The Father and I are one.
(John 10.22-30)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Habemus Papam!
As we celebrate and give thanks for the election of our new Holy Father, please see the message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R.
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. announces the following pastoral appointments (Read more…)
Victoria Day
The Diocesan Offices will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 19th, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 20th at 8:30am.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Nora Kelly, (Sister Callista) CSJ, who passed away at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, on May 11th. Sister Nora served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully for over 77 years.
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.
VATICAN NEWS
Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost
Pope Leo XIV’s biography can be read on the Vatican News website here.
Prayer for the Pope
(Excerpt from the English translation of the Roman Missal)
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favourably on your servant Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your
Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom
he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted
to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Welcomes Pope Leo XIV with Rejoicing and Prayers – Thursday, May 08 2025
The Church in Canada and throughout the world rejoices, as His Eminence Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, O.S.A., after being duly elected by the College of Cardinals, has accepted to become the 267th Bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, and vicar of Christ on earth! (Read more…)
National Family and Life Week 2025
8 April 2025, Ottawa – The Catholic faithful across Canada are invited and warmly encouraged to celebrate National Family and Life Week 2025 (NFLW) from Sunday, 11 May, 2025, to Sunday, 18 May, 2025. This annual event is an initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, in collaboration with its Standing Committee for Family and Life, and the corresponding Office. (Read more…)
JUBILEE 2025
Our Lady of Combermere (Madonna House), Combermere
Our Lady of Combermere (Madonna House), Combermere is the designated place of pilgrimage for the Jubilee Indulgence on Saturday 31 May 2025, the Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Woods Chapel, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Benediction at 2:50 p.m. Confessions will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will end with the praying of the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Combermere at 3 p.m., followed by tea. For more information on the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence, please visit https://pembrokediocese.com/article/jubilee-2025-indulgence-en/ .
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025 – Diocese of Pembroke
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
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, May 14th.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Talking Circle: May 15th. Visit the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at 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, May 21st.
Men’s Circles
Time to connect with other men, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming Circle: May 26th. 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 9am-10am (except holidays), May 26th – June 30th, 2025. To register or for more information, please email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.
EVANGELIZATION
The Message of Jesus: An Invitation to New Life
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
To genuinely appreciate Jesus’ teachings, we must grasp what he held as most important. By focusing on the heart of his message, we can better understand its profound beauty and communicate it more effectively to others. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
“POP Theology”– PEMBROKE
NEXT event: Wednesday May 28th at 7:00pm at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: John-Paul Meenan, Professor at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. Topic: Artificial Intelligence: Master or Servant? (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10pm) This event is geared for those age 19-49(ish). There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. Please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list. All are welcome!
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
June 5th from 6:30-7:30pm at St. Anne Parish, Mattawa. 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
Parish Supper
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside, Ontario, on Sunday May 25, 2025. A Barbequed Chicken Dinner will be served from 2-6 pm. Cost: Adults $25 – Children under 12 $10 – Children under 6 – Free! Take-outs available. Everyone is most welcome to come and enjoy the afternoon with us. For more information, please call 613 623-2282.
Life in the Spirit Seminar
A Life in the Spirit Seminar will be held at St Lawrence O’Toole parish hall, Barry’s Bay, Thursday evenings, from May 15th to June 26th. All are welcome! Details to follow. For more information or to register, call or text Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643.
Car Boot and Bake Sale
Car Boot and Bake Sale will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Petawawa on Saturday May 31st from 8am to 11am. Loads of bargain items, crafts and delicious treats! If you wish to register for a space to sell your items, contact Jacques Caron at 613 403-6424.
Organ Recital for Pentecost
To mark the Solemnity of Pentecost, organist Nick Walters will present a special recital on Sunday, June 8th at 1:00pm at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. The program will feature sacred works showcasing the Cathedral’s historic pipe organ. Admission is free; donations in support of the Cathedral Music Program are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome!
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 2025 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 11th) to Father’s Day (June 15th). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
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.
2025 Annual Canadian Conference of Catholic Cursillo
The National Cursillo Conference is open to all lay people, priests, deacons and other religious members. This year’s theme: “Cursillo – A Response to the Modern World” from July 3rd to July 6th at Kings University College, at Western University Canada. Registration and payment in full required by June 7th. Register online at CCCC or email the Resource Centre at ccccresource2@gmail.com or call 250 307-6585.
EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Frassati Academy – Principal and Teaching Positions
Frassati Academy is an independent, classically-inspired Catholic elementary school located within the Campbell Centre at St. Agnes church of Good Shepherd Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Opening its doors in September 2025, the Academy is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that nurtures the development of the whole person — body, mind and soul. Its mission is to form hearts and minds through an academically excellent curriculum that is rooted in the Church’s rich spiritual and intellectual heritage. Children will be encouraged in their pursuit of charity, virtue and faith, all for the greater glory of God. Frassati Academy is a community initiative which respects and upholds the role of parents as primary educators of their children. Parents are thus encouraged to have an active role and presence in the school. For a list of positions available and more information please visit the website at Jobs.
Career Opportunities at Catholic Christian Outreach
CCO currently has positions available. Check out the website at Careers – CCO | Catholic Christian Outreach for more information.
Board Director for the Galilee Centre
The Galilee Centre in Arnprior is urgently looking to recruit a volunteer Director for its Board. Ideally, you would be a mid-career professional with a set of skills that would enhance our governance capability. You are a practicing Catholic with an orientation towards helping the most socially marginalized. Our Board seeks to achieve increased gender parity and welcomes applications from the Indigenous, newcomer and ability-constrained communities. The role can be accomplished in a “hybrid” fashion, with some onsite participation and/or virtually. For more information, or to see the job poster and apply, please visit Galilee Centre’s website at https://www.galileecentre.com/, and follow the links.
OTHER
A Guided Autobiography Weekend at Stillpoint House of Prayer
Join facilitator Camila Reimers, multiple award-winning author (visit Camila’s website at https://camilareimers.com/). Learn how to express your life through words, painting, photography, collage and music from Friday, May 23rd to Sunday, May 25th. Cost: $260 per person including meals, room and materials. Contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791 to register or for more information.
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. Apply today at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp.For more information please contact Louis or Mary at richards@catholicway.net. Join us on June 24th for a virtual information session…link found at https://www.catholicway.net/dfp. Application deadline: July 15th.