Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.
(Luke 9.23-26)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At St. Anne Parish, 241 Second Street, Mattawa on Tuesday, October 3rd from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Pastoral Appointment
The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. announces the following pastoral appointment:
Reverend Stephen Helferty is assigned to spend a year of discernment for the possibility of religious life. Father Helferty does this as a priest in good standing with the Diocese of Pembroke and with the support and blessing of Bishop Desrochers, beginning in October 2023.
Mass of Thanksgiving for the Episcopal Ministry of the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. as the Ninth Bishop of Pembroke
Mass of Thanksgiving for the Episcopal Ministry of the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. as the Ninth Bishop of Pembroke will be held at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille, Pembroke, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. A farewell reception will be held in the Cathedral Hall immediately after the Mass. All are welcome for this occasion to wish Archbishop-designate Desrochers well as departs to assume his ministry in the Archdiocese of Moncton.
Installation of Archbishop-Designate Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R, as Archbishop of Moncton, New Brunswick
The Most Rev. Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. will be installed as the Archbishop of Moncton on October 18, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
FROM THE CCCB
Bishops of Canada Gather for 2023 Annual Plenary Assembly – Tuesday, September 19 2023
This week (25-28 September 2023), the Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in King City, Ontario, for its annual meeting, bringing together 79 Bishops to deliberate, discern, and discuss the life of the Church in Canada, including: Next week (25-28 September 2023), the Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in King City, Ontario, for its annual meeting, bringing together 79 Bishops to deliberate, discern, and discuss the life of the Church in Canada, including: (Read more…)
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.
International conference seeks to promote dialogue between Catholic Bishops and Indigenous-Catholic populations – Monday, September 25 2023
Representatives from Catholic Indigenous organizations came together last week with Catholic Bishops from the Episcopal Conferences of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States for the International Conference on Catholic Indigenous Ministry (ICCI). This gathering, held in Washington D.C., was a historic milestone advancing dialogue, learning, and fellowship among pastoral agents working with Indigenous-Catholic communities. (Read more…)
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – 2023 Plenary Assembly – Monday, September 25 2023
Brother Bishops, distinguished guests, and members of the CCCB staff,
I am pleased to present to the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops my report on the activities of the Conference since its last plenary meeting. (Read more…)
DPCC launches an appeal for the crisis in Morocco
The General Secretariat of the CCCB was recently informed that Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC) has launched an appeal in response to the earthquake that struck Morocco on 8 September 2023.
You are invited to consult the DPCC website for further information:
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Prayer for National Truth and Reconciliation Day – September 30, 2023
As we observe this day, let us share this prayer which will be said during the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass this weekend:
Let us prayerfully remember Indigenous People, their ancestors, and the history of residential schools. May we ever be mindful of their dignity and lands which we call our home.
We pray to the Lord.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Various Dimensions of Evangelization
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Evangelization can encompass various dimensions, each serving a unique role in sharing the Gospel. Some of these dimensions include: (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for October 2023
For the Synod – We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level and allow herself t be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
VOCATIONS
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
On October 5th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, Bryson – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt. 9:37-38). 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.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 14th and Saturday, October 28th, 2022 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Deadline to register is October 5th. Registration available online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. registration fee is $100 per couple. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
YOU – Theology of the Body for Teens by Ascension Press
For all teens from age 14 – 19. Come learn what LOVE really is, why we were made male and female, how do we know what the truth is, what is our true value, what does God want to reveal to us about our bodies and so much more. Saturdays October 21st, November 18th, December 9th from 10 a.m. – 3:30 pm. $40 per participant includes student workbook and daily lunch. *Special parent session on October 21st, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Includes lunch. No cost*. Online registration and further details at www.pembrokediocese.com (front page) or register here https://pembrokediocese.com/tobforteens/.
Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
Theology on Tap – PEMBROKE
Join us for Theology on Tap Tuesday, September 26th, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Nelson St. Pub, 207 Nelson Street, Pembroke. Guest speaker: Fr. Ryan Holly. Topic: “From Here to Eternity: End of Life and Praying for the Dead.” (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.
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions – Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Sessions will begin on Wednesday, October 11th from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Centre and run monthly until June. October topic: “Made in the Image of God- it’s time to look at your spiritual life and your own family in a radically new way.” 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 dates are November 8th & December 13th.
Questions? Contact Yvette at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Harvest Festival and Hot Roast Beef Supper
Parish Harvest Festival and Hot Roast Beef Supper on Sunday, October 15th at St. John Chrysostom Parish Hall in Arnprior from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Cost: Adults – $20.00, Age 12 and under $10.00, Age 6 and under Free.
Fr. Dan & Parishioners extend a warm welcome to all.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options 3rd Annual Baby Bump Party
Everyone will have the opportunity to gift items to FSO throughout the month of September, much like a virtual baby shower! For a list of items or more information, please contact Frist Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
Renfrew County Right to Life – Life Chain
Life Chain is a powerful, peaceful street witness and prayer vigil held every year across North America. We stand silently and prayerfully on the sidewalk. Signs provided proclaim, “Adoption the Loving Option,” “Jesus Forgives & Heals,” “Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation,” “Abortion Hurts Women,” and “Life – the First Inalienable Right.”
Bring your whole family! Life Chain goes rain or shine. Lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers are welcome. Meet at the Festival Hall parking lot at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday October 1st to collect your sign and greet fellow pro-lifers. Please join us in standing for life!
Sponsored by Renfrew County Right to Life: www.facebook.com/RCRTL
Ottawa Pro-Life Crash Course
Do you want to learn how to defend innocent pre-born children, and have fruitful conversations about abortion? Join CCBR and Ottawa Against Abortion on October 13-14 for training and hands-on experience doing pro-life outreach in Ottawa. You will learn pro-life strategy and apologetics that will equip you to reach our culture to change minds and save lives. For more information or to apply go to endthekilling.ca/crash-course/.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Marian Pilgrimage
Father Réal Ouellette has the great pleasure and honour of accompanying a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Compostela (Spain), and Fatima and Lisbon (Portugal) from October 25th to November 6th 2023. For more info: https://spiritours.com/en/product/france-spain-portugal-acn/.
Women’s Fall Retreat 2023
14th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat, Saturday, October 21st, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Holy Cross Church, 503 Clothier St., Kemptville, ON. Miriam Wright, a well-known speaker, will encourage us to respond wholeheartedly to the call of Jesus, the Bridegroom: “Arise, My Beloved, Come!” (Song of “Songs 2:10), so that we may come to love as we are loved. Cost ($70) includes three keynote addresses and follow up discussions, plus lunch and snacks. Register at www.womensfallretreat.com.
OTHER
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) – Registration is OPEN for Pembroke Level 1 CGS at Our Lady of Lourdes Church
This Montessori-based (experiential learning) and child-centered catechetical program offers children a deep engagement of Scripture and Liturgy, to facilitate the child’s encounter with the Mystery of God and Our Lord, the Good Shepherd. A Saturday morning session, from 10:15 am – 12:00 pm will run October 28 to the end of May. Open to children ages 3-5 from Pembroke and area. Register before October 20, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Office during regular office hours. Registration is $150/child, plus $100 for any additional sibling.
To learn more about this beautiful program for our young children, visit cgsac.ca (The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada), or contact Maria Reilander st.hedwigs.cgs@gmail.com or 613 756-0528.