WEEKLY BULLETIN – November 21, 2023 (The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

The Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.

(Luke 19.1-10)


FROM THE DIOCESE 

Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration

At Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 33110 Hwy 17 E., Deep River on Friday, December 15th from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Guest speaker: Patrick Sullivan. All are welcome!

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

Synthesis Report from First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to the People of God 

The Participants in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have approved a Letter to the People of God. The text offers reflections and proposals on topics such as the role of women and the laity, the ministry of bishops, priesthood and the diaconate, the importance of the poor and migrants, digital mission, ecumenism, and abuse. (Read more…)


TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Diocesan Action Circle Survey

To better help us serve the needs of parishioners, the Diocesan Action Circle has prepared a short anonymous survey. The answers to the survey questions will direct the work around Reconciliation with Indigenous People in the Diocese. To access the survey, please check the website: https://pembrokediocese.com/article/diocesan-action-circle-survey-2023/, or click the following link: https://forms.gle/LRfMwNTBEmgKQV7w5.Thank you for your participation.

Rights of Indigenous Peoples

  1. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources.
  2. States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources.
  3. States shall provide effective mechanisms for just and fair redress for any such activities, and appropriate measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse environmental, economic, social, cultural or spiritual impact.

Article 32– United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.


THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM

ALPHA for Parents

Join us on a meaningful journey to explore the Christian faith with Alpha for Parents, presented by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in collaboration with the Diocesan Evangelization Team. These sessions welcome parents from all backgrounds to learn about the foundations of the Christian faith. Take the chance to connect, learn, and deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith in a friendly and welcoming environment. For more details or to sign up, visit https://rccdsb.ca/alpha-sessions/. Your faith journey starts here.

The Missionary Transformation of Sant’Eustorgio Parish

By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work

When Don Pigi was first appointed as pastor of Sant’Eustorgio parish (Italy), only 12% of parishioners attended Sunday mass. Don Pigi felt discouraged and trapped in routine, unable to connect meaningfully with his parish community. (Read more…)


VOCATIONS

1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations

On December 7th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. 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

IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions

IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions continue Wednesday, December 13th from 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the parish hall and run monthly until June. Topic: “The looks we give – Reclaiming our eyes for God, our spouse and our kids.” 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 separate discussion for men and women. The purpose is to grow in your own spiritual life, your spousal relationship, and your relationship with your children. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.

Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE

Join us for Theology on Tap on Thursday November 30th, 7-8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Real Ouellette. Topic:” Healing wounds through the “Unbound” ministry. “(Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.). Consider inviting someone who doesn’t attend or rarely attends church. Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.

Ignite Canada is offering NETWORK WORKSHOPS for those working with youth, young adults, and family ministry

Throughout the year, we will be hosting online 2-hour workshops on a variety of topics pertaining to ministry with youth, young adults and family and ministry.  These workshops provide information, skills, and practical elements to enhance the work of staff and volunteers in these ministries.  These workshops take place on Thursday evenings (roughly every second week) from 7-9 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Zoom.  Pre-registration is required.  Simultaneous closed-captioned translation for French and Spanish is available for participants, as well as all major language groups. Registration is completed with payment of $15/workshop. The following schedule of workshops include:

TO REGISTER FOR A WORKSHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE


PRO-LIFE

Renfrew County Right to Life Quarterly Meeting

RCRTL meets quarterly to plan events and discuss current pro-life issues. Anyone who shares our views and goals is welcome to participate in our meetings. Our next meeting is on Tuesday November 28th at 6:30 p.m., at St John’s Lutheran Church, corner of Miller and Doran in Pembroke (357 Miller St). There is ample parking behind the church. Enter through the parking lot glass door and head downstairs to the church hall. For more information on RCRTL, please check our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RCRTL. Hope to see you there!


PARISH EVENTS

Recollection for Women

Recollections are like mini retreats that help you take a break from your busy schedule to think and pray about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. Join us at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Pembroke on November 23rd from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Bring a lunch if you wish to stay and socialize.

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 www.opusdei.org.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Nadia Bagshaw at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613 584-9388.

Christmas Tea at the Mountain

St. Patrick’s Parish, Mount St. Patrick, invites you to their Christmas Tea with sandwiches and savouries, scones and biscuits at the Mountain on Saturday, November 25th at 1 p.m. at the DACA Centre. Tickets $15 adults, $10 children 12 years and under. Bingo, door prizes and photography backdrop to take holiday pictures with friends and family. Please call or text Julie at 613 603-2955 to RSVP.

Christmas Tea and Market

Saturday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall, 11 Mohns Avenue, Petawawa. Tea/coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, crafts, vendors, draws, raffle tickets and more! Market free to attend. Tea tickets – Adults $10, children under 10 $4, Children under 3 are Free! Hosted b Our Lady of Sorrows CWL.

Seat of Wisdom College Choir at St. Alphonsus Parish

The Seat of Wisdom College Choir will be singing at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Alphonsus Parish, Chapeau, QC, on Sunday, December 10th. Come experience the 2nd Sunday of Advent in the beautiful St. Alphonsus Church with the exceptionally talented Seat of Wisdom Choir.


OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS

Mark your calendar – Friday, December 1st!

Mike, Sylvie, Austin and Berthe are inviting you to MARY’S WAY OF THE CROSS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL with our special co-host Aux. Bishop Yvan Mathieu of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81526725320?pwd=YzBSdmsxSWlWRFMrSlJrQnl3Q3J6QT09

Meeting ID: 815 2672 5320

Passcode: 795056


OTHER

The Grind Presents… CNOY2024 Kick-Off Spaghetti Dinner

Please join us on Thursday, November 23rd at 6 p.m. for a spaghetti dinner at Zion Lutheran Church, 454 Miller Street, Pembroke. Tickets: $12 – Youth 10 & under: $5. All proceeds support The Grind and our Coldest Night of the Year 2024 Fundraising Event. Tickets available at The Grind, 273 Victoria St., Pembroke, and must be purchased in advance. Please call 613 732-7423 or visit the website at www.thegrindpembroke.ca for more information.

Pembroke Community Choir Christmas

Travel the globe from Africa to Wales and over a dozen countries with the Pembroke Community Choir as we bring you beautiful music to begin the festive season. We are presenting two “Christmas Around the Worldconcerts at Calvin United Church. A matinee performance will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:30 p.m. and an evening performance on Sunday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance until November 30th, or $20 at the door. Students 13 and under are free. Tickets are on sale now from choir members, Fleurish in Petawawa, the Customer Care office at the Pembroke Mall, or at the door.

Unveiling the Mystery of Icons

Join us for the unveiling of the Galilee Centre Icon Gallery, 398 John St. N., Arnprior on Sunday, December 3rd at 2 p.m. Presented by iconographer Suzanne Massie Manchevsky. Learn about the history and meaning of this ancient sacred art. Cost: Presentation, Wine & Cheese – $40, Presentation, Wine & Cheese + Dinner – $65.  Tickets available online or at the door. Register online at Icon Event Registration – December 3, 2023 (google.com), or call 613 623-4242 ext. 21.


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