You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…
(Mark 12.28b-34)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Message from Bishop Brehl for Lent 2025
Bishop Brehl’s Lent message for 2025 can be viewed on our diocesan YouTube channel:
Message from Bishop Brehl for Lent 2025.
Mass of Chrism
Mass of Chrism will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. on the Tuesday of Holy Week, 15 April, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
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, April 15th 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.
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 24-27, 2025
Join pilgrims from across the diocese and beyond for a 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. It’s an experience that merits many blessings and wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: walktheopeongoline.org. The deadline for registration is Sunday, June 29th. Click for a PDF of the poster.
FROM THE CCCB
Bishops raise serious concerns about threats to charitable status designation
On Monday, 10 March 2025, the members of the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expressed their grave concern regarding two recommendations made by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance within Report 21: Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget. These recommendations (#429 and #430), if adopted, would be profoundly detrimental to Canada’s charitable sector, because they would:
- Revoke the charitable status of “anti-abortion organizations” (#429);
- Amend the Income Tax Act such that “the advancement of religion” would no longer qualify as a legitimate purpose for granting charitable status. (#430)
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 2025 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 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. This series is designed for individuals, families, and communities, providing spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare for the Easter season.
This year’s presenters are the Most Reverend Gary Franken, Bishop of St. Paul (in English), and the Most Reverend Michel Proulx, O.Praem., Bishop of Bathurst (in French). (Read more…)
LENT
Lenten Mission at St. Columbkille Cathedral
“The Catholic Faith is Such It Can be Taught to a Child” will be held on Monday, March 31st, Tuesday, April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Parish Office at 613 732-8513.
The Way of the Cross
PRAYER – The Way of the Cross – Diocese of Pembroke
CCCB Journey Through Lent 2025 – 4th Sunday of Lent
On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Franken provides a reflection on the parable of the Prodigal Son: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYHet83N2xU&t=2s.
NEXT PHASES OF THE SYNOD
The 2028 Vatican Ecclesial Assembly and the Next Phase of Synodality
Pope Francis has approved a three-year process to promote synodality in the Catholic Church, culminating in a Vatican ecclesial assembly in 2028. The plan follows the 2023-2024 Synod on Synodality and aims to evaluate and implement its final document across local and global Church structures. The assembly will not be another synod but will serve as a gathering of diverse Church representatives to assess and consolidate the path taken so far. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for April 2025
For the use of the new technologies – Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee Rome 2025
Young Catholics from the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall are organizing a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee in July 2025 (July 27 – August 6). This pilgrimage is primarily aimed at young adults (ages 18-40), though it is open to all who are interested. Email ottawayouthjubilee@gmail.com for full trip and registration details. Hurry – only 8 spots available!
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Talking Circle: April 3rd. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Acudetox Acupuncture
Encouraging community wellness for behavioural health including addictions, mental health, emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. 6 weekly sessions on Mondays from 9-10 a.m. (except holidays), February 24th – March 31st, 2025. To register or for more information, please email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
How to Share Your Faith with Others
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Sharing your Christian faith can be one of the greatest blessings you give to someone because it offers them the opportunity to experience the same transformative love, hope, and salvation that you have found in Jesus Christ. It is a way to extend God’s grace and mercy to those who may be searching for meaning or purpose in their lives. By sharing your faith, you plant a seed that can grow into a deep and meaningful relationship with God, leading to eternal life and a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. Moreover, it is a direct response to God’s calling to bring to Jesus souls that are lost, fulfilling the Great Commission and participating in His redemptive work in the world. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTICE – Call to Register: Adult Faith Lenten Retreat – “Mercy of Christ”
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation Office and Leadership Development invites you to an Adult Faith Lenten Retreat on Saturday, April 5th at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration at 9:30 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Mass with Bishop Brehl at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful. Guest speaker: Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Registration deadline: Thursday, April 3rd.
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our presenter will be Bishop Brehl, C.Ss.R. 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
Carlo’s Crew Youth Night (A diocesan event)
This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and ALL are welcome. The upcoming date is Friday May 2nd from 7 – 9 p.m. at St. James the Less parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others. The four evenings will focus on Virtues and Vices. The waiver form must be signed either online here or hard copies will be available at the event. One waiver will cover all 4 nights. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
Separated and Divorced Ministry – VIRTUAL CLASSES (approved by the Archdiocese of Ottawa)
Classes begin March 29 2025, 2 hours/week for ladies this year, and runs for 6 weeks. This is a non-profit ministry. The cost is $40, which covers reimbursement of expenses only and no fees go to the facilitator. Any extra money goes directly to charity. All class details, dates, times and registration form can be found at www.bymyside.ca. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested. Mary Jane Manley, By My Side Program Facilitator. Email: mj@bymyside.ca. Cell: 613 294-1308.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
April 3rd from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Pembroke. 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.
