So my heavenly Father will not forgive you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.
(Matthew 18.21-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
We’re moving!
Please note the Diocesan Offices new mailing address effective March 22, 2023 will be: 284 Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8.
FROM THE CCCB
Appointment of His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix to the Renewed Council of Cardinals of the Holy See – Thursday, March 9, 2023
In a press release published Tuesday, 7 March 2023, the Holy See announced that His Holiness Pope Francis has renewed the Council of Cardinals of the Holy See. His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, was appointed as one of the nine members of the renewed Council of Cardinals.
The Council of Cardinals was established by Pope Francis in 2013 to advise the Holy Father on how to govern the Church. It is made up of the Pope and nine Cardinals. The Council was also founded with the aim, inter alia, of revising the Roman Curia, which was accomplished with the new Apostolic Constitution ‘Praedicate Evangelium‘ published on 19 March of last year.
For more information on this appointment, see the article published by Vatican News (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-03/pope-renews-council-of-cardinals.html).
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series”
Next March Feature Speaker: Christy Jordan-Fenton on Tuesday, March 21st from 7-8:30 p.m.
‘Christy Jordan-Fenton spent her early years on a farm near Rimbey, Alberta. Her love of the outdoors began almost from birth and has influenced her in many ways. She now lives on a scenic prairie farm in North Eastern British Columbia with her husband and their three children. Christy Jordan-Fenton is Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton’s daughter-in-law, an Inuvialuit knowledge keeper and residential school survivor. Together they co-authored several books, including Fatty Legs: A True Story, When I Was Eight and Not My Girl. The books recount the life of Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton who passed away on June 2, 2021.’ (Courtesy of Amazon and Goodminds)
To sign up for Christy’s virtual presentation, please click here.
Native Spirituality
Me: How Do I Find Creator?
Old Woman: You Become What You Seek
Me: I Don’t Understand.
Old Woman: You decide what Creator is. If you decide
She is peace, love, humility, and non-judgement,
you decide to work toward embodying those
qualities in your walkabout the world. The closer
you get to that, the closer you are to finding the Creator.
That’s what our ceremonies are for. To teach you
that the Creator is in you, that She always was
and always will be.
From: EMBERS by Richard Wagamese
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Living a Life of Love: Mother Teresa’s Legacy
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Saint Mother Teresa dedicated her life to helping the poor and the needy. She believed that serving the poorest of the poor was one of the greatest expressions of love and encouraged everyone to find ways to do the same in their communities by being compassionate to those around them. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
A special prayer initiative for the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate
The Digital Synod launches an online prayer initiative to mark the tenth anniversary of the pontificate of Pope Francis on March 13th: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-02/prayer-initiative-for-10-years-of-pope-francis-pontificate.html
LENT
CCCB Presents “Journey through Lent 2023“
On this Third Sunday of Lent, Archbishop Dunn provides a reflection on the Samaritan woman at the well and conversations of significance.
Videos can be viewed here.
Mary’s Way of the Cross for Lent – A Lenten Journey through Mary’s Eyes
This Way of the Cross takes us every Friday through Lent to Easter. It begins in ashes and enters the desert of our emptiness. But our journey goes on to New Life and all the emptiness Spirit-filled. Next date: Friday, March 17th at 6:45 p.m.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86321925761?pwd=aVlOdzFoZzJHWjZoaFlTODRVTEwxdz09.For more information, please contact Mike Budge at mike.budge@bell.net.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On April 7th, 8-9 p.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). 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. April’s Holy Hour will be at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Pembroke. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. For more information and details please email vocations@pembrokediocese.com or visit www.pembrokevocations.com/events.
FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTICE – “The Eucharist” Lenten Retreat
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development is sponsoring an Adult Faith Lenten Retreat on Saturday, April 1st at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, 331 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (registration at 9:30 a.m.). Celebration of the Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful. Theme: “The Eucharist,” with guest speaker Emeritus Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ Ottawa-Cornwall. Registration deadline: Thursday, March 30, 2023.To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
CCCB – The Call of the Catechist
Beginning Tuesday, March 28th from 1-2 p.m., the CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis will offer a webinar series, The Call of the Catechist. This three-part series will explore the needs of the catechist today and will be of interest to those involved in evangelization and catechesis. Keynote speakers include Sherry Weddell (Catherine of Siena Institute), Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP (Adrian Dominican Sisters), and Anne Walsh, D.Min. (Redemptorist Lay Missionary).
- Session 1 – March 28th – Discerning Charisms with Sherry Weddell
- Session 2 – April 11th – The Spirituality of the Catechist with Dr. Janet Schaeffler, OP
- Session 3 – April 18th – Theological Reflection & the Catechist with Anne Walsh
Please click here to access the online registration form.
