June 2, 2020 – Ferial
Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
(Mark 12.13-17)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Installation as Bishop of Pembroke
Bishop Guy Desrochers will be installed as Bishop of Pembroke on July 3rd. On account of the restrictions necessitated by COVID-19, this will be a small, private ceremony, with perhaps no more than a handful of people present. It will be recorded for broadcast online. A public liturgical celebration will be planned for a later date, when it will be possible to gather a large number of people.
Diocesan Offices Remain Closed
The Diocesan and Bishop’s Offices located at 188 Renfrew St., Pembroke, are closed until further notice. Most staff continue to be available by email (see contact page).
Information Update – May 13, 2020:
A number of people have been asking when the churches will reopen, and under what circumstances. While the Ontario and Quebec governments have not yet provided information as to how long the restrictions of public gatherings will continue, our diocese has already begun a process of consulting and establishing a protocol for an eventual and gradual reopening of our churches and the restoration of the public celebration of the Mass and the Sacraments when such is again permitted. The Bishop, in concert with the Bishops of Ontario and Quebec, will issue directives once these have been vetted by health authorities.
Chronicle from Bishop Guy Desrochers C.Ss.R
Click here to read Bishop Desrochers’ periodic chronicles of spiritual guidance on the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall website. May 21st: Evangelizing the Distant, and this week: To forgive 70 times 7 times? Watch his video presentation on Obedience: submission or virtue?
Procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi CANCELLED!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Celebration of the Eucharist with Procession scheduled for Sunday, June 14th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral will not be held this year.
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Launches New Website
Visitors to the website of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) – www.cccb.ca – will notice significant improvements. The website welcomes between 10,000-15,000 users each month. New and returning visitors will appreciate a fresh and visually attractive layout, improved navigation based on a thematic organization using broad categories to a wider audience, Read more
CCCB Signs Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau Regarding Research for a COVID-19 Vaccine – Thursday, May 21, 2020
A letter was sent to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and to Mrs. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, recognizing the government’s generous financial commitment to the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. The letter also urges the federal government to ensure that the development of those vaccines not present an ethical dilemma to Canadians and emphasizes the distinction between vaccines developed using cell lines obtained from earlier abortions (which are unacceptable to many) and those developed without involving such sources. Read more here…
2020 Pentecost Message to Catholic Movements and Associations – Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Time has ground to a halt – but the Spirit is moving! Borders are closed, isolation is making itself felt, physical distancing is taking its toll even though we are finding ways to stay connected by various technologies and other media. Through this pandemic, humanity, surrounded by a shared suffering, has embarked on common quest for solutions that will spare people, especially those who are vulnerable on account of their health or employment. Every one of us is affected by the question, “Who are we?” Read here…
PARISH EVENTS
Feast of St. Columbkille Gathering CANCELLED!
Please note that the spiritual gathering scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th at 9:45 a.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, will not be held this year due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
St. Francis Xavier Parish Supper CANCELLED!
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, please note that the Hot Roast Beef Dinner at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew, scheduled for Sunday, June 14th will not be held this year.
Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Ann, Cormac CANCELLED!
Please note that the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Ann in Cormac on Sunday, July 26th, and the Triduum in the week preceding will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre – Annual General Meeting
SAVE THE DATE! Everyone is invited to our “Virtual” AGM on Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 p.m. We will be using Zoom to facilitate this meeting and we would love to have you join us. To participate RSVP to our Board Chair Matthew Giberson at matthewgiberson@gmail.com and he will send you a link to the meeting.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Pope Francis has approved the promulgation of a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney.
The pope’s action means that Fr. McGivney can be declared “Blessed,” the step just prior to sainthood. Fr. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882, for the purpose of uniting Catholic families in fraternal charity and ensuring their financial protection through the Order’s insurance program. Today, the Knights of Columbus is a worldwide charitable organization and one of the strongest and most ethical insurers in North America, playing a pivotal role in the Catholic Church by means of its pro-life and evangelization efforts, and has benefited the lives of many throughout the Diocese of Pembroke. Read more from the official press release…
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is offering its first live-streamed summer course
“The Capital Vices according to Saint Thomas”. This 3-credit (or audit) course in the Department of Philosophy is taught by president Dr. Ryan Williams. It will run from June 2 to July 9, 2020, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7- 9:30 p.m. For more information please see https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/summer-course-2020-st-thomas-vices/ or contact our Registrar Meg Persson at registrar@seatofwisdom.ca.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is seeking to hire an Administrative Coordinator
This full-time position is 37.5 hours per week, and reports to the President. Start date is July 1, 2020. For more information, please visit https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/.
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (SWC) seeks a full-time Director of Development
As a key member of SWC’s management, the Director of Development embraces the mission of SWC, and effectively promotes and communicates its identity, vision and strategic plan. The Director of Development is responsible for Administration of the Development Office, Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations. Start date July 1, 2020 (negotiable). For more information, please visit https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/.
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College – Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator
Coordinates recruitment efforts and admissions processes. 37.5 hours per week; reports to Director of Development and President. Position is open until filled. For more information, please visit https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/.