You did not choose me but I chose you.
(John 15.9-17)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Victoria Day
The Diocesan Offices will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 20th, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 21st at 8:30 a.m.
Pastoral Appointments
Reverend George Ryan Holly, diocesan administrator, announces the following appointments.
- Reverend Daniel JANUELEWICZ, O.M.I. will have a summer appointment as administrator of St. Mary Parish, Wilno and St. Casmir Parish, Round Lake. This appointment is effective May 10, 2024 until September 1, 2024.
- Reverend Timothy MOYLE will retire from parish ministry later this Spring due to reasons of health. Father Moyle has served in parishes throughout the Diocese of Pembroke since his ordination on May 13, 1989. We express our deep gratitude to Father Moyle for his priestly service, and the assurance of prayers as he prepares to begin a new chapter in his ministry.
Further pastoral appointments will be announced at a later date.
9 May 2024
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Deacon Frank Martel who passed away on Sunday, May 12th (the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord) in his 81st year. Deepest condolences conveyed to Deacon Frank’s wife, Danielle, and the members of the Martel family.
Ordination to the Priesthood
Reverend Mr. Lukas Časta will receive Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Calling All Singers
All are welcome to join the Diocesan Choir for the ordination mass of Lukas Časta at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Saturday, June 29 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
53rd International Eucharistic Congress – Pilgrimage
Archbishop Dunn and Bishop Rodembourg, spirituals guides of the pilgrimage, invite you to join 2024 Eucharistic Congress to be held in Quito, Ecuador, from September 8th to 15th. As such, the pilgrimage, organised in collaboration with Spiritours, will commence on September 6th with a return on September 16th (without the extension) or on September 20th (with the extension). Kindly note that the number of participants is limited and the deadline to register is June 6, 2024. Should you have any questions, please communicate directly with Archbishop Dunn (bdunn@halifaxyarmouth.org), Bishop Rodembourg (seceveque@ecdsh.org), or Audrey Marebe from Spiritours (514 374‑7965, ext. 200, or audrey.marebe@spiritours.com).
National Family & Life Week 2024
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) warmly invites the Catholic faithful to celebrate National Family and Life Week 2024 (NFLW), which will take place from 13 – 19 May 2024. (Read more…)
NEWS OF THE SYNOD
Synod on Synodality
The Diocese of Pembroke organized discussions on the themes of “The Church as a Place of Healing and Formation of Disciples” and “A Missionary Mindset” as part of the Synod on Synodality, involving various diocesan entities that formulated practical recommendations. A final synthesis report compiling the fruits of these reflections was submitted to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in April 2024. To learn more or to read the report visit https://pembrokediocese.com/synod/
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Indigenous Speaker Series
Please join us for an Indigenous Speaker Series. Next event: Wednesday, May 22nd from 6-8 p.m., featuring Allen Smoke. Learn about the history, meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance of Wampum Belts such as Dish with one Spoon, Hiawatha, Two-Row, and Prophecy. Hosted by the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. Click here to register for this event. For more information, or questions or concerns, please contact Kellie Hisko at kellie.hisko@rccdsb.ca. Everyone welcome!
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Ten Principles for Reconciliation:
- Reconciliation is a process of healing of relationships that requires public truth sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Attracting Converts to the Catholic Faith
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
An article from the Catholic News Agency titled “Eucharist, Unity, Clarity: What Attracts Converts to the Catholic Church” highlights several key factors that draw people to the Catholic faith. These factors include: (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
June 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. 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.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Tuesday May 28th from 7-8:30 p.m. at the BLVD Pub-Bar & Grill, 3520 Petawawa Blvd., Petawawa. Guest speaker: Fr Réal Ouellette. Topic: “The Body and Blood of Christ: The miracle(s) of the Eucharist” (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.). This event is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). Different guest speakers will be invited each month to give a talk on a variety of different topics related to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. To receive an e-mail each month with date, speaker and location please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list.
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. Upcoming date: 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 here! 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!
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, June 12th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “When Life Gets Hard: A no nonsense look at the deserts in marriage, parenting and our spiritual lives.” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH 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 May 23rd 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.
Fundraising Gala Dinner for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
Everyone is welcome to Our Lady of Sorrows Gala Dinner, 11 Mohns Ave. Petawawa on Saturday, May 25th from 5–7 p.m. A delicious assortment of cuisine is available from local restaurants. (Milano, Domino’s, Wholesale Club, The BLVD Grill, Doran Sushi Buffet, Petawawa Pizzeria, Madameek and Mary Brown’s Chicken) all for only $25.00 per person. Local musician, storyteller, and author, Gillian Rutz, will provide entertainment. Tickets are available at parish office 613 687-5918 or 613 687-2717.
Parish Supper
Barbecued chicken supper at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (air-conditioned) Parish Hall, Braeside on Sunday May 26th from 2-6 p.m. Adults – $20, Children under 10 – $10, Children under 6 – Free. Take-out available. Pastor and parishioners welcome you!
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 2024 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 12th to June 16th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. E-transfers to firststepoptions@gmail.com, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more details, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
First Step Options Trivia Night
Come join FSO for a fun-filled trivia night at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 280 Lourdesview Dr., Pembroke, on Saturday, May 25th at 7 p.m. Theme: “Books vs. Movies.” Cost: $10/person (4-6 players/team). Costumes are encouraged for bonus points! Cash canteen and silent auction available. Register by Tuesday, May 21st at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
CCRSO Spring Conference – “Clothed with Fire from On High”
Discover a Pathway to a Personal Pentecost. May 17-18, 2024, Friday 6:30 p.m. to Saturday, 6:00 p.m., at St. Raphael Parish, 4072 New St., Burlington. This Catholic Charismatic conference is free but there will be a free will offering. Registration is online at Catholic Charismatic Services Of Ontario | C.c.r.s.o. | Ontario (ccrso.net).
On-Line Deliverance Prayer Session
Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington, will lead the next free online session on Monday, May 20th, 7-8 p.m. Eastern USA time with rosary at 6:30 p.m. Register on our website at Home | St. Michael Center For Spiritual Renewal | United States (catholicexorcism.org)
150th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 10-11, 2024
A bus will depart on August 10, 2024, at 4 a.m. This may be the last pilgrimage due to the Rector and organizer health issues. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
OTHER
Galilee Centre Fundraising Dinner
Please join the Galilee Centre for a celebration in memory of Fr. Roy Boucher, OMI, on Sunday, May 26th at the Galilee Centre, 398 John Street N., Arnprior. Eucharistic Celebration – 4 p.m. Fundraising Dinner – 5:30 p.m. Cost: Dinner $30 or $35 with wine. Reservations required. Call 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or register online at www.galileecentre.com, or email info@galileecentre.com. Proceeds in support of ongoing Galilee Centre operations.
Garden Showing for Ukraine
The Moore Garden, located at 15 Carmichael Sideroad, Braeside, will be open to the public to raise funds for Ukraine on Saturday, June 8th (rain date Sunday, June 9th) from 1-5 p.m. Tour the extensive gardens, talk to people from Ukraine, sample Ukrainian food, enjoy the colour and scent of Spring! Proceeds from donations will be given to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Tax receipts will be provided.
Monastic Prayer Retreat, July 3-6
Enter into the silence and rhythm of monastic prayer for four days this summer at the Divine Mercy Retreat Centre, in Lanark, Ontario. For more details and to register see https://www.glenmary.ca/monasticprayerretreat or email Aimee at raeaimee@hotmail.com.