So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or your sister from your heart.
(Matthew 18.21-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Pastoral Planning – Email
Any questions or concerns regarding Pastoral Planning may be emailed to planning@pembrokediocese.com.
Calling All Singers
Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to join the Diocesan Choir for the Mass of Chrism at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Tuesday, March 31st at 10:30am. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters346@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and receive additional information.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Kathleen Lyons, (Sister Mary Margaret) CSJ, who passed away peacefully at the residence of Sisters of St. Joseph, London, on March 9th. Sister Kathleen served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully for over 78 years.
FROM THE CCCB
Statement Calling for Prayer for Peace in the Middle East – Thursday, March 05 2026
Ottawa, Ontario – The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued a Statement Calling the Catholic Faithful to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East. The statement affirms that we cannot remain indifferent to an armed conflict that risks escalating into a prolonged war. (Read more…)
Journey Through Lent: Weekly Video Reflections
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) presents Journey Through Lent. This video series, a joint project of the CCCB’s National Liturgy Office, Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, provides weekly Lenten spiritual reflections. (Read more…)
LENT
A message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. for Lent 2026
Bishop Brehl’s message for Lent is now available on YouTube: A message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. for Lent 2026.
Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026
The 2026 Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent is titled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.”
In his message, the Holy Father writes: “Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.”
CCCB – Journey Through Lent – Third Sunday of Lent 2026
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Lent with the Most Rev. Bishop Daniel Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Lent 2026.
On this Third Sunday, Bishop Miehm provides a reflection on the transformative encounter of the Woman and the Well with Jesus.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the 3rd Sunday of Lent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82DxMTxQaVg
2nd Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoNg0ZzLuo4
1st Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TJsS7mlQkg&t=1s
Ash Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxWxlpbB6Xs&t=1s.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the hand drum as we come together to learn and sing. Next date: March 18th. Bring your own drum. Limited supply available for those who need one. Email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website for more information.
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: March 12th, 19th, 26th 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.
Thirteen Moons
Adapted from Year of the Spirit Moons Calendar, produced by the Anishnaabe Kendaaswin Publishing Company, North Bay, in 1998. Reference should also be made to Jamie Sams’ book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, whose work has reinforced these interpretations. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
March – Sugar Moon: The third moon of Creation is Sugar Moon. As the maple sap begins to run, we learn of one of the main medicines given to the Anishnabe which balances our blood and heals us. During this time, we are encouraged to balance our lives as we would our blood sugar levels, by using Divine Law.
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, 2026 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our presenter will be Father Réal Ouellette. There will be Adoration, singing of Hymns and the Divine Mercy Chaplet as we pray for God’s Mercy upon the whole world. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Spring Marriage Preparation Program NOW FULL
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program scheduled for Saturday, March 28th and Saturday, April 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew is now full! Stay tuned for upcoming dates! For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
PARISH EVENTS
A Little Pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s, Thursday, March 19th at 8:30am
The pilgrimage begins with prayers at St. Alphonsus, Chapeau at 8:30am and then pilgrims walk the 12.5km to St. Joseph’s for Mass at 11:30am followed by a pizza lunch in St. Joseph’s community centre. Please try to pre plan a carpool to get your vehicle from Chapeau.
Solemn Reception and Veneration of the Relic of Saint Sister Maria Faustina
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Bancroft, invites you to a special Mass of welcome and solemn enshrinement of the First Class Relic of Saint Sister Maria Faustina on Sunday, March 22nd at 10:00am. Chief Celebrant: Most Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. Veneration will follow the Mass, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. All are welcome to share in this grace-filled moment!
33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph
During crisis, confusion, and a world at war with the Church, it’s time to come home again to our spiritual father, St. Joseph. In this richly researched and lovingly presented program of consecration to St. Joseph, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, brings to life the wonders, the power, and the ceaseless love of St. Joseph, Universal Patron of the Church and the Terror of Demons. Those participating in the Consecration will need to buy a copy of Fr. Callaway’s book “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” available through Sunrise Marian or Amazon. Participants will meet in St. Joseph’s sacristy, St. Joseph, QC for prayers and discussion from 10:30-11:30am on Wednesdays from March 25th to May 1st.
