Mary Magdalene announced to the disciples: “I have seen the Lord”; she told them that Jesus had said these things to her.
(John 20.11-18)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
A passage that leads to a new life.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We have had many passages in our lives: the passage from childhood to adolescence, and then to adulthood. Passing exams. From a single life to a married life or a religious life. The passage from an active life to retirement. Then, at the end of our earthly life, death will mark our passage to eternal life.
Since the great celebration of the Easter Vigil, and especially during the Easter Octave, we celebrate an essential passage into an essential rebirth. To celebrate the resurrection of Christ is to pass with him from death to life, from the land of bondage to liberation and salvation, from slavery to freedom. To be a Christian, brothers and sisters, means that we are freed from many things that we have unnecessarily bound ourselves to. To be a Christian means to be free in all circumstances: free from the trappings of money and the desire to dominate or control everything; free to refuse corruption; free to oppose injustice; free to say no to lies; free to love; free to correct those who are in error; free to reproach, but always with charity, of course. The Christian is free from all alienation. Through our baptism, we are resurrected with Christ. With him we have entered into a new life and nothing can separate us from his love. That is why we can now sing victory! Especially during this octave of Easter.
Sincerely yours in the risen Christ,
+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE DIOCESE
Grey Zone
Premier Doug Ford announced that, starting Saturday, April 3rd, the entire province of Ontario is in the grey zone. For places of worship, this signifies that we can fill each room in the church building to 15% of its capacity. For more details, please consult Google and type “Doug Ford news conference”.
Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers C.Ss.R. announces the following appointments:
- Reverend Timothy Moyle has been appointed Pastor of Sainte-Anne Parish, Mattawa. This appointment is effective May 1, 2021.
- Reverend Scott Murray has been appointed Pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish, Chapeau; St Paul the Hermit Parish, Sheenboro; and St Joseph Parish, St Joseph. This appointment is effective May 1, 2021.
After a period of consultation among the priests in the Diocese, the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers C.Ss.R. announces the following appointments to the office of Dean:
- Reverend Mitchell Beachey as Dean of the Pembroke Deanery
- Reverend Kerry Brennan as Dean of the Renfrew Deanery
- Reverend Patrick Dobec as Dean of the Barry’s Bay Deanery
- Reverend Michael Goring as Dean of the Pontiac Deanery
- Reverend Cyril Okebanama, S.M.M.M., as Dean of the Mattawa Deanery
All Deans are appointed for a term of three years as of March 27, 2021.
Sincere thanks to all who accepted a new appointment.
Celebrating the Year of Saint Joseph
Resources to commemorate the year of St. Joseph can be found here.
FROM THE CCCB
Life and Family Suggestions for Homilies and Prayers of the Faithful During April 2021 – Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Even during a time of social isolation because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Sunday liturgy continues to offer nourishment for prayer and reflection during the whole week – whether we are meditating on the readings, or participating in a television broadcast of the Mass and making a spiritual Communion.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) continues to post possible homily ideas and prayers of the faithful to help link the Sunday liturgy with the national pastoral initiative for life and family. The proposed texts for the month of April 2021 include suggestions from the Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday), 1 April, to the 4th Sunday in Easter, 25 April 2021. As usual, the suggestions for homilies and prayers can be easily adapted for family prayer, as well as for personal prayer or for use with other groups or organizations. The texts for the month of April are available on the special Family and Life webpage, under the section “Suggestions for Homilies & Prayers of the Faithful”.
2021 Easter Message
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!”
There is something unique about the Easter Liturgies, and that is, the reality of movement – not just activity, but a joyful movement of going forth – the Church that goes forth! (Read more…)
COVID-19
Anxiety is not a Choice – How You Live Your Life Is
(Psychological and Spiritual Reflections on Coping with the Pandemic and Other Big Stressors) by Dr. Len Gignac, Psychologist
The idea that anxiety and even fear is not a choice may be, at first, startling. The fear of contracting COVID-19 certainly triggered a lot of this discomfort, and people have had to make some difficult choices about how to deal with it all. Like it or not, the truth is that pain and suffering are part of life. Mental suffering like fear/anxiety are also experienced in varying degrees at different times. It is important to distinguish between normal fear/anxiety and that which threaten our threshold of tolerance and begins to run our lives. (Read more…)
Clarification CCCB Note on Ethical Concerns Related to Currently Approved COVID-19 Vaccines in Canada (2021)
PDF statement can be read here.
