When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he.
(John 8.1-11)
FROM THE DIOCESE
We’ve moved!
Please note the Diocesan Offices new mailing address effective immediately is: 284 Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8.
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!
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for April 2023
For a culture of peace and non-violence – We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
RCCDSB and RCDSB present “The 2023 Indigenous Speaker Series”
Next March Feature Speakers: Three Nolans: Brandon, Ted, and Jordan, on Thursday, March 30th from 7-8:30 p.m.
Three Nolans is made up of Ted Nolan, Brandon Nolan, and Jordan Nolan. This father-sons trio have all had robust hockey careers with many achievements at all levels. Ted both played and coached in the NHL. Brandon played in the NHL and graduated in 2012 as the highest ranking graduate in the entire Business Administration program. Jordan Nolan is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the LA Kings and is looked upon as a positive role model in First Nation communities across Canada. He was also the Ambassador for Nike N7 in 2017. Three Nolans have a successful apparel line called 3N and together they run a skills-based hockey development school for First Nations youth.
To sign up for the Three Nolans’ presentation, please click here.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples – Article 2
Indigenous Peoples and Individuals are free and equal to all other peoples and individuals and have the right to be free from any kind of discrimination, in the exercise of their rights, in particular that based on their indigenous origin or identity.
(The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
You are the LORD Who Heals Me
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 Fifth Sunday of Lent, Archbishop Dunn provides a reflection on Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead and God’s transforming presence in our lives.
“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 31st at 6:45 p.m.
For Zoom link or for more information, please contact Mike Budge at mike.budge@bell.net.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On April 6th, 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 visit Pembroke Vocations.
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.
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to join us as we Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 16th from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke. With 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
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions
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.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us at J&E’s Bored N’ Saucy, 185 Pembroke St. East, Pembroke, on Wednesday April 26th from 7–8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Topic: The Life and Role of a Catholic Missionary Explained. 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.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Friday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m. at the Balmoral Hotel. Guest Speaker: John Paul Meenan. Topic: “From the Flaming Sword of Eden to the Many Mansions of the Father’s House: A Theological Discussion of Proper Notions of Exclusivity and Inclusivity.” 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 kentonbiffert@gmail.com.
PRO-LIFE
Upcoming Event – First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre
FSO Rhythms of Hope Concert and Dessert Fundraiser at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, April 29th at 2 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, 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 29th. 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.
Celebration of Divine Mercy
At St. Patrick Parish, Mount St. Patrick, on Sunday April 16th, at 3:00 p.m. The celebration will include songs of praise, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, veneration of the image of Divine Mercy, renewal of Baptismal promises, and solemn Benediction. The guest speaker will be Father Michael Lund. Light refreshments will follow. Everyone welcome! Please call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
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.
At St. Patrick Parish, Mount St. Patrick, on Sunday April 16th, at 3:00 p.m. The celebration will include songs of praise, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, veneration of the image of Divine Mercy, renewal of Baptismal promises, and solemn Benediction. The guest speaker will be Father Michael Lund. Light refreshments will follow. Everyone welcome! Please call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
Spring CCRSO Conference – “Be Clothed With Power”
The Spring CCRSO Conference, “Be Clothed With Power”, will take place April 29th, 8 a.m to 9 p.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ottawa. Speakers are Bishop Scott McCaig CC and Dr. Ralph Martin. For more information or to register go to: www.CCRSO.net (Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario).
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
Galilee Centre presents “The Servant at the Supper”
Dinner & Show – April 14, 2023, 6- 9 p.m. at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. N, Arnprior. Clothed in the simple costume of the servant girl who baked the bread and served the wine at the Last Supper, Eleanor Glenn describes the events taking place as she witnesses them at The Last Supper, the Crucifixion, The Resurrection, and Pentecost, ending with a timely message for Christians of this 21st century. Tickets $45 (reservations required). Call 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or visit https://www.galileecentre.com/the-servant-at-the-supper-play-dinner-event/.
Two Spring Concerts from the Pembroke Community Choir
The Pembroke Community Choiris excited to be back with “Sounds of the Sixties,” a concert of upbeat pop songs, golden oldies medleys, and meaningful gospel and folk songs. Our 60-voice choir guarantees you will leave with a spring in your step and a melody in your mind. Both concerts are at Calvin United Church in Pembroke. Saturday matinee, April 22nd at 1:30 p.m., and the regular Sunday concert on April 23rd at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Students 13 and under are free. Tickets are available from choir members; Fleurish in Petawawa; the Customer Care Centre in the Pembroke Mall; or at the door. Visit www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org for more information.
8th Annual Bluegrass Sunday
At the Knights of Columbus Hall, 170 Ellis Street, Pembroke, on Sunday, April 30th from 1:30-4:30 p.m. All proceeds go to Friends for Life International. Cost: $20.00 at the door only. For more information, contact Ron at 819 689-5440, or visit the website at www.friendsforlifeintl.ca.
Opening to Goodness Spring Retreat
From May 25-27 at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. North, Arnprior. Facilitated by Contemplative Outreach of Eastern Ontario and West Quebec. This retreat is an invitation to deepen your experience of your true self in relation to Earth and the goodness of all beings. Cost: Single $310, Commuter $160. Register by calling 613 623-4242 ext. 21, or visit the website at https://www.galileecentre.com/opening-to-goodness-coeo-wq/.
EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Director of Development – SWC
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.