You will receive a hundredfold now in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.
(Mark 10.28-31)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
A special collection for our diocese and for our retired priests!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today I would like to draw your attention to the special collection that will take place the weekend of June 6 in all the parishes of our diocese. I had the opportunity to tell you about this initiative in my message of March 23, but today I would like to remind you of its main features.
Our evangelization project has been well underway for several months: intensive formation sessions on three occasions since December; bi-weekly team meetings via Zoom to reflect on a common vision and to begin planning the process we will use to start and communicate the project; the composition of a diocesan prayer to help everyone pray for the success of the project; contacts with the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, which has expressed its desire to be fully involved in the evangelization project; the hiring of a pastoral director for our diocese and leader of the new evangelization team.
All in all, we are taking all the means to start the project on a solid footing and we wish to incite your desire to be involved, each according to your possibilities and capacities. I remind you that the duty to evangelize is not reserved to priests and religious: every baptized Christian is called to collaborate in the great mission that Jesus began more than two thousand years ago and that will continue until the end of the world. Those who wish to do so will be able to commit themselves, each according to his or her strengths and talents, to the evangelization project. They will also be able to offer their services to the surrounding parishes when the need arises.
A second aspect of this project also affects diocesan priests who have already retired or will soon retire. Architectural plans to renovate the Cathedral rectory at an estimated cost of $2.5 million are currently underway and are moving forward with great strides: the second and third floors of the building will be refurbished to accommodate up to six autonomous or semi-autonomous retired priests.
Finally, a third component of the project is the complete renovation of the Diocesan Centre. As you are no doubt aware, the second floor has been condemned for some years due to water infiltration which has caused mould and significant damage to the interior. The roof, as well as the exterior and interior of the building, must be renovated and adapted to the new pastoral and administrative needs, which are necessarily intertwined with the new evangelization project, since additional space is required for its proper functioning. At first glance, we estimate that we will have to spend approximately one million dollars for the renovation of the chancery.
As the costs of these projects total nearly $3.5 million and are very significant and absolutely necessary in the short term, I invite you to consider making a donation the weekend of June 6 to help us realize all these initiatives. These initiatives will allow the entire team of the Diocesan Centre to serve you better, the evangelization team to acquire certain resources, and our present and future retired priests to be able to live their well-deserved retirement in a peaceful setting where they will be able to live a certain form of communal life.
I would like to thank you in advance for your great generosity and for your prayers and fraternal support.
Sincerely yours in Christ our Redeemer,
+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE DIOCESE
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…)
Ecclesia
There is a survey on the last page that the Ecclesia committee would appreciate you filling out and returning in the collection basket at any Mass. Deadline for the surveys to be submitted is July 30th. Thank you for your participation in this endeavor. Please note that the May issue of Ecclesia can now be found on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/ecclesia/.
Stay-at-Home Order
During the stay-at-home order issued by Premier Doug Ford, most of our chancery staff members are working from home. You may reach them by email. For the directory, please check our website at www.pembrokediocese.com.
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 June in your parishes.
God bless,
Deacon Adrien Chaput
Hello from the new Director of Pastoral Work
Dear friends! Having been very recently hired by the diocese as director of pastoral work I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Pierre-Alain Giffard, I am the father of two young teenage girls and the spouse of my wife Marie. Practically all my life has been devoted to theology and evangelization. I have also worked with people with disabilities, both physical and mental. What could I say that could be of interest to you? I am a specialist in the Church mission, having studied and practiced extensively in the field. I hold a doctorate in practical theology and my research focuses on missional congregations. Why are some parishes growing while others are declining? This was one of the central questions of my dissertation. For the past 15 years I have worked at the diocesan level in Quebec and Manitoba, and I have also been a professor at Saint Paul University. I am enthusiastic about the renewal project of Bishop Guy Desrochers. He has asked me, among other things, to ensure the leadership of the diocesan evangelization team. I hope that we will have the opportunity to meet and to communicate with me, you can write to me at pag@pembrokediocese.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Pierre-Alain Giffard
FROM THE CCCB
2021 World Day of Migrants and Refugees
The 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on 26 September 2021. The theme of Pope Francis’ Message is “Towards an ever wider ‘we’”. In his Message, the Holy Father reminds us that “Salvation history thus has a ‘we’ in its beginning and a ‘we’ at its end, and at its centre the mystery of Christ, who died and rose so ‘that they may all be one’ (Jn 17:21). The present time, however, shows that this ‘we’ willed by God is broken and fragmented, wounded and disfigured. This becomes all the more evident in moments of great crisis, as is the case with the current pandemic. Our ‘we’, both in the wider world and within the Church, is crumbling and cracking due to myopic and aggressive forms of nationalism (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 11) and radical individualism (cf. ibid., 105). And the highest price is being paid by those who most easily become viewed as others: foreigners, migrants, the marginalized, those living on the existential peripheries.”
