Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.
(Mark 3.31-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Pastoral Planning – Walking Together in Hope
Letter from Bishop Brehl – January 25, 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 February 2026
For children with incurable diseases – Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
FROM THE CCCB
Pope Leo’s Message For The 34th World Day Of The Sick (11 February 2026) – Thursday, January 22 2026
(Ottawa) – Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, offers a reflection on the theme “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain”. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Recovery – How Wellbriety Can Help?
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation invites you to join their Wisdom to Wellness session with Cathy Phannenhour on Wednesday, February 4th at 6pm. Register soon, because space is limited! Click here for tickets to this on-line event, or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website.
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:
- Nothing that exists is owned by us. What we use we must share.
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
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, March 28th and Saturday, April 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register: March 24th. Register online at https://form.jotform.com/FamilyPembroke/marriage-preparation-course. E-transfers of $125/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
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
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.