If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
(Matthew 10.7-13)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Reverend Michael Brehl, C.S.s.R. named the 10th Bishop of Pembroke
With great cause for rejoicing, I announce that today that our Holy Father, Pope Francis has named Reverend Michael Brehl, C.S.s.R. as the 10th Bishop of Pembroke. Father Brehl was born in Toronto in 1955 and entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) in 1975. He professed vows as a Redemptorist on August 15, 1976, and was ordained priest on March 15, 1980. Father Brehl currently serves as Provincial Superior of the Canadian Province of the Redemptorists, a role that he held for the Edmonton-Toronto Province from 2002-2009. In addition to many years in parish ministry, preaching missions and the formation of novices, Father Brehl served two terms as the Redemptorist Superior General in Rome from 2009-2022.
The episcopal ordination and canonical possession will take place at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille in Pembroke on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Following in the footsteps of Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.S.s.R., this will be the second member of the Redemptorist Congregation that the Lord has bestowed upon the Diocese of Pembroke. Please join with me in prayers of thanksgiving for the appointment of our bishop-elect and may Our Lady of Perpetual Help guide and protect him as he prepares to assume the graces and duties of the episcopal office.
Rev. George Ryan Holly
Diocesan Administrator
11 June 2024
Pastoral Appointments
Reverend George Ryan Holly, diocesan administrator, announces the following appointments:
- Retirement:
- Reverend Timothy MOYLE retires from parish ministry on 30 June 2024.
The Diocese extends gratitude and appreciation to Father Moyle and wishes him good health in this new chapter of his priestly ministry.
- Newly Ordained:
- Rev Mr. Lukas ČASTA, upon ordination to the Priesthood on 29 June 2024, is assigned as parochial vicar to St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew and Most Precious Blood Parish, Calabogie.
- Departure from the Diocese:
- Paweł RATAJCZAK, O.M.I., has been assigned by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as Program Director of Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre in Mississauga, effective 1 September 2024.
The Diocese extends gratitude to Father Pawel for his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Pembroke.
- Parish Administrators:
- James BEANISH is appointed administrator of St. Andrew Parish, Killaloe, and Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Brudenell, effective 1 July 2024.
- Daniel JANULEWICZ, O.M.I., is appointed administrator of St. Mary Parish, Wilno, and St. Casimir Parish, Round Lake, for a period of at least one year, effective immediately.
- William KENNEY is appointed administrator of St. Michael Parish, Douglas, St. Pius V Parish, Osceola and Sacred Heart Mission, Cobden for a period of one year, effective 1 August 2024.
- Michael LUND is appointed administrator of St. James the Less Parish, Eganville, Nativity of Our Lady Mission, Pikwàkanagàn, and St. Ann Parish, Cormac, effective 1 August 2024.
- Cyril OKEBANAMA, S.M.M.M., is appointed administrator of St. Anne Parish, Mattawa, Ste Bernadette Parish, Bonfield, Sacred Heart Parish, Corbeil and St-Thomas-d’Aquin Parish, Astorville, effective 1 July 2024.
- Réal OUELLETTE is appointed administrator of St-Jean-Baptiste Parish, Pembroke, effective 1 August 2024.
- Michal PAJAK, O.M.I., is appointed administrator of St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay for a period of at least one year, effective 1 September 2024.
- Fortunatus RUDAKEMWA is appointed administrator of St-Thérèse Parish, Témiscaming and Our Lady of the Lake Mission, Kipawa, effective 1 August 2024.
- Christopher SHALLA will continue to assist with coverage in parishes as his health allows.
7 June 2024
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Ecclesia
The Spring 2024 Ecclesia edition is now available in parishes, or can be viewed on the Diocese of Pembroke website here.
Ordination to the Priesthood
Reverend Mr. Lukas Časta will receive Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Calling All Singers
All are welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the ordination mass of Lukas Časta at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Saturday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters346@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and receive additional information.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Pembroke – Tuesday, June 11 2024
11 June 2024 – Ottawa – Today, 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 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Ten Principles for Reconciliation:
- The perspectives and understandings of Aboriginal Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers of the ethics, concepts, and practices of reconciliation are vital to long-term reconciliation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
From Near-Death to New Life: A Rural Church’s Revitalization Journey
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the small rural town a little church called Life Point was circling the drain. Once vibrant and counting around 200 members, it had plummeted to only about 25 people, most of them elderly. The facilities were dilapidated, the finances struggling, and the church seemed to have one foot in the grave. When the new pastor arrived, “the church was at its lowest point financially, numerically, and spiritually”. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
July 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Casimir Parish, Round Lake Centre. 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
LAST SESSION CANCELLED – Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
Please note that the last Image of God session scheduled for Wednesday, June 12th has been cancelled. Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com for further details.
Theology on Tap
On Monday June 17th from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral in the parish hall. Guest speaker: Fr Michael Smith. Topic: “The Second Coming” (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.). This event 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 related 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 to be added to a group e-mail list.
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
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.
Annual Bazaar Supper
In Fort-Coulonge on Sunday, June 16th at the Knights of Columbus Community Hall (beside the church). Seapie, $25 per person. All are welcome!
Save the date!
The next healing service at St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, will be on Friday, June 21st at 7:00 p.m.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 2024 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 12th to June 16th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. E-transfers to firststepoptions@gmail.com, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more details, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholic School of Evangelization’s Discipleship Formation Program
Join the Catholic School of Evangelization’s Discipleship Formation Program for a transformative year of community living, deepening your Catholic faith, and growing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Embark on a journey of evangelization and ministry, developing missionary zeal and witnessing the Holy Spirit’s work in outreach projects. https://www.catholicway.net/dfp
Cradle of Hope 2024 Adult Program – “Rescued by the Power of the Holy Spirit”
This conference will be held on Saturday June 22, 2024, 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m., at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School, 1515 Bloor St. W., Toronto. For more information, please visit Events – CCRC Toronto or register at Cradle of Hope 2024 Adult Program. “Rescued by the Power of the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:5 (google.com). Cost: $25 adults, $10 children.
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.
OTHER
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.
You’re the Chef
On behalf of the Team at Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario the Renfrew Victoria Hospital is pleased to announce that it is launching You’re the Chef program in partnership with the Renfrew County District Health Unit. This is a FREE five-week cooking program that is designed to promote safe and healthy cooking skills starting Wednesday, July 3rd. Call Mireille at 613 570-8953 or email mirsullivan@renfrewhosp.com to register today!