If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you.
(John 16.5-11)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Bilingual Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Paroisse Ste-Thérèse, 67 rue Boucher, Témiscaming, on Wednesday, May 8th from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Ordination to the Priesthood
Reverend Mr. Lukas Časta will receive Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
FROM THE CCCB
53rd International Eucharistic Congress – Pilgrimage
Archbishop Dunn and Bishop Rodembourg, spirituals guides of the pilgrimage, invite you to join 2024 Eucharistic Congress to be held in Quito, Ecuador, from September 8th to 15th. As such, the pilgrimage, organised in collaboration with Spiritours, will commence on September 6th with a return on September 16th (without the extension) or on September 20th (with the extension). Kindly note that the number of participants is limited and the deadline to register is June 6, 2024. Should you have any questions, please communicate directly with Archbishop Dunn (bdunn@halifaxyarmouth.org), Bishop Rodembourg (seceveque@ecdsh.org), or Audrey Marebe from Spiritours (514 374‑7965, ext. 200, or audrey.marebe@spiritours.com).
National Family & Life Week 2024
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) warmly invites the Catholic faithful to celebrate National Family and Life Week 2024 (NFLW), which will take place from 13 – 19 May 2024. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2024
For the formation of religious and seminarians – We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Indigenous Speaker Series
Please join us for an Indigenous Speaker Series. Next event: Thursday, May 9th from 7-8:30 p.m., featuring David Robertson, writer, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate, and member of the Norway House Cree Nation: https://www.darobertson.ca/. Hosted by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board. Click here to register for this event. For more information, or questions or concerns, please contact Kellie Hisko at kellie.hisko@rccdsb.ca. Everyone welcome!
Stay tuned for the next upcoming series on May 22nd.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Ten Principles for Reconciliation:
2. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, as the original peoples of this country and as self-determining peoples, have Treaty, constitutional, and human rights that must be recognized and respected.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Attracting Converts to the Catholic Faith
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
An article from the Catholic News Agency titled “Eucharist, Unity, Clarity: What Attracts Converts to the Catholic Church” highlights several key factors that draw people to the Catholic faith. These factors include: (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
Rev. Ken O’Brien – 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood
On Saturday, May 11th. The special Mass celebration will be held at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville, at 4 p.m. followed by a formal smudging from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. Family, friends and parishioners will gather for a social and dinner afterwards at the Royal Canadian Legion, Eganville. Tickets are $40 each and are on a first come-first served basis. Reserve your tickets by Thursday, May 2, contacting St. James Parish office at 613 628-2020, or email Karen at secretarystjames@gmail.com.
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
June 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. 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
Tuesday May 28th from 7-8:30 p.m. at the BLVD Pub-Bar & Grill, 3520 Petawawa Blvd., Petawawa. Guest speaker: Fr Réal Ouellette. Topic: “The Body and Blood of Christ: The miracle(s) of the Eucharist” (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.). This event 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 related 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 to be added to a group e-mail list.
Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Upcoming date: June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Please bring indoor shoes! The waiver form and information can be found here! A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, May 8th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “Home Grown Spiritual Directors: We’re all walking a long and difficult journey – it’s time to talk about who we have invited to walk with us.” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming date is June 12th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Fundraising Meal
Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Petawawa will be hosting a Fundraising Meal for repairs needed for the parish on Saturday May 25, 2024, at 5 p.m. The cost is $25/person. Silent Auction will be available. Local musician, storyteller, and author, Gillian Rutz, will provide entertainment. Tickets are available at parish office 613 687-5918 or 613 687-2717.
Parish Supper
Barbecued chicken supper at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (air-conditioned) Parish Hall, Braeside on Sunday May 26th from 2-6 p.m. Adults – $20, Children under 10 – $10, Children under 6 – Free. Take-out available. Pastor and parishioners welcome you!
PRO-LIFE
National March for Life – Parliament Hill
All are invited to participate in this important event to show support for life at all ages and stages. The march through downtown Ottawa begins on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Masses and prayer services begin in the morning, a rally on the Hill at 12:30 p.m., and testimonies after the march.
Renfrew County Right to Life has chartered a coach that leaves Moncion Metro in Pembroke at 8 a.m. and stops in Cobden and Renfrew. To reserve a seat please contact Barb at 613 735-6265 or email RCRTLife@gmail.com. For more details see marchforlife.ca and www.facebook.com/RCRTL.
First Step Options 2024 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 12th to June 16th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. E-transfers to firststepoptions@gmail.com, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more details, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
First Step Options Trivia Night
Come join FSO for a fun-filled trivia night at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 280 Lourdesview Dr., Pembroke, on Saturday, May 25th at 7 p.m. Theme: “Books vs. Movies.” Cost: $10/person (4-6 players/team). Costumes are encouraged for bonus points! Cash canteen and silent auction available. Register by Tuesday, May 21st at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholic Education Week 2024
This year’s Catholic Education Week will be held May 5-10, 2024. During Catholic Education Week, the schools in our Diocese will be celebrating the significant contribution that Catholic Education has made to the community, the province and to Canada. This year’s theme is “We are called to love,” with biblical quote “If we love one another, God lives in us.” (1 John 4:12).
Pilgrimage to Quebec Shrines
St. James the Less Parish in Eganville is organizing a pilgrimage accompanied by Father Réal Ouellette, from Monday, June 10, 2024, to Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with departures and returns in Pembroke and Renfrew. Shrines to be visited are St. Kateri’s Shrine, Divine Mercy Shrine, Our Lady of the Cap Shrine, Ste-Anne de Beaupré Shrine, and Oratory St. Joseph. We need a minimum of 40 pilgrims by May 9th to make this pilgrimage viable. For more information, please visit https://stjameseganville.com/ or call Fr. Réal during office hours at 613 628-2020, or by email at padrereal2002@yahoo.ca.
150th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 10-11, 2024
A bus will depart on August 10, 2024, at 4 a.m. This may be the last pilgrimage due to the Rector and organizer health issues. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
OTHER
Galilee Centre Fundraising Dinner
Please join the Galilee Centre for a celebration in memory of Fr. Roy Boucher, OMI, on Sunday, May 26th at the Galilee Centre, 398 John Street N., Arnprior. Eucharistic Celebration – 4 p.m. Fundraising Dinner – 5:30 p.m. Cost: Dinner $30 or $35 with wine. Reservations required. Call 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or register online at www.galileecentre.com, or email info@galileecentre.com. Proceeds in support of ongoing Galilee Centre operations.
Garden Showing for Ukraine
The Moore Garden, located at 15 Carmichael Sideroad, Braeside, will be open to the public to raise funds for Ukraine on Saturday, June 8th (rain date Sunday, June 9th) from 1-5 p.m. Tour the extensive gardens, talk to people from Ukraine, sample Ukrainian food, enjoy the colour and scent of Spring! Proceeds from donations will be given to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Tax receipts will be provided.
Monastic Prayer Retreat, July 3-6
Enter into the silence and rhythm of monastic prayer for four days this summer at the Divine Mercy Retreat Centre, in Lanark, Ontario. For more details and to register see https://www.glenmary.ca/monasticprayerretreat or email Aimee at raeaimee@hotmail.com.