WEEKLY BULLETIN – October 8, 2024 (Ferial)

A woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Mary has chosen the better part.

(Luke 10.38-42)


FROM THE DIOCESE

Thanksgiving Weekend

The Diocesan Offices will be closed on Monday, October 14th, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 15th at 8:30 a.m.

Mass of Thanksgiving

A Mass of Thanksgiving in honour of the Canonization of Saint Marie-Léonie Paradis will be offered by the Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Monday, November 4 at 12:10 p.m., the 122nd anniversary of Saint Marie-Léonie Paradis’ visit to Pembroke. All are invited to attend.

Homily for the 350th Anniversary of the Founding of the Diocese of Quebec

The homily given at the Cathedral Basilica Notre-Dame de Québec by Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille and Special Envoy of the Holy Father, on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Québec can be read here.


FROM THE CCCB

2024 CCCB Plenary Assembly Meeting – Video Library from Salt+Light Media

October 3, 2024, Ottawa – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) held its annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly, 23-27 September 2024, at the Delta Hotel Mont Saint-Anne in Quebec. (Read more…)

The Archbishop of Toronto elevated to the College of Cardinals

OTTAWA, 6 October, 2024 — Pope Francis announced a Consistory for the creation of 21 new Cardinals from around the world to be held in Vatican City on 8 December 2024 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception). The Most Reverend Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, is among those who will be elevated to the College of Cardinals and will become the 18th Cardinal in the history of the Catholic Church in Canada. (Read more…)

Statement by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President, to the Catholic Faithful in Canada, inviting them to pray and fast for peace – Monday, October 07 2024

During this month of October dedicated to Mary, and especially today on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, at a time when there continues to be so much violence between peoples and nations in the Middle East (and elsewhere), I invite all Catholics in Canada to take up Pope Francis’ invitation to pray and fast for peace. (Read more…)


SYNOD ON SYNODALITY

A Comprehensive Glossary for the 2024 Synod on Synodality

The 2024 Synod on Synodality represents a significant moment in the life of the Church. As bishops and faithful gather, they embark on a journey of communal discernment, seeking to deepen their understanding of synodality—a concept rooted in the Greek word “to meet” or “to walk together.” This synod aims to foster co-responsibility, enhance consensus, and promote accountability within the Church. Let’s delve into key terms and themes shaping this journey. (Read more)


TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Ten Facts on the UN Declaration

  1. International human rights declarations do have diverse legal effects.

Friday Morning Virtual Talking Circle

Brought to you by the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation every Friday at 10 a.m. (except for holidays). A brave space to share what is on our minds and in our hearts. For more information, please visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or email info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.

Wisdom to Wellness

This program is designed to immerse participants into Indigenous cultural teachings and protocols. Through a series of enlightening sessions, individuals will engage with a variety of teachings deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditions. The program focuses on fostering a profound understanding of cultural values, reciprocity to the land, and the significance of Indigenous protocols in various ceremonies and gatherings. These teachings will be integrated into other programs held at Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation. Email us at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com or visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com for more information. Next date: Wednesday, October 9th.

Women’s Circles

Time to connect with other women, supporting one another on our healing journey. Bringing together culture and community. Next Drumming dates: October 10th and October 24th. Visit the website at www.mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com, call 613 281-7969, or email at info@mashkiwiziimanidofoundation.com.


THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM

Every Act of Love is Evangelization

By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work

At the heart of evangelization and the Christian life, there must be one unifying intention: to love and help people. This principle is the essence of Christ’s call to His disciples. To love as Christ loves means to extend ourselves in service, compassion, and mercy, bringing others closer to the truth of the Gospel through our actions and words. The act of helping others is not just a suggestion but a mandate from Christ, who exemplified this in His ministry, and continues to be reiterated by the Church through its teachings. (Read more…)


VOCATIONS

1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations

The November 5th at Ste-Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Témiscaming is CANCELLED.


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 Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or email  dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.

Faith Formation Day

A Faith Formation Day will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Most Holy Name of Jesus in the Parish Annex, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke starting at 9:30 a.m., Mass 10:00 a.m. and the day concluding at 2:00 p.m. This day is open to all. A special visit by Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. Guest speakers will be Father Michael Smith, Vicar General, Pierre- Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work, and Patrick Sullivan, Office of New Media and Evangelization. There is no registration fee, but registration is necessary. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please inform us of any food allergies. Contact Deacon Adrien Chaput to register for the day at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com by October 31, 2024.


MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

“POP THEOLOGY”– PEMBROKE

NEXT event: Tuesday, October 22nd at 7 p.m. at St-Jean Baptiste Parish Hall, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Lukas Časta, Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Living as a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture (Talk will begin at approx. 7:10 p.m.) This event is geared for those age 19 – 49(ish). There will be time for questions, discussion, and socializing. Please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com to be added to a group e-mail list. All are welcome!

