Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
(Matthew 5.1-12a)
MESSAGES FROM THE BISHOP
Appeal Letter – Evangelization Collection
Please read Bishop Desrochers’ appeal letter from the Office of the Bishop here.
The War in Ukraine – A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Action
The war in Ukraine rages on with no end in sight, claiming the lives of thousands of innocent children, men and women. In light of the recent intensified attacks, The Ukrainian Rite Catholic Bishops of Canada invite and seek your attention to the plight of the people of Ukraine in an effort to continue to “Stand with Ukraine.” You are all invited to show your solidarity by praying and fasting, according to your condition or personal possibilities, from Thursday 24 November and ending on Saturday 26 November. You can also contribute financially by choosing one of the following organizations:
Kindly donate through your local parish, Catholic Near East Welfare Association – Canada (CNEWA), Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, Aid to the Church in Need – Canada, Canadian Jesuit International, or the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Please read Pastoral letter from the Ukrainian Rite Catholic Bishops of Canada.
FROM THE DIOCESE
News of the Synod
In preparation for the next stage of the Synod, the Vatican released a working document on October 27. The purpose of this document is to present a global view of what faithful from around the world believe needs to be done for the Church.
The document, titled “Enlarge the Space of your Tent,” is in fact a summary of reports from national bishops’ conferences, who compiled the reports based on contributions from individual dioceses.
It will serve for the next continental stage of the synod, in which episcopal conferences on all seven continents will hold assemblies to reflect on and discuss the contents of the document. These assemblies will then submit a new report based on these discussions, which will be used to draft the working document for the final, universal phase in Rome.
This universal phase was set to conclude the Synod during next year’s October 4-29 gathering in Rome, but Pope Francis recently extended the phase for a year, meaning the final universal stage will conclude in 2024.
Prayers
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. René Ernest Proulx, brother of Fr. Peter Proulx, who passed away suddenly on October 27th, at the age of 73.
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Pastoral Letter to Young People
A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Canada to Young People can be read here.
Communique for the continental stage of the Synod – Thursday, October 27, 2022
The Holy See’s General Secretariat of the Synod issued the Document for the Continental Stage (DCS) of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. The DCS is the result of the discernment of 112 contributions from episcopal conferences, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), as well as contributions from Eastern Catholic Churches, religious congregations, ecclesial associations and movements, the Vatican dicasteries, and individual contributions submitted to the General Secretariat of the Synod.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
Treaty rights: Rights specified in a treaty. Rights to hunt and fish in traditional territory and to use and occupy reserves are typical treaty rights. This concept can have different meanings depending upon the context and perspective of the user. Treaty rights are constitutionally recognized and affirmed; the terms of treaties take precedence over the other laws and policies in Canada.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Alpha Life Shared Summit
The Alpha conference was a great way to hear real testimonies about the positive effects it has had on people’s personal conversion and growth in their faith. The success of Alpha has been amazing. It gives people answers to the most basic questions of Christianity…who is Jesus and why should we follow Him? With a little training and guidance, it would not be difficult for anyone to run a course since all the short talks are done by video. The main task of those leading it is to facilitate the discussion time which is determined by questions provided by the Alpha course. It is my hope that Alpha for Catholics can be used as one of the tools for Evangelization in the Diocese of Pembroke for both adults and youth. Watch the summit here.
God bless,
Yvette Bourque (Director of the Office of Marriage, Family, Youth & Young Adults)
Powerful healing prayer attributed to St. Padre Pio
Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me. I thank you for sending your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the world to save and to set me free. I trust in your power and grace that sustain and restore me.(Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for November 2022
For children who suffer – We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? R.C.I.A. might just be for you!
R.C.I.A stands for the Rite of Christian initiation of Adults. It is a journey for anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic and growing in the life as a Christian. It is for someone who has never been baptized, or maybe you have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith. Maybe you have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for your life’s mission. If any of the above apply to you, we would love to help in your spiritual journey. Want to know more about your Catholic faith? All are welcome to join us in exploring this new quest at St Columbkille Cathedral. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
Important Gathering Call to Register
A Faith Formation day open to all will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at The Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. Topic: The Sacrament of Joy. Lunch and refreshments will be provided (please inform us you have any food allergies). Cost: FREE, but registration is necessary. To register, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206, or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com by November 3, 2022.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
NEW! IMAGE OF GOD evening sessions for Men and Women in Renfrew
Come check out the new IMAGE OF GOD monthly evening sessions for Men and Women from 7-9 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew – in the small Hall. (Men 7-8 p.m., Women 8-9 p.m.). This is a new initiative from the Office Family Life, Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Renfrew deanery, but open to all, to reach adults who wish to grow in their faith, marriage and family life. Hosted by Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and Yvette Bourque. Each evening has a different topic and will include lots of discussion and time for questions. Next session: Wednesday, November 16th. See upcoming dates and topics here.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Development and Peace Fall Campaign Workshop
From Honduras and Peru to Madagascar and Cambodia, our partners are resisting injustice and creating alternatives in their communities. Join us as we discuss how to support and amplify their efforts with the continuation of our People and Planet First campaign this fall!
