My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.
(Luke 8.19-21)
FROM THE DIOCESE
The Synod’s Summary Report of the Diocese of Pembroke
In October 2021 Pope Francis launched the path of synodality “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. Since then, members of dioceses worldwide have prayed and reflected on how to better “journey together” to accomplish the Church Mission.
Our diocese took part in that reflection and you can now find the report that summarizes the participants’ responses on our diocesan website or by clicking here.
Parishioners who do not have access to the Internet can contact Mrs. Donna Biggs at 613 732-7933 and request a printed copy. Read more
FROM THE CCCB
The Reverend Monsignor Gary Anthony Franken Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Paul – Thursday, September 15, 2022
The Holy See Press Office announced that His Holiness Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Paul Terrio and appointed The Most Rev. Monsignor Gary Anthony Franken as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Paul, transferring him from his current pastoral duty as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
The Diocese of Saint Paul has 38 priests (diocesan and religious), 12 permanent deacons, 38 parishes and missions, and a Catholic population of 107 278.
Statement by Bishop Raymond Poisson, Bishop of St-Jérôme-Mont Laurier and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) receives the news of the passing of Her Majesty, Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, with profound sadness. I join my brother Bishops and all of the Catholic faithful of this country in praying for the repose of her soul and in extending sincerest condolences to the members of the Royal Family. (Read more…)
108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
“BUILDING THE FUTURE WITH MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES”. On September 25th, the Church will mark the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. It is an occasion to express our concern for the many vulnerable people on the move, to pray for them as they face many challenges, and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers. (Read more…)
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Terminologies
The Diocesan Action Circle committee would like to familiarize everyone with certain terminologies:
Status Indian: An individual recognized by the federal government as registered under the Indian Act. A status Indian can be referred to as a “registered Indian,” but “status Indian” is the more common term.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Find a Need and Fill It – Revealing God’s Heart in the Community
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
One of the challenges we may face when we want to evangelize is to realize that we know few non-Christian. Thus, it is necessary to start engaging with people who are not Catholics. Jesus asks us to go all over the world to make disciples (Matthew 28,19). For us, our world is simply our neighborhood. It is there that we can accomplish our mission. It is there that God’s heart can be revealed. (Read more…)
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? R.C.I.A. might just be for you!
R.C.I.A stands for the Rite of Christian initiation of Adults. It is a journey for anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic and growing in the life as a Christian. It is for someone who has never been baptized, or maybe you have been baptized in another Christian faith and wish to know more about the Catholic faith. Maybe you have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for your life’s mission. If any of the above apply to you, we would love to help in your spiritual journey. Want to know more about your Catholic faith? All are welcome to join us in exploring this new quest at St Columbkille Cathedral. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 15th and Saturday, October 29th, 2022 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Deadline to register is September 30th. Registration is available online at www.pembrokediocese.com, or a form can be obtained from any parish and mailed in. Inquiries can be directed to Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
An invitation for married or engaged couples!
Do you struggle to find true, quality time with your spouse? Do you struggle to find time to pray together, and grow in faith together? Do you want to meet other Catholic couples who share this amazing vocation of marriage? If so – it’s time to level up your marriage vocation with The Catholic Date Night. The Catholic Date Night is a monthly, virtual event for married or engaged Catholic couples, hosted by music ministers, Jesse and Kathleen LeBlanc (Found Together).
Each night you will enjoy:
- A powerful, live interview with a Catholic couple sharing about a topic relevant to Catholic marriages
- Time offline to discuss the content with your spouse using guided questions
- Virtual breakout rooms to meet and talk with other couples just like you, from across the country
- A time of guided prayer ministry where you will learn new ways to pray with your spouse
Don’t wait until your marriage is on the rocks to prioritize your relationship. Subscribe to the Catholic Date Night today and be sure that meaningful, fun, and transformative Date Nights are always on the calendar.
Visit www.wearefoundtogether.com/datenights to learn more and follow us on Instagram @TheCatholicDateNight. Consider joining this amazing, growing community of Catholic married couples!
