Pray in this way.
(Matthew 6.7-15)
BISHOP’S MESSAGES
Diocesan Letter to Parishioners for Share Lent
Please read Bishop Guy Desrochers’ letter here.
Canada, land of refuge for Ukrainian immigrants
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The war that is currently raging in Ukraine is an opportunity for us not only to pray and offer our multifaceted assistance to this fragile and scorned people, but also a moment to remember the history of their arrival in Canada. To this, we must add the great social benefits that flowed from it and that contributed to the development and enrichment of our country with its vast stretches of often inhospitable and wild lands at the time. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Donations for Relief Efforts in Ukraine
Here are three links for those who would like to make donations for relief efforts in Ukraine. Many thanks to Fr. Ryan Holly and to Bishop Desrochers for suggesting these links:
- The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
- Malteser International (relief agency of the Order of Malta)
- 2022 DF – Ukraine Regional Assistance (e2rm.com).
Coffee, Conversation, and Synodality
Synod of Bishops Undersecretary Nathalie Becquart said, “Synodality begins with coffee.” Indeed, a conversation over coffee can be a humble way to listen to people’s experiences with the Church. And this is especially true for the disaffiliated, as they rarely attend church events and are unlikely to participate in a formal synodal listening session. (Read more…)
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.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
The Evangelization Project Has an Online Prayer Group
A primary and essential task of the Church is to draw people to Christ through prayer. As baptized and confirmed members of the Church, we are all commissioned to pray for the lost and to proclaim the Good News with our whole lives. With this conviction in mind, the evangelization hosts an online prayer group every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. We intercede for the diocesan evangelization project, for the intentions of the participants, and for all those who God wants us to reach. We hope you will join us. The Zoom link to connect on Wednesday nights is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646.
Welcoming Them Home: 7 Tips for Churches to Reengage Parishioners
Here is a link that is submitted by Fr. Joe O’Malley: Welcoming Them Home: 7 Tips For Churches To Reengage Parishioners – Catholic-Link.
LENT
25 Simple Things You Can Do This Lent To Grow Closer To Christ
As Lent is fast approaching, please check out this article suggested by Fr. Joseph O’Malley – “25 Simple Things You Can Do This Lent To Grow Closer To Christ.”
FROM THE CCCB
Statement of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) condemns the escalation of tensions and violence in Ukraine marked by Russia’s invasion, which was seen today, Thursday, 24 February 2022, in the form of militarization and bombing in various Ukrainian cities.
In solidarity with the Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, in unison with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with the people of Ukraine as well as with Canadians of Ukrainian origin and descent, we encourage the faithful and all people of good will to pray for the imminent restoration of peace, dialogue, and human fraternity.
Conscious of the regrettable lessons about violence which we have all learned throughout human history, we implore all involved to pursue non-violent means to resolve disputes and disagreements. The use of military force does not favour dialogue and peace; rather, it endangers innocent human life, the dignity of the human person and the security and safety of all the people caught up in this conflict.
Jesus came to bring the gift of peace, and it is through Him that new pathways of dialogue can be opened, even when all other avenues appear closed. With Pope Francis, who has entrusted this situation to the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, we ask Our Lady, through her powerful intercession, to open hearts so that anger, resentment, and division may start to be healed and that any further escalation of unnecessary violence may be avoided.
VATICAN NEWS
The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention for March 2022
For a Christian response to bioethical challenges. We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Lent is a favourable time for personal and community renewal, as it leads us to the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For our Lenten journey in 2022, we will do well to reflect on Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity (kairós), let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10). Link to Message: Link to the Message.
FAITH FORMATION
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
Marriage Preparation Program
The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, March 26th and Saturday, April 9th via Zoom. Deadline to register is March 11th. Registration is available online at Marriage & Family – Diocese of Pembroke (pembrokediocese.com), or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Ellen Hrkach at 613 297-1496 or ellengablehrkach@gmail.com.
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
March Lecture Series – Palliative Care and MAiD
The deVeber Institute will be hosting lecture series entitled “Palliative Care and MAiD” on March 10th (Doctors’ Roundtable) and March 16th (Mental Health and MAiD) at 8 p.m. (ET) via Zoom. The lectures will address palliative care in the face of MAiD and feature doctors, lawyers, and psychiatrists at the forefront of the conversation. The topics to be discussed include: dignity conserving care, MAiD and individuals with disabilities, a doctors’ roundtable, and MAiD and mental health. Registration at www.deveber.org. For additional information, please contact The deVeber Institute at bioethics@deveber.org or (415) 256-0555.
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
2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally
The 2022 Lift Jesus Higher Rally: More Than Conquerors retreat held on March 5th can now be found on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xog0H2LVOQ.
Galilee Centre – “What do You Seek in the Desert?”
“What do You Seek in the Desert?” retreat introducing contemplative prayer, Ignatius practices, and creating a heightened awareness of God moving in our lives from Saturday, March 19th – Monday, March 21st. Recommended for those who are new to silent retreats, or anyone seeking a Lenten time of quiet and contemplation. In person $295 (including accommodations and meals), Commuter $150 (including meals) https://www.galileecentre.com/workshops-events/.
Galilee Centre Retreat – “Women of Faith: I Have Called You by Your Name”
“Women of Faith: I Have Called You by Your Name,” with a focus on the importance of names, this day of worship and fellowship features presentations on The Names We Are Given, Drawing Prayers by Name, and The Names of Mary on Saturday, March 19th from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. In person $55 (includes breakfast and lunch), Virtual $25. https://www.galileecentre.com/workshops-events/.
OTHER
Release, Rest and Rejoice
Want to show God that you truly trust him? Here are three things you can do right now:
Number one, RELEASE: God says: “Give everything to me in prayer. “Release” says God, “Trust me with your trouble”.
Number two, REST: Be still externally and internally. Rest says: “I trust Your way and Your timing”.
And number three, REJOICE: You believe that God is going to come through for you? Why not rejoice before you see the victory? “Rejoice”, says God. Tell Him: “It doesn’t matter what it’s going to look like, I trust you”.
(Transcribed from a Kris Reece video)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Board of Directors – Galilee Centre
Galilee Centre of Arnprior is seeking interested candidates for a volunteer position on the Board of Directors. Galilee Centre is a retreat centre that provides spiritual programming for those seeking spiritual well-being. It also hosts groups who seek a beautiful setting on the banks of the Ottawa River as a get-away for the purpose of spiritual wholeness. A Director is expected to attend one Board meeting per month and to attend one of our committees once per month. These committees include Program, Finance, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Fundraising, etc. The time commitment is about 7-10 hrs per month. This position would begin with our August Board meeting for a three year term. If interested, please contact the Executive Director of Galilee, Megan Postin at director@galileecentre.com. Further information and an application form will be sent to you. Thank you in advance for your consideration.