We’ll discuss the current state and future of our work for a corporate due diligence law in Canada, how we’ll be recruiting new members, and what we can do to celebrate our 55th anniversary this year! Whether you’re a new member or have been with D&P for decades, this workshop will unite us in a common vision through December. Invite a friend or share the link with anyone who is committed to global justice!
The workshop will take place November 17th 2022 at 7 p.m., and will be held on Zoom.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlf-GtqDouGdVdggpmLzUwMLMXgk0bhtfk.
PRO-LIFE
Engage with FSO
First Step Options is pleased to present an “Engage with FSO” information session at 337 Murray Street, Pembroke, on Wednesday, November 23rd from 6:30-8 p.m. If you have ever struggled with how to approach the topic of abortion as a Christian, wanted to learn about what FSO does, wondered how to respond with compassion to those facing difficult pregnancy situations, or considered volunteering, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com or contact FSO at 613 635-7440.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Mary’s Way of the Cross – First Friday of the Month
On November 4, 2022 – starting at 6:45 p.m. via Zoom. Special Co-host Bishop Guy Desrochers, from the Diocese of Pembroke. Sponsored by the Committee of the Annual Pilgrimage to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Cap-de-la-Madeleine and Autumn Pilgrimage from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier, St-Jérôme and Kingston. Info Mike Budge (mike.budge@bell.net).
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82388806064?pwd=VzBleU9GTWdUL2lqajllNjdqV3BtUT09.
Recollection for Women
There will be a recollection for women at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on Thursday, November 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recollections are like mini-retreats that help you 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 on the Prelature of Opus Dei go to https://opusdei.org/en-ca/. Should you have any questions, please contact Nadia at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.
Deepen Your Love for the Eucharist
Happy All Saints’ Day! Many of the saints had a profound love for the Eucharist—the source and summit of our Christian life. The Eucharist is also at the heart of all we do at Franciscan University and Steubenville Conferences. So, we’re thrilled to have Franciscan faculty and alumni helping lead the National Eucharistic Revival! Sponsored by the United States bishops, this three-year initiative aims to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You’re invited to learn more about the revival and deepen your love for the Eucharist. Sign up for the Heart of the Revival newsletter.
OTHER
Celebrating the Art of Michael D. O’Brien
Celebrating the Art of Michael D. O’Brien, Catholic novelist, religious artist, and lecturer on faith and culture. Join us at St. Patrick’s Basilica Scavi (Kent & Nepean Streets), Ottawa, on Thursday, November 3rd at 7:00 p.m. for a mini art exhibit, book signing and short address by Michael D. O’Brien, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of his first religious art exhibit, held at St. Patrick’s in 1977. Wine and Cheese event sponsored by Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. For more information, contact development@seatofwisdom.ca.
OLSWC Ecclesiastical Schola
Please join Our Lady Seat of Wisdom’s Ecclesiastical Schola for traditional vespers on All Saints’ Day (Tuesday, November 1st) at 6:00 p.m. in St Hedwig’s Church in Barry’s Bay. The Schola will lead the beautiful chants as we pray for the intercession of all the saints on this solemnity.
Coldest Night of the Year
The Grind Pembroke will be hosting a CNOY event on February 25, 2023. The funds at this walking fundraiser event go towards the work The Grind Pembroke does to help those in need in the community, which is ever increasing. The Best Western will be launching this year’s fundraising campaign with a spaghetti dinner at the Best Western Pembroke on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Cost: Adults $10 – Children $3. For tickets please contact The Grind Pembroke at 613 732-9423 or The Best Western Pembroke at 613 735-0131.
World Day of the Poor
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in Canada is using November 13, 2022, which Pope Francis declared “The World Day of the Poor” as a day in which we are encouraged to consider those less fortunate than ourselves and to give generously what we can. If you are interested in donating to the SSVP Soup Kitchen, donations can be mailed to: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP), St. Columbkille Conference, P.O. Box 7, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke, ON K8A 6X1, Telephone: 613 732-9058. You may also drop an envelope in your church collection basket addressed to SSVP. Your donation helps to continue the good works of the SSVP Soup Kitchen.