At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.
(John 5.1-16)
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. Please note that there will be disruptions to our phone lines and emails beginning March 21st.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Rév. Roch Gagnon, who passed away on Monday, March 20th at the age of 93, and was in his 64th year of Priesthood.
Mass of Chrism
At St. Columbkille Cathedral on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Reception following Mass at Cathedral Hall. Everyone welcome!
FROM THE CCCB
Death of The Most Reverend J. Edward Troy, Bishop Emeritus of Saint John – Thursday, March 16, 2023
The Most Reverend J. Edward Troy, Bishop Emeritus of Saint John, died on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in his 93rd year. (Read more…).
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.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples – Article 1
Indigenous peoples have the right to the full enjoyment, as a collective or as individuals, of all human rights and freedoms as recognized in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the international Human Rights law.
(The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
A Healing Prayer Inspired by Scriptures
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus’ ministry demonstrates God’s desire to bring healing to all people. Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead, showing his power and authority over illness and death. (Read more…)
LENT
CCCB Presents “Journey through Lent 2023“
On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Archbishop Dunn provides a reflection on Jesus’ healing of a blind man and the significance of the different kinds of sight.
“Journey through Lent” 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 24th 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 24th. 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
Lenten Mission at Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Lenten Mission at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, led by Mr. Patrick Sullivan, Monday, March 27 “Your Life is Worth Saving“; Tuesday, March 28 “Your Life is Worth Living“; and Wednesday, March 29 “Your Life is Worth Sharing“. Mission is from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each evening, with an opportunity for questions. All in the area are invited to attend. For further information, please call 613 735-6392.
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 22nd. 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.
New Life in the Spirit of Christ
Do you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit and a vital rediscovery of the Sacraments in your life? Do you long for a personal relationship with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a greater outpouring of God’s healing and love? Do you yearn for a greater openness to prayer and Scripture? The Spirit of the Living God Prayer Group invites you to a “Life in the Spirit” Seminar. St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Hall, Barry’s Bay. Seven Thursdays, April 13th to May 25th, 7-8:15 p.m. “With all my heart I hope that Renewal in the Spirit may be a true “gymnasium” in the church for prayer, asceticism, virtue and holiness.” (St John Paul II). Contact: Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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
OLSWC – Join us for Vespers of the Annunciation
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom’s Ecclesiastical Schola will chant Second Vespers of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the direction of Miss Catherine Helferty, on March 25th, at 3:00 p.m., in St. Hedwig’s Church, Barry’s Bay. Donations for the Sacred Music Program will be gratefully accepted. Please join us! For more information please contact Christine Helferty at 613 613 756-3082, ext. 121 or chelferty@seatofwisdom.ca.
EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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.