Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a calm.
(Matthew 8.23-27)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Summer Office Hours
The Diocesan Offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and will close at noon every Friday from July 4th to September 1st inclusively.
News from the Synod on Synodality
The secretariat for the synod has published the working document, known by its Latin title Instrumentum Laboris, for the first session of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality that will be held in the Vatican, Oct. 4 to Oct. 29. (Read More)
Pilgrimage to Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac
On Sunday, July 30th with Bishop Guy Desrochers. The three day triduum is led by Fr. Réal Ouellette; the theme of the Pilgrimage will be “Living a Daily Life with the Holy Trinity.” The principal Pilgrimage Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Bishop Guy Desrochers presiding. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction will occur at 1 p.m. Area priests will be assisting with Confessions and the blessing with St. Ann’s oil. Religious articles, St. Ann’s Mass League memberships, and information, please visit https://cormacpilgrimage.com/.
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 27-30, 2023
Join pilgrims from ages 7-77 in this life changing, 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. This will be our 5th year making the 67km walk! It’s an experience that merits many blessings and many wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: Pilgrimage to St. Ann’s Shrine – 2023 Pilgrimage (walktheopeongoline.org)
FROM THE CCCB
Living as Catholics in the Public Square: Freedom of Religion and Conscience in Canada. A Pastoral Letter by the Episcopal commission for Justice and Peace
The Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has released a Pastoral Letter titled Living as Catholics in the Public Square: Freedom of Religion and Conscience in Canada. This timely document emphasizes the significance of freedom of religion and conscience in our democratic society and explores the role of Catholics in courageously living out their faith in the public square.
The Pastoral Letter observes that freedom of religion and conscience, as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, forms the bedrock of our society. It also highlights the crucial role of the State in upholding fundamental freedoms and fostering a common life ordered towards the common good. It calls for a genuine pluralism that recognizes and respects the right to hold specific religious and moral convictions, even when they challenge prevailing norms.
The Pastoral Letter urges Catholics to actively participate in the public square, championing the common good and contributing to public debates. It underscores the importance of religious freedom for all people, as its restriction marginalizes individuals, impedes meaningful public discourse, and diminishes the diverse contributions that different religious believers can offer. The letter encourages Catholics to exercise their religious freedom to evangelize, support Catholic institutions, and engage in various professions and vocations that serve the common good.
LINK to the Pastoral Letter
CCCB Promotional Video – World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2023
Ottawa – The CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life, with its corresponding Office, released a 30-second promotional video supporting the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to take place on Sunday, 23 July 2023. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.
- States shall take effective measures, in consultation and cooperation with the indigenous peoples concerned, to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination and to promote tolerance, understanding and good relations among indigenous peoples and all other segments of society.
Article 15 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Evangelize with the Alpha Course
Join us every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. for the Online Alpha Course! Whether you’re a curious seeker or a steadfast believer, Alpha offers a safe and welcoming space to explore life’s big questions, engage in captivating discussions, and strengthen your faith. Invite a friend or acquaintance who may be in need of God’s love and transformation. Simply click on this Zoom link to join us: Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Three Feet from Gold
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The expression “Three Feet From Gold” stems from a true story during the California Gold Rush era. It recounts the tale of a man who purchased a gold mine and started digging. After a period of digging without finding any gold, the prospector became discouraged and sold the mine to someone else. The subsequent owner resumed digging and eventually found an abundance of gold, turning the mine into a highly profitable venture. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On July 6th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, LaPasse – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). 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.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at FRESCO’s patio tent, 660 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Thursday, July 20th from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Veronica Ferri, a priest and a layman, all from Madonna House. Topic: “How and why to strive for a life of Purity in this current age.” This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49 (ish). Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Presentations will begin again in September.
PARISH EVENTS
End of an Era – The Sisters of Charity Honoured for their 145 Years of Service in the Community
Paroisse Ste- Anne Parish is hosting a special event to honour the Sisters of Charity for their ministry and charitable work in Mattawa on Saturday, July 15, 2023.
Throughout the years, the Sisters of Charity’s dedication enriched the Mattawa community and have provided many essential services at Mattawa Hospital, Algonquin Nursing Home, Mattawa & Area Food Bank and Catholic schools. Their departure will leave a huge hole in the Mattawa parish and community. For a list of the day’s events and more information, please contact Gerry Therrien at gerrytherrien23@gmail.com or 705 744-2884, or Laura Connor at lauramattawa@outlook.com or 705 218-1001.
