The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.
(Luke 21.5-11)
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
Bishops Release “Template for Pastors on the Evangelization of Young People in Canada Today: Praedica Verbum” – Sunday, November 26, 2023
This template, titled Praedica Verbum (“Preach the Word”) and developed by the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine, is intended as a resource for pastors, officially mandated pastoral agents, and others in the Church who work with young people. Focusing on what the Church calls “the initial proclamation of the Gospel,” it is intended to provide helpful information on the how and what of evangelization. The template was developed following consultations with numerous Catholic organizations in Canada engaged in the evangelization of young people. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for December 2023
For persons with disabilities – We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions ma offer inclusive programmes which value their active participation.
ADVENT
Journey Through Advent – A Video Series to Introduce and Reflect on the Season – Monday, November 27, 2023
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announces the 2023 series of online weekly videos for the liturgical season of Advent. These videos are intended to help the faithful prepare for the celebration of the birth of Our Lord on December 25th, by offering resources and faith formation. Entitled Journey through Advent, the videos are a joint initiative of the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie. (Read more…)
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.
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
- Indigenous peoples have the right to determine their own identity or membership in accordance with their customs and traditions. This does not impair the right of indigenous individuals to obtain citizenship of the States in which they live.
- Indigenous peoples have the right to determine the structures and to select the membership of their institutions in accordance with their own procedures.
Article 33– 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.
Divine Encounters: A Practical Guide for Small Evangelization Groups (PDF)
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
This booklet serves as a guide for people who desire launching a small evangelization group. It offers practical steps and insights, enabling them to evangelize effectively and bring about life-changing transformations in the lives of those they welcome in the group. As dioceses and parishes from around the world embark in the new evangelization, small evangelizing groups become essential catalysts in bringing people to Christ and revitalizing our faith communities. By forming small evangelizing groups, we create spaces where the unchurched can be invited to explore the Gospel, realize the extent of God’s love for them, and seize the chance to become friends and disciples of Christ. (Click to download the booklet)
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
Know any teenagers? Send them to Youth Alpha!
There is a youth group for grade 7-12 students on Sundays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke. This Youth Alpha program will provide a space to ask and explore some of life’s biggest questions. Please visit the following website for more info and to register. There is no cost, and it is open to all youth. https://jwmccluskey.wixsite.com/our-lady-of-lourdes Email Jessica McCluskey at jwmccluskey@nrtco.net with any questions.
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.
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!
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Development & Peace – Stand for the Land
In solidarity with the defenders of Guapinol and the San Pedro sector in Honduras, Development and Peace are seeking to collect 32,000 signatures on a letter to the Honduran ambassador to Canada by February 25, 2024. A Development and Peace-Caritas Canada delegation will meet the ambassador and hand her the letter during the spring of 2024.
Act now! Sign the letter digitally at this link: https://devp.org/en/campaign/stand-for-the-land/act/.
PARISH EVENTS
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.
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
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 World” concerts 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.