At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.
(John 5.1-16)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Share Love, Share Lent Campaign under way!
Dear Lay Faithful,
Inspired by Pope Francis’s newest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, this year Development and Peace’s Lenten campaign, Share Love, Share Lent, invites us into a global solidarity. Pope Francis writes, “All of us have a responsibility for the wounded, those of our own people and all the peoples of the earth. Let us care for the needs of every man and woman, young and old, with the same fraternal spirit of care and closeness that marked the Good Samaritan” (79).
This Fifth Sunday of Lent, or ‘Solidarity Sunday’ is designated by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for a collection for Development and Peace – Caritas Canada. Now into our second year of the global pandemic, there is much upheaval in many of our lives – and even more so for our brothers and sisters in the Global South. I invite each according to their means to give generously in your parish or online at www.devp.org (choosing the “Give Now” tab) or by calling 1 888 234-8533. Thank you in advance for promoting the fraternity and social friendship of which Pope Francis speaks. Wishing you and yours continued blessings in this Lenten season.
Sincerely yours in Christ our Redeemer,
+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE DIOCESE
Chrism Mass
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chrism Mass scheduled for Tuesday, March 30th will be held privately.
Development and Peace in the Diocese of Pembroke–Share Love, Share Lent: Strengthening vulnerable communities (March 20-21)
Did you know that Development and Peace supports a school for peasant filmmakers in Colombia? This week in the Share Love, Share Lent campaign, discover the creative ways in which we assist communities in speaking for and taking charge of their own development.
In keeping with The Catholic Social Teaching principle of participation, let your Lenten journey make a difference in the world. Learn about our work and consider giving to sustain it. Check out the website at https://www.devp.org/en/campaign/sharelove.
FROM THE CCCB
Clarification CCCB Note on Ethical Concerns Related to Currently Approved COVID-19 Vaccines in Canada (2021)
PDF statement can be read here.
Re-appointment of the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in French Canada – Tuesday, March 9, 2021
His Eminence Luis Antonio Gokim Cardinal Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, has re-appointed Rev. Father Yoland Ouellet, O.M.I., as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies for French Canada (les Œuvres pontificales missionnaires au Canada) for a second five-year term, effective 9 January 2021. (Read more…)
Episcopal Resignation for the Diocese of Charlottetown – Thursday, March 4, 2021
His Holiness Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Richard Grecco, after 12 years as the Bishop of the Diocese of Charlottetown. Bishop Grecco submitted his resignation upon reaching the age limit of 75, as stipulated by Canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law. (Read more…)
New Video Series for Lent 2021
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17, Journey through Lent offers an introduction to the Season and reflections on Gospel readings of each Sunday in Lent. It is the result of a joint project between the CCCB’s Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie. The French series were filmed here in Notre Dame Cathedral of Ottawa. To access the video series on the CCCB website: in English and in French. Each Monday, the link for the upcoming Sunday celebration will be released. The CCCB are very grateful to Bishop Gerard Bergie and Archbishop Marcel Damphousse for their generosity in preparing and recording these spiritual and pastoral reflections. For further info, please contact Mrs. Margaret Shea-Lawrence, at m.shea-lawrence@cccb.ca.
VATICAN NEWS
Pope’s Prayer Intention for March 2021
Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry (age 18-35)
Our next gathering will be on Wednesday, March 24th at St. Columbkille Cathedral parish hall. Holy Hour is from 6-7 p.m. and the session runs from 7-8:30 p.m. We will be covering Session #4 of NO GREATER LOVE – A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion. All are invited.
NET CANADA will be Launching Virtual Retreats in March 2021!
