If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you.
(John 16.5-11)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Bishop’s Easter Message
Bishop Guy Desrochers’ Easter message is available on YouTube at Happy Easter 2023 – Message from Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. – YouTube or on our official Facebook page at Diocese of Pembroke | Facebook.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Victoria Day
The Diocesan Offices will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 22nd.
Ecclesia
The Ecclesia Spring 2023 edition is now available in parishes or can be read here.
Official Facebook Page
Please “like” and “follow” our (new) official diocesan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DiocesePembroke.
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 27-30, 2023
Join pilgrims from ages 7-77 in this life changing, 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. This will be our 5th year making the 67km walk! It’s an experience that merits many blessings and many wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: Pilgrimage to St. Ann’s Shrine – 2023 Pilgrimage (walktheopeongoline.org)
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Permanent Council Issues an Open Letter to the Federal Government and a Message to the Catholic Faithful on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide – Tuesday, May 09 2023
Ottawa – In the context of the National Week for Family and Life, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued both an Open Letter to the Government of Canada and a Message to the Catholic Faithful on federal legislation which, by 17 March 2024, will permit persons living with mental illness to access euthanasia. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right not to be subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture.
- States shall provide effective mechanisms for prevention of, and redress for:
- Any action which has the aim or effect of depriving them of their integrity as distinct peoples, or of their cultural values or ethnic identities;
- Any action which has the aim or effect of dispossessing them of their lands, territories or resources;
- Any form of forced population transfer which has the aim or effect of violating or undermining any of their rights;
- Any form of forced assimilation or integration;
- Any form of propaganda designed to promote or incite racial or ethnic discrimination directed against them.
Article 8 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Call for Testimonies: Share Your Conversion Story
Attention all members of our diocese! Have you experienced a profound transformation through your faith in Jesus Christ? Have you encountered God in a powerful way that has changed the course of your life? If so, we would love to hear your story! We are currently looking for personal conversion stories to be featured in the next edition of Ecclesia. Your testimony has the power to inspire and encourage others on their own spiritual journey. Please consider sharing your story with us and being a light to those around you. Submissions can be sent to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Key Factors for Parish Growth According to Rich Birch
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Rich Birch is a church consultant, speaker, and author who specializes in church leadership, growth, and processes. He has worked with numerous churches and provides insights and practical advice to help churches drive growth and increase their impact. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On June 1st, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Paroisse Sacré-Cœur, Corbeil – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). 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
Join us at West Winds Restaurant (private room) at the Best Western Hotel, Pembroke across from Irving Big Stop on Thursday May 25th, 7– 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker: Christine Helferty. Christine is very well educated about Our Blessed Mother and has spent a couple of years discerning the religious life. She has spoken previously at our Young Adult Ministry and is a very engaging and dynamic speaker. Topic: “Our Mother, Sister, and Queen: Unveiling Mary’s Presence in Our Lives.” This initiative 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 relating 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.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Join us on Friday, May 26th at 7:30 p.m. at 35 Casey Street, Barry’s Bay. Rev. Pawel Ratajczak, parish priest of St. Hedwig parish, Barry’s Bay is speaking on “The Blessed Virgin Mary: Mother of comfort or Woman of challenge in the Christian life?” This initiative 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 relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at kentonbiffert@gmail.com.
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions – LAST SESSION
On Wednesday, June 7th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: A no nonsense look at the deserts in marriage, parenting and our spiritual lives. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 2023 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 14th to June 18th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. Donations of $20 or more will receive a receipt. E-transfers, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more information, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Supper
Barbecued chicken served in the air conditioned hall on Sunday, May 28th from 2-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside, Ontario. Take-out available! Cost: Adults $20 – Children (under 12) $10 – Children (under 6) free. Pastor and parishioners welcome you!
Recollection for Women
At Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on Thursday, May 18th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a break from your busy schedule to think about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch for a get together 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 at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
New Life in the Spirit of Christ
Do you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit and a vital rediscovery of the Sacraments in your life? Do you long for a personal relationship with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a greater outpouring of God’s healing and love? Do you yearn for a greater openness to prayer and Scripture? The Spirit of the Living God Prayer Group invites you to a “Life in the Spirit” Seminar. St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Hall, Barry’s Bay. Every Thursday until May 25th, 7-8:15 p.m. “With all my heart I hope that Renewal in the Spirit may be a true “gymnasium” in the church for prayer, asceticism, virtue and holiness.” (St John Paul II). Contact: Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643. call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
149th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 12-13, 2023
Buses will depart from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme and Kingston August 12, 2023. Weekend celebrant: Bishop Guy Desrochers. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
Marian Pilgrimage
Father Réal Ouellette has the great pleasure and honour of accompanying a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Compostela (Spain), and Fatima and Lisbon (Portugal) from October 25th to November 6th 2023. For more info: https://spiritours.com/en/product/france-spain-portugal-acn/
OTHER
Opening to Goodness Spring Retreat
From May 25-27 at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. North, Arnprior. Facilitated by Contemplative Outreach of Eastern Ontario and West Quebec. This retreat is an invitation to deepen your experience of your true self in relation to Earth and the goodness of all beings. Cost: Single $310, Commuter $160. Register by calling 613 623-4242 ext. 21, or visit the website at https://www.galileecentre.com/opening-to-goodness-coeo-wq/.