Carlo’s Crew Youth Night is back! (A diocesan event)

This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and ALL are welcome. The upcoming dates are Fridays November 1st, January 17th, March 21st and May 2nd from 7 – 9 p.m. at St. James the Less parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others. The four evenings will focus on Virtues and Vices with Bishop Michael Brehl as our speaker on November 1st. The waiver form must be signed either online here or hard copies will be available at the event. One waiver will cover all 4 nights. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!

National Evangelization Team of Canada (NET)

This team of young adults provides Catholic retreats for Schools and parishes both for youth grade 6 and up and families as well. The retreats help youth learn and express their faith through personal testimonies, games, talks, music, short dramas, small group discussions and building relationships with other young people. The NET will be in the diocese of Pembroke from January 14th to 16th and available to book retreats. NOTE: the 14th is already booked. Just the 15th and 16th are available. NET also has Retreat Resources (https://www.netcanada.ca/net-retreat-resources/) for further information about NET and the retreat options. This web page includes a NET Information Package (a link to a PDF document) that helps answer your initial questions concerning a retreat. For further questions contact Yvette Bourque yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or 613 585-6301.

RENEW Toronto for Young Adults (19-39)

This year, on Saturday, November 23rd, 600+ Young Adults aged 19-39 will gather to deepen their Catholic Faith through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, praise & worship, Mass, Confession, Eucharistic Adoration and fellowship. Location: Canada Christian College in Whitby. Theme “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary,” drawing from the Lord’s promise in Isaiah 40:31. For more info. visit: www.renewtoronto.org.  Questions, youth@archtoronto.org

Marriage Preparation Program

The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 5th and Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register is October 1st. Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $100/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.


PRO-LIFE

Vengeance at Vestry

One night only dinner theatre in support of First Step Options at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke on Saturday, November 9th at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Silent auction on site. Tickets: $50. Contact First Step Options for your tickets today at 613 635-7440.


PARISH EVENTS

Youth Alpha is back!

We are thrilled to announce that Our Lady of Lourdes will be hosting Youth Alpha, a dynamic and engaging program designed to explore the big questions of life, faith, and meaning. This is an incredible opportunity for young people grades 6-12 to dive deeper into their faith, connect with others, and grow spiritually in a welcoming and interactive environment. Sundays, starting October 20th, from 6:30-7:45 in the boardroom at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Visit jwmccluskey.wixsite.com/youth-alpha-1 for more information and to register or contact Jessica McCluskey at jwmccluskey@nrtco.net.


OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS

Rosary Coast to Coast 2024

Candlelight Rosary Procession on October 13, 2024 at 8 p.m. EST. Live-stream Location: 3100 Weston Road, Toronto, Ontario (soccer field). Gather with your loved ones wherever you may be, light a candle, or join our online live-stream event at 3100 Weston Road, Toronto, Ontario. Our schedule includes reciting the Rosary, the chaplet of Divine Mercy, consecration to Mary in song, and a reflective session. Please consider becoming a prayer captain and leading your family, friends, and workplace in this vital prayer gathering. Now more than ever, we must pray and implore God’s mercy for our families, nation, and the world.

Zoom Livestream: https://app.zoom.us/

Meeting ID: 3731333108 – Password: Jesus

14th Autumn Pilgrimage – St.-Joseph’s Oratory

On Sunday, October 20, 2024 from the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, St-Jérôme-Mont Laurier, and Kingston. Seats are limited. For information: Mike Budge 613 224-8110 or by email: mikebudge2021@gmail.com

15th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat

Please join us on Saturday, October 26th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic School, 521 Clothier Street West, Kemptville, ON. The presenter is Nancy Steele, a well-known author and motivational speaker. The theme this year is, “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Cost: $50. For more information and to register please visit the website at www.womensfallretreat.com. Deadline to register: October 18th.


OTHER

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College 25th Anniversary Galas

Come and Celebrate the 25th Anniversary and the 4th year degree granting status of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College on Saturday, October 19th, in Barry’s Bay! Dinner, speaker, and dancing. For more information and to register go to: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/event/25th-anniversary-celebrations-presidents-ball-and-deans-dinner/.If you can’t attend and would like to donate to the college for this special occasion, go to: https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/support/.

Grief Support for Pembroke and Area – Hosted by Marianhill

Grief touches family, friends, and caregivers whether professional or volunteer. Join us to find comfort, validation and the knowledge that you are not alone in your time of grief. Meetings are on the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Marianhill 600 Cecelia Street, Pembroke in the Meeting Room. For more information, please contact Pastoral Care at 613 633 4316. Registration not required.

Winter 2025 Classes – Assumption University

Receive a graduate diploma in Catholic Studies (online) at one of Canada’s most historic universities! A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a cumulative average of 70% required. Scholarships available (Deadline to apply: November 29th at noon)! Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Winter 2025 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca. Deadline to apply: January 3rd, 2025.

Piano to Give Away to any Parish

A very well-maintained upright piano is available to any Parish in the Diocese that would be interested. It would be a great asset for many church functions. If interested, please contact Deacon Robert Wilson at maranatha@shaw.ca.

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