When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he
(John 8.21-30)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Mass of Chrism
Mass of Chrism will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. on the Tuesday of Holy Week, 31 March 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30am. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Pastoral Planning Information
Any information regarding Pastoral Planning may be found on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/diocesan-pastoral-planning/.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Marilyn Kelly, (Sister Mary Allen) gsic, who passed away peacefully at Shalom Residence Marianhill, Pembroke, on Saturday, March 21st. Sister Marilyn served the Congregation of the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception faithfully for over 70 years.
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.
FROM THE CCCB
Statement Calling for Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
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 – Fifth 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 Fifth Sunday, Bishop Miehm provides a reflection on the raising of Lazarus.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the 5th Sunday of Lent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS1pqEJTin4&t=1s
4th Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jAkruSQ9Wg&t=2s
3rd Sunday of Lent: 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
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 date: March 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:
May – Flower Moon: The fifth moon of Creation is Flower Moon, where all plants display their Spirit sides for all the world to see. This life-giving energy is one of the most powerful healing medicines on Mother Earth. During this moon we are encouraged to explore our own Spiritual essences.
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 registration for the next dates: May 9th and 30th in Petawawa! For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
PARISH EVENTS
The Bible Timeline – The Story of Salvation Bible Study
St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay will offer The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation beginning Wednesday, April 15th from 7:00-8:45pm for 10 weeks (until June 24, 2026). Participants will view an engaging high production quality video, followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. Registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Julie Culshaw at 613 756-1136, julieculshaw5@gmail.com. Deadline to register: Tuesday, April 7th.
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
Renfrew County Right to Life
RCRTL meets three times a year to plan events and discuss current pro-life issues. Anyone who shares Renfrew County Right to Life’s views is welcome to participate in these meetings. Next meeting: Thursday, March 26th at 7pm, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Locksley (423 Witt Rd., across from the Laurentian Valley Township office), which will focus on preparing the spring mailout and making plans for the March for Life in Ottawa on May 14th. Come and lend a hand!
Help Not Harm: Take Action to Support Bill C-218. Write your Member of Parliament Today!
You’re invited to visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca where you can e-mail your Member of Parliament (MP), asking for their support of Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act), which would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being provided when mental illness is the sole underlying condition. Without this change, MAiD will be available for those suffering from mental illness alone beginning in March 2027.
Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection — not death — to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.
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
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. 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.
JOB & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Part-time Parish Secretary Position
St Casimir’s Parish in Round Lake Centre is accepting applications for a part-time parish secretary. Interested candidates to email a letter of interest and a resume to roundlakeparish@hotmail.com.
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/careers/.
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.