When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he.
(John 8.21-30)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Sunday Obligation to be restored effective April 9
Read Most Rev. Guy Desrochers’ decree here.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chrism Mass at St. Columbkille Cathedral
The Chrism Mass will be held at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Tuesday, April 12th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception at Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Donations for Relief Efforts in Ukraine
Here are three links for those who would like to make donations for relief efforts in Ukraine:
- The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
- Malteser International (relief agency of the Order of Malta)
- 2022 DF – Ukraine Regional Assistance (e2rm.com).
The Synod’s Questions
The Synod’s questions can now be answered on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/article/you-can-now-answer-the-synods-questions-online/.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
Band: The Indian Act defines “band” as a body of Indians for whose use and benefit common lands have been set apart. Each band has its own governing band council, usually consisting of a chief and several councillors. The members of the band usually share common values, traditions and practices rooted in their language and ancestral heritage. Today, many bands prefer to be known as First Nations. Capitalize “Band” when it is part of a specific band, such as Osoyoos Indian Band; otherwise, use lowercase.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Parish Evangelizing Cells
One of the greatest discoveries of my 47 years as a priest was Parish Evangelizing Cells with which I have been working for 19 years. It all began in 1983. At that time I was pastor of St. Boniface Parish Pembroke Pines in the Archdiocese of Miami. I was searching for some way to lead a parish into ongoing spiritual growth. My great fear at that time was that we were becoming just “a spiritual filling station” surviving from Sunday to Sunday. Parishioners were crying out for spiritual growth, Bible study, and a deeper knowledge of their Catholic faith. I had a gut feeling that the answer lay in small groups but did not have “the know-how” to establish them. (Read more….)
FROM THE CCCB
Canada’s Catholic Bishops Welcome Pope Francis’ Apology to Indigenous Peoples – Friday, April 01, 2022
April 1st marked the conclusion of the Indigenous delegation to the Holy See, culminating with an historic apology from Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Steubenville Toronto Youth Conference is back on!! July 15 – 17th, Whitby, Ontario
Any youth entering grade 9-12 in September 2022 and anyone graduating grade 12 this June are welcome to participate in this conference. The venue has changed to the Canada Christian College in Whitby, and therefore accommodation is not included, as there is no residence at the College. This venue, however, is located right along the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario with plenty of green space, and has a very large conference room with regular seating. No more bleachers!
Fees for this year are $350 per person and includes conference fee, accommodation at a nearby hotel for two nights, all meals from dinner on Friday night to breakfast Sunday morning, bus transportation and group T-Shirt. 20 spaces for youth are available on a first come, first served basis. Chaperones will be provided. To register or for questions, contact Yvette Bourque at 613 585–6301, or yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. Deadline to register is May 27th. To find out more about the conference go to www.steubenvilletoronto.com.
This year’s conference is more expensive than in the past and this may be hard for some families. You are encouraged to approach your Pastor about fundraising, or if you have friends or family close to Whitby that can accommodate you, and you can drive your own group to the Conference and back, it will be cheaper. If you are interested in organizing a group and you need some assistance, please contact Yvette for details.
PRO-LIFE
Renfrew County Right to Life Grade 12 Essay Contest
Renfrew County Right to Life is delighted to announce their third Essay Contest, open to all grade 12 students residing in Renfrew County. This year’s theme is The Ethics of In-Vitro Fertilization. The winner receives $300. All essays must be received by June 1, 2022. For more details, visit facebook.com/RCRTL.
Sympathy and Prayers – First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre
First Step Options is saddened to share that Rev. Dean Detlefsen, an especially important person to FSO, has passed away.
Rev. Dean was instrumental in gathering like-minded individuals who recognized the need for pregnancy care services in Renfrew County. Under his guidance and initial work, he helped form the objectives of the organization, the mission statement and began the paperwork for incorporation. He served on the board of directors, and was always involved in fundraising for the Centre. His tireless efforts and passion for supporting both the woman and child have resulted in over 800 clients receiving help, hope and support.
FSO would like to thank Rev. Dean for the many lives that have been touched so far, and many more that will be supported in the future.
Condolences to his wife Shirley and family at this time of great loss. https://mdbfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/6555/Rev-Deane-E-Detlefsen/obituary.html#tribute-start.
PARISH EVENTS
Latin Mass in Brudenell
Beginning on April 10, 2022, the Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 will be celebrated every Sunday at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Brudenell. If you require any further information, please contact Father Mitchell Beachey at 613 584-3305
Latin Mass
A Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 is offered at St. Columbkille Cathedral at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. English translations of the entire Mass are provided. Next Latin Mass – May 7th.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Renewal Ministries’ Annual Gathering – April 22-23, 2022 | Eagle Crest Marriott | Ypsilanti, MI
Join us for The Gathering, Renewal Ministries’ annual conference, Friday evening, April 22nd from 7-9:30 p.m. (ET), and Saturday, April 23rd from 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (ET). Our time together will include inspiring talks by Ralph Martin, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Jonathan Reyes, as well as praise and worship, time for Mass and Adoration, encouraging fellowship, and more! Registration for on-line participation (free): https://www.renewalministries.net/the-gathering-virtual-registration-form-page/.