The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.
(Luke 21.5-11)
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
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Guy Desrochers
Evangelization and the Reform of Diocesan Structures (dated November 17, 2022).
Rev. Steven F. Ballard
Please read the following message from Fr. Ballard. Please keep him in your prayers:
“I am grateful to the priests who have reached out, and for the prayerful support of so many of the lay faithful who have been kind, thoughtful and supportive.
For those who may be interested, my new mailing address is:
Fr. Steven F. Ballard
411 Barnet Blvd. Apt. 409
Renfrew, Ontario
K7V 0C8
Following three rounds of treatment, your kind prayers are appreciated as the journey continues. My oncologist, along with all the nurses and the staff of the Cancer Centre at the Ottawa General Hospital have been very kind, professional and supportive. I am grateful for such a vivid display of virtue.”
Ordo Liturgical Calendars for 2022-23
Ordo Liturgical Calendars for 2022-23 are presently available for purchase at the Chancery Office for only $20/copy on a first-come, first-served basis. If interested, please contact Donna Biggs at 613 732-7933 ext. 203 or donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com
FROM THE CCCB
Journey through Advent
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, Auxiliary Bishop of London, Ontario. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2022. (See more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Algonquin Prayer
Kichimìgwech / Kichi-manido / mìnwà / nogoding
Gì wàmdamàng / Kìzhap Kìzis / gì binàbid.
Kichi-mìgwech / gì mìzhyàng / iw sa Bimàdziwin.
Kichi-mìgwech / gì mìzhyang / Nigigòg
Wìdòkwishnàng / dji namàyang / gwayak / Jibmoseyàng.
Kichi-Mìgwech / Kichi-manido / kinagego.
Algonquin Prayer Translation:
Thank you / Creator / for / today
Bringing us / today / a new day.
Thank you / giving us / a good life.
Thank you / giving us / parents
Guide / us on how to / walk / a good path.
Thank you / Creator / for everything.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Divine Renovation – “How to Lead When you’re not in Charge”
An online event for parish leaders, on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 7 p.m. UK (2 p.m. ET). Join Fr. Gary Buckby and Maria Heath, and Divine Renovation’s Matt Regitz and Hannah Vaughan-Spruce for a conversation exploring the ways you can influence, lead, pray, and serve fruitfully in a parish that is not yet oriented to mission. Register today!
Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth (Part 1)
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Pastoral Orientations for Parish Renewal and Growth (Part 1)
The purpose of this article is to present pastoral orientations that contribute to parish development. These pastoral orientations are intended to be helpful to pastors and pastoral councils as they seek to evangelize and renew their parishes.
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, December 14th. See upcoming dates and topics here.
ADVENT
Advent is approaching!
Do you need some resources? A webinar on letting go this Advent? Check out the link catholicfaithformation@loyolapress.com from Loyola Press on Catholic Faith Formation ideas for all ages.
Also, the St. Josemaria Institute has resources for Advent including podcasts, prayers, articles and activities. If you are interested, you can sign up for them here: https://stjosemaria.org/advent-2022/?mc_cid=1cd98b1844&mc_eid=9a6915e3f1
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Ukraine and D&P Campaign Updates
Over one third of Ukraine’s electric power plants have been destroyed in the past month by Russian air strikes. As a result, around 4.5 million Ukrainians have been left without power. Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is supporting this pastoral letter, in which the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada are appealing to Canadians’ renewed generosity so that the people of Ukraine have basic necessities such as heat for their homes this winter. Please share this message widely and encourage the people in your dioceses and networks to make a donation.
Development and Peace also invites you to share this news:
- Development and Peace’s 2022 fall campaign is focused on advocating for strong legislation requiring due diligence by Canadian companies operating abroad. Read more here.
- Did you know Development and Peace is celebrating its 55th anniversary? To mark the occasion, here are two new beautiful videos:
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.
Renfrew County Right to Life
RCRTL meets quarterly to discuss current pro-life issues, and how we can make a change in our community and society. Anyone who shares our goals is welcome to attend our next meeting at St Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien St, Pembroke, on Wednesday, November 30th at 7 p.m.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
14th Annual Men’s Retreat – 2023
Retreat will be given by Fr. Paul Burchat and Scott Eagen from the Madonna House Community in Combermere, from Friday, January 13th to Sunday, January 15th, 2023 at the Graphite Bible Camp (Between Maynooth and Bancroft). This year’s theme: “God the Father: Our Hope and Salvation (“You are With Me” Jn 15:31). Cost: $175.00 for the weekend (includes retreat, room and great meals). For more information, questions, special requests, dietary or financial concerns, please call Pierre-Paul Filion at 613 602-6580 or email ppfilion@yahoo.ca. Reserve now; deposit and registration due by December 20th, 2022.