Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
(Mark 12.13-17)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
The Presence of the Eucharist in the History of Salvation
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today I wish to share with you a short reflection on the presence of the Eucharist in the history of salvation. As many of you are aware, there are many Eucharistic symbols in the Old Testament. They prefigure the coming of Christ and the future institution of the Eucharist. But before we talk about these symbols, there are two important principles that we need to establish before we proceed. It will help us understand the central place and role of the Eucharist in God’s mysterious plan to save mankind.
The first principle: the history of salvation is totally included in the Eucharist. The second one: the Eucharist is always present in the history of salvation. These two principles are easily understood when we put them into perspective: the Eucharist is not only an historical event that began when Christ instituted the first Mass with his apostles. It is not only a sacrament that is renewed throughout time whenever a priest presides the Eucharist. The Eucharist is Jesus himself! This is the fundamental reason why the history of salvation is totally included in the Eucharist, and why the Eucharist is always present in the history of salvation. And may I add another important reflection that stems from this statement: the Eucharist will be the only one of the seven Sacraments that will continue to exist in eternal life. The other sacraments will not be needed anymore. But the Eucharist will be our eternal source of nourishment and comfort, precisely because the Eucharist is Jesus, our Saviour and God.
The symbols in the OT: a figure of the reality to come.
The following symbols present in the OT where all are preparing the way for the Last Supper: the image of the eternal banquet (Isaiah) to which all are invited to dine with the Lord; the Mannah to which Jesus himself referred to (Ex 16:4); Melchisedech the high priest, offering bread and wine (Gn 14:18); the sacrifice of Isaac prefiguring the sacrifice of Christ; and the most eloquent of these symbols: the Passover. The latter one anticipates and prepares the way for the institution of the Holy Eucharist.
As we prepare to celebrate the feast of the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ this Sunday, let us reflect on these beautiful symbols and align them with the two principles that I have mentioned above. We will then realize that the Eucharist is truly the centre of the universe; the mysterious way that God chose to include all of his beloved children into his divine family, and to share with us his eternal bliss in heaven. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” (Jn 6, 54)
Sincerely yours in Christ our redeemer,
+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE DIOCESE
1,500th Anniversary of the Birth of St. Columbkille, 520/21-2021
by Fr. Michael Smith
From December 7, 2020 to December 7, 2021, the Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian Churches in the northwestern part of Ireland (including the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland) are celebrating the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of a local son, St. Columbkille (also known as Colmcille and Columba, “Dove of the Church”). The Catholic Diocese of Raphoe, in County Donegal, has made contact with our diocese, and will communicate with us as the celebrations progress. (Read more…)
Stay-at-Home Order
During the stay-at-home order issued by Premier Doug Ford, most of our chancery staff members are working from home. You may reach them by email. For the directory, please check our website at www.pembrokediocese.com.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
A Message from the Evangelization Team
As many of you may know, the great project of evangelization of our diocese has been underway under the direction of Bishop Desrochers and the Evangelization Team members. In order for this to become a success, we need your help. The following prayer has been written and adopted by our Evangelization Team, and we ask that you pray this prayer for the success of this project and for the benefit of all the people of our diocese. Please click on the link. Prayer cards will be arriving early in automn in your parishes.
God bless,
Deacon Adrien Chaput
Three Habits of a Fruitful Christian Life
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
To live a fruitful Christian life, there exists a daily formula—three things we can do each day. If we do these consistently, we will grow stronger and more mature in Christ. It is easy to form these Christian habits. They can become as natural as combing our hair, dressing ourselves or eating our meals. They can be our natural Christian lifestyle, but we must resolve to practice them—like a good athlete who disciplines his body with physical exercise in order to achieve higher goals.
Here are these three habits:
FIRST: Talk to God every day.
SECOND: Let God talk to you every day.
THIRD: Talk to someone else about God every day.
They are simple, basic, and easy to remember.
Talk to God every day. That is prayer. God wants to spend time with us like any good parent desires time with their children. Prayer is that intimate time with our Father who is always waiting for those precious moments of communion with us.