6 Hand Euchre Fundraiser
This upcoming St. James the Less Parish fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 28th at 7pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Lots of laughter, table pounding, 50/50 draw and prizes! Pre-register your team at 613 628-2020 or drop by the office at 78 Wellington Street for only $20 per person (includes late lunch)! Hope to see you there!
A Sacred Encounter with Divine Mercy
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew CWL Council warmly invites you to the Seven First Words of Mercy led by Fr. James Zettel, English Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature, Ottawa, on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026 commencing at 3:00pm. Please call the parish office at 613 432-8525 or email fatimarenfrew@gmail.com for more information.
PRO-LIFE
Dinner Theatre Production – “Chaos at Confirmation”
Join First Step Options for a delightful night out at a Dinner Theatre Fundraiser featuring the play “Chaos at Confirmation!” on Saturday, May 2nd at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke. Doors open at 6:00pm – Dinner at 6:30pm. Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner followed by a live performance. Silent auction available. Email Amy Belder at ma.belder@gmail.com for tickets (tickets: $50/person). All proceeds will be donated to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally
2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be held Saturday, March 14th at the Toronto Convention Centre. Come for a great experience! For details and registration please visit Home – Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR).
OTHER
Why Lent? A Retreat with Fr. Jim Clarke at Galilee Centre
Discovering deeper meaning in the Lenten Experience from March 13-15. The purpose of this retreat is to help us go deeper into the Christian mysteries through the portal of our own lives. Visit https://www.galileecentre.com/why-lent/ for more information and registration.
Tuesday, March 17 – A Day Honouring St. Patrick
Join the Galilee Centre St. Patrick’s Day morning for an introduction to Celtic Spirituality, focusing on the teachings of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, followed by an Irish Celebration Luncheon. Lead by Tim Kehoe and Mike McBane. $22 luncheon only, $50 luncheon & program. Register online at https://www.galileecentre.com/a-day-honouring-st-patrick/.
Spring/Summer 2026 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! Deadline to apply for scholarships: March 17th at noon. Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Spring/Summer 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: April 24th.
Daring to Walk Where Faith & Life Meet: Weekend Retreat
A Galilee Centre retreat exploring transformative perspectives and practices for flourishing on the journey of faith and life March 20-22. Facilitated by Dr. Carol Kuzmochka (Saint Paul University). Visit https://www.galileecentre.com/daring-to-walk-where-faith-and-life-meet/ for more information and registration.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
From May 18 to May 28, 2026 with Fr. Christopher Shalla, Diocese of Pembroke. Price – $3150.00 (includes taxes, side trips and gratuities). Departure from Pearson International Airport Toronto, KLM airlines economy class flight to Amsterdam and Split, Croatia. For more information contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655 or email irishjack@bell.net.
JOB & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Galilee Centre – Manager of Spiritual Programs
Galilee Centre is seeking a new Manager of Spiritual Programs. This a part-time leadership role (16 hours per week) responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating spiritual programming at Galilee Centre. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Manager ensures all programs and their development align with Galilee Centre’s mission, vision and values, and the spiritual needs of retreat and program participants. Visit the posting on the website for more information: https://www.galileecentre.com/job-opportunities/manager-of-spiritual-programs/
Cana Colony – Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario
Looking for 4 Activities Coordinators for children and youth at a family camp that runs from July 5 to Aug 8, 2026. Must be 18+. Deadline to submit a resumé: March 15th. For more information, please contact Emmanuella Kim, Cana Registrar mhcanacolony@gmail.com or 613 756-3713.
Volunteers Needed!
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre needs volunteers for the “Chaos in Confirmation” Dinner Theatre on Saturday, May 2nd. If you are interested in helping, please contact Amy Belder at 613 732-3848 or email ma.belder@gmail.com to sign up.