So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.
(Matthew 18.21-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Daylight Savings Time
A reminder that clocks are moved forward one hour to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 10th at 2 a.m.
Pastoral Appointment
Reverend George Ryan Holly, diocesan administrator, announces the following appointment:
- Reverend Christopher SHALLA is appointed administrator of St. Andrew Parish, Killaloe and Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Brudenell, effective immediately.
Mass of Chrism
The Mass of Chrism will be celebrated during Holy Week on Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke. The Most Reverend Brendan O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston will be the principal celebrant. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Calling All Singers
Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the Mass of Chrism at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Tuesday, March 26th 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.
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
International meeting of the Church in the Americas – Wednesday, February 28 2024
TAMPA, FLORIDA – Concluding a three-day summit, officers and members of the Episcopal Conferences of the Americas met from February 26th – 28th at a retreat center to pray and discuss their shared ministry as Pastors. The twelve bishops attending included bishops from El Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y Caribeño (CELAM), The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), and The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The bishops issued the following joint statement: (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 Third Sunday of Lent, Bishop Hagemoen provides a reflection on freedom from false gods. Watch video here.
Online Lenten Deliverance Retreat
Lenten season retreat with Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti who will conduct online deliverance prayer sessions, providing spiritual support and healing for those in need.
Date: March 9, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (Ontario)
Topics covered: In this three-hour retreat, he will give talks on spiritual warfare, answer questions from attendees, and pray deliverance prayers over all present.
Send an email to stmichaelcenter77@gmail.com to participate at no cost.
Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1381389462175786334
These sessions provide an opportunity for participants to receive spiritual healing and engage in discussions related to deliverance. Msgr. Rossetti’s expertise and dedication continue to support those facing spiritual challenges.
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 8th.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88358882382?pwd=NEFFSmRTZVk1dkRLNFIwdXpqVWNQZz09
Meeting ID: 883 5888 2382
Passcode: 377792
Biblical Walk-through Christ’s Passion
Join in a “Pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us” at St. Francis Xavier Main Parish Hall in Renfrew. Each one-hour session takes place on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. – March 7 & 14. Using Ascension Press’ 30-minute videos and discussions we will deepen our faith this Lent and Easter, deepen our understanding of the Passion of Christ, follow the events of the Passion and Death of Jesus, and learn how to apply the Passion of Christ to our own lives.
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 March 2024
For the new martyrs – We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world infame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
All the rights and freedoms recognized herein are equally guaranteed to male and female indigenous individuals.
Article 44 – 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
The Growth of the Church of the Nativity (Fr. Michael White)
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the book Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter, Michael White and Tom Corcoran describe their journey in revitalizing the Church of the Nativity in north Baltimore. They share the challenges they faced with declining attendance and engagement and the failures and mistakes they made in trying to turn things around. (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
March 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay. 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 on the front page of the diocesan website, www.pembrokediocese.com. 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!
Theology on Tap (19-49ish) – Pembroke
Join us for Theology on Tap Thursday March 21st from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Location to be determined. Guest speaker: John Paul Meenan. Topic: “How can we know that God exists?” Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, March 20th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “A Powerful Culture: Your family is unique – it is time to own that” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming dates are April 10th.and May 8th. 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), on Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 27, and April 3. at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please call the parish office at 613 628-2020.
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!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Recollection for Women
Recollections are like mini retreats that help you take a break from your busy schedule to think and pray about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Join us at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on March 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch and stay to socialize afterward. This spiritual activity, inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a personal Prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information, please contact nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
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 .
OTHER
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.