If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come.
(John 16.5-11)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Decree of Amalgamation of Paroisse St-Thomas-d’Aquin, Astorville into Paroisse Sacré-Coeur, Corbeil (English Translation)
https://pembrokediocese.com/article/decrees-about-astorville/.
Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception – Celebrating 100 years of service and presence in the Ottawa Valley and beyond
Join the Grey Sisters and staff to celebrate a Century of Service among God’s People at the Grey Sisters Caritas Residence, 215 Deacon Street, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 1-4pm. Everyone welcome!
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. announces the following retirements and pastoral appointments: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/pastoral-appointments-may-1-2026/
Victoria Day
The Diocesan Offices will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18th, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 19th at 8:30am.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Rosenda Brady, csj, who passed away at the Peterborough Motherhouse on Thursday, May 7th. Sister Rosenda (Florence Meurial) served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully for over 68 years.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2026
That everyone might have food – Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.
FROM THE CCCB
Letter to the His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the First Anniversary of His Pontificate – Friday, May 08 2026
The Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault, Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, sent a letter to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the first anniversary of his pontificate.
Through this letter, the President conveyed the heartfelt greetings of the Bishops of Canada, as well as the assurance of their prayers and of the unwavering solidarity of the Church in Canada as the Holy Father carries out his Petrine ministry in the service of the Universal Church.
Letter to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the First Anniversary of His Pontificate
CCCB President and Vice President Meet with the Prime Minister of Canada – Wednesday, May 06 2026
Ottawa – On Friday, 1 May 2026, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) President, Bishop Pierre Goudreault, and the CCCB Vice President, Archbishop Donald Bolen, met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in his office on Parliament Hill. They were accompanied by the CCCB General Secretary, Rev. Jean Vézina, and the CCCB Advisor for Indigenous and Government Relations, Mrs. Tracy Blain. (Read more…)
Resources for National Family and Life Week 2026
Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce the release of resources in preparation for National Family and Life Week 2026 (#NFLW2026), taking place Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 17 May 2026. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Hybrid Women’s Circles
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation invites you to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey, bringing together culture and community. Confidential and trauma informed. Next dates: May 14th, 21st and 28th at 84 Isabella Street, Suite #10, Pembroke. For more information or for Zoom link, email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website.
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the handrum as we come together in community to learn and sing at 84 Isabella Street, Unit 10, Pembroke, on Wednesday, May 20th from 6-7:30pm. Bring your personal drum. Limited supply available to those who do not have one.
Thirteen Moons
Adapted from Year of the Spirit Moons Calendar, produced by the Anishnaabe Kendaaswin Publishing Company, North Bay, in 1998. Reference should also be made to Jamie Sams’ book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, whose work has reinforced these interpretations. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
December – Little Spirit Moon: The twelfth moon of Creation is the Little Spirit Moon, a time of healing. By receiving both vision of the spirits and good health, we may walk the Red Road with the purest intentions, and we can share this most positive energy with our families and friends for the good of all.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
St. 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 15th from 7-9:30pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection.
Questions or to be added to the e-mail list for reminders? Contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
PARISH EVENTS
Cathedral CWL Brunch
On Sunday, May 24, 2026 after the 10:30am mass at Cathedral Parish, Pembroke. Tickets must be purchased in advance – $18.00 per person, available for purchase after mass or by contacting lapierrejudy@gmail.com, shandamlcollins@gmail.com, bevsloan42@gmail.com or audettekayla@gmail.com, or call Lucy Walsh/Teeter at 613 631-0193. Support the Cathedral CWL, proceeds towards charities and parish. Event includes door prize, raffles and 50/50 draw. Ticket Deadline Monday, May 18th.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Supper
You are invited to join Father Ryan and the Parishioners of OLPH for our annual BBQ Chicken Dinner on Sunday, May 24th from 2-6pm in Braeside, ON. Enjoy a Barbequed Chicken Dinner with beans, salads, and delicious desserts. Cost is $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for children Under 12 and Free to children under 6.
PRO-LIFE
PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents…
PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents a free screening of the film “Life Worth Living: Averting the Canadian Euthanasia Crisis” at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 423 Witt Rd., Pembroke on May 21st at 6:30pm. Featuring special guest, Alex Schadenberg, film producer, and EPC Int’l Chair. Q&A time following the movie. Watch the trailer at https://lifeworthlivingfilm.com/. For more information, call Pastor Paul DeGraaf at 613 585-9501 or email info@parasolcare.com.
First Step Options 2026 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 10th) to Father’s Day (June 21st). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440. E-transfers and cheques accepted! Or become a monthly donor by filling out the form at https://www.firststepoptions.com/donate.
National March for Life
Renfrew County Right to Life is co-sponsoring a bus to the National March for Life which takes place on Parliament Hill on Thursday May 14th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45am, with stops at the Cobden Pentecostal Church and the Renfrew Visitors’ Centre. Payment by donation. To reserve seats, please email RCRTlife@gmail.com with names of all riders or call Susan Dagenais at 613 401-6482. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
“Behold, I Make All Things New” CCRSO (Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Ontario) Spring Conference
With Dr. Mary Healy, Father John Shiha and Brian Sullivan: May 29th and 30th, Tecumseh, Ontario (near Windsor). All are welcome! For details or to register: https://www.ccrso.net/.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Employment Opportunities at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry’s Bay has some employment positions available for a Music Director, Registrar, Donor Relations Officer, Administrative Assistant and Admissions Counsellor.
Visit the website at https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/ for more details.