The Sabbath was made for people, and not people for the Sabbath.
(Mark 2.23-28)
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
Launch of Video Series and Resources for the Pastoral Letter on Social Media
Ottawa, January 20, 2025 – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is launching a dedicated webpage for the Pastoral Letter on the use of social media, “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious,” authored by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace and originally published by the CCCB in January 2024. This webpage also contains new resources and materials, inspired by the Pastoral Letter, to help readers – individually or in group settings – to unpack the observations and apply the guidance provided by the members of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace on the use of social media in today’s world from a Catholic social and moral perspective. (Read more…)
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025
January 16, 2025, Ottawa – The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) is a well established global ecumenical observance, which in the northern hemisphere is held annually from January 18 to 25, between the liturgical feasts of the Confession of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul. During this period, Christians of all denominations and ecclesial communities are invited to pray for the unity of all of the baptized; to meditate together on Sacred Scripture; to participate in jointly-organized worship services; and to undertake together acts of charity and fellowship. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee of Youth 2025
The Office of Catholic Youth and the Archdiocese of Toronto are inviting all young adults (ages 19 – 39) to join us to join Fr. Paul Magyar and the OCY team for a pilgrimage of a lifetime! We will be embarking on a pilgrimage to Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi and Rome from July 23rd to August 5th, 2025. Please contact youth@archtoronto.org to receive the pilgrim information package and detailed itinerary. Deadline to register: January 30th.
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.
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 23rd. 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 Taking Circle: January 27th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
Asking Each Day for the Grace to Help Someone
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The love of neighbor lies at the heart of Christian life. In loving others, we respond to Jesus’ call: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Yet love, above all, is a grace. For this reason, we should daily seek the grace to help someone. Acts of service, whether grand or small, can spring from a prayer of faith and a genuine attentiveness to others. This daily petition is an expression of humility and openness, recognizing that God can create opportunities for us to manifest His love, especially to those who need it most. (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. 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 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
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.
Drama Production and Dinner
Queen of the Angels Co-op presents a Pancake Dinner followed by a performance of The Real Princess – A Princess and the Pea Story, at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Killaloe on Saturday, March 1st starting at 6 p.m. Cost: $20 for adults – $5 for children/students. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, please email coopdrama@proton.me.
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.