In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.
(Matthew 7.6, 12-14)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Canada Day!
Please note that the Diocesan Offices will be closed Monday, 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 August 30th inclusively.
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
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.
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
National Indigenous Peoples Day – A Call to Prayer and Unity – Friday, June 21 2024
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the co-chairs of Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle urge the Catholic community and all Canadians to unite in prayer for spiritual unity. We are invited to give thanks for the strides made in reconciliation since Pope Francis’ penitential pilgrimage. Recognizing the profound impact of the Holy Father’s visit, we celebrate the ongoing collaborative efforts between the Church and Indigenous partner. While we acknowledge the lasting grief, we are guided by the Holy Spirit’s teaching towards truth, respect, and healing. Let us continue to foster dialogue and understanding, embracing our collective journey towards reconciliation with courage, humility, and love.
Click here to read the statement.
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…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for July 2024
For the pastoral care of the sick – We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Ten Principles for Reconciliation:
- Reconciliation requires political will, joint leadership, trust building, accountability, and transparency, as well as a substantial investment of resources.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
How to Bring Someone to Christ
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In today’s increasingly secular world, the call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet encountered Him has never been more urgent. The “new evangelization” refers to the Church’s efforts to re-propose the Gospel to those who have drifted away from the faith or have never truly heard it proclaimed. (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
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
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. Cost: $20/person or $60/family, $15 for students. Contact St. Michael’s Parish at 613 649-2450 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
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.
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
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
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.
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!