The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.
(Matthew 9.32-38)
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 2nd to August 30th inclusively.
Congratulations to Rev. Lukas Časta!
Congratulations to Rev. Lukas Časta who was ordained to the priesthood at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Saturday, June 29th (The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul). Please keep Father Časta in your prayers as he begins his faithful journey as parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Renfrew and Most Precious Blood Parish in Calabogie. The ordination can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZhyuHYj1bs.
Watch the interview with Fr. Lukas Časta in the days leading up to his ordination on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fXaMTMXyvs.
Reverend Michael Brehl, C.S.s.R. named the 10th Bishop of Pembroke
On June 11, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. as the 10th Bishop of Pembroke. The Episcopal Ordination will be held at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Thursday, August 15, 2024 (The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary) at 10 a.m. All are welcome!
Calling All Singers!
All are welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the Episcopal Ordination of Rev. Father Michael Brehl at St. Columbkille on Thursday, August 15th at 10 a.m. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters34@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and to receive additional information.
84th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac – Sunday, July 28th
The Triduum of preparation led by Father Ryan Holly, Diocesan Administrator will be Thursday to Saturday, July 25th-27th. The principal Pilgrimage Mass will be held on Sunday, July 28th at 11 a.m. at the Shrine. A Mass of healing with the Anointing of St. Ann’s oil will be celebrated at 2 p.m. (Please bring your own seating). St. Ann’s religious articles, St. Ann’s Mass League memberships, food and refreshment vendors will be on site. For more information visit the website at https://cormacpilgrimage.com/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CormacStAnn.
Walk the Opeongo Line to St. Ann’s Shrine
From July 25th to July 28th. Join pilgrims from all ages (7-77) in this life-changing, 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. Walk, pray, sing and camp your way to St. Ann’s! For more information, or to register, visit the website at https://walktheopeongoline.org/.
Pastoral Appointments
Visit https://pembrokediocese.com/article/pastoral-appointments-june-2024/ for a complete list of appointments dated June 7, 2024.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Pembroke
11 June 2024 – Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed the Reverend Father Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., presently Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist of Canada, as the new Bishop of Pembroke. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Coalition for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples promotes the full and effective implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we urge that:
Governments, in conjunction with Indigenous peoples, use the Declaration as the basis for reviewing and reforming laws and policies to ensure that Indigenous peoples’ rights are upheld without discrimination. A legislative approach to implementation ensures the ongoing commitment to the Declaration.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Alpha Canada
We are excited to announce the release of Reigniting Hope: Sharing the Good News in Canada! This report, produced in partnership with Flourishing Congregations, reveals unexpected and encouraging findings about the spiritual health of our nation. Over 70% of leaders across Canada are witnessing an increased spiritual curiosity in their communities. Download the report here .
The Alpha Canada Team
The Church’s Social Doctrine and Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The Church’s social teaching is an important part of sharing the good news of the Gospel. It’s not just about telling individuals about Christ, but also making society itself better through Christian principles. This teaching comes from the Church’s belief that how people live together in society greatly impacts their lives and choices. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
August 1st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Parish, Maynooth. 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
Marriage Preparation Programs
The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program dates for the upcoming year have been announced. With only two sessions offered, couples are encouraged to register early!
- Fall Session: First Saturday – October 5, 2024. Second Saturday – October 19, 2024 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register: October 1, 2024.
- Spring Session: First Saturday – March 29, 2025. Second Saturday – April 12, 2025 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke. Deadline to register: March 24, 2025.
Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $100/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 Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.
NETWORK Leader Seminars
Join Ignite Ministry Canada this Fall for “NETWORK” Leader Seminars! As a program of the Redemptorists and Ignite Ministry Canada, these seminars provide formation for leaders and volunteers involved with youth, young adult and family ministry. Learn more here! To register please visit NETWORK LEADER SEMINARS – REGISTRATION 2024-2025 Survey (surveymonkey.com).
PARISH EVENTS
St. Michael’s Parish Fundraiser Dance
Come on out for an evening of great music, dancing and fun! Friday, July 19th from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Cobden Agricultural Hall. Music by Louis Schryer, Erin Leahy, Siobheann Donohue, and Xavier Leahy. Callers Chanda Leahy and Jackson Corry. Square Dance, Swing and Step Dancing. Cash Bar. Late Lunch included. $20 per person or $60 for a Family; Students $15. Tickets available at Olmstead’s Home Hardware in Cobden and at the door. Contact St. Michael’s Parish at 613 649-2450 or dco.parishes@outlook.com for more information.
Parish Supper
On Sunday, July 28th at Ste-Bernadette Parish, Bonfield, ON. Take-out Sea Pie & Beans, Raffle Draw.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
EXULT 2024
Worship Preaching Encounter at St. Maurice Parish, Ottawa, this Wednesday, July 10th, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Led by seminarians of the Companions of the Cross. Call 613 224-1892 for more information.
67th Annual Pilgrimage – Our Lady of Knock Shrine
Our Lady of Knock Shrine at St. Malachy’s Church in Mayo, Quebec, will be holding our annual pilgrimage on Sunday, August 18th to honour Our Lady’s apparition at Knock, County Mayo, Ireland on August 21, 1879. The Eucharist will be celebrated in English by Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe (Bishop Emeritus of Sault St. Marie and Ottawa native), assisted by Father Greg Murray of St. Malachy’s parish. Info: http://stmalachyolv.com/pilgrimage.asp. Contact: Mrs. Ellen Butler 819 986-3860; Mrs. Virginia Sellers 819 281-6490. mayopilgrimage@gmail.com.
150th Anniversary of the Annual Pilgrimage to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape
From the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme, Kingston and Gatineau on August 10-11, 2024. Our Weekend Celebrants: Archbishops Marcel Damphousse, Terrence Prendergast, Guy Desrochers, and Bishops Yvan Mathieu, Raymond Poisson, and Pierre Goudreault. This may be the last Annual Pilgrimage due to health issues with the Rector of the Shrine and Mr. Mike Budge. For registration and information contact: mike.budge@bell.net. See poster at Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre | Annual Pilgrimage.
“Awaken Your People That the World May Believe”
All day retreat with speakers, Worship, Prayer Ministry, Testimonies at St. Mary’s Parish, Ottawa, on Saturday, August 24th. Cost: $35/person or $60/couple. Registration at BIT.LY/4BTWRBW.
OTHER
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
Would you be interested in discerning a secular (lay) vocation? Are you spiritually attracted to St. Therese of Lisieux or St. Teresa of Avila? Our group (not a prayer group) meets monthly at St. Andrew Parish in Killaloe, ON. For more information call Patricia at 613 756-2267.
13th Wojtyla Summer Institute
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is happy to announce that registration is open for the Wojtyla Summer Institute, August 8-11. This year’s theme on “Literature and the Catholic Imagination,” with the keynote address by Dr. Randy Boyagoda, will consider various works and eras of literature and their importance for Catholic readers. To learn more and to register, please visit www.seatofwisdom.ca.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
With Father Albert MacPherson O.S.A. Augustinian Healing Ministry from September 28 to October 9, 2024. Price: $2,875.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). For additional information please contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.