I am the good shepherd.
(John 10.11-16)
FROM THE DIOCESE
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/
Mothers’ Day – May 10th
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.
Benemerenti Medal
The Apostolic Nuncio has informed Bishop Brehl that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the papal honour of the Benemerenti Medal upon Mme. Lucile Tourigny of Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste, Pembroke. Bishop Brehl will confer the medal upon Mme. Tourigny at the Sunday Mass at Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Congratulations are extended to Mme. Tourigny for this great honour!
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2026
That everyone might have food – Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Resignation and Appointment for the Diocese of Timmins – Friday, May 01 2026
Ottawa– His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Serge Poitras, Bishop of Timmins, and appointed the Very Rev. Fr. Roch Martin, presently Vicar General of the Diocese of Sault St. Marie, as the new Bishop of Timmins. (Read more…)
Resources for National Family and Life Week 2026
Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce the release of resources in preparation for National Family and Life Week 2026 (#NFLW2026), taking place Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 17 May 2026. (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 dates: May 7th, 14th, 21st and 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.
Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation Community Drumming
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the handrum as we come together in community to learn and sing at 84 Isabella Street, Unit 10, Pembroke, on Wednesday, May 20th from 6-7:30pm. Bring your personal drum. Limited supply available to those who do not have one.
Thirteen Moons
Adapted from Year of the Spirit Moons Calendar, produced by the Anishnaabe Kendaaswin Publishing Company, North Bay, in 1998. Reference should also be made to Jamie Sams’ book, The 13 Original Clan Mothers, whose work has reinforced these interpretations. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
November – Freezing Moon: The eleventh moon of Creation is the Freezing Moon, a time when the Star Nation is closest to us. As every creature being prepares for the coming fasting grounds, we are reminded to prepare ourselves for our spiritual path by learning the sacred teachings and songs that will sustain us.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
NEW Session!! Marriage Preparation Program
Due to popular demand, an extra Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program will be offered on Saturday, May 9th and Saturday, May 30th at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa. Deadline to register: May 6th. Register online at Clone of Marriage Preparation Course. E-transfers of $125/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
St. Carlo’s Crew Youth Night! (A diocesan event)
This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and all are welcome! The upcoming date is Friday, May 15th from 7-9:30pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection.
Questions or to be added to the e-mail list for reminders? Contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Supper
You are invited to join Father Ryan and the Parishioners of OLPH for our annual BBQ Chicken Dinner on Sunday, May 24th from 2-6pm in Braeside, ON. Enjoy a Barbequed Chicken Dinner with beans, salads, and delicious desserts. Cost is $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for children Under 12 and Free to children under 6.
PRO-LIFE
PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents…
PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents a free screening of the film “Life Worth Living: Averting the Canadian Euthanasia Crisis” at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 423 Witt Rd., Pembroke on May 21st at 6:30pm. Featuring special guest, Alex Schadenberg, film producer, and EPC Int’l Chair. Q&A time following the movie. Watch the trailer at https://lifeworthlivingfilm.com/. For more information, call Pastor Paul DeGraaf at 613 585-9501 or email info@parasolcare.com.
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.
National 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 14th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45am, 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 or call Susan Dagenais at 613 401-6482. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Second Annual RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage
We are pleased to extend an open invitation to all staff, families, and community members of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board to participate in our second annual RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage on Saturday, May 9th, 2026.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for a day of walking, spiritual reflection, and community fellowship. Along the route, we will take moments to pray the Rosary for the month of Mary. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Event Details: Saturday, May 9th at 9:30am at St. Michael’s Parish, Douglas to St. James Parish, Eganville. We anticipate arriving in time to celebrate Mass at 4:00pm, with Father Michael Lund as the celebrant.
The Route: The walk is approximately 15.2 kilometres via Fourth Chute Road. It is estimated to take around 3.5 hours of walking time, and there will be planned rest stops along the way.
What to Bring & How to Prepare: Please ensure you come prepared for a comfortable walk!
Your own lunch and a refillable water bottle – your Rosary – comfortable walking shoes – weather-appropriate clothing (this event will proceed rain or shine).
We look forward to sharing this meaningful journey with our RCCDSB community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to kylie.gibson@rccdsb.ca. We hope to see you there!
JOB 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.