The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!
(Matthew 26.14-26)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Office Hours
Please be advised that the diocesan offices will be closed from Good Friday (March 29th), Easter Monday (April 1st) and Easter Friday (April 5th) inclusively. The staff at the Diocesan Administration Office takes this opportunity to wish you and those you hold dear peace and happiness this Easter season!
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.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Mary Davis, a pioneer member of Madonna House, who died peacefully on Wednesday, March 20th at the age of 91.
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 for Easter 2024 by Bishop William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – Tuesday, March 26, 2024
The celebration of Easter is the time when we as Christians renew our baptismal promises. It is through the life-giving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are united with Him. Easter takes us beyond the Cross of sorrow and disappointment to the joy and hope that comes from knowing the Risen Lord. This experience of Christ transformed the disciples. They came to know that His love is for every human person and that the fullness of eternal life is found in Him alone. This is the promise and hope that Easter brings into our lives! (Read more…)
A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life – Friday, March 22, 2024
The CCCB Ad hoc Committee for the Preparation for the Jubilee 2025 is hosting two series of webinars titled “A Great Symphony of Prayer” to enable the faithful to participate meaningfully in the “Year of Prayer” leading up to the Jubilee, as announced by Pope Francis on 21 January 2024. (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 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 29th (Good Friday).
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.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for April 2024
For the role of women – We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognised in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
2. In the exercise of the rights enunciated in the present Declaration, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all shall be respected. The exercise of the rights set forth in this Declaration shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law and in accordance with international human rights obligations. Any such limitations shall be non-discriminatory and strictly necessary solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for meeting the just and most compelling requirements of a democratic society.
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
Jesus is Thirsty for Souls
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
As Christians, we are called to be evangelizers – to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others so that they may come to know Him and experience the transformative power of His love and salvation. As Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.” (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
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 here! 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!
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, April 10th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “Signs & Symbols: Our lives are dominated by signs and symbols – ignore them to your own peril.” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are May 8th and June 12th. 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!
Divine Mercy Sunday
On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, at 3:00 p.m., in St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, there will be the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (bilingual), accompanied by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 4:00 p.m. Fr. Mike Goring will be available for confessions.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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
Cana Colony – Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario
Looking for 4 Activities Coordinators for children and youth at a family camp that runs from June 28 – Aug. 4, 2024. Must be 18+. For more information, please contact Christina Milan, Cana Registrar mhcanacolony@gmail.com or 613 756-3713.
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
Pembroke Community Choir – Spring Concert
The Pembroke Community Choir invites you to their spring concert of the beautiful and moving Brahms’ Requiem (sung in English). One performance only on Sunday, April 21st at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 357 Miller Street, (corner of Miller and Doran), Pembroke. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door; students 13 and under are free. They may be purchased until Thursday, April 18th from choir members, at the Pembroke Mall’s Customer Care Centre, and at Fleurish Floral Designs in Petawawa. For more information, visit the choir’s website at www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org.
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.