Jesus said, “Follow me.” Matthew arose and followed Jesus.
(Matthew 9.9-13)
MESSAGES FROM THE BISHOP
Letter of Exemption Requests
Please read Bishop Guy Desrochers’ letter dated September 16, 2021 to priests and deacons of the Diocese of Pembroke here.
Statement Concerning Anti-COVID Vaccines and Vaccine Mandates
Please read Bishop Guy Desrochers’ statement here.
FROM THE DIOCESE
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Bishop Guy Desrochers invites you to join him in a special Mass marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, September 30th at 12 noon at St. Columbkille Cathedral, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. All are welcome!
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
When we cry out to God, he answers
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Evangelical church is now one of the largest Christian communities in New York City. But this was not always the case. When Jim Cymbala began his pastorate there in the early 1970s, it had only about 30 members and the church was dying. Furthermore, he became seriously ill. With no health and no money, he said to God, “I don’t know what to do. Some say we need a vision, others say we need small groups, and others say we need a Sunday school. But Lord, if you don’t act soon, we won’t have a church at all (…) what should I do?” (Read more…)
FROM THE CCCB
Bishops of Canada to Meet Virtually for 2021 Annual Plenary Assembly – Friday, September 17, 2021
Ottawa – In consideration of the ongoing public health recommendations on gatherings regarding COVID-19, as well as concern for the health and safety of all involved, the 2021 Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), taking place from 20 to 24 September, will meet by videoconference for a second consecutive year. (Read more…)
2021 Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada – Thursday, September 16, 2021
The annual Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will be held on 25 and 26 September 2021. This annual charitable initiative assists the Bishops in their ministry of accompanying, teaching, guiding, sanctifying and caring for the Church in Canada. (Read more…)
VATICAN NEWS
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Celebrated in Canada this year on Sunday, September 26th. Read the Pope’s Message here.
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 starting October 2021. Please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
Are we ready to Start? Message from Deacon Adrien
I know this has been a difficult year with the COVID-19 Pandemic and with the lockdown restrictions. I know it made it difficult for Sacramental Preparation. I know I helped some of you get connected with on line Sacramental Preparation and at home preparation with parents. As we look ahead I want you to know that I am here to assist you with Sacramental Preparations. Please contact me at 613 732-7933 ext. 206, or at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.
PRO-LIFE
First Step Option’s Baby Bottle Campaign 2021
Due to continued uncertainties related to COVID, the Baby Bottle Campaign will be run virtually again this year until Sunday, October 3rd. Donations can be made via E-transfers at firststepoptions@gmail.com, by credit card through Canada Helps, or by mail. Please note that all donations of $20.00 or more will receive a tax receipt at year end. For more information, please call 613 635-7440 or email firststepoptions@gmail.com.
Campaign Life Coalition Presents – “Life Chain”
Life Chain is a peaceful pro-life witness that takes place annually across North America. This year’s local Life Chain will be held in Pembroke at the corner of Christie Street and Pembroke St. West on Sunday, October 3rd from 2-3 p.m. COVID-19 protocols will be followed. For a complete list of Life Chains across Canada, please visit the Campaign Life Coalition website at https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/life-chain.
PARISH EVENTS
St. Patrick Parish Take Out Supper and Bazaar
St. Patrick Parish takeout supper and bazaar will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Holy Mass will be offered at the parish church at noon. There will be a bake tent and yard sale held in the church yard and in the school hall, located beside the church, from 1-4 p.m. The take out meal – Shepherd’s Pie with a great selection of desserts, salads and rolls for only $15.00 (children under 12 only $10.00) – will be held at the DACA Center and will run from 2-6 p.m. For further information or to reserve a meal (strongly advised to register ASAP) kindly contact Betty at 613 649-2668 or Gail at 613 649-2236. All the regular COVID-19 precautions will be observed. All are welcome and we hope to see you at “The Mountain”!
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 – October 2nd.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
CWL Day of Reflection
The CWL Day of Reflection will be held on September 25th at St. James the Less Hall, 18 Wellington St., Eganville, ON from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The program consists of: Reflection entitled ‘Give Peace a Chance’, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and a service for Deceased members and Spiritual Advisors. Please pre-register with Donna at 819 458-2655, or email dprovost1980@gmail.com. Because of COVID restrictions, please bring your own lunch. All women of the Diocese are welcome.
Passion & Action – Integrating the Inner Life With Justice
Fr. Mark Slatter will lead this retreat focused on bringing the range of our passion for justice to the power of Transformative Love. Galilee Centre, Arnprior, October 1-3, 2021. Single: $320, Double: $275, Commuter: $180, Virtual: $90. Hosted by Galilee Centre. Info: 613 623-4242 ext. 21 or info@galileecentre.com.
2021 National Catholic Health Care Week
The National Catholic Health Care Week will be held October 3-9, 2021. National Catholic Health Care Week is part of a broader Catholic Health Alliance of Canada (CHAC) initiative called Awaken: Revealing the Courageous Gift of Catholic Health Care, an invitation to unite our voices and create a movement to boldly, confidently express the role, value, and impact of Catholic health care in Canada. Info: Catholic Health Alliance of Canada, https://www.chac.ca/en/national-catholic-health-care-week/.
Peru to Mars: New Worlds and Jesuit Science
Jesuits of Canada presents “Peru to Mars: New Worlds and Jesuit Science,” presented by Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ via Zoom on Thursday, October 14th at 7:30 p.m. EST. To register at no charge: . For more information, please contact: poreilly@jesuits.org.
Virtual Alpha Course
Got questions about life? Explore Life, Faith, Meaning. Eight Monday evenings beginning September 13th, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Also includes a Saturday on-line retreat on October 30th. Sponsored by the Companions of the Cross and the Queenship of Mary Community. For intro video, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBoXPFOOemY. It’s free! Register at: https://www.queenshipofmary.ca/events-news/events.