Link to the Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees
FAITH FORMATION
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
Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) Online Conference introduces “Multiply” – June 4 and 5, 2021
CCO has, for over 30 years, been involved in University outreach to young adults. Now, they are expanding their horizons and moving into parishes to bring their amazing method of intentional accompaniment and materials (Faith Study Series) that are effective and relevant on so many levels. If you and/or your parish is interested in “making disciples of all the nations” then this conference is for you and your leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for you and others to take the next step into the mission! To find out more go to www.cco.ca/multiply.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre – Upcoming Event
Hosted by the Pine Ridge Family Church on Saturday, June 5th from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. A display featuring information and services offered free of charge by FSO will be at hand, as well as an opportunity to leave a donation. For more information please call 613 635-7440 or check out the website at www.firststepoptions.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Global Prayer for China
www.GlobalPrayerforChina.org — (May 23-30) features resources for pastors, parishes, and individuals, including up-to-date information on the repression and persecution of Christians in China, as well as the genocide of the Uyghurs and others suffering atrocities and injustices throughout China. It includes profiles of individual prisoners of conscience and pastoral resources for prayers and homilies, as well as the text of Cardinal Bo’s call for prayer.
Growing in Wisdom: Seeking Deeper Generativity
A Two-Day Introductory Gathering on June 4 – 5, 2021, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. EDT. Galilee Centre in cooperation with the Oblate Retreat Centres across Canada presents this two-day introductory virtual session which will include presentations from Fr. Ron Roheiser, Faculty of Forest Dwelling Program, Oblate School of Theology, other faculty members and previous program participants. Growing in Wisdom: Seeking Deeper Generativity is a two year program grounded in the Forest Dwelling Program beginning in September 2021. If you are 60+ and are interested in exploring what a Spirituality for your Wisdom Years could mean for you, please join us for this two-day “Come and See” event to learn more. Cost is only $25 per person. Must register by June 1. For more information go to: https://www.galileecentre.com/growing-in-wisdom-seeking-deeper-generativity/.
Catholic Women’s Fall Retreat Morning of Reflection
The Women’s Fall Retreat team is presenting a Pentecost-Morning of Reflection on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sarah Damm, a renowned Catholic speaker will help us reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit. Gather with us, along with Fr. Brian McNally of the Archdiocese of Kingston, our WFR Spiritual Director, for a morning of faith-deepening talks, inspiring music and small group breakout sessions. You will have the opportunity to connect with other women who are followers of Christ. Join us as we consider what it means to “Rejoice in the Lord.” To register for this event, go to https://pentecost-morningofreflection.eventbrite.ca. The cost for the morning is $20.00 and will be presented on the Zoom platform. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/womensfallretreat.
Power and Purpose Conference Livestreamed
Experience the Holy Spirit’s power and healing. Rediscover the “one thing” – the one Person – that matters most – Jesus Christ. Allow him to reveal the purpose of your life: to live in true freedom and joy of the Spirit. Be uplifted by the witness and fellowship of disciples like you. June 5, 6:30-10:00 p.m. Offered by Steubenville Conferences. Cost: free. Info: https://steubenvilleconferences.com.
UNBOUND – 2 Day ONLINE Conference
Saturdays May 29th and June 5th, from 9 a.m. to noon. Deliverance – Freedom – Belonging. Discover your true identity and destiny as a beloved child of God! Information and registration: https://ourladyofdivinefire.regfox.com/unbound-freedom-in-christ-online-conference.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall Building and Construction Coordinator
The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is looking for a Building and Construction Coordinator to integrate the Properties team. Full time position. Bilingualism (French & English) is an asset. For details, please visit https://en.archoc.ca/employment-opportunities. Application deadline: May 28, 2021. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Board Chaplaincy Leader – Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is in search of a Board Chaplaincy Leader. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. For a full description and qualifications, please contact NPSCSB at careers@npsc.ca or visit the website at https://www.npsc.ca/employment.
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.