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 1 John 5:14-15.
Let God talk to us every day. This is what happens when we read his Word. When we open the Bible and read it, we are hearing God talk. Prayer and reading of the Scriptures should always go together. One is not complete without the other. When we pray, we speak to God. When we read the Bible, God speaks to us. There is no real communion or communication unless both take part in the conversation.
Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
Talk to someone else about God every day. That is witnessing of Christ to others. First and foremost, Jesus was a soulwinner. That is what He came for, to save sinners. (Luke 19:10) And He said to his disciples, as my Father sent me, even so send I you, (John.20:21) and then and there He breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22) What for? you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses. (Acts 1:8) If we believe in Jesus and love him, we want to make him known. We want to make known his love and the truth that he revealed to save us. That is witnessing. The word Christian means Christlike. Since Christ came to save sinners, to seek out the lost, then to be like Christ—Christian, we are to be soulwinners, proclaiming the love of God to others with our whole life.
(Inspired from the book The Good Life, by T.L. Osborn)
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Statement Regarding Discovery at Former Kamloops Indian Residential School – Monday, May 31, 2021
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) published a statement following the report of a recent discovery of children’s graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.
CCCB Statement Regarding Discovery at Former Kamloops Indian Residential School
2021 Message to Buddhists for the feast of Vesakh – Wednesday, May 26, 2021
The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has released its 2021 Message to Buddhists for the feast of Vesakh, on the theme “Buddhists and Christians: Promoting a Culture of Care and Solidarity“. This Buddhist holy day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha who, according to tradition, was born, achieved enlightenment, and died during the full moon of the month of May. The feast of Vesakh (also spelled Vesak or Wesak in English) is usually observed on the day of the full moon in May, which in Canada this year falls on 26 May.
Message to Buddhists for the feast of Vesakh
VATICAN NEWS
Pope’s Prayer Intention for June
Intention for evangelization – The beauty of marriage. Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.
FAITH FORMATION
St. John Bosco Conference Livestreamed Session
Calling all catechists, Catholic school teachers, youth ministers, evangelizers, RCIA coordinators, and anyone who hands on the faith to others! This is your time, your place to come be renewed in mind, heart, and skills. Experience many engaging speakers, moving worship, and outstanding fellowship that will rejuvenate you for life and mission. July 14, 6:45-9:00 p.m. Offered by Steubenville Conferences. Cost: free. https://steubenvilleconferences.com/.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) Online Conference introduces “Multiply” – June 4 and 5, 2021
CCO has, for over 30 years, been involved in University outreach to young adults. Now, they are expanding their horizons and moving into parishes to bring their amazing method of intentional accompaniment and materials (Faith Study Series) that are effective and relevant on so many levels. If you and/or your parish is interested in “making disciples of all the nations” then this conference is for you and your leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for you and others to take the next step into the mission! To find out more go to www.cco.ca/multiply.
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry
There will be a gathering on June 17th at St. Joseph Parish in St. Joseph, Quebec starting at 6:30 p.m. For details and more information, please contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Overcoming Anger – Interactive Zoom Seminar by Family Foundations Canada
Most people think that anger is their main problem, but it is just an indicator of an underlying issue usually related to shame. You can get to the root issue that is causing your anger and learn how to deal with it permanently instead of just managing it.
Topics:
- Anger and Its Effects
- Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?
- The Source of Anger
- Identifying the Virus
- Steps to Freedom – Forgiving from the Heart
Anyone wishing to participate in the seminar can register online at https://www.familyfoundations.ca/ffi-canada-events. Early registration fee is $79/person or $139/couple before Thursday, June 3rd. Priests and deacons are free of charge. If you know someone who could benefit from this seminar, please pass this on. For more information, please contact Edna at 819 592-6377 or email at robert-ednadubroy@familyfoundations.ca.
CHARIS Workshop Hosted by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council – Toronto
A day of formation by Brian Sullivan – CCRSO President, and Andres Arango – CHARIS, North America on Saturday, June 5th, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., free via Zoom. Pope Francis called for the creation of CHARIS, the new, one service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It is his desire that the whole Church come to experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit. He has a great desire for a new Pentecost for the Church and the world. To register send an email to ccrctorontoevents@gmail.com.
