I know who you are – the Holy One of God!
(Luke 4.31-37)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chancery Office Hours
Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, the Diocesan Offices will resume normal hours from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
A healing service will be offered at St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish on Thursday, September 11th at 7:00pm. Guest speaker will be Deacon Adrien Chaput. Musical accompaniment for the service will be provided. See posters at the church entrances for further information. All are welcome!
What is a Healing Service? A healing service is a time of prayer for those suffering any physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional challenges. The prayer can also be offered on behalf of others who are going through a time of challenge but who cannot personally attend the service. Father John Burchat will give an individual blessing with the Blessed Sacrament while you remain in your pew. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available and there will be people available to pray individually with you for your intentions or the intentions of your loved ones following the service.
What a Healing Service is Not. A healing service is not a mass. It is a prayer service which features a time of Eucharistic blessing and individual prayer.
The churches of the Diocese of Pembroke
Here is a slideshow of drone videos of all our churches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3nRnwJ_c00. Videos recorded in the summer of 2025, by Father Réal Ouellette and Mackenzie Donohue (MRD Aerial Solutions). Enjoy the view!
Two Members from the Diocese of Pembroke to Receive the Benemerenti Medal
The Holy Father has bestowed the Benemerenti Medal upon two members of the Diocese of Pembroke: Sister Joan Cronin, GSIC and Mr. Mel Ready. The Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. will convey the Benemerenti Medal during the celebration of Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Pembroke, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 4:30pm. An opportunity to greet the recipients will follow the Mass. All are welcome.
FROM THE CCCB
A Call to Care for Our Common Home
Ottawa, 1 September 2025 – In his newly released message marking the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (celebrated annually on 1 September), Pope Leo XIV calls on the faithful to become “seeds of peace and hope” in a world marked by division and fragility.
Drawing upon the biblical image of the seed, the Pope compares Jesus to a grain of wheat “that must die in order to bear fruit” (cf. John 12:24), underscoring how life emerges unexpectedly from apparent endings—just as seeds sprout through concrete and barren soil. He urges: “In Christ, we too are ‘seeds of peace and hope,’” envisioning a renewed creation in which justice and peace flourish.
The Holy Father invites the faithful to take part in this day, which falls within the Jubilee Year of Hope. It offers a privileged opportunity for renewal, peace, and solidarity.
Read the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s message on the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation: Message of the Holy Father on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation [1 September 2025] (30 June 2025)
Appointment of His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, as Member of the Dicastery for the Clergy – Thursday, August 28 2025
The Holy See Press Office announced that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, as a member of the Dicastery for the Clergy.
This appointment is part of a wider announcement in which Pope Leo XIV named a total of 22 new members and 12 new consultors to the Dicastery. The full text of the Holy See’s press release is available here (in Italian only): Rinunce e nomine
The Vatican website explains the role of the Dicastery for Clergy as follows:
“The Dicastery for the Clergy deals with all matters relating to priests and deacons of the diocesan clergy, with regard to their persons and pastoral ministry, and everything needed for the fruitful exercise of the latter. In these matters, it provides suitable assistance to the Bishops. The Dicastery is responsible for promoting all that concerns the training of future clerics by issuing appropriate norms, such as the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis and the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Diaconorum Permanentium, as well as other documents regarding ongoing formation.”
CCCB President Expresses Solidarity After Minneapolis Tragedy – Thursday, August 28, 2025
The President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, sent a letter to the Most Revered Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, to express the profound closeness of the Church in Canada to the grieving students, families, teachers, and parishioners of Annunciation Parish and School, as well as to all the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, following yesterday’s tragic mass shooting, which claimed the lives of two children and injured many others.
It is especially heartbreaking that children, their pastor, and teachers were targeted as they gathered joyfully for the new school year for the celebration of the Eucharist.
The faithful in Canada are asked to pray for the eternal repose of the two children who lost their lives, for the recovery of the injured, and for the comfort and healing for the entire community affected by this senseless act of violence.
In these painful moments, may Christ, who never abandons the suffering, bring peace and strength to all those affected by this tragedy.
