When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all the truth.
(John 16.12-15)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
The Ascension of Our Lord: becoming missionary in both absence and presence
You have heard it in the Gospel of Saint Luke: the Ascension is an invitation to go out and to bless! To do what? To “proclaim conversion to all nations”, says Jesus, and so that the blessing he bestows on his disciples (as he ascends to heaven), will at the same time give us the grace to become a blessing to all those who will hear the Good News. The word “blessing” comes from the Latin “benedictio” or “bene dicere” which translates as “to speak well of”; but Jesus’ blessing goes far beyond mere words: it also has the power to “do good”… both to those who hear this proclamation of conversion, and to those who proclaim it. (Read more…)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Pastoral Appointment
The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., announces the following appointment:
- Reverend Stephen HELFERTY is assigned to graduate studies in Patristic Theology with the purview of serving as a teacher for St Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto. Father Helferty will begin full-time studies in languages and other relevant topics at the University of Toronto this September in preparation for beginning his licentiate program in 2023.
Thanks for being a part of the Synodal process!
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the synodal process so far. We appreciate your participation as we journey together to build a listening, synodal church. Our prayer and hope are that these local conversations continue and bear fruit for the mission of our church. The next few weeks will be spent reading, learning, and reflecting on what you have communicated and it’s meaning for our Diocese. We look forward to sharing more with you soon. God bless you.
Ecclesia
The May 2022 Ecclesia edition can be read here.
The Diocese of Pembroke now has Facebook and YouTube!
- Like our Facebook page: https://pembrokediocese.com/facebook
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://pembrokediocese.com/youtube
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
First Nation: A term that came into common usage in the 1970’s to replace the term “Indian band,” which many people found offensive. The term “First Nation” has been adopted to replace the word “band” in the names of many communities, and can refer to a single band, many bands, an Indigenous governing body organized and established by an Indigenous community, or an Indigenous community as a whole. First Nation is not applied to Inuit or Métis, who are distinct and separate.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Evangelizing through invitations
A good way to evangelize is to invite people to church, to a parish event, or to join a small group. It will give them an opportunity to hear the Gospel and perhaps come to faith. According to George Barna’s research, one out of four people in North America would go to church if a friend invited them.
Personal invitations are more effective. Generally speaking, people are much more likely to accept an invitation if it is from a person rather than an announcement, a flyer or a website. A personal invitation makes people feel valued and important.
Practically, if we want to invite someone, we can simply tell them, “Hey I am involved in this small group, we learn a lot about God and make new friends. My life has really improved because of it. Would you like to check it out with me?” Offer to take them with you. Offer them a ride, even if they have a car, so you can be their “tour guide” and introduce them to everyone. We can also invite others to read the New Testament or to pray for them.
Challenge: This month, pray daily for someone and ask God to provide you with opportunities to invite them to a parish activity or to a small group.
FROM THE CCCB
Rosary for the Family
In preparation for the 10th World Meeting of Families (WMF), the CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life is hosting a live and nationwide Rosary for the Family via Zoom Webinar. The virtual event will take place on Sunday, June 19th (Father’s Day) at 3 p.m. (EST). The Zoom registration link can be accessed here. Contact Ms. Michelle Dabrowski at m.dabrowski@cccb.ca for more information.
Meeting between the Knights of Columbus and the CCCB in New Haven – Monday, May 09, 2022
On Monday, May 2nd, 2022, the President of the CCCB, The Most Rev. Raymond Poisson, as well as the General Secretary, Fr. Jean Vézina, visited New Haven, Connecticut, to meet with the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Mr. Patrick E. Kelly. (Read more…)
Press Release: World Meeting of Families – Wednesday, May 11 2022
In preparation for the 10th World Meeting of Families (WMF), the CCCB Standing Committee on Family and Life has produced a short promotional video to help bring to life the WMF theme “Family Love: Vocation and Path to Holiness”. Pope Francis has announced that the WMF event will be held in a new way; celebrated not only in Rome, but in all dioceses and eparchies across the world. Organized by both the Diocese of Rome and the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, the WMF will take place 22-26 June 2022 and will coincide with the closing of the Amoris Laetitia Family Year. (Read more…)
CCCB Submits Brief to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) – Thursday, May 12 2022
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops submitted a brief to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). The Committee is currently conducting a “statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to Medical Assistance in Dying and their application”, which includes issues relating to mature minors, advance requests, mental illness, the state of palliative care in Canada, and the protection of Canadians with disabilities. (Read more…)
Catholic Bishops Welcome Announcement of Dates and Hub Cities for Papal Visit to Canada – Friday, May 13 2022
The Vatican formally announced that Pope Francis will travel to Canada from July 24-29, 2022. The historic visit, focused on Indigenous healing and reconciliation, will be the fourth papal journey to Canada and the first since Saint John Paul II’s visit in 2002. (Read more…)
CCCB Statement on the occasion of the anniversary of the findings at the Kamloops Residential School – Monday, May 23 2022
It is with great sadness that Canada’s Catholic Bishops wish to recognize the one-year anniversary of the shocking reports from the site of the former Kamloops Residential School. These triggered a painful and lasting reminder of the ongoing legacy of suffering caused by Canada’s residential school system. (Read more…)
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Steubenville Toronto Youth Conference Cancelled
The Steubenville Toronto Youth Conference scheduled for July 15-17 has been officially cancelled by the Archdiocese of Toronto Youth Office due to lack of registrations within the GTA.
Thank you all for your efforts to promote this event. It will now be 3 summers that this amazing conference for youth has not been able to run. They hope to offer the Conference next year in 2023.
PRO-LIFE
Renfrew County Right to Life Quarterly Meeting
Renfrew County Right to Life meets quarterly to discuss current pro-life issues, and how we can make a change in our community and society. Anyone who shares our goals is welcome to attend our next meeting at Calvary Baptist Pembroke, 567 Melton St., Pembroke, on Wednesday, June 1st at 7 p.m. Bring a friend! Check out facebook.com/RCRTL for more information.
First Step Options 2022 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
Fill our virtual bottle and bring hope from May 8th to June 19th. Donations can be made via e-transfer, cheque, or monthly withdrawals. Visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com or email firststepoptions@gmail.com for more information.
Renfrew County Right to Life Grade 12 Essay Contest
Renfrew County Right to Life is delighted to announce their third Essay Contest, open to all grade 12 students residing in Renfrew County. This year’s theme is The Ethics of In-Vitro Fertilization. The winner receives $300. All essays must be received by June 1, 2022. For more details, visit facebook.com/RCRTL.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Companions of the Cross Virtual Pentecost Mission
The Companions of the Cross are holding an online Pentecost Mission “Experience the Church Explosively Alive!” Do we need a new Pentecost? Who is the Holy Spirit? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? Three evenings May 30, 31 – June 1st, 7-8:30 p.m. To register: https://companionscross.org/pentecost/.
Sisters of the Lady Immaculate Encounter
Sisters of the Lady Immaculate present a “Come and See” Retreat from June 20th-26th for women discerning Religious Life. If interested, please contact Sr. Maria Immaculata at vocations@solisisters.ca.
OTHER
Article: 5 Reasons We Need to Celebrate Mass on Sunday – Every Week
Perhaps, many people have gotten accustomed to attending online Masses during these grueling three years of the pandemic. However, with less restrictions in many places and less severity of the recent viral variant strains, it is the time to prudently discern and consider the attendance of Sunday Masses in person, knowing of its utmost importance and of the benefits of being able to receive Holy Communion as along as we are in state of grace. Check out the article “5 Reasons We Need to Celebrate Mass on Sunday – Every Week.”.