Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.
(Mark 3.31-35)
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…)
Appointment of the His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo as a member of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts – Tuesday, January 21, 2025
On Saturday, 11 January 2025, the Holy See Press Office announced that His Holiness Pope Francis appointed His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, as a member of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts.
On the same day, the Holy See also announced the appointment of four members to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, as well as 19 other appointments to Curial Institutions. For a complete list of all the new members, you are invited to consult the announcement released by the Holy See (in English and in Italian only):
In English: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/01/11/250111d.html.
In Italian: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2025/01/11/0036/00063.html.
The responsibilities of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts can be found on the website of the Holy See.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for February 2025
For vocations to the priesthood and religious life – Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
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 Drumming Circle: January 30th. 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 Circle: February 3rd. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
One-Phrase Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
As we build relationships with our neighbours and try to show God’s love with our lives, we sometimes hear about their burdens and challenges, and our hearts naturally move to offer comfort and support. In these moments, sharing an encouraging verse from Scripture can be like offering a light in the darkness. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark your calendars for two upcoming events: A Lenten Retreat with Bishop Brehl on April 5, 2025 and Divine Mercy Sunday with Bishop Brehl on April 27,2025. More information to follow as we approach these dates. Stay tuned!
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
“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!
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!
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
February 7 – Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, at 7:00 p.m. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing, if you wish.
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.
St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission Open House
Consider attending St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission’s open house in Bruno, SK from Monday to Saturday of the February Break (February 17th to February 22nd). Meal and lodging included! Visit the website at https://sttherese.ca/events/ or call 306 369-2555 for more information.
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.