Love your ennemies.
(Matthew 5.43-48)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Catherine Doherty’s insight on evangelization
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Since its creation at the beginning of the year, and after having received important times of specialized formation, the new diocesan Evangelization Team has been dedicating its energies and time to prepare and plan the first steps that it will soon undertake in our diocese, in order to make known the project of evangelization and to encourage the collaboration of all those who wish to participate.
Since the months of July and August are not really conducive to the mobilization of the troops during this vacation period, it is to be expected that the first beginnings of the Evangelization Team will not become visible until September. It is important to remember that, throughout the deployment of this project, the team’s main priority will always be to promote and encourage the dimension of prayer life and spiritual life in all its forms, and this until the end of the project… if ever there will be an end! For the duty of evangelization is imperative for all Christians, and must embrace all times, that is, until the end of the world.
As such, two women who are part of our team have been entrusted with the task of promoting the life of prayer and spirituality in our diocese in a variety of ways. One of them, a member of the Madonna House community, suggested last week that I read an excerpt from the book written by its founder, Catherine Doherty, entitled Mystical Body of Christ. The chapter that was offered to me deals with evangelization and gives us precious and luminous teachings on the true nature of this mission that Jesus entrusts to each of his disciples. I was blown away when I read this inspired message from Catherine. That is why I asked for and received permission from the Madonna House community to share with you this true spiritual treasure which will, I am convinced, help you to better understand and realize how each of us can, effectively and simply, collaborate in the task of evangelization entrusted to us by our divine Master.
In lieu of my weekly message published in the next few diocesan bulletins, I will therefore present Catherine’s short chapter and spread it over three consecutive weeks… in order to arouse your desire to know more for the next edition, and so as not to cause you indigestion by giving you too much food all at once. See you next week, then. It’s a rendez-vous!
Sincerely yours in Christ our redeemer,
+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE DIOCESE
Mass Schedules
As of June 11th, churches are allowed to accommodate up to 15% of their capacity. Contact your parish for more information.
Announcement
Yvette Bourque, Director of the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office will be reducing her hours of work from 30 hrs./week to 10 hrs./week and primarily working from home starting July 19st, 2021. Her responsibilities will be reduced to include coordination of the Diocesan Young Adult Ministry, overseeing upkeep of the Diocesan website and assisting in the discussion/initiation of evangelization efforts/initiatives with the Catholic School Board members and staff. She can be reached at 613 585-6301 or yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
James and Ellie Hrkach of Braeside will be overseeing the English Diocesan marriage preparation programs that normally take place. Their contact information is 613 279-1496 or ellengablehrkach@gmail.com. Couples will register the same way as usual, either by mailing in a registration form or via the website.
If you have further questions, please contact Yvette Bourque.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
What to tell others about Jesus?
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
Sometimes we wish to share our faith in God with others, but we don’t know what to say. What is the core message of the Gospels? What do people need to know about Jesus? How can we help them respond to His call?
In Jesus, God came to save us personally. He came to adorn us with Peace and Love and to be the perfect substitution for our sins (CCC #615).
Humankind was created to live in God’s presence and blessings and enjoyed fellowship with Him. God had made a perfect world for us to live in. But deceived by Satan, we accepted to doubt God’s word, and we subjugated ourselves to Evil. As a result, we were separated from God (Isaiah 59:2) and our world is now filled with selfishness, hatred, depression and hopelessness. People are struggling to meet obligations and are plagued by disease and loneliness.
But God never intended for His people to suffer. In his redeeming love, he still wants each person to find happiness, peace, love, serenity, joy, health and dignity. His will is that we take the path that leads us back to Him. Jesus is the Path (John 14:6). God wants the best for all who believe in his love. And that good is found in his Son.
- Instead of hatred and malice, he brings FORGIVENESS. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Instead of guilt, unrest, and condemnation in our spirits, he brings PEACE with God. (John 14:27)
- Instead of delusion and deceit, he brings GUIDANCE and direction. (John 16:13)
- Instead of disease and sickness, he brings HEALTH. (Psalms 103:2-4)
- Instead of poverty and indigence, he brings PROVISION. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
- Instead of loneliness and feelings of rejection, he brings his PRESENCE. (Matthew 28:20)
- Instead of failure, he brings VICTORY. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
And the most amazing part is that Jesus already paid the price for our salvation with His Blood. He opened Heavens with His Life so that they may be ours. The way to our room in Heaven is through Him. If we abandon ourselves to Him, He will show us the way Home. If we rely on His Love, He shall bring us to the Room of She who conceived Him, to nurse us back to health. He is not forcing us. He is not tying a rope round our liberty. He is only calling us out of his inextinguishable love. The gifts from his Heart are ours if we would just believe and receive them. For the word of God says that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). That is his promise.
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 autumn in your parishes.