For more information, please contact Mrs Marg Shea-Lawrence at m.shea-lawrence@cccb.ca.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, April 1st and Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke. Deadline to register is March 16th. Registration is available online at www.pembrokediocese.com, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or 613 585-6301.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at J&E’s Bored N’ Saucy, 185 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Wednesday March 22nd from 7–8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Fr. Michael Smith. Topic: The Power of Prayer and Fasting. This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and 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 relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming Events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
NEW! Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Friday, March 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Balmoral Hotel. Guest Speaker: Fr. Peter Do. Topic: “On the death penalty and the limits of papal power.” This is a new initiative of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office and is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). Gatherings will take place monthly at the Balmoral Hotel. Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. Each event will be posted on the Upcoming events page on the Diocesan website (www.pembrokediocese.com) as soon as details are available. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at deanofstudents@seatofwisdom.ca.
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions – CANCELLED FOR MARCH
Next session – Wednesday, April 12th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Signs & Symbols: Our lives are dominated by signs and symbols – ignore them to your own peril. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre AGM
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre invites you to their Annual General Meeting at the Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke, on Wednesday, March 22nd at 7 p.m. For more information please call 613 635-7440.
PARISH EVENTS
Scripture 101
Looking for something to do this Lent? St. Michael’s Church in Douglas is pleased to present Scripture 101 on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the sacristy (enter by the side door). Next session: March 15th. Each evening will consist of a video presentation followed by a facilitated group discussion. The video series is produced by the Institute of Catholic Culture and features Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo, a Melkite (Byzantine) priest. In these insightful lectures, Father Sebastian brings out the richness and the profound relevance of the story of our salvation history, and unveils God’s unceasing call for us to trust in His love for us. Please join us, even if you have missed some of the classes already! The video lectures are available for free online if you want to catch up on missed weeks (https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/courses/scripture-101). Bring along a bible, a pencil, and a highlighter, and prepare for a new encounter with the Lord.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Recollection for Women
At Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on Thursday, March 16th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a break from your busy schedule to think about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch for a get together afterward.
This spiritual activity, inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information, please contact Nadia at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
BY MY SIDE – Separated and Divorced Ministry for Women
This nonprofit ministry will assist separated and divorced Catholic women to reconnect and build on their faith. These sessions for women begin on Saturday, April 15, 2023 and are offered virtually over Zoom. All registrants will receive a private link to join prior to their first session. The sessions are 6 weeks in length and run from 9-11 a.m. Important: There are no classes being held on Victoria Day long weekend (May 20th). The program, led from a Catholic faith exploration perspective, is designed to help participants find reconciliation, peace and healing by taking positive steps in their daily spiritual life. For further information and registration, please visit our web site: www.bymyside.ca, or on Facebook at: facebook.com/bymysideott, or contact Mary-Jane Manley at 613 294-1308. We ask participants for a $40 payment to help cover resources and promotion.
Spring Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
With Father Albert MacPherson OSA, Augustinian Healing Ministry, May 10 to May 20, 2023. Price $2450.00 per pilgrim. Includes all taxes, two meals per day, double occupancy, 3-piece bathroom in each room. Five minutes from St. James Church. Services of a knowledgeable guide. Departure from Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Please contact the Tour Leader, Jack Duggan, for additional information at 613 756-2655 or email at medjugorje2023@bell.net.
OTHER
Bioethics Symposium on Mental Health
The Canadian Physicians for Life presents “And so my Life is Good” – A Bioethics Symposium on Mental Health in Ottawa, Ontario from June 22-24, 2023. Spaces are limited for this highly subsidized course that costs the applicant only $100 for the entire weekend. Applications will be accepted until March 17th, 2023 and may easily be made on our website. For more information, please contact Natasha Gajraj at office@physiciansforlife.ca.
EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Diocese of Whitehorse – Catholic Secondary School Principal
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School in Yukon, within the Diocese of Whitehorse, is now looking to fill a principal position (full time, permanent). Deadline to apply is March 19, 2023. Visit applytoeducation.com (use Yukon filter) to view and apply on job postings. Information on how to apply is on the Yukon Government website: Apply for a teaching or school administrator job | Government of Yukon.
Galilee Centre is Seeking New Board Members
Galilee Centre of Arnprior is seeking interested candidates for a volunteer position on the Board of Directors. Galilee Centre is a retreat centre that provides spiritual programming for those seeking spiritual well-being. It also hosts groups who seek a beautiful setting on the banks of the Ottawa River as a get-away for the purpose of spiritual wholeness.
The time commitment is about 7-10 hrs. per month. This position would begin with our August Board meeting for a three year term. If interested, please contact Megan Postin, Executive Director, at director@galileecentre.com. Further information and an application form will be sent to you. Thank you in advance for your consideration. www.galileecentre.com.
Director of Development – OLSWC
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (SWC) is seeking a full-time Director of Development. SWC offers a post-secondary liberal arts education that forms the whole person in a faithfully Catholic context. The College offers a three-year Bachelor of Catholic Studies degree and is currently under review by the Province of Ontario for permission to grant a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Embracing the mission of SWC, the successful candidate will play a key role in promoting Seat of Wisdom College as an academically excellent and faith-filled Catholic liberal arts college. The Director will provide leadership in fundraising, marketing, communications, and public relations. Constituents include donors, alumni, faculty, staff, the SWC community, various levels of government, and the general public.
For more information, and other job opportunities at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, please click here.