You are the salt of the earth.
(Matthew 5.13-16)
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Bishop’s Message for Pentecost 2025
Bishop Brehl’s message for Pentecost can now be found on Facebook or on the Diocese YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sm1oqjCREc.
The written transcript can be read here.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., announces the following pastoral appointments:
- Reverend Daniel Janulewicz, O.M.I., concludes his ministry in the Diocese of Pembroke, effective 31 August 2025 to assume a new assignment from his religious community. Bishop Brehl wishes to thank Father Daniel for his ministry in Round Lake and Wilno.
- Reverend Miroslaw Olszewski, O.M.I., is appointed as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Wilno and St. Casimir Parish, Round Lake. This appointment is effective September 1, 2025.
More pastoral appointments can be found at Pastoral Appointments – May 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke.
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 24-27, 2025
Join pilgrims from across the diocese and beyond for a 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. It’s an experience that merits many blessings and wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: walktheopeongoline.org. The deadline for registration is Sunday, June 29th. Click for a PDF of the poster.
FROM THE CCCB
Death of the Most Rev. James MacDonald, C.S.C., Archbishop Emeritus of St. John’s NL
OTTAWA, 6 June 2025 – The Most Reverend James MacDonald, C.S.C., Archbishop Emeritus of St. John’s, passed away on 30 May 2025 at the age of 100, at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontario, following a lengthy illness. (Read more…)
Catholic Coptic Discussions Continue with Second Meeting in Quebec – Tuesday, June 3, 2025
From Apr. 28-30, 2025, delegates from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Coptic Orthodox Church met for the second time to explore the prospects for strengthening their relationship through the establishment of a formal Dialogue. Hosted by the Benedictine monks of St. Benoît du Lac Abbey (south-east of Montreal), participants were able to discern prayerfully the path forward for communication and collaboration between Copts and Catholics in Canada—even as the Coptic Holy Synod has temporarily paused its involvement in the Vatican-sponsored Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. (Read more…)
CCCB and Hindu Federation Hold Spring Interfaith Meeting – Tuesday, June 3, 2025
The spring meeting of the CCCB-sponsored Hindu-Catholic Dialogue took place on 26 April 2025, in Brampton. The longstanding co-sponsor of this Dialogue is the Hindu Federation of Canada, and participants were blessed to gather on the 26th at Triveni Mandir, one of the Federation’s newest temples. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
85th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac and Diocesan Celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope
85th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann in Cormac and Diocesan Celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope will take place on Sunday, July 27th, 2025. The Triduum of Preparation and Pilgrimage Sunday will be led by Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Bishop of the Diocese of Pembroke. The principal Pilgrimage Mass will be at 11:00am at the Shrine. A Mass of Healing with the Anointing of St. Ann’s oil will be celebrated at 2:00pm. The Sacraments of Confession is available throughout the day. Pilgrims have the opportunity of availing of the Jubilee Indulgence. On site: St. Ann’s religious articles and other religious articles, St. Ann’s Mass League memberships, food and refreshments vendors (Please bring your own seating.). Triduum Masses on Thursday, July 24th, Friday, July 25th and Saturday, July 26th at 7:00pm each evening. For more information: http://www.cormacpilgrimage.com or http://www.facebook.com/CormacStAnn. Welcome everyone!
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Wisdom to Wellness
This program is designed to immerse participants into Indigenous cultural teachings and protocols. Through a series of enlightening sessions, individuals will engage with a variety of teachings deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditions. The program focuses on fostering a profound understanding of cultural values, reciprocity to the land, and the significance of Indigenous protocols in various ceremonies and gatherings. These teachings will be integrated into other programs held at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. Email us at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, June 25th.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Talking Circle: June 12th. 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. Next Talking Circle: June 16th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the hand drum as we come together in community to learn and sing once a month, on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm. Bring you personal drum. Limited supply available for those who do not have one. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, June 18th.
Acudetox Acupuncture
Encouraging community wellness for behavioural health including addictions, mental health, emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. 6 weekly sessions on Mondays from 9am-10am (except holidays), May 26th – June 30th, 2025. To register or for more information, please email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
A Prayer for God’s Miracles in Every Situation
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Heavenly Father, Almighty and Ever-Loving God,
I come before You with a heart full of faith, trusting in Your boundless mercy and infinite power. You are the God of miracles, the God who opens the seas, who raises the dead, who turns sorrow into joy, and darkness into light. Nothing is impossible for You, and in You, all things hold together. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Feast of Corpus Christi
Please join us as we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi at St. Columbkille’ s Cathedral on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Eucharistic Celebration at 10:30am with a short Procession to follow with Hymns and Adoration. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Workshop: “Share the Faith“
On Saturday, June 14th, 10am to 4pm in the St. Hedwig’s rectory basement meeting room, Barry’s Bay. Three sessions: The Power of Testimony, The Power of the Gospel, Spirit Led Faith Sharing. Open to men and women with a heart for evangelization. For information and to register email Terry Vanderheyden at: doctrv@gmail.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 2025 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 11th) to Father’s Day (June 15th). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Development & Peace Annual Meeting
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Columbkille Cathedral. Dinner at 5:30pm, Annual Meeting at 6:30pm. Guest Speaker: TBA. RSVP: jtlemay@sympatico.ca or 613 432-9161 by June 17th. Want to learn more about Development and Peace? Reserve to attend the annual meeting!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Permission: Fr. Bob Bedard’s Vision for the Church
PERMISSION: Fr. Bob Bedard’s Vision for the Church: Premiere of New Film on Fr. Bob Bedard draws capacity crowd at National Museum of History. Free online screenings begin now: https://www.permissionthefilm.com/payitforward.
Women’s Discernment Weekend
A discernment weekend in Quebec at the monastery of Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-Montagnes on October 17-19, 2025.
The purpose of the weekend will be to expose young women to an experience of contemplative life and to take some time away with God to discern His will. There will be daily mass and confession available, with the possibility of spiritual direction. Also included is a visit to the Queenship of Mary Sisters in Ottawa to learn about the active religious life and how these young women discerned their vocation.
There is limited space available – registrations will be at a first-come first served basis. The cost is $150 for the weekend. Please contact Mary-Kate Long at marykatelong210@gmail.com for more information.
To register: https://forms.gle/8bvDCtsPqAKZNkkTA
EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Job Opportunity at St. Joseph’s Community Food Bank – Pembroke
St. Joseph’s Community Food Bank is presently seeking to hire a part-time Purchasing Coordinator. This motivated team member is responsible for sourcing, purchasing food, and managing the Food Bank’s inventory. Requirements: ability to lift up to 40 lbs, valid driver’s licence, and own vehicle. Some online ordering. Info: 613 635-2770. Send resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and passion for the role to stjosephsfoodbank3@gmail.com.
OTHER
“Be Still and Know that I Am God” – Stillpoint House of Prayer
Join facilitator Clarissa Boyce, Chaplin, Spiritual Director, Artist and Potter on Saturday, June 28th from 9am to noon. Spend your morning in peaceful reflection. Cost: $40 per person including welcome coffee and baked goods. Contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791 to register or for more information.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
From September 30th to October 10th, 2025. Price: $3,125.00 (includes taxes, air fare, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Deadline to register: September 9th. To register or for more information, contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655, email blackfishbay@bell.net or Lois Losole at 613 318-4756, email lelosole@gmail.com.