My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.
(Luke 8. 19-21)
FROM THE DIOCESE
New Office Hours
Please note that the Diocesan Offices are now open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Bishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. Installation Video
Bishop Desrochers’ installation video from July 3rd can now be found on our website here.
FROM THE HOLY SEE
“Let us return to the Eucharist with Joy!” – Letter from the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
On the celebration of the liturgy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of the Catholic Church. The full text of the letter can be read online here.
FROM THE CCCB
CCCB Prepares for a Virtual Plenary Assembly from 21-25 September 2020
The 2020 annual Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops will be held by videoconference in light of the existing health and safety restrictions regarding COVID-19. In order to allow for fruitful dialogue and meaningful deliberation by the Bishops during the Plenary, this year’s timetable and agenda were streamlined to focus on the most essential ecclesial and administrative matters for the Conference. To keep informed: daily news release at cccb.ca/about/governance/plenary-assembly/current-year-plenary-assembly/; subscribe cccb.ca/news/subscribe/; follow Twitter @CCCB_CECC; watch the briefing on Salt and Light TV at 6 p.m. ET.
2020 Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada
The annual Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will be held on 26 & 27 September 2020. In his message to pastors and other collaborators in pastoral ministries, the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), reflected on the impact of the Coronavirus on the Church in … Read more.
FAITH FORMATION
Got Life Questions? R.C.I.A. might just be for you!
Starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20th at St. Columbkille Cathedral, R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian initiation of Adults) 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 denomination and wishes to know more about the Catholic faith. Maybe you have been baptized and have not received the other Sacraments for your life’s mission, or maybe, as a Catholic, you just want to grow more in your faith. If any of the above questions apply to you, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 3 and Saturday, October 17, 2020 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Deadline to register is September 28, 2020. 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 613 732-7933 ext. 208.
National Evangelization Team (NET) Canada
Due to the government regulations and restrictions, NET will not be in the Diocese this fall to do school or parish retreats. This will be reevaluated in the new year.
Formed.org
There are many new resources on this Catholic platform. THE SEARCH, which is great for teens and adults alike, is one worth highlighting. Check it out and share with others!
For Families – Apostolate for Family Consecration (AFC.org)
Now more than ever before, families need guidance on how to help themselves and their children find true peace and happiness that they long for. Check out this website to find out more about Family Consecration with a commitment to live the 6 principles for God-Centered Family Living: 1. Prayer life 2. Sacramental Life 3. Living the virtues 4. Learning the Faith 5. Sharing the Faith 6. Serving others.
PARISH EVENTS
Parish Supper Cancellations
The following Parish Suppers are cancelled due to the current COVID-19 pandemic:
- Alphonsus Parish Supper, Chapeau, scheduled for Sunday, September 27th;
- St. Patrick Parish Supper, Mount St. Patrick, scheduled for Sunday, September 27th;
- St. Casmir Parish Dinner, Round Lake Centre, Scheduled for Sunday, October 11th;
- St. Joseph Parish Banquet Dinner, St. Joseph, scheduled for Sunday, October 18th;
- St. John Chrysostom Parish Dinner, Arnprior, scheduled for Sunday, October 18th;
- St. Matthew the Apostle Parish Supper, Madawaska, scheduled for Sunday, November 1st.
PRO-LIFE
Life Chain – Renfrew
Life Chain is held simultaneously in more than 200 locations across Canada each year. The next one in will be held Sunday, October 4th at 2 p.m. at the corner of Raglan St. and Renfrew Ave. This is a powerful, prayerful, & peaceful witness in our country that has endured the test of years, saved lives and changed hearts. COVID-19 protocols will be followed in full. Please mark your calendar. For further information please contact Bernie Taylor at 613 432-8588 or email bjt.tfs@gmail.com.
Renfrew County Right to Life – Upcoming Life Chain 2020
Sunday, October 4th from 2-3 p.m. Meet in the Festival Hall parking lot at 1:45 p.m. Life Chain is a powerful, peaceful street witness and prayer vigil held yearly, usually on the first Sunday in October, in many locations across North America. We choose a sign, then stand silently and prayerfully on the sidewalk (6 feet apart!) 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. Water, lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers are welcome. For further information please contact Susan Dagenais.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
New Evangelization Summit – Back with another Conference!
On Saturday, September 26th from 12 – 3 p.m. EDT, we are hosting a FREE, LIVE virtual conference for Catholics, tackling the topic Crisis & Opportunity: How to Evangelize in Uncertain Times. To answer this question, you’ll be hearing from: George Weigel, Dr. Mary Healy, Michele Thompson and Fr. Jon Bielawski. You will also be hearing from people who have creatively responded to the call to mission during these uncertain times we are moving through. To grab your free ticket, just click this link: https://uevangelize.org/virualsummit/.