He taught them as one having authority.
(Mark 1.21-28)
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
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life on Sunday February 2, 2025
All are welcome to join Bishop Brehl and the women and men religious of the diocese in the celebration of Vespers on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Sunday, February 2 at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke to mark the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal appointment for the Diocese of Thunder Bay
January 10, 2025, Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis named Father Alan Campeau as Bishop of the Diocese of Thunder Bay. At the time of his appointment, Bishop-elect Campeau was serving as Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Dryden, Ontario since 2008. (Read more…)
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.
Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the hand drum as we come together in community to learn and sing once a month, on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring you personal drum. Limited supply available for those who do not have one. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, January 15th.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Talking Circle: January 9th – Next Drumming: January 16th. 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 Drumming: January 20th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
The Parish as an Expression of God’s Love for the World
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the face of declining church attendance and a growing secularization, the Catholic Church is called to reimagine the role of the parish as a missionary outpost that expresses God’s boundless love for all people (Evangelii Gaudium, 28). The statistics are sobering with regular mass attendance plummeting, yet, this moment of crisis also presents an opportunity for the Church to return to its evangelistic roots and become a vibrant community that draws all people to the transformative love of Jesus Christ. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
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 – and there is an early registration discount until January 17, 2025. 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 January 17th, 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!
“POP Theology”– PEMBROKE
NEXT event: Wednesday, January 29th at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Mitch Beachey, Rector of St. Columbkille Cathedral and Pastor of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke. Topic: Understanding and Praying the Psalms and the Liturgy of the Hours (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!
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
Bible Study on the Gospel According to Saint John
This study group will use the book The Gospel of John: A Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture by Fr. Francis Martin, on Wednesdays, starting January 22nd 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the St. Lawrence O’Toole Hall. A typical evening begins with opening prayer, a hymn, and a conversation about the current chapter we’re reading with regular attention to the Old Testament and Catechism. We close each week with intercessory prayer. These evenings are led by John Morris. Books for this study have been ordered and are $30 each. Please contact St. Lawrence O’Toole office to reserve yours at 613 756-2037.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Grand Reopening
FSO invites you to the Grand Reopening Open House at their new location: 362 Miller Street, Pembroke on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. For more details, please call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Retreat for diocesan priests
Retreat for diocesan priests at the Manoir-de-Beaujeu, Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, January 26-30, 2025. This retreat, inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Eascriva, will be preached by a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church. For registration information, please visit: https://registrations.regfox.com/priests-retreat-26-january-2025—30-january-2025-en
OTHER
Are you looking for that special gift this Season?
Look no further! You won’t need to exchange because of wrong colour or size! Join us for the Christian Unity Event “Funny in a GOoD Way,” an evening of laughter and praise at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on January 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Cost: $25 each. All proceeds go towards the St. Vincent de Paul St. Columbkille Conference. Featuring live Gate 47, comedian Joey I.L.O., and last but not least, the great skit by the Pembroke and Area Clergy Association! 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. Let’s make someone’s Christmas special while helping others right here in our community!
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.
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.