Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
(Luke 6.36-38)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Message from Bishop Brehl for Lent 2025
Bishop Brehl’s Lent message for 2025 can be viewed on our diocesan YouTube channel:
Message from Bishop Brehl for Lent 2025.
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, April 15th 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
Bishops raise serious concerns about threats to charitable status designation
On Monday, 10 March 2025, the members of the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expressed their grave concern regarding two recommendations made by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance within Report 21: Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget. These recommendations (#429 and #430), if adopted, would be profoundly detrimental to Canada’s charitable sector, because they would:
- Revoke the charitable status of “anti-abortion organizations” (#429);
- Amend the Income Tax Act such that “the advancement of religion” would no longer qualify as a legitimate purpose for granting charitable status. (#430)
Journey Through Lent Video Series: Weekly Reflections for the Lenten Season
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, in collaboration with the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie, launches the 2025 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 5 March 2025, and for each Sunday in Lent, up to and including Palm Sunday, a video will be uploaded to the CCCB website featuring pastoral reflections based on the Readings for the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. This series is designed for individuals, families, and communities, providing spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare for the Easter season.
This year’s presenters are the Most Reverend Gary Franken, Bishop of St. Paul (in English), and the Most Reverend Michel Proulx, O.Praem., Bishop of Bathurst (in French). (Read more…)
LENT
Lenten Mission at St. Columbkille Cathedral
“The Catholic Faith is Such It Can be Taught to a Child” will be held on Monday, March 31st, Tuesday, April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Parish Office at 613 732-8513.
The Way of the Cross
PRAYER – The Way of the Cross – Diocese of Pembroke
CCCB Journey Through Lent 2025 – 2nd Sunday of Lent
On this Second Sunday of Lent, Bishop Franken provides a reflection on the Transfiguration and our journey together to heaven. Watch the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BLp6RwtUEI&t=2s.
CCCB Journey Through Lent 2025 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
On this Third Sunday of Lent, Bishop Franken provides a reflection on suffering and turning to God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skb_IY7IMiE&t=2s.
JUBILEE 2025
Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Jubilee Sites in the Diocese of Pembroke
Ste Anne Parish in Mattawa is the designated church for the Jubilee Indulgence on Tuesday, 25 March, 2025, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament all day, concluding with Benediction at 4:00 p.m. Confessions will be available from 11 a.m.-12 noon and from 3-4 p.m. Please see https://pembrokediocese.com/article/jubilee-2025-indulgence-en/ for more information about the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence.
Jubilee Rome 2025
Young Catholics from the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall are organizing a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee in July 2025 (July 27 – August 6). This pilgrimage is primarily aimed at young adults (ages 18-40), though it is open to all who are interested. Email ottawayouthjubilee@gmail.com for full trip and registration details. Hurry – only 8 spots available!
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Talking Circle: March 20th – Next Drumming: March 27th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Men’s Circles
Time to connect with other men, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next Drumming: March 17th – Next Talking Circle: March 24th. 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 9-10 a.m. (except holidays), February 24th – March 31st, 2025. To register or for more information, please email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
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, March 26th.
EVANGELIZATION
Love and Time
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
There once was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Wealth, Knowledge, and Love. One day, the island began to sink. All the feelings jumped into their boats and left. But Love stayed. Love wanted to make sure everyone else got away safely. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTICE – Call to Register: Adult Faith Lenten Retreat – “Mercy of Christ”
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation Office and Leadership Development invites you to an Adult Faith Lenten Retreat on Saturday, April 5th at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration at 9:30 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Mass with Bishop Brehl at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful. Guest speaker: Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Registration deadline: Thursday, April 3rd.
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our presenter will be Bishop Brehl, C.Ss.R. 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
Carlo’s Crew Youth Night (A diocesan event)
This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and ALL are welcome. The upcoming dates are Fridays March 21st and May 2nd from 7 – 9 p.m. at St. James the Less parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others. The four evenings will focus on Virtues and Vices. The waiver form must be signed either online here or hard copies will be available at the event. One waiver will cover all 4 nights. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, March 29th and Saturday, April 12th at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Annex, Pembroke. Deadline to register: March 24th. 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 7contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.
