Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes.
(Luke 12.35-38)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Diocesan Administrator
Subsequent to the installation of the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. as Archbishop of Moncton this past October 18, 2023, the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Pembroke on October 19, 2023 elected Reverend George Ryan Holly as Diocesan Administrator of Pembroke, as required by Canon Law (c. 421 §1).
Pastoral Appointments
The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., announces the following pastoral assignments:
- Reverend Kenneth O’Brien concludes his pastorship of St. James, Eganville, Our Lady of Nativity, Pikwàkanagàn, and St. Ann’s, Cormac and retires from parish ministry, effective November 7, 2023. We express gratitude to Father O’Brien for his years of service in parish ministry, and we assure him of our prayers as he prepares to celebrate his golden jubilee of ordination in May 2024.
- Reverend Réal Ouellette is assigned temporarily as administrator of St. James, Eganville, Our Lady of Nativity, Pikwàkanagàn, and St. Ann’s, Cormac, effective November 7, 2023 until the appointment of a new pastor.
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 367 Martineau Avenue, Otter Lake, QC on Wednesday, November 8th from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
FROM THE CCCB
Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue in Canada – Monday, October 23, 2023
Ottawa – The Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue in Canada (ARC) has met regularly since 1971. It works closely with the Anglican-Roman Catholic Bishops’ Dialogue (ARC-B), which was established in 1975. Supported by the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the mandate of both Dialogues is to advance ecumenical understanding and cooperation between the two Churches in our country. In recent years, the Anglican contingent on ARC has also added members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) as an expression of the deepening full communion relationship between the ACC and ELCIC. (Read more…)
Appointment of the Most Rev. Thomas Dowd to the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC – Monday, October 23, 2023
His Eminence Kurt Cardinal Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, appointed Bishop Thomas Dowd, Bishop of Sault Ste-Marie, as the Co-Moderator of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC) for a period of 7 years (2023-2030).
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is the broadest among the many organized expressions of the modern ecumenical movement, a movement whose goal is Christian unity.
For more information about the joint working group, you are invited to consult the WCC’s website:
Newsletter “Encounter” (Fall 2023)
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis (English Sector) has released latest issue of its digital newsletter “Encounter”! The goal of the newsletter is to provide dioceses/eparchies and parishes with resources to support faith formation and to promote evangelization.
The Fall 2023 Issue features information about a webinar series, “The Four Constitutions of Vatican II”, which will be offered 7, 14, 21 and 28 November 2023. Simultaneous interpretation will be available for these sessions.
Subscribe here for the newsletter! This issue and past issues can be found on the CCCB website here.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous peoples have the right to redress, by means that can include restitution or, when this is not possible, just, fair and equitable compensation, for the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned or otherwise occupied or used, and which have been confiscated, taken, occupied, used or damaged without their free, prior and informed consent.
- Unless otherwise freely agreed upon by the peoples concerned, compensation shall take the form of lands, territories and resources equal in quality, size and legal status or of monetary compensation or other appropriate redress.
Article 28– United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Sharing the Gospel According to People’s Needs and Receptivity
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
In the diverse landscape of people we meet in our lives, we find a wide range of dispositions towards Christ and the Church. People’s stances on faith can be classified into categories based on their dispositions. Understanding these categories is helpful as we engage in sharing the Gospel. By tailoring approaches and responses to the needs and receptivity levels of each group, we can better announce the Kingdom of God to people from all walks of life, promoting exploration, transformation, and deeper understanding of faith. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On November 2nd, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa. 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.
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? R.C.I.A. might just be for you!
R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 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, may have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith, or may have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for their life’s mission. If any of the above questions 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 in exploring this new quest starting Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
Important Gathering Call to Register
A Faith Formation Day, “I want More: Going Deeper in Faith” is open to all, and will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Most Holy Name of Jesus ANNEX, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guest speakers: Pierre- Alain Giffard, Father Michael Smith, and Greg and Mary Doyle. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please inform us if you have any food allergies. There is no registration fee, but registration is necessary. To register, or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com by November 2, 2023.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions
IMAGE OF GOD monthly MEN & WOMEN Sessions continue Wednesday, November 8th from 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the parish hall and run monthly until June. Topic: “The best decision you will ever make. God promised you this, it’s time to claim it for your family.” 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. Upcoming date: December 13th. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us for Theology on Tap Tuesday, October 24th, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Peter Do. Topic: “Why do Catholics pray the Rosary and wear the scapular?” (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.
Theology on Tap – BARRY’S BAY
The monthly talks will be on hold until there is a suitable location found to hold Theology on Tap in the Barry’ Bay area.
Know any teenagers? Send them to Youth Alpha!
There will be a youth group for grade 7-12 students each Sunday starting Sunday November 5th, 6:30-8 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall. 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. Visit the website: https://jwmccluskey.wixsite.com/our-lady-of-lourdes. Email Jessica McCluskey at jwmccluskey@nrtco.net with any questions.
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:
- October 26 “Collaborative Ministry: Bringing together people, gifts and skills” (Lauren van Vliet MDiv)
- November 23 “Enculturated Evangelization: The Call for Missionary Disciples Today” (Bishop Bryan Bayda CSsR)
TO REGISTER FOR A WORKSHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
D&P Fall Campaign Workshop
Around the world, people who defend the environment, water and land are often threatened, criminalized, imprisoned, or even killed. In our fall action campaign at Development and Peace, we are highlighting our partners in Honduras, which is one of the five most dangerous countries in the world for land defenders.
The communities of Guapinol and the San Pedro sector in northern Honduras face these dangers every day. They have had their lives turned upside down ever since an iron ore mine opened in Carlos Escaleras National Park.
In this workshop we will discuss how we can take solidarity actions in our own communities, and not only support our Honduran partners, but contribute to the global fight for climate justice.
Join us on Zoom 7 p.m. on Thursday October 26th!
Register here!
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.
PRO-LIFE
Celebration of Life Banquet 2023
Come and enjoy a delicious diner catered by Ulrich’s on Thursday, October 26th at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall. Meet & greet at 5 p.m. – Dinner at 6 p.m. Guest speaker: Justina Van Manen. Book signing by local pro-life author Sheryl Ende. Please reserve your seat by mailing your payment of $30 per person ($20 per student) to: RCRTL c/o Holy Name Parish, 284 Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For more information, please call Barb Austen at 613 735-6265.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Mary’s Way of the Cross
With special co-host Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Archdiocese of Moncton on Friday, November 3rd. Hymns 6:50 p.m. – Way of the Cross 7 p.m.
Zoom invite:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85242385627?pwd=ZEFMRmp5bVp2UUlBTC9rUXpFd0JLZz09
Meeting ID: 852 4238 5627
Passcode: 221013
OTHER
A Fall Festival of Music
Please join us at Zion Lutheran Church 454 Miller Street, Pembroke, for organ, piano & flute music on Sunday, November 5th at 2:30 p.m. Admission by freewill offering at the door. Proceeds going to Camp Lutherlyn, St. Joseph’s Food Bank, and the Zion Organ Fund. For more information, please contact Blaine at 343 369-8700.