Jesus looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves
(Mark 6.34-44)
FROM THE DIOCESE
A Message from Bishop Michael Brehl for New Year 2026
A message from Bishop Michael Brehl for New Year 2026
A Message from Bishop Michael Brehl for Christmas 2025
A Message from Bishop Michael Brehl for Christmas 2025 – YouTube
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
Deacon Adrien Chaput to Receive the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Deacon Adrien Chaput for his tireless efforts on behalf of those most vulnerable in our community, especially in respect to his work and leadership with The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and The Grind. A medal presentation in the St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish Hall to honour his work will be held on Sunday, January 11th at 12 noon (after 10:30am Mass).
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Thomas Holly, father of Reverend Ryan Holly, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3rd at the age of 75.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for January 2026
For prayer with the Word of God – Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
FROM THE CCCB
Christmas Message 2025
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents a YouTube video message for Christmas presented by CCCB President Bishop Pierre Goudreault: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2utYV0W3T1c&t=3s.
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:
- Everything is as it needs to be for the good of all concerned.
FAITH FORMATION
Mark Your Calendars!
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to save the date for the next Lenten Retreat on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:30am to 2:00pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. More info to come. Stay tuned!
VOCATIONS
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College Vocations Fair
Saturday, January 10th from 11:30am-2:00pm at St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay. With representatives from the Diocese of Pembroke, Queenship of Mary, The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, The Companions of the Cross, The Jesuits, The Seed of the Word, Opus Angelorum, The Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ, Madonna House. Those discerning a vocation are welcome. RSVP to acatulli@seatofwisdom.ca.
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Sorrows Spaghetti Dinner Fundaiser
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa is holding a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, January 17th 2026 from 5:30 – 7:00pm in the parish hall. This home-made meal comes with salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage for $18 per person featuring the music of Randa Teschner. The evening promises good food, friendship and fun! For tickets contact Theresa Sabourin at 613 687-2429.
PRO-LIFE
PARASOL Care Team Volunteer Intro & Training
Sponsored by the Pembroke and Region Association for the Sanctity of Life (PARASOL). Consider joining the PARASOL Care Team to journey and visit those who are suffering, socially isolated, sick or dying, to renew their hope and purpose in life. Information meeting to be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 9:30am to 3pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 357 Miller Street, Pembroke. Lunch will be provided (donations gladly accepted). For more information please email info@parasolcare.com, call 613 585-9501 or visit the website at www.parasolcare.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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/.
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.