Separated and Divorced Ministry – VIRTUAL CLASSES (approved by the Archdiocese of Ottawa)
Classes begin March 29 2025, 2 hours/week for ladies this year, and runs for 6 weeks. This is a non-profit ministry. The cost is $40, which covers reimbursement of expenses only and no fees go to the facilitator. Any extra money goes directly to charity. All class details, dates, times and registration form can be found at www.bymyside.ca. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested. Mary Jane Manley, By My Side Program Facilitator. Email: mj@bymyside.ca. Cell: 613 294-1308.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
April 3rd from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke. 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.
PARISH EVENTS
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession during the Wednesdays of Lent at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come take time during his holy season for silence, contemplation and prayer, especially for world peace.
Lenten Mission at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Join us for a Lenten mission with Fr. Mark Cherry, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday April 7-9 at 7 p.m. each night. Theme: Let the King of Glory Enter. Free will offering only. All are welcome! For more information contact parish office at 613 687-4764.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The annual Toronto Lift Jesus Higher Rally – “Power from On High” will be Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Adult Rally $49 – Youth Rally $25. Information and registration: https://www.ljhr.ca/.
Pilgrimage to Quebec’s Major Shrines
Fr. Réal Ouellette is organizing a bilingual pilgrimage to Quebec’s Major Shrines, this coming May 26-28 (2025). The coach bus will be leaving from Pembroke and making stops in Renfrew and Arnprior. We need a minimum of 40 pilgrims (maximum of 50 pilgrims). More information available on St-Jean-Baptiste website: https://sites.google.com/view/sjbpembroke.
OTHER
Women’s Retreats Combermere
We warmly invite all women to a weekend women’s retreat….
“The Eucharist: Christ our Hope” – April 4-6 at the Graphite Bible Camp, 702 Graphite Road, Maynooth, ON, led by Christina Milan and Fr. David Linder, Madonna House – Register here.
For questions or more information please call Astrid (Elim Retreat) at 905 377-0688 or Kristan (Graphite Retreat) at 613 585-0579.
Stillpoint House of Prayer Easter Card Making Seminar
In preparation for Easter, join Sister Donna Smith, CSJ for a weekend of prayer and card designing instruction at Stillpoint House of Prayer, 3031 Calabogie Rd., Burnstown from April 4 – 6. Cost: $250 per person including meals, room and materials.
Stillpoint House of Prayer presents “The Many Faces of Jesus”
“The word was made Flesh.” Join Clarissa Boyce: Chaplin, Spiritual Director, Artist and Potter at Stillpoint House of Prayer in Burnstown on April 12th (one-day event). Cost: $95 including lunch and break. Holy Week is a time for prayer, reflection and preparation for the Crucifixion of Our Lord. In preparation, come for a one-day retreat and travel with the leader in a unique experience to explore, recognize and discover Jesus’s face and how he is present in our lives. To register, or for more information visit the website at https://www.stillpoint.ca/events to book online, email inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
Spring 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. Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Spring 2025 classes. Deadline to apply for scholarships: March 21st. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: April 25th, 2025.
Dr. Keith Cassidy Annual Lecture
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College invites you to this year’s Dr. Keith Cassidy Annual Lecture on Tuesday, March 25th at 7:30 p.m. in St. Hedwig’s Church Hall in Barry’s Bay. The event features an insightful discussion by translator Christopher Adam Zakrzewski of 𝑃𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑢𝑠𝑧 by Adam Mickiewicz—a cornerstone of Polish literature that has yet to claim its rightful place in the Western canon. Admission is free and open to all. Polish treats will be served! The livestream link for those who would like to join virtually is: https://youtube.com/live/SX37G0Eecqs.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
Departure from Pearson International Airport from May 7th to May 18th. Price: $3,150.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Non-refundable deposit of $400.00 required on booking. To register, or for more information contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.
2025-26 Discipleship Formation Program (DFP)-St. Malo, MB – Applications being accepted
Young Adults! It’s time to apply! Take a year off to dive deeper into your relationship with God and Catholic faith. The DFP is an 8-month live-in program for post high school students 18 yrs or older, at the Catholic School of Evangelization in St. Malo Manitoba. This is an opportunity to live in community, develop your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, study the Catholic faith with the head and heart, and to grow in missionary zeal through evangelization and ministry. Experience the challenge and satisfaction of helping children and teens in Manitoba Catholic schools encounter the love of God. Get ready for a memorable year as you build friendships with other young adults from various places in Canada. Is God calling you? Tuition is $7,500…$300 early bird price reduction when applying by April 30th. Apply today at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp.For more information please contact Louis or Mary at richards@catholicway.net. Join us on April 22nd or June 24th for a virtual information session…link found at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp. Application deadline: July 15th.