But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
(Mark 10.28-31)
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.
Rite of Election and Acceptance of Those to be Received into the Faith at St. Columbkille Cathedral
Bishop Michael Brehl will celebrate Mass at St. Columbkille Cathedral on the 1st Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The Mass the Rite of Election are for those to be baptized this Easter Vigil as well as the Acceptance of Candidates who will be confirmed and received into the Faith. Everyone preparing for baptism and reception into the Church throughout the Diocese are invited to participate with our Bishop at this Mass. If you do plan to attend, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
Prayer for Pope Francis
Loving God:
As Francis, our beloved pope, suffers from grave illnesses, we come before you in prayer.
We ask you to look with mercy on your servant Francis, who has served you devotedly and tirelessly as a Jesuit, a priest, an archbishop, a cardinal and as pope.
Most of all, he has served you as a faithful Christian sharing the love, mercy and compassion that your Son showed to all he encountered in this public ministry, especially those who were poor or in any way struggling.
During his papacy, Francis has striven to imitate your Son by reaching out to all who were feeling abandoned, ignored or neglected, making it his special task to care for those who were in any way sick.
As Francis himself now faces serious and complex illnesses, help the doctors, nurses and medical team who care for him, help him bear any pain with grace and help him to heal quickly.
Send your Holy Spirit, your own breath, into his weakened lungs to heal him, inspire him and raise him up again so that he may live out his vocation as the Vicar of Christ.
But if it is your will, loving God, to take him to yourself, let his passing into new life be painless and peaceful. We ask all this in your Holy Name.
Amen.
Daylight Savings Time
Don’t forget to put your clocks ahead on March 9th!
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Archdiocese of Vancouver
OTTAWA, 25 February 2025 – His Holiness Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, C.S.B., as Archbishop of Vancouver, and appointed the Most Reverend Richard Smith, presently Archbishop of Edmonton, as his successor.
Born on 28 April 1959, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Archbishop Richard Smith was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Halifax on 23 May 1987. He was appointed Bishop of Pembroke, Ontario, on 27 April 2002, and received episcopal consecration at St. Columbkille Cathedral on 18 June 2002. On 22 March 2007, he was appointed Archbishop of Edmonton, Alberta, and was installed in this role on 1 May 2007. (Read more…)
Journey Through Lent Video Series: Weekly Reflections for the Lenten Season – Wednesday, February 26, 2025
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).
You are invited to visit the CCCB website for this week’s videos on the reflections prepared for Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of Lent. You can visit it again every Monday (26 February, 10 March, 17 March, 24 March, 31 March and 7 April) to access videos for the upcoming Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. (Read more…)
Message from the Holy See to Mark the Celebration of Ramadan 2025
28 February 2025, Ottawa – To mark the month of Ramadan, which this year begins on Friday, 28 February or Saturday, 1 March—subject to the sighting of the moon—and shall end with the Eid Al-Fitr on 30/31 March, the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has recently published a message entitled “Christians and Muslims: What we hope to become together.” George Jacob Cardinal Koovakad and Msgr. Indunil Kodithuwakku (Prefect and Secretary of the Dicastery, respectively), express that this year’s Holy month of Ramadan (and Eid Al-Fitr) is unique inasmuch as it coincides with the Christian season of Lent. (Read more…)
LENT
CCCB Journey Through Lent 2025 – Ash Wednesday
On this Ash Wednesday, Bishop Franken provides a reflection on the joy of Lent. Download Social Media Asset. Watch YouTube video: Journey through Lent – Ash Wednesday 2025.
JUBILEE 2025
Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Jubilee Sites in the Diocese of Pembroke
While some will make pilgrimage to Rome during this Jubilee Year, the graces of this sanctified time have been afforded to any member of the faithful who makes a pilgrimage to our local diocesan Cathedral of St. Columbkille in Pembroke. By extension, our diocesan celebration of the Jubilee Year will highlight the liturgical feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Bull of Indiction inaugurating the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis states: “Hope finds its supreme witness in the Mother of God. In the Blessed Virgin, we see that hope is not naive optimism but a gift of grace amid the realities of life. Like every mother, whenever Mary looked at her Son, she thought of his future” (paragraph 24). Turning to the intercession and accompaniment of the Blessed Mother in our pilgrimage into deeper friendship with her Son, the next feast and place has been designated in the Diocese of Pembroke in which the faithful may obtain the Jubilee Indulgence:
Next date, feast and location: March 25th – Annunciation of the Lord – Ste Anne Parish, Mattawa.
