You are the light of the world.
(Matthew 5.13-16)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Statement of Bishop Guy Desrochers
Following the recent discovery at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School
Read full statement here.
FROM THE DIOCESE
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.
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…)
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
Have You Heard About the Law of Three Hearings and Seven Touches?
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The law of three hearings and seven touches refers to research into the evangelistic efforts of growing churches. It shows that an unchurched person who visits a church rarely joins the Christian community after a first visit (that’s obvious to most of us…). He or she needs to attend a church service and hear the Gospel three or four times before making a meaningful decision to become a Christian or unite with the church. It is similar to someone purchasing a new car or a new house; the more significant the purchase, the longer it takes to make up one’s mind. That is the law of three hearings.
The law of seven touches points to the fact that an unchurched visitor needs to be quickly networked into the church to remain true to his desire to know Christ. This means that unchurched visitors are more likely to return for a second and third visit if they are contacted seven times after their first visit. These contacts, or “touches”, can be initiated by members of the church through letters, emails, video calls or phone calls, visits, or other personal contacts. When the laws of the three hearings and the seven touches are followed, unchurched visitors are much more likely to respond to the Gospel and join the church.
In fact, the Gospels show us that Jesus not only called his disciples, he also accompanied them personally and even invited them to see where he was staying (John 1:38-39). Welcoming, keeping in touch and accompanying are essential elements of authentic and fruitful evangelization.
(Much of the information in this text is taken from the book 154 Steps to Revitalize your Sunday School and Keep your Church Growing, written by Elmer L. Towns.)
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Statement Regarding Discovery at Former Kamloops Indian Residential School
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
Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič Appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Canada – Saturday, June 5, 2021
His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Most Reverend Ivan Jurkovič as the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada. At the time of his appointment, Archbishop Jurkovič was the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva and Other International Organizations, the Permanent Observer to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Representative of the Holy See to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He replaces the former Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, who ended his mission on 10 December 2020 upon his appointment as the Apostolic Nuncio to Albania. (Read more…)
Novena and Act of Entrustment to Saint Joseph – Friday, June 4, 2021
In keeping with the celebration of the “Year of Saint Joseph”, the CCCB National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie have composed a Novena and an Act of Entrustment to Saint Joseph. The Novena begins on June 22 and ends on June 30, and is followed by the Act of Entrustment on Thursday, 1 July 2021 (Canada Day). The Novena and Act of Entrustment are available for wide use and distribution in dioceses/eparchies, parishes, religious communities, families (domestic churches) and schools.
Novena and Act of Entrustment to Saint Joseph
Life and Family Suggestions for Homilies and Prayers of the Faithful During June 2021 – Thursday, June 3, 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 June 2021 include suggestions from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, 6 June, to the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27 June 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 June are available on the special Family and Life webpage, under the section “Suggestions for Homilies & Prayers of the Faithful”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Life in The Spirit Seminar
“Life in The Spirit Seminar” talks are available from the recent on-line experience organized by the CCRSO team. Go to: https://www.ccrso.net/lss-videos.
Boot Camp for the Laity
“Boot Camp for the Laity” talks, hosted by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council Toronto, are available at https://www.ccrso.net/our-conference.
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.