My peace I give to you.
(John 14.27-31a)
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…)
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
The Holy Father – The 266th Successor of Saint Peter, and 267th Pope
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955. As a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), in which he held various leadership positions, he dedicated many years of service to the Augustinian missions in Peru as a priest and seminary professor. He was eventually appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, by Pope Francis. As a Bishop of the Church in Peru, he served as Vice President and member of the Permanent Council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops and elevated him to the College of Cardinals. Pope Leo XIV holds a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. (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 10am at St. Mary’s Chapel, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Benediction at 2:50pm. Confessions will be available from 11am to 3pm. The day will end with the praying of the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Combermere at 3pm, 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
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming Circle: May 22nd – Next Talking Circle: May 29th. 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
Grace and Common Sense
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The Catholic Church, guided by Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium, calls its members to evangelize and spread the Gospel. Evangelization is not just about proclaiming Church teachings but doing so with love, compassion, and common sense. Jesus Himself demonstrated that practicing faith and sharing God’s truth requires an understanding of the spirit behind the law rather than mere adherence to the letter. As Catholics, we are called to live and share the faith in a way that draws people closer to God through love and mercy. (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.
Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, on June 6th at 7:00pm. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing, if you wish.
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.
RCRTL Planning Meeting
Renfrew County Right to Life meets three times a year to plan events and discuss current pro-life issues. Anyone who shares our views and goals is welcome to participate in our meetings. Our next meeting is on Monday June 2nd at 7pm, at Calvary Baptist Church, 570 Melton Street, Pembroke. Please use the back door (closest to the parking lot).
The “Big Giveaway” Event
Don’t miss this huge giveaway happening at the Pine Ridge Family Church, 27 Brumm Rd., Pembroke, on Saturday, June 7th from 8am-noon. Donated items will be received from June 1st to June 6th, 9am-5pm. Everything is available for free, with an opportunity to donate to First Step Options.
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
Job Opportunity at St. Joseph’s Community Food Bank – Pembroke
St. Joseph’s Community Food Bank is presently seeking to hire a part-time Purchasing Coordinator. This motivated team member is responsible for sourcing, purchasing food, and managing the Food Bank’s inventory. Requirements: ability to lift up to 40 lbs, valid driver’s licence, and own vehicle. Some online ordering. Info: 613 635-2770. Send resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and passion for the role to stjosephsfoodbank3@gmail.com.
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.