Jesus spent the night in prayer, and he chose twelve of the disciples and named them apostles.
(Luke 6.12-19)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers C.Ss.R. announced the following appointments:
- Due to immigration issues that continue to preclude the return of Reverend Cyril Okebanama, s.m.m.m. from Nigeria, Reverend Justin Bertrand was appointed as Administrator of Ste-Thérèse Parish, Témiscaming and Our Lady of the Lake Mission in Kipawa from September 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021. It is hoped that Father Okebanama will be able to return to Témiscaming and Kipawa within that period of time.
- Reverend Murray Kuemper, of Madonna House, was appointed as Administrator of Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish, Combermere, and St Francis de Sales Mission, Latchford Bridge, from September 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021.
Bishop Desrochers is grateful to Father Bertrand, Father Kuemper and the Directors General of Madonna House for their generosity and sacrifice to assist in these appointments.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
Saving Those Who Are Lost
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
The possibility of perdition for human beings is real. The Church has always taught this and it has not changed (COC #1022). In his Epistle to the Hebrews, Saint Paul speaks of those who are lost and those who save their souls: “We are not the sort of people who draw back, and are lost by it; we are the sort who keep faith until our souls are saved.” (Heb 10:39) (Read more…)
FROM THE CCCB
Conference of Catholic Bishops Regarding the Corporation for the Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement
Read the statement from the Executive Committee of the CCCB on the Diocese of Pembroke website.
Life and Family Suggestions for Homilies and Prayers of the Faithful During September 2021 – Wednesday, September 1, 2021
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease across the country and churches gradually welcome parishioners back in person, the Sunday liturgy offers nourishment for prayer and reflection during the whole week – whether we are meditating on the readings, praying together with our families or participating at Mass within our faith communities.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) continues to post possible homily ideas and prayers of the faithful to help link the Sunday liturgy with the national pastoral initiative for life and family. The proposed texts for the month of September 2021 include suggestions from the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 5 September, to the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 26 September 2021. As usual, the suggestions for homilies and prayers can be easily adapted for family prayer, as well as for personal prayer or for use with other groups or organizations. The texts for the month of September are available on the special Family and Life webpage, under the section “Suggestions for Homilies & Prayers of the Faithful”.
Season of Creation 2021 – A Home for All? Renewing the Oikos of God – Friday, August 27, 2021
Endorsed by Pope Francis in 2015 and supported by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the annual month-long ecumenical celebration entitled the Season of Creation will begin on 1 September (World Day of Prayer for Creation) and continue until 4 October 2021 (feast of Saint Francis of Assisi). The celebration calls on the global Christian community to promote prayer and action to protect our common home. The theme for this year’s season is “A Home for All? Renewing the Oikos of God”. For more information and resources on the Season of Creation, please visit the website at seasonorcreation.org.
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.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Marriage Preparation Program
The Fall Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 23rd via Zoom. Deadline to register is September 17th. 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 Ellen Hrkach at 613 297-1496 or ellengablehrkach.com.
Family Formation
Family Formation is ideal for families with children from JK to Grade 6. Through weekly Home Lessons, Family Formation helps parents pass on the Catholic Faith to their children and helps them to grow in faith and holiness. This model enables parents to be “the primary educators in the Faith.” [General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) 255]. Family Formation follows the three-year liturgical cycle, aiding families in developing traditions that integrate the seasons of the Church. Driven by Sacred scripture, lessons cover all the major principles of the Catholic Faith. Check it out at Home | Family Formation.
Diocesan Young Adult Ministry
Thursday, September 16th, from 6-8 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke (parish hall). Guest speaker, Michael Do, will be speaking on “Reigniting Our Spiritual Lives as Catholics with Evangelical Apologetics.” Please join us for this amazing topic that will help you understand evangelization, its joys and challenges, best practices and how to prepare yourself to evangelize. Michael is someone who has been involved in the trenches of evangelization and is a young adult himself. Bring a friend! All are welcome, no matter the age, for this event. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 585-6301.
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 from Sunday, September 12th to 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
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
Grow Your Faith……
Check out these links that may help Catholics, young and old, to grow their faith during this time of the virus and their absence from an active Parish Life. Also, check out the links at the top of each link when opened: Catholic Link » Resources for the New Evangelization (catholic-link.org); www.pillarandfoundation.com/catholic-videoso/; An Introduction to the Sacred Liturgy | The Liturgical Institute (teachable.com).
52nd International Eucharistic Congress: September 5-12, 2021
Clergy, religious and laity from five continents gather in Budapest in Hungary for the International Eucharistic Congress. EWTN’s week-long coverage includes a closing Mass with Pope Francis, marking the first Congress to be visited by a Pontiff in 21 years. For more resources on the Congress, visit: https://www.ewtn.com/tv/spotlight/52nd-international-eucharistic-congress