When it comes to connecting youth to their Catholic faith, many educators & youth ministers struggle to transmit the gospel in a way that gets to the heart. NET’s team of dynamic young adults are perfectly positioned to help you reach your youth so that they open themselves up to having a personal relationship with God. Backed by a professional staff team and over 600 hours of ministry formation, educators can lean into NET Team’s support to plant seeds of faith in their youth through the facilitation of retreats. Virtual retreats include: 3 hrs. live retreat content, 6-7 dynamic missionaries to share their story and engage with young people, small group discussion, combination of live and pre-recorded video presentations, guided prayer time. Retreat Themes: Who is Jesus? , Friendship, Confirmation. *All NET Retreats include explicit kerygmatic proclamation* How does it work? Virtual NET Retreats are offered to youth from grade 6 to 12 and can accommodate up to 24 young people. Ideally, each participant should have access to a personal device (phone, iPad, computer, laptop, etc.) and a stable Wi-Fi connection to fully participate in the retreat. The NET Team will lead the young people through games, presentations, video recorded dramas, music and prayer opportunities. It is our hope that through these retreats, young people will be inspired to invite Christ to be at the center of their lives and choose to live in the fullness of our Catholic faith. Pricing: 1 Retreat: $300 – 2 Retreats: $500 – 3 Retreats: $700 – 4 Retreats: $900. Contact Maria at schedule@netcanada.ca to schedule a Virtual Retreat today.
Next Diocesan Marriage Preparation program – April 17th and May 1st
This program will be ONLINE only. To register click here or go to https://pembrokediocese.com/flymo/marriage-and-family/ . Deadline to register is April 1st. All couples will be mailed a package with the materials needed for the program.
Family Rosary
Join Chris Brey (Catholic speaker/singer/songwriter) and his family as they pray the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary together with beautiful religious photography, reflective & meditative music and the sweet voice of his children. Pray ALL the Mysteries at www.chrisbraymusic.com/rosary.
Marriage Enrichment
IMET (Inter-Marriage Enrichment Team) is a group of dedicated couples from eight very lively parishes in the Joliet diocese who have been putting on marriage enrichment events for over a decade. On March 20, they hold their first online event, “How to Be Married and Stay Engaged: Back to Back, Face to Face, and Shoulder to Shoulder,” presented by Jim Healey. To register for the event go to https://www.imetevents.org/.
PARISH EVENTS
Our Lady of Good Counsel – CWL Auctions
The CWL at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Deep River is holding online auctions using Facebook to fundraise. We support local charitable organizations in the Deep River, Pembroke and Petawawa areas. Go to Facebook and search for @CWLAuctionDeepRiver or use the link below. Details regarding bidding and delivery or pickup can be found on the CWL auction Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CWLAuctionDeepRiver. We can also be reached at cwlauctiondeepRiver@gmail.com. Keep checking back for future auctions as they are changing every week or two. Future items include baby cardigan and booties as well as jewellery.
Holy Mass – Extraordinary Form
Holy Masses in the extraordinary form are offered at St. Columbkille Cathedral on the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. These Latin Masses are in the form of the Liturgy as it was celebrated at the time of the Second Vatican Council—the same form which nourished the faith of many of our ancestors. English translations of the entire Mass are provided. Note: The next Latin Mass will take place the second Saturday of April (April 10th), given that April 3rd is Holy Saturday.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre – Annual General Meeting
The FSO Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, March 29th, starting at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Please RSVP to matthewgiberson@gmail.com to receive the link to join.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Saint Joseph the Provider: Public Lecture on March 19th
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is hosting a virtual public lecture by Michael O’Brien on “Saint Joseph the Provider“ on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Friday, March 19th at 8 p.m. EST. In 2018 Michael O’Brien painted an image of St. Joseph the Provider for Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. In the video lecture, Mr. O’Brien will speak about his painting and St. Joseph under the title of “The Provider”. The lecture will premiere on our YouTube channel followed by a live Q&A with Michael O’Brien over YouTube live chat. Please see www.seatofwisdom.ca for more information about the lecture or how you can receive a limited-edition print of this beautiful painting. And if you would like one or more prayer cards of Saint Joseph the Provider mailed to you free of charge, please contact Katherine Kelly at 613 756-3082 ext. 118 or kkelly@seatofwisdom.ca.
New EWTN Lent 2021 Webpage
We invite you to log onto the new Lent 2021 webpage at www.ewtn.com/lent . On this site you will find a variety of resources including a comprehensive look at the Church’s teaching about Lent, daily readings and reflections, special Lenten programming, popular devotions, video-on-demand and much more!
