The Sabbath was made for people, and not people for the Sabbath.
(Mark 2.23-28)
FROM THE DIOCESE
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
FROM THE CCCB
2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Friday, January 16 2026
(Ottawa) — The recently-launched National Ecumenical Strategy of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) lays particular stress upon “spiritual ecumenism,” defined as “the heart of the ecumenical movement.” This includes “praying for and with other Christians, promoting prayer for unity in local parishes, and participation in the planning and leadership of interdenominational prayer services for various intentions—especially that of Christian unity.” The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU), which falls in 2026 from January 18th to 25th, offers a chance for these activities. The theme for 2026 is “There is one body and one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4).
For 2026, the Department of Interchurch Relations of the Armenian Apostolic Church prepared prayers and reflections. The Canadian Council of Churches, including the CCCB, adapts these resources to the Canadian context. These Canadian resources are found on a dedicated website:
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:
- Our life is a gift that only 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!
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
February 5th from 6:30-7:30pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. 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.
PRO-LIFE
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
National Catholic Health Care Week 2026
National Catholic Health Care Week in Canada will be held from February 1-7, 2026.
This year’s theme Open Hearts, Healing, Hope reflects the profound belief that healing is communal. It emphasizes the ways in which we are bound together by our shared humanity, and how compassion, justice, and solidarity guide our work to serve all people, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, the theme invites us to reflect on how our daily actions, decisions, and relationships contribute to a health system and a society where everyone belongs.
This year’s theme is part of a national priority to work across Catholic health in Canada to foster communities of welcome for all.
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.