PARISH EVENTS
Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
On April 4th at St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, at 7:00 p.m. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing, if you wish.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession during the Wednesdays of Lent at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come take time during his holy season for silence, contemplation and prayer, especially for world peace.
Lenten Mission at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Join us for a Lenten mission with Fr. Mark Cherry, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday April 7-9 at 7 p.m. each night. Theme: Let the King of Glory Enter. Free will offering only. All are welcome! For more information contact parish office at 613 687-4764.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Mary’s Way of the Cross – A Lenten Journey Through Mary’s Eyes
This Way of the Cross will take us through Lent to Easter on Friday March 28th at 6:50 p.m.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81206294017?pwd=5xYeYJ5xgYnF5YUZ4ubbs3uQskbPGC.1
Meeting ID: 812 0629 4017
Passcode: 688758
Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The annual Toronto Lift Jesus Higher Rally – “Power from On High” will be Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Adult Rally $49 – Youth Rally $25. Information and registration: https://www.ljhr.ca/.
Pilgrimage to Quebec’s Major Shrines
Fr. Réal Ouellette is organizing a bilingual pilgrimage to Quebec’s Major Shrines, this coming May 26-28 (2025). The coach bus will be leaving from Pembroke and making stops in Renfrew and Arnprior. We need a minimum of 40 pilgrims (maximum of 50 pilgrims). More information available on St-Jean-Baptiste website: https://sites.google.com/view/sjbpembroke.
OTHER
Women’s Retreats Combermere
We warmly invite all women to a weekend women’s retreat….
“The Eucharist: Christ our Hope” – April 4-6 at the Graphite Bible Camp, 702 Graphite Road, Maynooth, ON, led by Christina Milan and Fr. David Linder, Madonna House – Register here.
For questions or more information please call Kristan at 613 585-0579.
Stillpoint House of Prayer Easter Card Making Seminar
In preparation for Easter, join Sister Donna Smith, CSJ for a weekend of prayer and card designing instruction at Stillpoint House of Prayer, 3031 Calabogie Rd., Burnstown from April 4 – 6. Cost: $250 per person including meals, room and materials.
Stillpoint House of Prayer presents “The Many Faces of Jesus”
“The word was made Flesh.” Join Clarissa Boyce: Chaplin, Spiritual Director, Artist and Potter at Stillpoint House of Prayer in Burnstown on April 12th (one-day event). Cost: $95 including lunch and break. Holy Week is a time for prayer, reflection and preparation for the Crucifixion of Our Lord. In preparation, come for a one-day retreat and travel with the leader in a unique experience to explore, recognize and discover Jesus’s face and how he is present in our lives. To register, or for more information visit the website at https://www.stillpoint.ca/events to book online, email inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
Spring 2025 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 2025 classes. Deadline to apply for scholarships: March 21st. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: April 25th, 2025.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
Departure from Pearson International Airport from May 7th to May 18th. Price: $3,150.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Non-refundable deposit of $400.00 required on booking. To register, or for more information contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.
2025-26 Discipleship Formation Program (DFP)-St. Malo, MB – Applications being accepted
Young Adults! It’s time to apply! Take a year off to dive deeper into your relationship with God and Catholic faith. The DFP is an 8-month live-in program for post high school students 18 yrs or older, at the Catholic School of Evangelization in St. Malo Manitoba. This is an opportunity to live in community, develop your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, study the Catholic faith with the head and heart, and to grow in missionary zeal through evangelization and ministry. Experience the challenge and satisfaction of helping children and teens in Manitoba Catholic schools encounter the love of God. Get ready for a memorable year as you build friendships with other young adults from various places in Canada. Is God calling you? Tuition is $7,500…$300 early bird price reduction when applying by April 30th. Apply today at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp.For more information please contact Louis or Mary at richards@catholicway.net. Join us on April 22nd or June 24th for a virtual information session…link found at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp. Application deadline: July 15th.