Joseph did as the Angel of the Lord commanded him.
(Matthew 1.6, 18-21, 24a)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Message for Lent 2024
Please watch the Diocese of Pembroke Message for Lent 2024 YouTube video given by Father Michael Smith, pastor of Fort-Coulonge, Otter Lake, Vinton and Waltham.
Mass of Chrism
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated during Holy Week on Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke. The Most Reverend Brendan O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston will be the principal celebrant. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Calling All Singers
Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the Mass of Chrism at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Tuesday, March 26th 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.
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
FROM THE CCCB
Message from the Holy See to Mark the Celebration of Ramadan 2024 – Friday, March 15 2024
March 15, 2024, Ottawa – To mark the month of Ramadan and its conclusion (Id al-Fitr), on 15 March 2024, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue published a message titled Christian and Muslims: Extinguish the Fire of War and Light the Candle of Peace: (Read more…)
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 2024 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 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. Geared to individuals, families, and communities, this series is meant to offer spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare well for the Easter season. (Read more…)
LENT
CCCB – Journey Through Lent 2024
On this Fifth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Hagemoen provides a reflection on God’s call to us all to care for one another.
On this Palm Sunday, Bishop Hagemoen provides a reflection on the passion of Christ.
Watch videos here.
Mary’s Way of the Cross
Celebrate via Zoom every Friday during Lent with “Mary’s Way of the Cross.” Hymns start at 6:50 p.m. – Mary’s Way of the Cross at 7 p.m. Next date: March 22nd.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88358882382?pwd=NEFFSmRTZVk1dkRLNFIwdXpqVWNQZz09
Meeting ID: 883 5888 2382
Passcode: 377792
A Complete Guide to Catholic Lent 2024
Check out the Dynamic Catholic website to learn all about Lent here.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, people, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act contrary to the Charter of the United Nations or construed as authorizing or encouraging any action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent States.
Article 46 – United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Diocesan Action Circle Survey
To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Embracing the Call to Evangelize
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Evangelization lies at the heart of our Christian faith and practice. Jesus calls us to spread the Good News to all corners of the world. Evangelization encompasses bringing individuals to know the Word of God, participate in worship, receive the sacraments, and work towards leading others to a personal encounter with Christ through both actions and words. (Read more…)
Alpha for Parents
Feel free to join at any time. Register for an Alpha for Parents session here: https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Embark on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions are open to parents from all backgrounds, providing an opportunity to delve into the foundations of the Christian faith. Connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
April 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. 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.
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 7th from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. Presenter: Fr. Michael Lund. 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 email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, April 6th, and Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke. Deadline to register is March 21st. Registration fee is $100 per couple. Registration available online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. The upcoming dates are Fridays April 12th, and June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Please bring indoor shoes! The waiver form and information can be found on the front page of the diocesan website, www.pembrokediocese.com. A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Theology on Tap (19-49ish) – Pembroke
Join us for Theology on Tap Thursday March 21st from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Cathedral Parish Hall. Guest speaker: John Paul Meenan. Topic: “How can we know that God exists?” Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, March 20th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “A Powerful Culture: Your family is unique – it is time to own that” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are April 10th.and May 8th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH EVENTS
The Chosen: Season 1
You are invited to join the parishioners of Eganville in viewing The Chosen: Season 1, in the parish hall of St. James the Less church in Eganville (78 Wellington Street). Next dates are Wednesdays, March 27, and April 3. at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please call the parish office at 613 628-2020.
Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, on April 5th at 7:00 p.m. All welcome! Format: songs of praise, brief talk by Fr. Michael Smith, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be at least one team to pray with people individually for healing.
Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration
At St. James the Less Parish in Eganville (78 Wellington Street). On Sunday, April 7th, 2024, starting at 3 p.m.
On the program: Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction, Confessions, Renewal of Baptismal Promises, and a talk by Father Réal Ouellette. Refreshments will be served after the celebration. All are welcome!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Recollection for Women
Recollections are like mini retreats that help you take a break from your busy schedule to think and pray about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Join us at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on March 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch and stay to socialize 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.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
By My Side 2024 Virtual Zoom Program for Separated and Divorced Catholic Women
Classes begin April 6, 2024, 2 hours/ week for ladies and run for 6 weeks. The cost is $40 which covers reimbursement of expenses only. For all class details, dates, times, and registration form, go to www.bymyside.ca .
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Joint Statement on Gaza
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada has just published a joint statement on Gaza with Caritas Australia and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.
This statement is a response to declarations that the prime ministers of the three countries had made last month and late last year. In the former, the prime ministers had called for a ceasefire and peace in Gaza. In the latter, they had reiterated that call; denounced Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah; and urged it to “listen to the international community.”
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Parish Secretary Position
St. Hedwig Church in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, is now soliciting applications for the position of parish secretary. To see the job description please navigate to https://sainthedwigchurch.com/ and then click on “News” at the top of the page.
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception – Pembroke, Ontario
The Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception is seeking people to fill the following positions:
- Spiritual Care Coordinator (.5FTE)
- Health Care Navigator (RN/RPN – .5FTE)
For more information, please contact Ian Welton, Executive Director at iweltoncga@greysisters.ca or 613 735-4111 Ext. 2208.
OTHER
Walking the Path of Adult Faith – April 19-21, 2024
This retreat is an invitation to prayerful reflection opening to God who comes alongside to walk with us, leading into the learning/growing spaces of adult faith. Facilitator, Dr. Carol Kuzmochka’s (Saint Paul University) approach to the Emmaus story offers a way into the wide, rich, real, and relational journey of integral faith that can prepare us to be vitally a part of the Synodal Church. Single $395, Double $345, Commuter $245. Call Galilee Centre 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or visit www.galileecentre.com to register.
Spirituality of the Paschal Mystery – April 27, 2024
The liturgy of the Church, the celebration of the sacraments, and the seasons of Lent and Easter are particular times when we pay attention to what Jesus has done for us through his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. Yet these are not the only times when we experience the Paschal Mystery. It is a part of our everyday life. It is the undercurrent of all that we do and all that we are. Let us be united and move forward with hope as a pilgrim People of God. Day Retreat facilitated by Monique deBaets, based on the teachings of Sr. Rosemary O’Toole, CSJ. $95 per person. Call Galilee Centre 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or visit www.galileecentre.com to register.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
From May 11 to May 22, 2024. Price – $2795.00 (includes taxes, side trips and gratuities). Departure from Pearson International Airport Toronto, LOT airlines economy class flight to Dubrovnik, Croatia. For more information contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655 or email blackfishbay@bell.net.