The Pauline Books & Media Centre
The Pauline Books & Media Centre is bringing a mini-Bookcentre to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pembroke. Join the Daughters of St. Paul after the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil and 9:00 a.m. Sunday Masses on July 8-9 to choose from an excellent selection of Catholic books for children, youth & adults, including Bibles, Bible stories, saints, spirituality, prayerbooks and faith formation! Select gift items and DVD movies will also be available. The Book Fair will be open before and after each Mass. Visit our webstore at www.paulinestore.ca or call us at 416-781-9131 for special requests. We look forward to seeing you there!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
This Montessori-based (experiential learning) and child-centered catechetical program offers children a deep engagement of Scripture and Liturgy, to facilitate the child’s encounter with the Mystery of God and Our Lord, the Good Shepherd. A level 1 (ages 3-6) program is offered at St. Hedwig’s Parish in Barry’s Bay, and there is planning underway to offer the program in Pembroke at Our Lady of Lourdes. To learn more about this beautiful program for our young children, visit cgsac.ca (The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada), or contact Maria Reilander at st.hedwigs.cgs@gmail.com or 613 756-0528.
As we prepare for the program at Our Lady of Lourdes, we welcome any volunteer carpenters or crafters to assist in creating the hands-on materials for this unique program. Please contact Maria Reilander (contact info above) for more information.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for July 2023
For a Eucharistic life – We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Retreat day with Sisters of the Queenship of Mary (praise, worship, testimonies, lunch, and fellowship)
July 8th from 10 a.m – 4 p.m., Home of John & Anna Moreau – 995 Yakabuskie Rd. Westmeath (signs will be up). BBQ lunch will be provided, free will offering can be made. BYO lawn chair. Everyone of every age is welcome! RSVP by July 4th to jpplum@nrtco.net or text/call 613 633-6024.
2023 Catholic Family Retreat – August 5, 6 & 7!
Calling all Catholic Families! The 2023 Catholic Family Retreat will be hosted on Saturday, August 5th, Sunday, August 6th, and Monday, August 7th at Sacred Way Farm (745 Kells Road, Powassan, Ontario) with Retreat Leaders Ken & Janelle Yasinski! Join us for prayer, worship, Adoration, family games, activities and inspiring talks. Optional camping on site is available too. For more information, a complete itinerary of the weekend events, and to register your family, please visit: https://holynamestalphonsus.com/familyretreat. The 2023 Catholic Family Retreat is proudly presented by Holy Name of Jesus Church, North Bay, St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, Callander and Sacred Way Ministries.
Annual Pilgrimage, Sunday August 13th
For the 66th time, and the first since the pandemic, Our Lady of Knock Shrine at St. Malachy’s Church in Mayo, Quebec, will be holding a pilgrimage to honour Our Lady’s apparition at Knock, County Mayo, Ireland on August 21, 1879. The Eucharist will be celebrated in English by Monsignor Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, assisted by Father Greg Murray of Saint Malachy’s Parish. Info: http://stmalachyolv.com Contact: Mrs. Ellen Butler 819-986-3860; Mrs. Virginia Sellers 819-281-6490. mayopilgrimage@gmail.com.
149th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 12-13, 2023
Buses will depart from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme and Kingston August 12, 2023. Weekend celebrant: Bishop Guy Desrochers. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
Marian Pilgrimage
Father Réal Ouellette has the great pleasure and honour of accompanying a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Compostela (Spain), and Fatima and Lisbon (Portugal) from October 25th to November 6th 2023. For more info: https://spiritours.com/en/product/france-spain-portugal-acn/.
OTHER
CGS Catechist Training
Level 1A Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training is being offered in Ottawa this July 13-18. Visit cgsac.ca/courses-1 for more information, or contact Maria Reilander at st.hedwigs.cgs@gmail.com or 613 756-0528.if you would like to learn more about becoming a catechist. New catechists are needed as we offer this program for our young children.
Madonna House Apostolate – New Website!
Friends, we are thrilled to announce that we launched our new website! Come visit us at Madonna House Apostolate – a Catholic Community. Find quick access to valuable resources, connections, and ways to be part of “restoring all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1.10)
St. Joseph House (Madonna House) Open House
St. Joseph House (Madonna House) Combermere invites you to an Open House to celebrate our 60th anniversary on Sunday July 16th, 1-4 p.m. All are welcome. Donations of finger food would be appreciated.