Mary’s Way of the Cross
With His Eminence Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada. Friday, June 4th starting at 6:45 p.m. Join Zoom prayer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86897052802?pwd=QzREWUkzdUZjNVdVckM3dDlDZG0wUT09. Meeting ID: 868 9705 2802 – Passcode: 761660.
Growing in Wisdom: Seeking Deeper Generativity
A Two-Day Introductory Gathering on June 4 – 5, 2021, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. EDT. Galilee Centre in cooperation with the Oblate Retreat Centres across Canada presents this two-day introductory virtual session which will include presentations from Fr. Ron Roheiser, Faculty of Forest Dwelling Program, Oblate School of Theology, other faculty members and previous program participants. Growing in Wisdom: Seeking Deeper Generativity is a two year program grounded in the Forest Dwelling Program beginning in September 2021. If you are 60+ and are interested in exploring what a Spirituality for your Wisdom Years could mean for you, please join us for this two-day “Come and See” event to learn more. Cost is only $25 per person. Must register by June 1. For more information go to: https://www.galileecentre.com/growing-in-wisdom-seeking-deeper-generativity/.
Catholic Women’s Fall Retreat Morning of Reflection
The Women’s Fall Retreat team is presenting a Pentecost-Morning of Reflection on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sarah Damm, a renowned Catholic speaker will help us reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit. Gather with us, along with Fr. Brian McNally of the Archdiocese of Kingston, our WFR Spiritual Director, for a morning of faith-deepening talks, inspiring music and small group breakout sessions. You will have the opportunity to connect with other women who are followers of Christ. Join us as we consider what it means to “Rejoice in the Lord.” To register for this event, go to https://pentecost-morningofreflection.eventbrite.ca. The cost for the morning is $20.00 and will be presented on the Zoom platform. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/womensfallretreat.
Power and Purpose Conference Livestreamed
Experience the Holy Spirit’s power and healing. Rediscover the “one thing” – the one Person – that matters most – Jesus Christ. Allow him to reveal the purpose of your life: to live in true freedom and joy of the Spirit. Be uplifted by the witness and fellowship of disciples like you. June 5, 6:30-10:00 p.m. Offered by Steubenville Conferences. Cost: free. Info: https://steubenvilleconferences.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall – Occupational Health and Safety Officer
The Occupational Health and Safety Officer (OHSO) is responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all 126 parishes in the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. To implement a common health and safety policy, the officer will rely on all existing federal, provincial, municipal Occupational Health and Safety laws and regulations. Full job description and information at https://en.archoc.ca/occupational-health-and-safety-officer. Application deadline: June 18, 2021.
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall – Administrative Assistant – Planning, Properties and Housing
The Administrative Assistant – Planning, Properties and Housing (PPH) provides secretarial and administrative support to the Manager of Planning, Properties and Housing (MPPH) and the Senior Project Manager of Planning and Properties (SPMPP) and works in close collaboration with Diocesan Administration. In addition, the Administrative Assistant provides support and assistance to the Properties Staff, Health and Safety Coordinator and supports the work of various diocesan committees. In carrying out these duties, this individual will be expected to deal compassionately with people from every level of the Church, society, and industry, frequently dealing with sensitive issues. Full job description and info at https://en.archoc.ca/administrative-assistant-planning-properties-and-housing. Application deadline: June 18, 2021.
OTHER
Cross-Canada Online Celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity gathers Christians around the world in prayer and fellowship. This season of Pentecost, we invite you to experience God’s abiding love as many branches of Christ the True Vine on June 5, 2021 from 3-4 p.m. (EDT). Leaders from diverse Christian traditions in Canada will offer prayers and Scripture readings. This free event will be accessible in French and English. Click here to register: The Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary, General Council, The United Church of Canada, and His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, will offer homiletic reflections. Questions? Contact Maria Simakova at simakova@councilofchurches.ca.