“His name is John.”
(Luke 1.57-66, 80)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Canada Day!
Please note that the Diocesan Offices will be closed Monday, June 30th and Tuesday, July 1st for Canada Day.
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 Labour Day Weekend.
Retirement of Mrs. Yvette Bourque
We wish to inform you of the forthcoming retirement of Yvette Bourque as of June 27, 2025.
Yvette began her employment at the Chancery in November 2006, and for over 18 years she has served the Diocese of Pembroke as Director of Marriage, Family Life and Youth Ministry.
Please join the Diocese in prayers and best wishes as Yvette begins this new chapter in her life.
Welcome Patrick Sullivan!
The Diocese of Pembroke extends a warm welcome to Patrick Sullivan, who will assume the role of Director of Marriage, Family Life and Youth Ministry. Mr. Sullivan will replace Yvette Bourque.
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.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for July 2025
For formation in discernment – Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation for the Archdiocese of Quebec – Monday, June 23 2025
On 11 June 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Marc Pelchat, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Quebec. Bishop Pelchat submitted his resignation to the Holy Father upon reaching the age of 75, as requested by the 1983 Code of Canon Law. (Read more…)
A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East During the Month of the Sacred Heart
Amid the rising tensions and violence in the Middle East, the Catholic faithful in Canada are reminded of the urgent need to pray for peace. During this month—dedicated in the Latin Church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—we have a unique opportunity to seek the Lord’s mercy, healing, and peace for our divided world. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
“Note on Prayer” for the Jubilee Year of Hope – Monday, June 23, 2025
The CCCB Episcopal Commission for Doctrine has developed a brief, two-page Note on Prayer for this Jubilee Year of Hope. The Note outlines some characteristics and forms of Christian prayer, and concludes by sharing a list of resources compiled by the CCCB Ad hoc Committee for the Jubilee.
Published as part of the CCCB’s ongoing efforts to encourage spiritual renewal during this special year, the Note on Prayer invites all the faithful to rediscover the heart of Christian life through prayer. It offers a concise reflection on how prayer connects believers more deeply with God and with one another, and emphasizes that prayer is rooted in trust and hope.
This resource forms part of a wider national initiative to encourage participation in the Jubilee, proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2025 under the theme Pilgrims of Hope. The Note on Prayer is now available online in English and French.
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 PILGRIMAGE (151st Annual Pilgrimage) to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Notre-Dame-du-Cap – August 9–10, 2025
JUBILEE 2025 PILGRIMAGE (151st Annual Pilgrimage) to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Notre-Dame-du-Cap – August 9–10, 2025, for the dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Pembroke, Gatineau, and neighbouring dioceses. The weekend will be spiritually led by Archbishop Emeritus Terrence Prendergast, and Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix will preside on Saturday, August 9th. The cost remains the same as last year and includes transportation by chartered bus, overnight accommodations, continental breakfast on Sunday morning, and a banquet lunch following the 11:00am Mass. For information or to register, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or by email at mikebudge20@rogers.com. Space is very limited. Please register as soon as possible.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
National Indigenous Peoples Day – A call to Reflection and Renewal – Thursday, June 19, 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day, 21 June, is a day to celebrate and honour First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples of Canada. Catholics across the country are invited to remember and reflect on Pope Francis’ legacy and give thanks for the progress made toward reconciliation over the years, particularly since his “penitential pilgrimage” in July 2022.
Indigenous Peoples are a blessing to the Church and Canadian society. This day invites us to open our hearts and minds, listen carefully and with humility, and deepen our understanding of Indigenous Peoples. As members of the Church, we are called to build relationships rooted in truth, justice, and compassion. May this day be a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to walking together in a spirit of hope and solidarity toward 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.
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 30th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
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
Discerning Your Role in Evangelization and Renewal
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Introduction: The Universal Call to Evangelization and Renewal (Read more…)
PRO-LIFE
Save the Date for the First Step Options’ 2025 Fall Concert
The 3rd annual “Breath of Hope” concert will be held at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, October 4th. Stay tuned for more details!
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.
Join the Development and Peace Diocesan Council’s year-end event on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Columbkille Cathedral. Dinner at 5:30pm, Annual General Meeting at 6:30pm. Guest Speaker: Nagui Demain, who has worked as a program officer for D&P focussed on North Africa and the Middle East. Please RSVP kirish@devp.org or call 613 735-9644 or jtlemay@sympatico.ca or call 613 432-9161 by June 17th. This meeting will also be accessible via Zoom.
Our Lady of Knock Annual Pilgrimage
For the 68th time, Our Lady of Knock Shrine at St. Malachy’s Church in Mayo, Quebec (a 50-minute drive from Ottawa), will be holding its annual pilgrimage to honour Our Lady’s apparition at Knock, County Mayo, Ireland. The Eucharist will be celebrated in English at 11:00am on Sunday, August 10th by Archbishop Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, assisted by Father Greg Murray of St. Malachy’s parish.
Info: http://stmalachyolv.com/pilgrimage.asp Contact: mayopilgrimage@gmail.com.
16th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
At St. Michael Catholic High School, Kemptville, on Saturday, October 4th from 9am – 3:30pm. Theme: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Keynote speaker: Angèle Regnier. Visit www.womensfallretreat.com to register.
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
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers Needed at The Grind Pembroke
Volunteers are needed to assist The Grind Pembroke with their breakfast program Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 10:00am. Please call The Grind at 613 732-9423 if you would like to make a difference in our community!
OTHER
Looking for a Substitute Organist and Singer?
Catherine Helferty is an organist, conductor, and singer available for Sunday liturgies. She has experience and training in Catholic liturgical music and has recently completed an MLitt in Sacred Music at the University of Saint Andrews. Please reach out to her if you are looking for a substitute organist and singer at a liturgy or at multiple liturgies this summer at catherinehelferty@gmail.com.
“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.
“Pilgrims of Hope” Young Adult Summer Program
Join Madonna House Apostolate in Combermere for the following Pilgrims of Hope Young Adult Summer Programs 2025:
- June 29-July 5 – Hope for the World
- July 6-12 – Hope for Christ’s Church
- July 13-19 – Hope for my Sisters and Brothers
- July 20-26 – Hope for my Present Moment
- July 27-August 2 – Hope for my Future
To register or for more information, please contact Madonna House at 613 756-3713 or info@madonnahouse.org.
Kendyl’s Caring for Kids CHEO Fundraiser
Ice Cream Social at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch on Sunday, July 6th from 1pm to 3:30pm. All proceeds from the sale of cones goes to the CHEO Foundation. Raffles, 50/50 and live music by Mikaela & Logan Roach.
Encounter School of Ministry
The Encounter School of Ministry Summer Intensive is a powerful experience that helps bridge the gap between the everyday experience of many believers and the supernatural lifestyle of Jesus and the early Church after Pentecost. It provides a survey of the content offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry covering the following topics:
- Identity & Transformation; Hearing God’s Voice & the Prophetic Gifts of the Holy Spirit;
- Power & Healing; Inner Healing & Freedom.
Cost: $60
Ottawa Campus: evening/day July 25,26 https://encounterottawacampus.regfox.com/encounter-ottawa-2025-summer-intensive-
Kingston Campus: 4 evenings August 11-14 https://ourladyofdivinefire.regfox.com/2025-summer-intensive.
Fall 2025 Classes – Assumption University
Receive a graduate diploma in Catholic Studies (online) at one of Canada’s most historic universities! A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a cumulative average of 70% required. Scholarships available! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Fall 2025 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: August 15th at noon.
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.