You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
(John 1.47-51)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for October 2026
For mental health ministry – Let us pray for that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
FROM THE CCCB
Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Trois-Rivières – Tuesday, September 29 2026
(Ottawa)–Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Most Reverend Pierre Goudreault as Bishop of the Diocese of Trois-Rivières, transferring him from the office of Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière. (Read more…)
The Evangelizing Mission of the Church in Canada
Jesus answered [Pilate], “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38) (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Canadians are encouraged to wear orange, attend local community events, and participate in educational programming to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, while remembering the children who never returned home.
ATV Red Dress Rally
Fundraiser in support of the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation at the Madawaska Complex, Major Lake Road, South Algonquin on Saturday, October 3rd. Registration: 8:30am to 10:30am. Cost: $25.00. Wear read to show your support! Contact 613 631-0302 for more information.
Medicines
The information that follows is based on the following books: Animal Speak by Ted Andrews; Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson; and Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook, by Sun Bear, Wabin Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan. Excerpt from the book “Anishnabe 101”, written by Aimee Bailey, with contributions by Annie Parker and others:
Animal Medicines: Every animal has its medicine, and there are many books on the market that can tell us these meanings. Usually, their medicine comes from how they act and what they do. However, their personal significance for us depends on how they have shown up in our lives. For example, if you were considering a career change while driving home from work, and suddenly you came upon a turtle in the middle of the road, then you might want to side with the job that offers you more stability, which is turtle’s medicine. On the other hand, it may be a sign that your present job has become too rigid for your spirit.
Some animals will be mentioned more often than others. Favourites are: Eagle, Coyote, Bear, Buffalo, Wolf, Turtle, and Thunderbird.
Thunderbird was known by Anishnabe as the biggest hawk that ever lived on Earth. It was good and kind with a voice powerful enough to gather councils or to bring rain clouds near. But, it let its ego get out of control and he was turned into Spirit by a lighting bolt. Still, Creator let him be a messenger for the Thunder Beings, and in doing so he learned pleasure from serving others and finding his place in the universe. It teaches us to avoid arrogance and work instead to serve and heal the people.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Emmaus Mornings, for young adults (18–39)
Is your phone a tool or a master? Join us Saturday, October 3rd, from 9am to 1pm at St. James the Less, Eganville, for a Scripture Q&A, adoration and confession, Mass, talks on the phone and the power of silence, and the launch of our book club with C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters. Bring your Bible, a notepad, and a willingness to grow. Come alone or bring a friend. RSVP to family@pembrokediocese.com.
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 17th and Saturday, October 31st, 2026 (Location to be determined). Register online at https://www.jotform.com/yvettebourque/marriageprep. E-transfers of $150/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. Deadline to register is October 15th. For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208. Space is limited. Don’t delay!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) – Registration is open for Pembroke Level 1 and Level 2 CGS at Our Lady of Lourdes Church
This Montessori-based (experiential learning) and child-centered catechetical program offers children a deep engagement with Scripture and the Liturgy, to facilitate the child’s encounter with God, especially Our Lord, the Good Shepherd. The program runs from mid-October to the end of May. Level 1 (ages 3-5) runs Saturday from 10:15am-12:00pm. Level 2 (ages 6-8) on Friday from 4:15-5:45pm. Children new to CGS are welcome into Level 2. Please register at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish office. The cost is $175, plus $150 for each additional child. 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.
PARISH EVENTS
Save the date of Sunday, October 4th
Save the date of Sunday, October 4th for a Mass at 11:00am celebrated by Bishop Brehl at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, LaPasse to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Parish! A festive reception will follow Mass. Help spread the word to those with roots from LaPasse and summer cottagers who may live elsewhere and wish to return for this special occasion!
The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation
St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay will offer the second part of The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation beginning Wednesday, September 30th at 7:00-8:45pm until November 11th, 2026 (7 weeks). There will be a group discussion on assigned Scripture readings for the class, followed by an engaging high production video on the material. For more information, contact Julie Culshaw at 613 756-1136 or email julieculshaw5@gmail.com.
PRO-LIFE
Baby Bump Party
First Step Options will be hosting its Baby Bump Party throughout the month of September to help restock the shelves with much-needed baby essentials for families. Please contact FSO at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com for a list of items or to arrange drop off.
Life Chain – Pembroke
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. 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 1:45pm on Sunday October 4th 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
Rhythms of Hope Fundraising Concert
Featuring Janet Ferreira, Pianist, Curtis & Ester Prins, Romeo Gaudette, The Challengers Trio and New Day at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle on Saturday, October 3rd from 2-3:30pm. Proceeds to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre. For more information, please call FSO at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Divine Mercy Pilgrimage – St. Faustina Feast Day
Join Fr. Marcus Schonnop and Fr. John Ogbaje in Wilno, Ontario on Saturday, October 3rd. Cost: $100 (includes transportation and lunch). To register or for more information please contact Stan and Maria at mhbielec@gmail.com or 613 914-0427.
16th Annual Autumn Pilgrimage to St-Joseph’s Oratory
This year’s pilgrimage will include a special visit after leaving the Oratory to the Shrine of St-Kateri Tekakwitha in Kahnawake, where pilgrims will have the blessed opportunity to pray at the site of her tomb on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Departures available from various locations throughout the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, and Kingston.
For information or reservations, please email Mike Budge at mikebudge2021@gmail.com or call 613 224-8110. Space is limited. Please reserve as soon as possible!
OTHER
Ecumenical Unity Prayer
The Pembroke and Area Clergy Association invites you to its monthly gathering to pray for unity among Christians in the Upper Ottawa Valley and beyond. The next gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th at 7pm at New Life Community Church, 2777 Petawawa Blvd, Petawawa. All are welcome!
Celtic Concert
Celebrate a century with the Grey Sisters and Deirdre Ni Chinnéide, renowned composer, vocalist, and facilitator from the Aran Islands, with guest performances by The Pembroke Community Choir, conducted by Gerald LaRonde, at the Carefor Mackay Centre, Carrera Hall on Thursday, October 15th at 7pm. Cost: $20 per person. Proceeds to support Carefor Renfrew County. To purchase tickets or for more information visit the website at https://carefor.ca/event/celtic-concert-feturing-deirdre-ni-chinneide/.
Pilgrimage to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Pilgrimage to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg with Fr. Francis Ching, CC. April 22 – May 4, 2027. 13 days/11 nights. 3 Marian apparition sites, 1 Eucharistic Miracle site, St. Damien of Molokai, famous relics, Flanders Fields. Price includes all fares, fees, tips, stipends, taxes, & meals except 10 lunches. $7335 per person (double occ) Toronto Departure. Information Meeting Sunday, November 15th 2:00pm at St. Mary’s Parish, Ottawa. For information contact Tour Coordinator Laurie Courchesne-Dooley at 613 732-5739, mobile 613 602-3535 or e-mail lafrcodo@outlook.com.
Pilgrimage with Monsignor Joseph Muldoon
You are invited to join Msgr. Joseph Muldoon on a pilgrimage to Marian Shrines, the Camino and the Pyrenees, from March 31 – April 14, 2027. Msgr. Muldoon will serve as the Spiritual Director. Stops will include Lisbon, Fatima, Porto, Santiago de Compostela, León, Lourdes, Andorra, Barcelona and Montserrat. A meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at 2pm at Holy Cross Parish, 685 Walkley Rd., in the parish hall. For reservations or more information, please contact Dennis Kam, JBC Travel at 613 569-3888 ext. 3 or dennis@jbctravel.ca.
