Command me to come to you on the water.
(Matthew 14.22-36)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Liturgical Information
By Rev. Mitchell Beachey
August 9th – Dedication of St. Columbkille Cathedral. This day is celebrated as a Solemnity in the Cathedral itself and as a proper feast in all parishes in the Diocese. Mass to be used is “Dedication of a Church outside of the Church.”
Summer Office Hours
The Diocesan Offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and will close at noon every Friday from July 5th to September 3rd inclusively.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Evangelizing with Power
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
As the Diocese of Pembroke embarks on the new evangelization, there is an important aspect of the mission that should not be forgotten. Jesus sent his disciples to proclaim the Good News and to heal the sick: When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:8-9). A careful reading of the Gospels shows that healing the sick and proclaiming the Gospel always go together. They are never separate. This is what some call power evangelism.
Human beings need divine signs to believe (1John 2:11, 23; CCC 542) and to see their sufferings relieved. Jesus never denied healing to those who asked for it. When we see God at work, we realize that Jesus is alive and the healings we receive attest to his mercy.
Research on churches shows that “while there are some cases of dramatic church growth without power evangelism, and while there are some cases of power evangelism with very little church growth, across the board power evangelism is clearly resulting in the most vigorous church growth”. (C. Peter Wagner in Church Growth: State of the Art)
The apostle Paul said: “My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (I Corinthians 2:4). God wants to demonstrate his sovereignty and confirm the proclamation of the Gospel with signs and wonders. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), what he did for Paul, he will do for us for His glory and the salvation of humanity.
Let us aspire to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5, 18), and allow Him to have control over what we do and what we speak. Thus, we will be able to see His power at work. Let us pray for the sick, and with them, ask God for their healing in Jesus’ name (John 16:23). People will come to know the Risen One and his grace as we learn to collaborate with the Holy Spirit. The next time you want to let people know about God’s love, simply ask them if you can pray with them, for their needs, and see the impossible happen before your eyes!
FROM THE CCCB
Life and Family Suggestions for Homilies and Prayers of the Faithful During August 2021 – Tuesday, July 27, 2021
As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease across the country and churches gradually welcome parishioners back in person, the Sunday liturgy offers nourishment for prayer and reflection during the whole week – whether we are meditating on the readings, praying together with our families or participating at Mass within our faith communities.
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 August 2021 include suggestions from the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1 August, to the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 29 August 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 August are available on the special Family and Life webpage, under the section “Suggestions for Homilies & Prayers of the Faithful”.
Background for Catholics – Residential Schools
The document entitled “Background for Catholics – Residential Schools,” prepared by the Archdiocese of Toronto, can be read here.
FAITH FORMATION
Message from Deacon Adrien
I know this has been a difficult year with the COVID-19 Pandemic and with the lockdown restrictions. I know it made it difficult for Sacramental Preparation. I know I helped some of you get connected with on line Sacramental Preparation and at home preparation with parents. As we look ahead I want you to know that I am here to assist you with Sacramental Preparations. Please contact me at 613 732-7933 ext. 206, or at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry
Summer activities this year will include outdoor adventures to Oiseaux Rock on the Ottawa River and High Falls in Algonquin Park. For dates and details contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or 613 585-6301.
PRO-LIFE
The Big Give – Upcoming Event Hosted by Pine Ridge Church
The Big Give is now scheduled for August 14th from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. This event promotes First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre, and monies will go to support their clients. COVID protocols will be followed. For more information, please call 613 635-7440.
Campaign Life Coalition Presents – “Life Chain”
Life Chain is a peaceful pro-life witness that takes place annually across North America. This year’s local Life Chain will be held in Pembroke at the corner of Christie Street and Pembroke St. West on Sunday, October 3rd from 2-3 p.m. COVID-19 protocols will be followed. For a complete list of Life Chains across Canada, please visit the Campaign Life Coalition website at https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/life-chain.
PARISH EVENTS
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. This is basically the same form of the Liturgy which nourished the faith of many Catholics for centuries. English translations of the entire Mass are provided. Next Latin Mass – August 7th.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholics Come Home
This is an excellent website for Catholics who are struggling with their faith to help search out answers. Check it out at https://www.catholicscomehome.org/!
The Ark and the Dove – “Power from on High Today”
On-line webinar Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., August 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. This 4-week webinar by Al and Patti Mansfield will equip you with teaching about POWER FROM ON-HIGH. There will be prayer at the end of each of the 4 sessions. Sessions include: 1. Fall in love with Jesus Christ and grow strong in faith – 2. Learn how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit can deepen your hope and love – 3. Be more than conquerors in spiritual warfare – 4. Discover how Mary can help YouTube a disciple and evangelize. Register today ($25USD) at: thearkandthedoveworldwide.org.
52nd International Eucharistic Congress – 5-12 Sept. 2021
You are invited to attend this very special event of the Catholic Church in Budapest, Hungary. The Congress will include a full program of events including daily Mass, testimonies, catechesis by various Cardinals, workshops, youth evening, Festival of Families, Eucharistic candlelight procession and closing Mass with Pope Francis. For complete program details and list of all speakers go to www.iec2020.hu/en/program.