PARISH EVENTS
St. Alphonsus Parish Supper
St. Alphonsus Parish Annual Turkey Supper will be held on Sunday, September 25th from 12-6 p.m. at the Chapeau Arena. Turkey with all the trimmings, homemade beans & pies. Cost: Adults $20 – Children 7 & Older $10. Children 6 & under FREE! Take-out is available. Everyone Welcome! Wheelchair accessible. Fr. Scott Murray & Parishioners welcome you!
Annual Supper and Bazaar to assist Mount St. Patrick Parish
Ham & Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Coleslaw, Pie, and other goodies. The Parish Supper will be held on Sunday, September 25th from 1-6 p.m. at the DACA Centre, 111 Flat Rd. Dacre. There will also be a bake sale tent and car show on the DACA grounds. At St. Patrick’s Church, Mass will be celebrated at noon. There will be a large garage sale held at the parish hall and religious articles will be available in the church sacristy till 4:00. Note: the bridge at Mt. St. Patrick is out. Please detour through Dacre to get to the DACA Centre. Dine in or take-out. Cost $17.00 for Adults and $10.00 for 12 and under.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
D&P Events
Development and Peace has begun mobilizing in Pembroke Diocese this fall! We are looking to grow our movement in pursuit of human dignity, social and economic justice. Together let’s answer the Laudato Si call to be stewards of God’s Creation. If these goals resonate with you, feel welcome to come to one of our upcoming events!
- September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. we are hosting an event in solidarity with Land Defenders in Latin America. We will have Joan Kuyek speaking from Mining Watch Canada as well as Donald Hernandez, the director of CEHPRODEC, one of our Honduran partners. This event takes place in Kingston, but it is also a hybrid event. Here is the Zoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcOmtqTMrH9DtvzCe6JKa8zWndgTo5mYx.
- September 24th at 1:30 p. is the National Launch of the Fall Campaign. Join us as we launch part two of our “People and Planet First” campaign and celebrate 55 years of solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Global South!: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdeCtrT0iHNLcEMtNzkLAx0zXtCtnQa3L.
- November 17th at 7 p.m. is the Pembroke Diocesan Fall Campaign Workshop. This formation will work on mobilizing the People and Planet First campaign in our own communities. If you’re new, this is a wonderful opportunity to get to know D&P! This will be a hybrid event, in person location to be announced soon. Register online at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlf-GtqDouGdVdggpmLzUwMLMXgk0bhtfk.
If you would like more information, please contact D&P’s regional animator, Kiegan Irish at kirish@devp.org
PRO-LIFE
First Step Options’ 2nd Annual “Baby Bump” Party
Throughout the month of September everyone will have the opportunity to join this virtual baby shower by gifting the Centre with items listed here. For more information, please call First Step Options at 613 635-7440, or email firststepoptions@gmail.com.
First Step Options – Free Community Workshop “Preparing for Postpartum”
On Thursday, September 29th, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Wesley Community Church, 201 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Special guest speaker: Christine Raddatz from Renfrew County Doulas. Free registration: fsocentre@gmail.com.
Life Chain
Life Chain is a powerful, peaceful street witness and prayer vigil held every year across North America. We stand silently and prayerfully on the sidewalk. Signs provided proclaim “Adoption the Loving Option,” “Jesus Forgives & Heals,” “Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation,” “Abortion Hurts Women,” and “Life – the first Inalienable right.”
Bring your whole family! Life Chain goes rain or shine. Lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers are welcome. Meet at the Festival Hall parking lot at 1:45 on Sunday, October 2nd to collect your sign and greet fellow pro-lifers. Please join us in standing for life!
Sponsored by Renfrew County Right to Life: www.facebook.com/RCRTL.
RCRTL Celebration of Life Dinner
Please join Renfrew County Right to Life for the 2022 Celebration of Life Dinner! Enjoy a roast beef buffet by Ulrich’s, and an informative talk by Scott Hayward of RightNow, an organization that seeks to elect pro-life politicians in Canada.
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, 280 Lourdesview Ave, Pembroke.
