I am the good shepherd.
(John 10.11-16)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Mothers’ Day – May 11th
Let us pray for those women in our lives who, in general, were the first to teach us to have confidence in ourselves and in life.
Prayers
For the repose of the soul of Sister Loretta Rice, (Sister Columba) CSJ, who passed away at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, on May 3rd. Sister Loretta served the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully for over 66 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
Conclave to elect new Pope to begin on May 7
Seventeen days after the death of Pope Francis, the 133 cardinal electors will meet on May 7 to designate the 266th Successor of Peter.
Prayer for the Conclave and The Election of a New Pope
(Excerpt from the English translation of the Roman Missal)
O God, Eternal Shepherd,
who govern Your flock with
unfailing care, Grant in Your boundless
fatherly love a pastor for Your Church
who will please You by His holiness
and to us show watchful care.
Though our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns
with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
FROM THE CCCB
Statement by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Lapu-Lapu Filipino Festival
28 April 2025, Ottawa – As President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I join all Canadians in offering my deepest, heartfelt sympathies to the victims, families, and all those impacted by the violence that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver this past weekend, during one of the most joyful and special gatherings of the Filipino community.
I invite all of the Catholic faithful in Canada to remember in prayer those who lost their lives and the injured, as well as the people who witnessed this senseless violence as it unfolded and those in mourning. At this agonizing time, let us also communicate our support and solidarity with the Filipino-Canadian community.
May the Risen Christ, who triumphed over death, be the hope of those who call out to him.
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 Fatima Parish, Renfrew
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew, is the designated church for the Jubilee Indulgence on Tuesday 13 May 2025, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Confessions and adoration will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 6:15 p.m. and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at 6:45 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. For more information on the graces of the Jubilee Indulgence, please visit https://pembrokediocese.com/article/jubilee-2025-indulgence-en/ .
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
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 7th.
Women’s Circles
Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming: May 8th – 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.
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.
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.
EVANGELIZATION
Planting Seeds of Faith and Hope
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
By learning key verses by heart, we equip ourselves with the very words of Jesus that can touch hearts, offer hope, and invite people into a relationship with Him. At the right moment, a well-spoken verse can bring light to someone’s darkness, encouragement to their struggles, and truth to their doubts. Whether in conversations with friends, family, or strangers, these verses can plant seeds of faith, draw people closer to Jesus, and communicate the love and salvation He offers. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
June 5th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 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.
PRO-LIFE
28th Annual March for Life
Join others in front of parliament and march through downtown Ottawa on Thursday, May 8th! For more information, please visit the March for Life website: https://marchforlife.ca/about-the-march-for-life/.
March for Life
Renfrew County Right to Life is co-sponsoring a bus to the National March For Life which takes place on Parliament Hill on Thursday May 8th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45 a.m., with stops at the Cobden Pentecostal Church and the Renfrew Visitors’ Centre. Payment by donation. To reserve seats, please email RCRTlife@gmail.com with names of all riders. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .
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
Catholic Education Week 2025
Catholic Education Week begins on Sunday, May 4th. The Catholic schools in our diocese will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “Pilgrims of Hope.” You are invited to learn about the various celebrations that are happening in your children’s school, and are welcome to attend, if possible.
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
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board Walking Pilgrimage
Join RCCDSB to walk reflect, pray, and connect with the community on Saturday, May 10th, meeting at St. Michael’s Parish, Douglas at 9:30am, walking 15.2km to St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Visit RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage – May 10th, 2025 | Renfrew County Catholic District School Board for more information. All are welcome!
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
Departure from Pearson International Airport from May 7th to May 18th. Price: $3,150.00 (includes all taxes, air fares, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Non-refundable deposit of $400.00 required on booking. To register, or for more information contact Jack or Patricia Duggan at 613 756-2655, or email blackfishbay@bell.net or dugganpatricia@bell.net.
Stillpoint House of Prayer presents “Getting to Know the Holy Spirit”
Join facilitator Clarissa Boyce, Chaplin, Spiritual Director, Artist and Potter for an information morning discussion on Saturday, May 10th from 9am to noon. Cost: $40 including coffee and baked goods. 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.