Free eBook With 2021 Lenten Meditations
Lent is a new opportunity to be reenergized in our faith. However, Lent can sometimes pass us by without us growing closer to the Lord. This is why one of our Franciscan Friars, Fr. Joseph has prepared a series of Lenten reflections in the form of an eBook to guide us during this solemn season. Included within the new Lent 2021 webpage is a form to fill out to receive this free eBook which will bring recipients deeper into the Mass readings with insights that are both simple and profound.
Life in the Spirit Virtual Seminar
The Life in the Spirit (LSS) is an inspiring and practical series aimed at assisting people to deepen their experience with the Holy Spirit. It provides teaching, guidance, prayer as well as times for small group discussion every Tuesday night beginning April 6th to May 18th. Registration opening soon! Go to https://www.ccrso.net/ to register or for more information.
Calling All Men! The God Squad – 24th Annual Conference
“St. Joseph Sanctifier of the Hidden Life” on March 20th from 12-3 p.m. EST. All men are invited to a FREE online men’s day conference put on by the God Squad men’s ministry in Calgary, AB. Hosted by Fr. Christino Bouvette, Calgary, AB, with guest speakers Bishop Scott McCaig, Bishop of the Military Ordinate, Andre Regnier, Ottawa and Jake Klym, Abbotsford, B.C. Recording some sessions from St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montréal! To register or for more information please go to 2021 Conference – God Squad Canada and invite friends and family!
Bootcamp for the Laity – ” The Role of Laity in the Church”
A virtual conference presented by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario (C.C.R.S.O.) with Bishop Scott McCaig and Fr. Ben St. Croix on Friday, May 21st and Saturday, May 22nd. To register or for more information go to https://www.ccrso.net/copy-of-conference-rsvp.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Development Officer / Peterborough Campus Ministry
Peterborough Campus Ministry is seeking an experienced Development Officer for a full-time (35 hours) two-year contract as soon as possible. For specifics on responsibilities, qualifications, employment details, or to submit an application, please contact Fr. John Perdue, Director of Peterborough Campus Ministry at 705 874-1871 or email at vocations@peterboroughdiocese.org.
Holy Name Parish Office Assistant Needed
The current Holy Name Parish Office secretary, Suzanne Sheridan, has been waiting for some time for full knee-replacement surgery. The first knee surgery has now been scheduled for Monday, May 3rd in Pembroke. As a result, the Holy Name Parish Office will require a replacement secretary during Suzanne’s recovery period, which to our knowledge could be a minimum of approximately six (6) weeks. This will be confirmed at a later date. If anyone is interested in filling in during this time, or have any questions, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible at 613 732-3355 or holynamepembroke@outlook.com. A training/familiarization period prior to May 3rd will also be required. Thank you for your support.
OTHER
Patricias Place Catholic Gift Shop
Beautiful handmade rosaries, wedding & anniversary rosaries, Rosary bracelets, Chaplets of different Saints, Baptism, First Communion & Confirmation gifts, coloured medals of different Saints, including St. Anne. House crucifixes including various size of St. Benedict Crosses. Blessed Mother statues of different sizes, and statues & colored medals of St. Anne. Pure silver medals of The Blessed Virgin Mary, including the Miraculous Medal. Many other beautiful gifts, please visit the web site at www.patriciasplacecatholicgiftshop.com.
St. Joseph Greeting Cards
To commemorate the Year of St. Joseph, Madonna House Publications is offering greeting cards with icon prints of St. Joseph, by Madonna House iconographers. A set of 10 cards (blank inside) with envelopes are $12.95 + tax. Visit www.madonnahouse.org/publications and click on Store to view and order. Or call 613 756-3728 (toll free 1 888 703-7110).
Galilee Centre Presents – Ron Rolheiser Retreat
Featuring Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, April 16-18, 2021. For details, please follow this link: Ron Rolheiser Retreat – Galilee Centre.