God bless,
Deacon Adrien Chaput
FROM THE CCCB
New Resource “We are Neighbours: Catholics and Evangelicals in Canada” Now Available – Monday, June 14, 2021
A new resource was developed and released by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) – Evangelical Fellowship of Canada National Dialogue, entitled: We are Neighbours: Catholics and Evangelicals in Canada. The resource is a study-guided based on the 2016 CCCB text Our Evangelical Neighbours – A Catholic Reflection on Evangelical Christianity and the 2019 Evangelical Fellowship of Canada text Our Roman Catholic Neighbours. (Read more…)
CCCB Statement – Delegation to the Holy See – Thursday, June 10, 2021
The Catholic Bishops in Canada have genuinely heard the sincere invitation to engage wholeheartedly with the past and are deeply committed to take truly meaningful active steps together with Indigenous Peoples in view of a future filled with greater respect and cooperation. The recent discovery of children’s remains at a burial site of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia remind us of a tragic legacy still felt today. With the strong encouragement of Pope Francis, the Bishops of Canada have pledged true and deep commitment to renewing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples across the land. (Read more…)
Statement on Recent Acts of Violence in Canada – Thursday, June 10, 2021
The members of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) published a statement calling for an end to religious violence in Canada, and more specifically Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Statement on Recent Acts of Violence in Canada
New Director of the CCCB Office national de liturgie – Tuesday, June 8, 2021
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) recently hired Mr. Daniel Laliberté, Ph.D., as the incoming Director of the Office National de Liturgie (ONL). He succeeds Father Éric Sylvestre, P.S.S., who concludes his mandate on 9 July 2021 and will return to full-time ministry for the Society of the Priests of Saint-Sulpice (Sulpicians). (Read more…)
CCCB Statement Following the Appointment of Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič as Apostolic Nuncio in Canada – Tuesday, June 8, 2021
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) published a statement in light of the appointment of the Most Rev. Ivan Jurkovič as Apostolic Nuncio in Canada.
CCCB Statement Following the Appointment of Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic as Apostolic Nuncio in Canada
VATICAN NEWS
Words from Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ words to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square, June 6, 2021, regarding the discovery at Former Kamloops Indian Residential School can be read here. (Taken from the Vatican website and translated electronically from Italian).
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.
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
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.
Steubenville Toronto Summer Youth Conference
The Office of Catholic Youth in the Archdiocese of Toronto has made the difficult decision to cancel the Steubenville Toronto conference that was scheduled to take place July 9-11, 2021 as well as the LEAD retreat scheduled to take place July 5-9, 2021. However, they ARE looking forward to gathering again next summer and hope that you will consider joining them at Ontario Tech University on July 15-17, 2022! This year, Franciscan University IN Ohio is holding a virtual “retreat” type of day that parishes or groups can host virtually either at a parish or individuals can register. The link to register is: https://share.steubenvilleconferences.com/toronto.
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Mass Times
Sunday Mass during the summer months will be at 7.30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 280 Lourdesview Drive, Pembroke. Visit the website at www.lourdesparish.ca.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options “Baby Bump” Party!
What is a baby bump party, you may ask? Well, for the month of June, it is a COVID-friendly opportunity to gift the First Step Options Centre with items that are currently needed by our clients, minus the cheesy games and delicious treats! You can choose an item to purchase from a list and drop it off at First Step Options, or, if you can’t get out to shop, or don’t like to order online, no problem! You can still simply choose an item(s) from the list and mail in a cheque or send an e-transfer with the amount and the choice of the item(s) you wish to donate. For a complete list of items, or to donate, please call FSO at 613 635-7440, or email firststepoptions@gmail.com. You do not want to miss out on the amazing feeling of knowing that you have supported and helped to educate a family right here in your community!
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Kingston Diocesan Council AGM
You are invited to the Kingston Development and Peace Diocesan Council AGM, featuring our partner and friend, Bishop Alfredo Vicarra, S.J., president of: the Peruvian Bishops’ Commission on Youth and Lay People; Peruvian member of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network; and the Amazon Centre for Applied Anthropology (CAAAP) on Saturday, June 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration Required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAud-mrpzwjE9er35AtQ0KHXMEfYfFieT96, or call Tara Hurford at 613 738-9644 ext. 224.
School of Charisms Workshop
Join this on-line workshop via Zoom on Friday, June 18th from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, June 19th, from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Join Fr. Ben St. Croix, CC and Brian Sullivan, president of CCRSO this weekend and learn more about the charisms the Holy Spirit has blessed you with for the service of others. A wonderful opportunity to discover your gifts. Please register on-line at: companionscross.org/soc.
CCRSO YouTube Channel
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario (CCRSO) have a YouTube channel called “Holy Spirit”. For example, a recent talk by Bishop Scott McCaig can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49tOrQ3Q4Bk&t=8s. We encourage everyone to subscribe to this channel as the more subscribers they have, the better visibility these talks will have on YouTube.
Cradle of Hope – “Let us be born of the Spirit” John 3:5
On-Line Conference, Saturday, June 26th at 10 a.m. Hosted by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council Toronto. For more information please go to https://ccrctoronto.com/events-news.
Camping with the Holy Spirit – Children’s On-Line Conference
Holy Ghost stories, camp fire songs, etc. on Saturday, June 26th at 7 p.m. Email childrenministryccrc@gmail.com for more info.
Encounter School of Ministry – Ottawa Campus
Summer Intensive from July 26-29, 2021 – 6:30-9:30 p.m. On-site and on-line! The Summer Intensive Conference is an evening school that provides a survey of the content offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry over a fast four day period. The content covered includes Identity & Transformation, Power & Healing, Hearing God & The Prophetic Gifts, Inner Healing & Freedom. Visit here.
Defending the Faith Livestreamed Session
During these trying times, God wants to give us bold and confident hearts to share his truth and love with joy! Live Streamed session includes a thought-provoking keynote, Rite and Just: The Power of Worship, by presenter Dr. Scott Hahn, a meditative time of Eucharistic adoration, and special guests. July 31, 2021, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. Put on by Steubenville Conferences. Info: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/events/dfc/#!/livestream.
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.
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.