Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.
(Mark 3.31-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 196 Bridge Street West, Bancroft, on Wednesday, February 21st from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
FROM THE CCCB
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity [WPCU] is an annual global ecumenical celebration (traditionally held January 18-25 in the northern hemisphere). Christians around the world are invited to pray for the unity of all the baptized; to reflect together on Scripture; to participate in jointly organized worship services; and to share in acts of outreach and fellowship. The theme for 2024 is drawn from Luke 10:27: “You shall love the Lord your God…and your neighbour as yourself.” (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
States, in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, shall take the appropriate measures, including legislative measures, to achieve the ends of this Declaration.
Article 38 – United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Diocesan Action Circle Survey
To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Alpha for Parents
Feel free to join at any time. Register for an Alpha for Parents session here: https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Embark on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions are open to parents from all backgrounds, providing an opportunity to delve into the foundations of the Christian faith. Connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Unleashing The Evangelization Potential of Your Parish
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
To unleash a parish’s missionary potential, it’s important to discern the evangelization styles of its parishioners. Each parishioner has a personal way of understanding and approaching evangelization, and by identifying these styles, we can help them get more involved in the Church’s mission. (Read more…)
Step into a journey of faith exploration of God’s love!
Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. – watch faith related videos with others, online, followed by a discussion. Whether you’re a curious seeker or a steadfast believer, these videos provide a secure and inclusive environment to seek answers, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and deepen your faith. Extend an invitation to a friend or acquaintance who may be yearning for God’s love and transformation. Together, let’s embark on this journey of faith and renewal. To join, simply click on the following Zoom link every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646. Pierre-Alain Giffard
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
February 1st, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, Pembroke. 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.
FAITH FORMATION
Diocesan Lenten Retreat
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development presents “The Dwelling of God In our Souls” on Saturday, February 17th at St. James the Less Parish Hall, 78 Wellington Street, Eganville, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration at 9:30 a.m. – Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful, with guest speaker Father Réal Ouellette, Administrator of St. James the Less Parish. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadriendchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Registration deadline: Thursday, February 15th.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
NEW! Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. The upcoming dates are Fridays February 9th, April 12th, and June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. The waiver form and information can be found on the front page of the diocesan website, www.pembrokediocese.com. A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Theology on Tap (19-49ish) – Pembroke
Join us for Theology on Tap Tuesday January 23rd, 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Michael Lund Topic: “St. Therese, Doctor of the Church” Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
On hold until a suitable location can be found.
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, February 7th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “Ready for the World – Training, formation and catechesis- The difference will mean the world to your family” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are and March 20th and April 10th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Northern Ontario Youth Conference – St. Joseph-Scollard Hall North Bay
February 24th. Theme for 2024: “Where are you going?” This event is for ages 13-19 and includes a day full of prayer, music, workshops, games, Catholic vendors and presentations from Keynote Speaker, David Patterson. David has led the way in youth ministry, high school chaplaincy and most recently through social media by founding “Yes Catholic.” Conference runs from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Cost is $25.00 and includes lunch and dinner. For more information or to register visit www.northerncatholic.ca.
PRO-LIFE
Pro-Life Week of Action
Are you in high school and want to spend your March break making a difference for pre-born children in Canada, while making amazing memories and lasting friendships? Join CCBR in Toronto from March 11-14 for our Pro-Life Week of Action. You will join passionate pro-life youth for training, and public outreach, learning how to have effective conversations about abortion. You will also join CCBR’s team on the streets, to change hearts and minds, and save lives from abortion. For more information and to apply go to https://www.endthekilling.ca/plwa/ or email csibiga@endthekilling.ca. The application deadline is January 31st. Lodging/accommodations can be provided.
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Development & Peace – Stand for the Land
In solidarity with the defenders of Guapinol and the San Pedro sector in Honduras, Development and Peace are seeking to collect 32,000 signatures on a letter to the Honduran ambassador to Canada by February 25, 2024. A Development and Peace-Caritas Canada delegation will meet the ambassador and hand her the letter during the spring of 2024.
Act now! Sign the letter digitally at this link: https://devp.org/en/campaign/stand-for-the-land/act/.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Recollection for Women
Recollections are like mini retreats that help you take a break from your busy schedule to think and pray about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Join us at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on January 25th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch and stay to socialize 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, please contact nadia.bagshaw@sympaticoca or 613 584-9388.
Save the Date! Women’s Retreat at Graphite Bible Camp – April 5-7, 2024
Madonna House members Fr. Kieran Kilcommons, Victoria Fausto and Mary McGoff will be leading the retreat. Please note registration for this retreat will be open, first to women from the Pembroke Diocese, on January 26th. Please email womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com. If you would like to receive registration details.
Five Week Biblical Walk-through Christ’s Passion
Join in a “Pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us” at St. Francis Xavier Main Parish Hall in Renfrew. Each one-hour session takes place on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. – February 15, 22 & 29, March 7 & 14. Using Ascension Press’ 30-minute videos and discussions we will deepen our faith this Lent and Easter, deepen our understanding of the Passion of Christ, follow the events of the Passion and Death of Jesus, and learn how to apply the Passion of Christ to our own lives.
OTHER
Theatrical Production – Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College’s Don Bosco Drama Club presents live theatre with Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s boisterous comedy on marriage. Will Katharina and Petruchio find an enduring balance amidst their disputes? Showtimes: Friday, February 9th, 7 p.m., Saturday, February 10th, 7 p.m., Sunday (matinee), February 11, 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406, 250 John St., Barry’s Bay.
Tickets at the door: Adults: $25, Students: $15 (cash, cheque only). Advance tickets: $26.94 (adult) / $15:94 (student) by e-transfer-only – e-mail drama@seatofwisdom.ca.Children under 6: Free – Family rate: $55. Cash/cheque at the door, cash-only bar.