Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
(Mark 12.13-17)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Patronal Feast of St Columba
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. will celebrate Mass for the feast of St. Columba, patron of the Diocese of Pembroke, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke, on Tuesday, June 9th at 12:10pm. All are welcome.
Ecclesia Spring 2026 Edition
The latest Ecclesia Spring Edition is now available on the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/wp-content/uploads/Ecclesia-Spring-2026.pdf.
Servant of God – Catherine de Hueck Doherty – First Session of Diocesan Inquiry
On Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at the Chancery of the Diocese of Pembroke the first session was held of the diocesan Inquiry into the life, heroic virtues and reputation for holiness and signs of the Servant of God Catherine de Hueck Doherty. (Read more…)
All are invited to the following receptions honouring members of the presbyterate who will retire at the end of June
- Reverend Kerry Brennan on Sunday, 28 June from 11:30am to 2:30pm at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, Renfrew.
- Reverend Patrick Dobec on Sunday, 7 June from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall, Petawawa.
- Reverend John Lacey on Sunday, 21 June following the 9:00am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, Renfrew.
Congratulations to Rev. Mr. Augustine Tardiff
Congratulations to Rev. Mr. Augustine Tardiff who was ordained as a transitional deacon by Bishop Brehl on May 30th at Madonna House, Combermere. Deacon Tardiff will return to the seminary for one more year and will be ordained a priest, God willing, for Madonna House.
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. announces the following retirements and pastoral appointments: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/pastoral-appointments-may-1-2026/
Clergy Personnel
Reverend Emmanuel Dibia a priest of the Diocese of Issele-uku, Nigeria, is appointed as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew; St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew and Most Precious Blood Parish, Calabogie, effective 2 July 2026. Father Dibia has been granted permission of his Bishop to serve the Diocese of Pembroke for a period of six years. He has just completed a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counselling at the Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he has also assisted in parish ministry.
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception – Celebrating 100 years of service and presence in the Ottawa Valley and beyond
Join the Grey Sisters and staff to celebrate a Century of Service among God’s People at the Grey Sisters Caritas Residence, 215 Deacon Street, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 1-4pm. Everyone welcome!
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for June 2026
For the values of sports – Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Prince Albert – Thursday, May 28 2026
Ottawa – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed the Reverend Kenneth Thorson, O.M.I., as Bishop of Prince Albert.
Bishop-elect Thorson was born on 19 September 1966, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. On 26 August 1992, he joined the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate for the Lacombe Province, entering its novitiate in Arnprior, Ontario. He made his first profession of vows on 14 August 1993 and his perpetual profession of vows on 19 August 1997. He was ordained to the diaconate on 14 June 1998, and to the priesthood on 21 May 1999. (Read more…)
Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Letter: Magnifica Humanitas
Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, was released today. It focuses on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. The letter is dated 15 May, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Letter, Rerum Novarum. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Hybrid Women’s Circles
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation invites you to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey, bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next dates: June 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at 84 Isabella Street, Suite #10, Pembroke. For more information or for Zoom link, email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website.
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the handrum as we come together in community to learn and sing at 84 Isabella Street, Unit 10, Pembroke, on Wednesday, June 17th from 6-7:30pm. Bring your personal drum. Limited supply available to those who do not have one.
The Medicine Wheel
What follows is based on oral teachings given by Elder Jules Lavaley of Red Willow Lodge in Anola, Manitoba. His information is supported by that found in Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook, by Sun Bear, Wabin Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
Everything in nature is cyclic. Our path in daily life follows that of the sun. it begins in the East, moves though the South to the West, and then travels through the North. For the reason, all movement within any circle is always done clockwise by entering from the East, and all our ceremonies and gatherings are set-up as a circle.
Shawanong is Spirit Keeper of the South: It is the place of growth, abundance and harvest, like the summer. It is the life stage of adolescence when we test the boundaries of our own development. Its colour is red which symbolizes both strength and protection. Its animal is the coyote, who is also known as the Trickster – we must be wary of what we learn when we are teenagers: not all of it is good. Its plant medicine is sage which, when used as a smudge, reduces negative energy.
PARISH EVENTS
Fort-Coulonge Community Supper
Knights of Columbus Council 7221 invites you to the Community Supper – Bazar (Cipaille) at the KofC Community Hall, 525 Baume St., Fort-Coulonge, on Sunday, June 21st starting at 4:30pm. Cost is $25/person. All are welcome!
PRO-LIFE
The “Big Giveaway” Event
Don’t miss this huge giveaway happening at the Pine Ridge Family Church, 27 Brumm Rd., Pembroke, on Saturday, June 6th from 8am-noon. Donated items will be received from May 31st following service (12 noon) and from June 1st to June 5th, 9am-5pm. Everything is available for free, with monetary donations accepted towards First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre.
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. The training event will be held on Saturday, June 20, 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.
First Step Options 2026 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 10th) to Father’s Day (June 21st). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440. E-transfers and cheques accepted! Or become a monthly donor by filling out the form at https://www.firststepoptions.com/donate.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
So Sings My Soul
Music as Prayer Young Adult Retreat from July 3-5, 2026. Join us at the Galilee Centre in Arnprior for a summer gathering celebrating music and faith with facilitator Catherine Cardeal. Open to young adults 18-25 (student ages 16-17 may apply with parental consent). Cost: $100 per person (single and double rooms available). Retreat includes transportation in the Ottawa and Ottawa Valley area, 2 nights accommodation and all meals. Visit www.galileecentre.com or call 613 623-4242 ext. 21 for more information. Program made possible by the generous contributions of the Ex Corde-Foundation.
“’Be Not Afraid’: The Church’s Call to Mission in a Post-Christian World”
Strengthen your faith and enjoy the Ottawa Valley! Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, located in Barry’s Bay, Ontario invites you to their annual Wojtyla Summer Institute from August 6-9, 2026.
Keynote Speaker is Archbishop Marcel Damphousse (Ottawa-Cornwall Archdiocese).
For more information and to register: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/news/summer-institutes/wojtyla2026/.
JUBILEE 2026 PILGRIMAGE (152nd Annual Pilgrimage) to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Notre-Dame-du-Cap – August 8–9, 2026
For the dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Kingston, Pembroke, Gatineau, and Mont-Laurier. The weekend will be spiritually led by Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu, Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. For information or to register, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or by email at mikebudge2021@gmail.com. Space is limited. Please register as soon as possible.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Carl Hétu’s passing: a tremendous loss for Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
Montreal, May 27, 2026 ― It is with profound grief that Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) announces the passing of its executive director, Carl Hétu.
Hétu, who had been ailing from cancer for two years, breathed his last in the wee hours of this morning, surrounded by his family. He was 66 years old and is survived by his wife, Lorraine; two sisters; four children; and three grandchildren. To them, and to the countless friends he leaves bereaved, we offer our most heartfelt condolences.
JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Employment Opportunities at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry’s Bay has some employment positions available for a Music Director, Registrar, Donor Relations Officer, Administrative Assistant and Admissions Counsellor.
Visit the website at https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/ for more details.
Join the Marianhill Board of Directors!
We have openings for dedicated individuals to serve as members of our Board of Directors and contribute their expertise in strategic planning, finance, long-term care, or publicly funded organizations to shape the future of senior care. Serve a three -year term, 3 to 5 hours per month, actively participating in meetings, committees, and events. Bilingualism is an asset. Email your resume and a brief statement of interest to Linda M. Tracey, CEO at ltracey@marianhill.ca.