Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
(John 14.27-31a)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Bishop’s Easter Message
Bishop Guy Desrochers’ Easter message is available on YouTube at Happy Easter 2023 – Message from Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. – YouTube or on our official Facebook page at Diocese of Pembroke | Facebook.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund – Diocese of Pembroke
Dioceses across Canada, in their continuing journey of seeking reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples of what is now known as Canada, have voluntarily committed to contributing $30 million over five years in new funding to facilitate further reconciliation efforts. Dioceses have voluntarily committed to contributing these funds annually or in lump sums to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. The goal of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is to enable local Dioceses to assist in the facilitation of meaningful reconciliation work as determined by the Diocesan Reconciliation Committee.
The Diocese of Pembroke pledges a total of $250,000 to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) established by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, to be paid in amounts of $50,000 per year for five years. The Diocese welcomes additional donations to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IFR). Inquiries can be made at the Chancery Office (Office of the Diocese).
Grant applications must be received no later than May 15th 2023 at 12 p.m. at the Chancery Office (Office of the Diocese)
Click here to download the Grant Application Guidelines and Application Form.
Ecclesia
The Ecclesia Spring 2023 edition is now available in parishes or can be read here.
Official Facebook Page
Please “like” and “follow” our (new) official diocesan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DiocesePembroke.
Walk The Opeongo Line, July 27-30, 2023
Join pilgrims from ages 7-77 in this life changing, 4-day journey from Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew to St. Ann’s Shrine, Cormac. This will be our 5th year making the 67km walk! It’s an experience that merits many blessings and many wonderful memories. For more information and to register, visit: Pilgrimage to St. Ann’s Shrine – 2023 Pilgrimage (walktheopeongoline.org)
FROM THE CCCB
National Family & Life Week (NFLW), May 7-14, 2023
National Family & Life Week (NFLW), May 7-14, 2023, is an invitation from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to the faithful in Canada to celebrate the joy and beauty of family and life by seeking out new and creative ways to live out this call in our daily lives. The NFLW theme is Jesus’ words, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). Love is at the heart of familial relationships and our families are a communion of love in Christ. We are “guardians of life” when we love one another within our families, as well as in wider society when we show kindness toward and care for the vulnerable and marginalized. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous individuals have the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of person.
- Indigenous peoples have the collective right to live in freedom, peace and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act of genocide or any other act of violence, including forcibly removing children of the group to another group.
Article 7 – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Call for Testimonies: Share Your Conversion Story
Attention all members of our diocese! Have you experienced a profound transformation through your faith in Jesus Christ? Have you encountered God in a powerful way that has changed the course of your life? If so, we would love to hear your story! We are currently looking for personal conversion stories to be featured in the next edition of Ecclesia. Your testimony has the power to inspire and encourage others on their own spiritual journey. Please consider sharing your story with us and being a light to those around you. Submissions can be sent to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Rebuilt Equip Sessions
Weekly wisdom and support from seasoned Catholic leaders that will help you bring new life into your parish. Next Webinar: Wednesday, May 10th at 12 noon. Visit Rebuilt Equip Sessions (rebuiltparish.com) to register!
How to Defeat Satan?
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Satan is the adversary of God and a fallen angel who was cast out of heaven for his rebellion. Satan is a tempter and deceiver who seeks to lead us away from God and toward sin. What does the Word of God tell us about what we can do to defeat Satan and his influence in our lives? (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On June 1st, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Paroisse Sacré-Cœur, Corbeil – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). 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
Join us at West Winds Restaurant (private room) at the Best Western Hotel, Pembroke across from Irving Big Stop on Thursday May 25th, 7– 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker: Christine Helferty. Christine is very well educated about Our Blessed Mother and has spent a couple of years discerning the religious life. She has spoken previously at our Young Adult Ministry and is a very engaging and dynamic speaker. Topic: “Our Mother, Sister, and Queen: Unveiling Mary’s Presence in Our Lives.” This initiative 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 relating 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.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
Join us on Friday, May 26th at 7:30 p.m. at 35 Casey Street, Barry’s Bay. Rev. Pawel Ratajczak, parish priest of St. Hedwig parish, Barry’s Bay is speaking on “The Blessed Virgin Mary: Mother of comfort or Woman of challenge in the Christian life?” This initiative 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 relating to the Catholic Faith. There will be time for questions, discussion and socializing. For more information about the Barry’s Bay Theology on Tap contact Kenton Biffert at kentonbiffert@gmail.com.
