesan Lenten Retreat
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to the next Diocesan Lenten Retreat on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:30am to 2:00pm (Registration at 9:00am) at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Author and speaker: Patrick Sullivan. Cost: $15.00 (lunch provided). To register please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com or 613 732-7933 ext. 206. Deadline to register: Wednesday, February 18th.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
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 date is Friday, January 23rd from 7 – 9:30pm (new date!) at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection.
Questions or to be added to the e-mail list for reminders? Contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Sorrows Spaghetti Dinner Fundaiser
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa is holding a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, January 17th 2026 from 5:30 – 7:00pm in the parish hall. This home-made meal comes with salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage for $18 per person featuring the music of Randa Teschner. The evening promises good food, friendship and fun! For tickets contact Theresa Sabourin at 613 687-2429.
PRO-LIFE
PARASOL Care Team Volunteer Intro & Training
Sponsored by the Pembroke and Region Association for the Sanctity of Life (PARASOL). Consider joining the PARASOL Care Team to journey and visit those who are suffering, socially isolated, sick or dying, to renew their hope and purpose in life. Information meeting to be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 9:30am to 3pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 357 Miller Street, Pembroke. Lunch will be provided (donations gladly accepted). For more information please email info@parasolcare.com, call 613 585-9501 or visit the website at www.parasolcare.com.
First Step Options Annual General Meeting
FSO Annual General Meeting will take place at 7pm on Monday, February 23rd. For more information, please call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
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
Funny in a GOoD Way Comedy!
Funny in a GOoD Way presents “Comedy in Motion with Bob Cotes,” Comic, Juggler, Entertainer and Evangelist at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Free children’s event from 2-3pm (pre-registration required). Evening event starts at 7pm featuring worship music by Gate 47, and skit by the Pembroke and Area Clergy Association! Cost: $20 – $25 at the door. each. All proceeds go towards the local food banks. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput to get your ticket or special ticket packages today at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. More details available at https://www.funnyinagoodway.ca/.
Musical Theatre – Anastasia!
Join Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College this February 6, 7 (at 7:30pm) and 8th (at 1pm) 2026 at the Madawaska Valley District School in Barry’s Bay for our musical performance of Anastasia. Witness the story of an orphaned amnesiac who is unaware she is the only surviving sovereign of Imperial Russia, the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. Tickets: $25 general admission, students $12, families $60. For advance ticket reservations, please email drama@seatofwisdom.ca. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals www.concordtheatricals.com.
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.