The Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.
(Luke 19.1-10)
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Dear faithful and clergy,
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in “Red Wednesday in Canada” on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. This is an initiative offered in both French and English (in French, I hope, since a French-speaking Archbishop is on the guest list) that began a few years ago. Its goal is to raise awareness about the persecution of our brothers and sisters in the faith around the world. It is estimated that there are approximately 327,000,000 Christians who are persecuted worldwide!
If you wish to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the faith who are being persecuted, you have only to register by copying the following internet link:
https://acn-canada.org/red-wednesday/
… and then click on the “eventbrite.ca Red Wednesday” link to receive the Zoom link. The Zoom session will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
I look forward to reporting to you next week in our weekly diocesan bulletin.
+ Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Submits Brief on Bill C-7 to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights – Thursday, November 12, 2020
On 9 November 2020, in response to the meetings of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights to study Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) submitted a Brief reinforcing its serious concerns regarding Bill C-7 and the steadfast opposition of the Catholic Bishops of Canada to euthanasia and assisted suicide and to its further expansion in Canada by Bill C-7. As said in the Brief sent to the Members of Parliament sitting on the Committee, “The proposed legislation of Bill C-7 remains deeply flawed, unjust, and morally pernicious. (Read more…)
2020 National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
On 12 December, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church in Canada celebrates the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This project, with the approval of the Bishops of Canada, has been coordinated since 2002 by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council (formerly the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council). This year, the reflection by the Council centres … Read more
FAITH FORMATION
Journée de formation
Une journée de formation pour les catéchètes des paroisses francophones ou bilingues du diocèse, samedi le 21 novembre de 9h à 13h à la salle Ste-Croix, 500 rue Isabella, Pembroke. Dîner et rafraîchissements sont inclus. Le conférencier de la journée sera Mgr Guy Desrochers. Cette journée s’adresse aux catéchètes, aux personnes qui désirent le devenir, aux curés, aux diacres, et autres personnes intéressées. Veuillez contacter diacre Adrien Chaput au 613 732-7933 poste 206 avant le 19 novembre 2020.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION a problem this year?
Consider two options for online Confirmation preparation. Simple and cost effective. Both are excellent programs to help young people prepare and be strengthened for their mission in the Catholic Church. Please visit https://www.catholiconline.school/pages/confirmation or https://www.hopestone.ca/confirmation. For more information contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Looking for ways for your child to get more out of Mass on Sundays?
For ages 5-12, here is a simple option that takes no prep time! Sign up for Holy Heroes Mass Prep and receive an e-mail right in your inbox! Preparation contains all readings for Sunday Mass, colouring page, short video explaining the gospel by other children and a Mass Prep Quiz (with answers) to challenge your child’s comprehension of the readings and liturgical colours worn by the priest each Sunday. Check it all out at https://www.holyheroes.com/MassPrep-s/57.htm . (Watch last week’s Mass Prep and then scroll down and input your e-mail address to start receiving it each week). Questions? Please contact Yvette Bourque at 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
Looking for ways to bring Advent alive for your children this year?
Go to https://www.holyheroes.com/Holy-Heroes-Advent-Adventure-s/48.htm and sign up for Holy Heroes ADVENT ADVENTURE. You will be glad you did! Questions? Please contact Yvette Bourque at 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
Best Advent Ever 2020!
We’re excited to announce that sign-ups for Best Advent Ever 2020 are now open! This year, Matthew Kelly will be giving powerful daily video reflections on the Gospel readings all through Advent. And we’re calling it Let Your Soul Shine—because that’s what the world needs from you now more than ever! Do you want to have an incredible 2021? It starts right now—with you signing up for BEST ADVENT EVER.
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry
Next gathering is Thursday, November 19th at St. Columbkille Cathedral for session #2 of NO GREATER LOVE – A biblical walk through Christ’s Passion. Holy Hour from 6-7 p.m. (optional). Session from 7-8:30 p.m.in the parish hall. Come join us and bring a friend.
PARISH EVENTS
Holy Mass – Extraordinary Form
Holy Mass in the extraordinary form is 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. Next Mass – December 5th.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
52nd International Eucharistic Congress
The 52nd International Eucharistic Congress will take place in Budapest from 5 to 12 September 2021 (originally scheduled for September 2020). Check out the website at iec2020.hu.
Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation – Leadership Program
Are you called to join other Canadian Catholic women learning how your leadership has the power to transform where you work, volunteer, and live? Applications are now available for the 2021-2022 Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation Program. The in-person and online program, facilitated by the Providence School of Transformational Leadership and Spirituality at Saint Paul University (Ottawa) runs from April/21 to May/22. Visit www.cwlfcanada.ca. Application deadline November 20, 2020. If you have any questions about the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation or our program, please contact Neysa Finnie at info@cwlfcanada.ca or 604 813-1612.
Christmas Concert Invitation: COVID can’t stop Christmas.
This year, the Daughters of St Paul choir’s Christmas Concert is finally making it to Canada… virtually! The Daughters of St Paul are an international congregation of religious sisters who evangelize through the media. The sisters of the USA & Canada province have long wished to bring their Christmas Concert tour north, but international rights and customs made it impossible. But this year has offered the sisters the unique opportunity to launch their first ever virtual concert, “Home for Christmas,” with choir members joining in from their homes to sing to you in yours! So join us, the Daughters of St Paul Choir, for our first concert for Canada! “Home for Christmas” is a free YouTube live-streamed event where you can expect to meet our choir members, listen to some concert favourites, learn some dance moves, hear some inspirational stories, and have the opportunity to support our mission of evangelization. We hope to see you there, December 3rd at 8 p.m. EST! Check out the YouTube invitation here. For more information visit http://www.pauline.org/virtualconcert.
“Advent Promises: A Women’s Morning of Reflection”
Presented by the Women’s Fall Retreat Planning Team, “Advent Promises: A Women’s Morning of Reflection” will be held via Zoom on Saturday, December 5th, from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Laura O’Reilly, mother and faithful Catholic speaker, will give two inspirational talks reflecting on “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her (Luke 1:45). “ All registrants will be invited to participate in a Liturgy of the Word, singing and small group discussions. Registration is $20. All women 16 years of age and over can register using this link. Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 2nd.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Project Manager – Diocese of Pembroke
The Diocese of Pembroke is currently advertising for a full time Project Manager. To view the ad please visit: ca.indeed.com.
Bilingual Secretary Position at the CCCB
Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and a resume to Lucie Labrèche-Matte, Administration and Human Resources Assistant at careers@cccb.ca before November 20th, 2020. Please check out https://www.cccb.ca/career/secretary-general-secretariat/ for more information.