FAITH FORMATION
Divine Mercy Sunday
Come and join us as we Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 11, 2021, from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke. With Adoration, Hymns and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, as we pray for God’s Mercy upon the Whole world. Our Guest speaker is Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. For more information please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at (613) 732-7933 ext.206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
NET Canada
NET Canada is searching for the next generation of Catholic missionaries. Do you have what it takes to join them? Request an application, fill it out, and send it in to register for the next virtual come and see retreat (April 10th or May 1st) to learn more about NET and how you can grow in your faith and change the lives of youth in Canada. Go to netcanada.ca/apply to start your journey!
PARISH EVENTS
Holy Mass – Extraordinary Form
Holy Masses in the extraordinary form are offered at St. Columbkille Cathedral on the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. These Latin Masses are in the form of the Liturgy as it was celebrated at the time of the Second Vatican Council—the same form which nourished the faith of many of our ancestors. English translations of the entire Mass are provided. Note: The next Latin Mass will take place the second Saturday of April (April 10th), given that April 3rd is Holy Saturday.
PRO-LIFE
Campaign Life Coalition – Bill C-233
In February of 2020 Ms. Cathay Wagantall, the pro-life Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, Saskatchewan, introduced Bill C-233, called the “Sex Selective Abortion Act.” This Bill is being introduced to help protect many preborn baby girls from being aborted. They are finally getting close to a vote on this life-saving Bill! In advance of a Second Reading vote, which could take place any day now, you are encourage to sign an official House of Commons E-Petition before the deadline of April 10th. NO CHILD should suffer the cruel fate of abortion. But there is a particular horror in knowing that many Canadian children are targeted for killing just because they are girls.
It’s quick, easy, and secure. Please share with family and friends. This E-Petition will be officially presented in Parliament and could help exert considerable pressure on MPs.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Galilee Centre Presents – Ron Rolheiser Retreat
Featuring Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, April 16-18, 2021. For details, please follow this link: Ron Rolheiser Retreat – Galilee Centre.
Bootcamp for the Laity – ” The Role of Laity in the Church”
A virtual conference presented by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario (C.C.R.S.O.) with Bishop Scott McCaig and Fr. Ben St. Croix on Friday, May 21st and Saturday, May 22nd. To register or for more information go to https://www.ccrso.net/copy-of-conference-rsvp.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Board Chaplaincy Leader – Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is in search of a Board Chaplaincy Leader. Deadline to apply is April 23, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. For a full description and qualifications, please contact NPSCSB at careers@npsc.ca or visit the website at https://www.npsc.ca/employment.
Executive Director – Galilee Mission Centre
Galilee Mission Centre of Arnprior Ontario is seeking a new Executive Director who will be responsible for the administration and promotion of Galilee Centre as an inclusive Spiritual Life Centre to the broader community. Working with a staff of full and part-time employees and a network of volunteers, the Executive Director plans, oversees and promotes programs and services that respond to the broader community needs. They will be responsible for overall management and organization of the Centre’s operations and implementation of Board of Directors’ decisions. For more information on this full time job opportunity and how to apply, please click here: www.galileecentre.com.
Diocese of Whitehorse – Position for Catholic School Principal
Vanier Catholic Secondary School, located within the Diocese of Whitehorse, is in search for a full-time principal: https://network.applytoeducation.com/Applicant/AttJobPosting.aspx?JOB_POSTING_ID=fbce6827-7ab8-49af-9d56-9bad6eec499b. Kindly note that the deadline to apply is 11 April 2021 at 11:30 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time).
Development Officer / Peterborough Campus Ministry
Peterborough Campus Ministry is seeking an experienced Development Officer for a full-time (35 hours) two-year contract as soon as possible. For specifics on responsibilities, qualifications, employment details, or to submit an application, please contact Fr. John Perdue, Director of Peterborough Campus Ministry at 705 874-1871 or email at vocations@peterboroughdiocese.org.
Holy Name Parish Office Assistant Needed
The current Holy Name Parish Office secretary, Suzanne Sheridan, has been waiting for some time for full knee-replacement surgery. The first knee surgery has now been scheduled for Monday, May 3rd in Pembroke. As a result, the Holy Name Parish Office will require a replacement secretary during Suzanne’s recovery period, which to our knowledge could be a minimum of approximately six (6) weeks. This will be confirmed at a later date. If anyone is interested in filling in during this time, or have any questions, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible at 613 732-3355 or holynamepembroke@outlook.com. A training/familiarization period prior to May 3rd will also be required. Thank you for your support.
OTHER
Patricias Place Catholic Gift Shop
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