But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
(Mark 10.28-31)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Patronal Feast of St Columba
The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. will celebrate Mass for the feast of St. Columba, patron of the Diocese of Pembroke, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke, on Tuesday, June 9th at 12:10pm. All are welcome.
Diocesan Pastoral Planning
An interview with Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke (May 2026) is available on YouTube: Interview with Bishop Michael Brehl, May 2026.
All are invited to the following receptions honouring members of the presbyterate who will retire at the end of June
- Reverend Kerry Brennan on Sunday, 28 June from 11:30am to 2:30pm at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, Renfrew.
- Reverend Patrick Dobec on Sunday, 7 June from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall, Petawawa.
- Reverend John Lacey on Sunday, 21 June following the 9:00am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, Renfrew.
Clergy Personnel
Reverend Emmanuel Dibia a priest of the Diocese of Issele-uku, Nigeria, is appointed as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew; St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew and Most Precious Blood Parish, Calabogie, effective 2 July 2026. Father Dibia has been granted permission of his Bishop to serve the Diocese of Pembroke for a period of six years. He has just completed a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counselling at the Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he has also assisted in parish ministry.
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/
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for June 2026
For the values of sports – Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
FROM THE CCCB
Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Letter: Magnifica Humanitas – Monday, May 25 2026
Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, was released today. It focuses on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. The letter is dated 15 May, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Letter, Rerum Novarum. (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 date: May 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.
The Medicine Wheel
What follows is based on oral teachings given by Elder Jules Lavaley of Red Willow Lodge in Anola, Manitoba. His information is supported by that found in Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook, by Sun Bear, Wabin Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
Everything in nature is cyclic. Our path in daily life follows that of the sun. it begins in the East, moves though the South to the West, and then travels through the North. For the reason, all movement within any circle is always done clockwise by entering from the East, and all our ceremonies and gatherings are set-up as a circle.
Wabanong is Spirit Keeper of the East: It is the place of new beginnings, like the spring. It is the life stage of infancy when everything is new to us. Its colour is yellow which symbolizes innocence and joy. Its animal is the eagle who sees the whole picture from his high-flying vantage point. It can show you where best to start out towards your dream. Its plant medicine is tobacco, which always comes first when asking for something from Mother Earth; it provides us with clarity.
PRO-LIFE
The “Big Giveaway” Event
Don’t miss this huge giveaway happening at the Pine Ridge Family Church, 27 Brumm Rd., Pembroke, on Saturday, June 6th from 8am-noon. Donated items will be received from May 31st following service (12 noon) and from June 1st to June 5th, 9am-5pm. Everything is available for free, with monetary donations accepted towards First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre.
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.
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/.
“’Be Not Afraid’: The Church’s Call to Mission in a Post-Christian World”
Strengthen your faith and enjoy the Ottawa Valley! Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, located in Barry’s Bay, Ontario invites you to their annual Wojtyla Summer Institute from August 6-9, 2026.
Keynote Speaker is Archbishop Marcel Damphousse (Ottawa-Cornwall Archdiocese).
For more information and to register: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/news/summer-institutes/wojtyla2026/.
JUBILEE 2026 PILGRIMAGE (152nd Annual Pilgrimage) to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Notre-Dame-du-Cap – August 8–9, 2026
For the dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Kingston, Pembroke, Gatineau, and Mont-Laurier. The weekend will be spiritually led by Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu, Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. For information or to register, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or by email at mikebudge2021@gmail.com. Space is limited. Please register as soon as possible.
JOB AND VOLUNTEER 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.
Join the Marianhill Board of Directors!
We have openings for dedicated individuals to serve as members of our Board of Directors and contribute their expertise in strategic planning, finance, long-term care, or publicly funded organizations to shape the future of senior care. Serve a three -year term, 3 to 5 hours per month, actively participating in meetings, committees, and events. Bilingualism is an asset. Email your resume and a brief statement of interest to Linda M. Tracey, CEO at ltracey@marianhill.ca.