So my heavenly Father will not forgive you, if you do not forgive your brother and sister from your heart.
(Matthew 18.21-35)
FROM THE DIOCESE
March 25 – Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
On March 25, at 12 noon our time, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, thereby entrusting the care of these two countries to the Mother of God.
Bishop Desrochers will join in this act of consecration in a special ceremony, which will take place in the Cathedral on March 25 at 12 noon. You are invited to take part in person.
The Mass will also be livestreamed at https://pembrokediocese.com/live/.
Chrism Mass at St. Columbkille Cathedral
The Chrism Mass will be held at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Tuesday, April 12th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception at Cathedral Hall. All are welcome.
Donations for Relief Efforts in Ukraine
Here are three links for those who would like to make donations for relief efforts in Ukraine:
- The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
- Malteser International (relief agency of the Order of Malta)
- 2022 DF – Ukraine Regional Assistance (e2rm.com).
The Synod’s Questions
The Synod’s questions can now be answered on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/article/you-can-now-answer-the-synods-questions-online/.
Ecclesia
Then next issue of Ecclesia is due to come out in early May. The deadline for the submission of articles is March 25th. Please send all submissions to heather@pappin.com.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
Aboriginal rights: (as determined by Section 35 of the Constitution act, 1982):
-
- are the practices, traditions, or customs that are integral to the distinctive culture of an Aboriginal society and were practiced prior to European contact, meaning they were rooted in the pre-contact society.
- must be practiced for a substantial period of time to have formed an integral part of the particular Aboriginal society’s culture.
- must be an activity that is a central, defining feature that is independently significant to the Aboriginal society.
- must be distinctive, meaning it must be distinguishing and characteristic of that culture.
- must be given priority over all other land uses, after conservation measures.
- must meet a continuity requirement, meaning that the Aboriginal society must demonstrate that the connection with the land in its customs and laws has continued to the present day.
- may be the exercise in a modern form of an activity that existed prior to European contact (such as using vehicles to get to remote areas when hunting).
- may be regulated by government, but only by legislation explicitly directed at compelling and substantial objectives, such as the conservation and management of natural resources.
- do not include an activity that exists solely because of the influence of European contact.
- do not include aspects of Aboriginal society that are true of every society such as eating to survive.
COVID-19
The following is from the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario
Effective on March 21st, 2022, masks will no longer be required in public spaces, including in our churches and our parish halls.
“We expect that a good number of our parishioners will continue to wear masks, especially as attendance increases at our Masses. We encourage anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so as their comfort is very important to all of us.
We know that parish priests will continue to emphasize the need to self-monitor for any signs of illness, and to continue to avoid circumstances where they could transmit COVID-19 to others.
We have had an outstanding health and safety record across all of our dioceses since this pandemic began, and we will continue to work hard to keep all those entrusted to our care healthy.”
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis (CCCB) presents the Webinar Series “Encounters of Hope – The Process of Evangelization in Our Daily Lives”
Catechists transmit “the faith as it develops through its different stages from the initial proclamation of the kerygma to the instruction that presents our new life in Christ and prepares for the sacraments of Christian initiation, and then to the ongoing formation that can allow each person to give an accounting of the hope within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).” Dates for this free webinar series are April 5th, April 12th, April 19th and April 26th 2022. Click here to register. For more information, contact Marg Shea-Lawrence at m.shea-lawrence@cccb.ca.
LENT
LifeTeen – 102 Things You Should Really Give Up For Lent
Please check out this article for teens suggested by Fr. Joe O’Malley – 102 Things You Should Really Give Up For Lent – LifeTeen.com for Catholic Youth.
FROM THE CCCB
Catholic Bishops of Canada invite all Canadian faithful to join Pope Francis and to pray for peace in Ukraine – Thursday, March 17 2022
On Friday, 25 March 2022, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over at 5:00 pm (Rome time), in St Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis wishes to place the people of Ukraine and Russia under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, with a special liturgical act. To this end, he will consecrate the two countries to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a penitential celebration. This act has been well received by the Catholic Bishops in Ukraine, as well as by the Russian Bishops. (Read more…)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle resources in support of the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See – Tuesday, March 15, 2022
In solidarity with the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle has developed two resources: a prayer card and a document entitled Sacred Fire and Prayer Wave for Healing and Reconciliation. The resources can be found on the Circle’s website at: 2022-EN-Announcement-Delegation-prayer-resources-4.pdf (ourladyofguadalupecircle.ca)
The faithful are invited to make use of these resources in support of the delegation.
FAITH FORMATION
IMPORTANT CALL TO REGISTER – Faith Lenten Retreat
The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development is sponsoring an Adult Faith Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville Ontario from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $15.00 per person (lunch and refreshments provided). This retreat is open to all the faithful. The theme of the retreat is the “A Walk through the Mass.” Our guest speaker will be Fr. Michael Smith, Vicar General of the Diocese of Pembroke. Please join us for this very special day. To register or for more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at (613) 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadriendchaput@pembrokediocese.com. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 24, 2022.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Separated and Divorced Catholics
By My Side Ministry for separated and divorced Catholics will be held virtually via zoom this spring. This is a program offering spiritual friendship and healing for separated and divorced Catholics. The program is designed to help individuals navigate through the stress of separation and divorce from a Catholic faith exploration perspective. Classes begin March 26, 2022, 2 hours/ week for both ladies and men separately and runs for 6 weeks. The cost is $40. All class details, dates, times and registration form can be found at www.bymyside.ca or by emailing Mary Jane Manley mj@bymyside.ca or by calling 613 294-1308. This ministry has been running every spring for the past 7 years and have had over 120 amazing women and men participate. Participants often mention how they gain a greater perspective on how the treasures and wisdom of our Catholic faith can give them a sense of renewed hope for their future.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre AGM Invitation
Please join us for our Annual General Meeting that will take place on Wednesday, March 30th at 6:30 pm. The decision was made to meet virtually again this year. We would love to have you join us via Zoom or phone. For more details, please contact the First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre at 613 635-7440.
PARISH EVENTS
Latin Mass
A Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 is offered at St. Columbkille Cathedral at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. This is basically the same form of the Liturgy which nourished the faith of many Catholics for centuries. English translations of the entire Mass are provided. Next Latin Mass – April 2nd.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Renewal Ministries’ Annual Gathering – April 22-23, 2022 | Eagle Crest Marriott | Ypsilanti, MI
Join us for The Gathering, Renewal Ministries’ annual conference, Friday evening, April 22nd from 7-9:30 p.m. (ET), and Saturday, April 23rd from 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (ET). Our time together will include inspiring talks by Ralph Martin, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Jonathan Reyes, as well as praise and worship, time for Mass and Adoration, encouraging fellowship, and more! Registration for on-line participation (free): https://www.renewalministries.net/the-gathering-virtual-registration-form-page/.
OTHER
6 Things Children Learn When You Skip Mass on Sundays
Please check out this interesting link: “6 Things Children Learn When You Skip Mass” (submitted by Fr. Joe O’Malley).
A Catholic Dad Gives His 10 Best Strategies For Mass With Kids
Please see attached link that parents may find useful, as suggested by Fr. Joe O’Malley: A Catholic Dad Gives His 10 Best Strategies For Mass With Kids (catholic-link.org).
Is It Possible to Go to Mass With Children? Tips For Taking Your Family To Church
Here is another link submitted by Fr. Joe O’Malley for parents of young children: Is It Possible To Go To Mass With Children? Tips For Taking Your Family To Church – Catholic-Link.