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for September 2025
For our relationship with all creation – We pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
THE SYNOD
The multi-year timeline and key milestones for the Catholic Church’s Synodal Process from 2021 to 2028
A PDF that details the phases of consultation, discernment, and implementation, including major assemblies, evaluations, and events at local, national, continental, and international levels: https://pembrokediocese.com/wp-content/uploads/ENG-Timeline-2025-2028.pdf.
JUBILEE 2025
Jubilee Day of Pilgrimage, Holy Name of Mary Church, Quyon
On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Roman Catholic Church in Quyon will open its doors at 8:00am.
- 8:30am – 12:00 noon: Adoration and Confession
- 2:00pm: Church reopens
- 2:30pm – 3:30pm: Adoration
- 4:00pm: Mass
15th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Brother André
Autumn pilgrimage to St. Joseph Oratory in this Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from the Archdioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Kingston and Gatineau, and the Dioceses of Pembroke, St-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. Contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or Liane Ladouceur at 819 661-9426 for more information.
Jubilee 2025 Calendar of Major Events
Jubilee 2025
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
From the CCCB Website – Roman Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue Proposes Path to Building Relationships Towards Indigenous Reconciliation
Ottawa, August 26, 2025 – A new article from the Dialogue co-sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada explores how their respective communities have historically engaged with Indigenous believers—First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
Entitled Roman Catholic–Evangelical Dialogue Proposes Path to Building Relationships Towards Indigenous Reconciliation, the document is the fruit of three years of mutual learning and reflection. The faithful are invited to share and promote the article in whatever ways they deem appropriate.
The full text can be accessed through this link.
EVANGELIZATION
Free Webinar – Revive and Thrive: Fostering Parish Renewal
Novalis cordially invites you to a webinar that will be featuring Dr. Pierre-Alain Giffard, on Friday, September 12th at 10:30am EST. Hear about his book on revitalizing the parish, Revive & Thrive – en-novalis.
Check out Novalis’ Facebook event page: WEBINAR | Revive & Thrive: Fostering Parish Renewal | Facebook for more information.
Evangelization as an Act of Compassion
By Pierre-Alain Giffard
“Evangelization represents the highest form of compassion one can show to another human being”. This claim may seem exaggerated or difficult to embrace, yet it holds true. (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
September 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Deep River. 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.
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Supper
Buffet meal at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Bancroft on Sunday, September 7th from 11:30am – 6:00pm. Silent auction, raffle tickets, and take-out available! Cost: $20/adult – $6/Children 12 yrs. & under.
St. Alphonsus’ Parish Supper
Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, homemade baked beans, pies, and more on Sunday, September 21st from 12 noon – 6pm at the Harrington Community Centre, 52 Pembroke Rd., Chapeau. Take-out available. Cost: $25/adult – $10/children 7 and older – Children 6 and under: free!
St. Patrick Parish Supper
St. Patrick Parish Supper at Mount St. Patrick will take place on Sunday, September 28th from 1 – 6pm featuring a delicious meal of ham, potatoes, coleslaw, beans, dessert and beverages of your choice for $20.00/adult and 12 years of age and under, $12.00. There will be a raffle, a bake sale tent at DACA, and White Elephant tables and religious articles at St Patrick parish hall. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon. All are welcome!
PRO-LIFE
RCRTL Meeting
Renfrew County Right to Life meets three times a year to plan events and discuss current pro-life issues. Anyone who shares our views and goals is welcome to participate in our meetings. Next meeting: Thursday September 4th at 7pm, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien St., Pembroke. Bring a friend! Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RCRTL.
Pizza With a Purpose Day!
First Step Options and Domino’s Pizza in Pembroke and Petawawa are once again coming together to build and support stronger communities for those facing pregnancy and parent-related challenges on Wednesday, September 24th. Order a 1 topping pizza for $11.99 using the code word “1STSTEP” and Domino’s will contribute $5.00 for each pizza to First Step Options. Savour the slice and support the cause!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Canonization of Carlo Acutis & Pier Giorgio Frassati: Witness History via EWTN!