Image of God Monthly Women’s Sessions
Next session – Wednesday, May 10th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Home Grown Spiritual Guides: We are all walking a long and difficult journey – it’s time to talk about who we have invited to walk with us. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
NET Canada Virtual Information Session
NET Canada is hosting a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 9th, 8:00-9:00 pm EST! This is a chance for anyone 18-30 to learn more about what it means to be a NET missionary and find out if they would be interested in applying! Share this opportunity with someone who has a strong personal faith that would make a great missionary and help us find the next generation of missionaries! Click here to register for the information session.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Free Community Workshop
On Thursday, May 11th from 10-11:30 a.m. Speaker – Registered Psychotherapist Kelsey Parker on “Motherhood Burnout.” Registration is required. Please contact FSO for more information at 613 635-7440 or fsocentre@gmail.com.
National March for Life 2023
In Ottawa on Thursday, May 11th. For more information, please email Renfrew County Right to Life at RCRTLife@gmail.com, or visit the Campaign Life Coalition’s website at www.marchforlife.ca.
First Step Options 2023 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 14th to June 18th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. Donations of $20 or more will receive a receipt. E-transfers, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more information, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Supper
Barbecued chicken served in the air conditioned hall on Sunday, May 28th from 2-6 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside, Ontario. Take-out available! Cost: Adults $20 – Children (under 12) $10 – Children (under 6) free. Pastor and parishioners welcome you!
Recollection for Women
At Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on Thursday, May 18th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a break from your busy schedule to think about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, benediction and a talk. Bring your lunch for a get together afterward.
This spiritual activity, inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information, please contact Nadia at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
New Life in the Spirit of Christ
Do you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit and a vital rediscovery of the Sacraments in your life? Do you long for a personal relationship with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a greater outpouring of God’s healing and love? Do you yearn for a greater openness to prayer and Scripture? The Spirit of the Living God Prayer Group invites you to a “Life in the Spirit” Seminar. St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish Hall, Barry’s Bay. Every Thursday until May 25th, 7-8:15 p.m. “With all my heart I hope that Renewal in the Spirit may be a true “gymnasium” in the church for prayer, asceticism, virtue and holiness.” (St John Paul II). Contact: Greg or Mary Doyle at 613 756-6643. call Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 613 432-8525 for more information.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Pembroke Diocesan CWL Annual Convention
Join us on May 13, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, Pembroke, for the 102nd Annual Convention of the Pembroke Diocesan Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Guests include Wilma Vanderzwaag, 1st Vice-President of the Ontario Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League, Patrick Sullivan who will speak on “Five Practical Steps to Bring Your Family and Friends Back to the Faith”, and Bishop Guy Desrochers. Connect with women from across the diocese. Find out what’s happening in the CWL locally and across the country. Celebrate in a faith-filled environment. Registration is required. To register or for further information, please contact Joan Lemay at 613 432-9161 or email at jtlemay@sympatico.ca.
Sacred Music Fundraiser: Spera in Deo
Join us for an afternoon of sacred vocal and organ music on Saturday, May 13th at 2 p.m. in St. Michael’s Church, Douglas. Light refreshments to follow in the sacristy. Spera in Deo (“Hope in God”) will feature Sean Desmond, Olivier Gaudreault, Catherine Helferty, and Christine Helferty in selections of rich harmonies and uplifting texts. This event is a fundraiser to support a local children’s musical production of Sleeping Beauty to be presented in June. Free will donations at the door. Thank you for your support! Any questions, please contact Christine Helferty at christinethelferty@gmail.com.
149th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 12-13, 2023
Buses will depart from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme and Kingston August 12, 2023. Weekend celebrant: Bishop Guy Desrochers. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
Marian Pilgrimage
Father Réal Ouellette has the great pleasure and honour of accompanying a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Compostela (Spain), and Fatima and Lisbon (Portugal) from October 25th to November 6th 2023. For more info: https://spiritours.com/en/product/france-spain-portugal-acn/
OTHER
Opening to Goodness Spring Retreat
From May 25-27 at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. North, Arnprior. Facilitated by Contemplative Outreach of Eastern Ontario and West Quebec. This retreat is an invitation to deepen your experience of your true self in relation to Earth and the goodness of all beings. Cost: Single $310, Commuter $160. Register by calling 613 623-4242 ext. 21, or visit the website at https://www.galileecentre.com/opening-to-goodness-coeo-wq/.