Please visit https://pembrokediocese.com/wp-content/uploads/Jubilee2025-indulgence.pdf for more information, and locations and feasts.
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: March 6th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
Men’s Circles
Time to connect with other men, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next Talking Circle: March 10th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email 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.
Wisdom to Wellness
This program is designed to immerse participants into Indigenous cultural teachings and protocols. Through a series of enlightening sessions, individuals will engage with a variety of teachings deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditions. The program focuses on fostering a profound understanding of cultural values, reciprocity to the land, and the significance of Indigenous protocols in various ceremonies and gatherings. These teachings will be integrated into other programs held at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. Email us at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, March 5th.
Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the hand drum as we come together in community to learn and sing once a month, on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring you personal drum. Limited supply available for those who do not have one. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, March 12th.
EVANGELIZATION
Priestly Leadership in Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The role of the priest in the parish Church is pivotal, especially in the context of evangelization. As shepherds of their communities, priests are called to be the primary heralds of the Gospel, guiding their parishioners in their faith journey and fostering a culture of evangelization. This mission is not merely an obligation but a profound expression of their identity as ministers of Christ. The urgency of this task is underscored by the challenges faced in a world that often seems indifferent to the message of the Gospel. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
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.
Save the date!
Mark your calendars for Divine Mercy Sunday with Bishop Brehl on April 27,2025. More information to follow as we approach this date. Stay tuned!
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 dates are Fridays March 21st and 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!
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, March 29th and Saturday, April 12th at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Annex, Pembroke. Deadline to register: March 24th. Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $100/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please 7contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.
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
March 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish, Killaloe. 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
World Day of Prayer Ecumenical Service
World Day of Prayer Ecumenical Service will take place on Friday, March 7th at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke. Written by the women of Cook Islands and adapted for use in Canada by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada. Guest speaker: Father Ryan Holly. Everyone welcome!
March 7 – Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
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. starting on Wednesday, 12 March. Come take time during his holy season for silence, contemplation and prayer, especially for world peace.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Busy Mothers Spiritual Retreat
A St. Clement Parish event led by Fr. Stephen Helferty at St. Peter Celestine, Pakenham, on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. All women welcome! Suggested donation of $15. For more information, or to register, please contact Emilie Maunder at emiliebruno@gmail.com.
CCRSO Annual Spring Conference 2025
“Come. Throw Open the Doors of Your Heart. Hope Does not Disappoint.” The annual CCRSO (Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario) conference, will be held at St. Theresa Parish, 100 Tenth St., Toronto on March 14th and 15th, with Bishop Scott McCaig and Michelle Moran (UK). Tickets: $20. For more information, or to register, visit https://www.ccrso.net/.
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/.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Director of Mission & Pastoral Services – Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall
The Archdiocese has developed an emerging Vision for renewal that will guide the Archdiocese, parishes, priests, lay leaders, and ministries to fully live the Mission of the Church. The Director of Mission and Pastoral Services reports directly to the Archbishop and works closely with the Archbishop, the Episcopal Vicars, and other members of the senior executive team in ensuring that the Vision as it relates to parishes is enabled and implemented. Send a cover letter and resume to: careers@ottawacornwall.ca indicating your name and the position title in the subject line. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Visit Director of Mission & Pastoral Services – Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall for more information. Deadline to apply: March 10, 2025.
OTHER
Women’s Retreats Combermere
We warmly invite all women to a weekend women’s retreat….
“The Eucharist: Christ our Hope” – two retreats offered:
- March 14-16 at the Elim Lodge 696 Elim Lodge Road, Lakehurst, ON, led by Christina Milan and Fr. Brian Christie, Madonna House – Register Here.
- 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 Astrid (Elim Retreat) at 905 377-0688 or Kristan (Graphite Retreat) at 613 585-0579.
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.