Join Catholics worldwide in celebrating the Canonization of Carlo Acutis and Giorgio Frassati! Watch the Canonization Mass on September 7, 2025 at 3:00am ET or the replay at 6:00pm ET on the EWTN App or at https://www.ewtn.com/. Let their witness inspire us to use our gifts for Christ’s Kingdom.
16th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
At St. Michael Catholic High School, Kemptville, on Saturday, October 4th from 9am – 3:30pm. Theme: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Keynote speaker: Angèle Regnier. Visit www.womensfallretreat.com to register.
Women’s Discernment Weekend
At the monastery of Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-Montagnes on October 17-19, 2025. Limited space available – registrations will be at a first-come first served basis. The cost is $150 for the weekend. Please contact Mary-Kate Long at marykatelong210@gmail.com for more information.
To register: https://forms.gle/8bvDCtsPqAKZNkkTA.
OTHER
Livestreamed Deliverance Session
Monsignor Rossetti will lead the next livestreamed deliverance session on Monday, September 8th from 7:00-8:00pm Eastern Time. Rosary starts at: 6:30pm. To register for this private YouTube experience: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/. To view the recording of last month’s session, go to: https://www.youtube.com/live/uMNz04ytD0E.
Kendyl Smith-Trimm Caring for Kids CHEO Fundraiser
Join us for an evening of fun at the Upper Pontiac Sports Complex in Chapeau, QC on Saturday, September 13th from 8:00pm to 1:00am. Our 2nd Annual CHEO Fundraiser in Support of our Childhood Cancer Little Warriors. Evening Includes: Guest Speaker Jolan Wong (Childhood Cancer Survivor and Paralympian), The Magic of Steven Anthony, Live Music by Rewd & Midlife Krisis, Late Lunch, 50/50 draw, raffles and door prize. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling or texting Sandra at 613 633-7634 or Cheryl at 613 602-2140.
Stillpoint House of Prayer presents “The Potter’s Hand – Day Retreat”
Come and enjoy a day with Clarissa Boyce to read scripture, partake in quiet reflections and discover how God, the Creator, designed us in His own image on Saturday, September 13th. Cost: $95 per person including lunch and break. To register or for more information please contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
Celebrating Galilee Centre’s 50th Anniversary
2025 marks a momentous milestone for Galilee Centre! We invite our friends, volunteers, participants, and supporters to celebrate this milestone with us.
- Official Opening of Martha’s Place – Celebrating the legacy at Galilee Centre of the Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish – September 19th from noon-2pm. Luncheon 12-1pm, Opening ceremony at 1:15pm. Limited luncheon tickets available at $25, reservations required at website below.
- 50th Anniversary Mass and Reception at St. John Chrysostom Church in Arnprior – Saturday, September 20th at 11am. Most Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke presiding. Reception to follow in the church hall.
Register for any or all events by visiting https://www.galileecentre.com/50thanniversary.
Stillpoint House of Prayer – “Cup of Light!”
Cup of Light! Is a powerful spiritual journey towards Divine Light happening September 19th-21st. Come and spend time with Karen Lahaise, writer and musician, and explore this inspirational book through discussion and art. Cost: $300 per person, including meals, room and art materials (book may be purchased for a nominal fee). To register or for more information please contact Corrien at inquiries@stillpoint.ca or call 613 432-2791.
Pilgrimage of Peace to Medjugorje
From September 30th to October 10th, 2025. Price: $3,125.00 (includes taxes, air fare, room & board, side trips and gratuities). Deadline to register: September 9th. To register or for more information, contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655, email blackfishbay@bell.net or Lois Losole at 613 318-4756, email lelosole@gmail.com.
Pembroke Community Choir Registration
Do you like to sing? The Pembroke Community Choir invites you on September 8th as they begin rehearsals for “Magnificat“. Regular practices are from 7-9pm every Monday, at Wesley Community Church, 210 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Concerts will take place on November 29th & 30th. There are no auditions, but the ability to read music is helpful; some homework is expected. Visit www.pembrokecommunitychoir.org for more info about the choir, the registration process, and fees.