When: Wednesday October 19th. Refreshments at 5 p.m. – Buffet at 6 p.m.
Cost: $30/adult, $20/student. To reserve your seat, please mail your dinner payment cheque before October 10th to: Renfrew County Right to Life c/o Holy Name Church, 284 Trafalgar Rd, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. Any questions? Please call Barb at 613 735-6265 and leave a message.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
12th Annual Fall Pilgrimage St Joseph Oratory
We are back! Sponsored by Committee of the Annual Pilgrimages for the Dioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, Pembroke, Mont-Laurier/St-Jérôme and Kingston, on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Stop in the afternoon at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in LaSalle. Please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or email at mike.budge@bell.net for more details.
Creation Care School – Integral Ecology
Happy Season of Creation, from September 1st to October 4th! Online courses in the Creation Care School are now free thanks to the generous donation from a religious congregation. Check it out!
Online Religion course for High School students – Our Moral Life in Christ: A Complete Course
This is a senior level high school course, but since there are no prerequisites except passion and interest, you are free to sign up regardless of your grade if the subject matter interests you. It will be interesting and informative. The plan at the moment is to teach on Wednesdays again between October 12 and June 21. We “meet” using Zoom and the online textbook service provided by My Catholic Faith Delivered. It runs for 60-70 minutes per session. The time of the class is a little up in the air, but you can expect that it will be somewhere between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
The cost of the course is $500 for the full year. A payment plan of two to three payments is possible. An online textbook will be accessible. For families with multiple children interested in the course, a price reduction is available. If you are interested or have further questions, please contact Jim McManamy S.T.B., M-Div,. OCT at jvmcmanamy@hotmail.com.
Divine Renovation + Alpha Connect Canada
Join us in-person on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 5:45-7:15 p.m. EST at St. Luke’s Parish, 39 Green Lane, Thornhill, Ontario. Doors open at 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Go to https://divinerenovation.tfaforms.net/f/DR-Alpha-Connect-Sep23 for more information.
Rosary Coast to Coast 2022
Looking for a way to celebrate Thanksgiving? This year, Rosary Coast to Coast will be held on Sunday, October 9th at 4 p.m. ET. Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, the holy rosary and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary! Gather the children of the world to pray together through the recitation of the rosary, ideally in the presence of our Eucharistic Jesus in our churches. If not possible, pray at home with your families and prayer groups! Contact Angie Carboni at 416 871-3908 or marsha.c@stbernadettesfrc.org for more information.
13th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat
“Pray always; Do not lose heart!” on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 from 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall, Kemptville Campus, 820 Heritage Drive, Kemptville. Cost: $65 in person – $20 Zoom. To register or for more information, please visit www.womensfallretreat.com.
OTHER
7th Annual Bluegrass Sunday
On Sunday, September 25th from 1:30-5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 170 Ellis Street, Pembroke, ON. All proceeds go to “Friends for Life International,” a small Pembroke-based Canadian charity where 100% of funds raised go towards assisting Haitians living under extremely compromised conditions in the Dominican Republic. Cost: $20 at the door. For more information, contact Ron at 819 689-5440, or visit the website at www.friendsforlifeintl.ca.
EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CCCB – Office and Resource Development Assistant
Under the supervision of the Director of the Office for Family and Life, the Research and Resource Development Assistant [ENGLISH] supports the Office by assisting the Director. For more information, and for a full list of responsibilities and qualifications, click here.
Marianhill Board of Directors
Marianhill is currently seeking several community volunteers to join our Board of Directors. Marianhill operates as a charitable not-for-profit organization founded by the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and now overseen by Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario. Our dedicated staff provide long-term care and community services to seniors from Pembroke, and across Renfrew County and The Pontiac.
We are all aware that this is a challenging time to be caring for seniors. Two years of pandemic pressures and Ontario’s aging demographics mean that Marianhill requires a dedicated governance team to help guide the redevelopment and human resource challenges now facing our organization.
If you wish to give back to your community in a meaningful way and this challenge appeals to you, please send your letter of intent to:
Linda M. Tracey, CEO
Secretary of the Board