WEEKLY BULLETIN

BULLETIN HEBDOMADAIRE

DIOCESE OF PEMBROKE/DIOCÈSE DE PEMBROKE

 

284, ch. Trafalgar Rd., Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8                                      613 732-7933​

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February 10, 2026

St. Scholastica, Virgin – Ste Scholastique, Vierge

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FROM THE DIOCESE

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Family Day: Please note that the Diocesan Offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th, and will

reopen on Tuesday, February 17th at 8:30am.

 

Journée de la famille : Veuillez noter que les bureaux diocésains seront fermés le lundi 16 février et rouvriront

le mardi 17 février à 8h30.

 

Pastoral Planning – Walking Together in Hope: Letter from Bishop Brehl – January 25, 2026.

 

Planification pastorale – Marcher ensemble dans l’espérance : Lettre de Mgr Brehl – 25 janvier 2026.

 

Parishioners of Pembroke Diocese are invited to save the date to attend one of the pastoral planning

information meetings that will be held in all five deaneries of the diocese during the first weeks of Lent.

Bishop Brehl and members of the diocesan steering committee will present relevant pastoral, statistical

and financial data to help equip parishioners in ongoing dialogue and discernment on the future of the

diocese. If you cannot make the local meeting in your home deanery, please feel welcome to attend any of the scheduled meetings. 

Dates and Locations of Deanery Meetings 

• Renfrew Deanery: Tuesday, February 17 at St. Joseph’s High School, Renfrew - 6:30pm to 8:30pm 

• Pembroke Deanery: Thursday, February 19 at Bishop Smith High School, Pembroke - 6:30pm to 8:30pm 

• Mattawa Deanery: Saturday, February 21 at Corbeil Park Hall, Corbeil - French at 10:00am to 12:00pm; English at 1:00pm to 3:00pm 

• Pontiac Deanery: Saturday, February 28 at Club de l'Âge d’Or, Fort-Coulonge - French at 10:00am to 12:00pm; English at 1:00pm to 3:00pm 

• Barry’s Bay Deanery: Sunday, March 1 at St. John Bosco School, Barry's Bay - 2:00pm to 4:00pm 

 

Les paroissiens du diocèse de Pembroke sont invités à réserver la date pour assister à l'une des réunions d'information sur la planification pastorale qui se tiendront dans les cinq doyennés du diocèse au cours des premières semaines du Carême. Mgr Brehl et les membres du comité directeur diocésain présenteront des données pastorales, statistiques et financières pertinentes afin d'aider les paroissiens à poursuivre le dialogue et le discernement sur l'avenir du diocèse. Si vous ne pouvez pas assister à la réunion locale de votre doyenné, vous êtes les bienvenus à l'une des autres réunions prévues.  

Dates et lieux des réunions du doyenné 

• Doyenné de Renfrew : mardi 17 février à l'école secondaire St. Joseph, Renfrew - de 18 h 30 à 20 h 30 

• Doyenné de Pembroke : jeudi 19 février à l'école secondaire Bishop Smith, Pembroke - de 18 h 30 à 20 h 30 

• Doyenné de Mattawa : samedi 21 février à la salle Corbeil Park, Corbeil - français de 10 h à 12 h ; anglais de 13 h à 15 h 

• Doyenné de Pontiac : samedi 28 février au Club de l'Âge d'Or, Fort-Coulonge - en français de 10 h à 12 h ; en anglais de 13 h à 15 h 

• Doyenné de Barry's Bay : dimanche 1er mars à l'école St. John Bosco, Barry's Bay - de 14 h à 16 h 

 

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FROM THE CCCB / DE LA CECC

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CCCB Statement on Bill C-218: No “MAiD” for Mental Illness – Wednesday, February 04 2026: (Ottawa) – The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued a statement strongly supporting Private Member’s Bill C-218, which seeks to prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (“MAiD”).

The CCCB has a strong record of opposing “MAiD” and seeking to limit its scope in Canadian society. This statement has been approved by 14 Bishops from across Canada, who together form the Permanent Council, the CCCB’s most authoritative voice between Plenary Assembly meetings.

The statement’s position aligns with the Permanent Council’s 2023 Open Letter to the Government of Canada on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide: “To enable or assist in the suicide for these patients directly contradicts national suicide prevention strategies and reneges on our collective social responsibility to provide persons living with mental health challenges with treatment, support, and hope through therapeutic interventions.”

Referencing empirical research and the professional judgment of many mental health professionals, today’s statement notes that mental illness is not necessarily irremediable. This implies that access to treatment for mental illness, including palliative care, must be improved.

The Permanent Council concludes with an exhortation to allow parliamentarians to vote on Bill C‑218 according to their conscience rather than following party line.

Read the full statement:

In English: https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-04-Statement-by-CCCB-PC-Support-of-Bill-C-218.pdf
 

Déclaration de la CECC concernant le projet de loi C-218 : rejet de l’ « aide médicale a mourir » pour les troubles mentaux – mercredi le 04 février 2026 : (Ottawa) – Le Conseil permanent de la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) a publié une déclaration concernant le projet de loi C-218, qui vise à empêcher les personnes dont le seul problème médical est une maladie mentale d’avoir accès à l’euthanasie et le suicide assisté par un médecin (« AMM »).

La CECC a une longue histoire de rejet de l’« AMM » et cherche à en limiter la portée dans la société canadienne. Cette déclaration a été approuvée par 14 évêques de partout au Canada, qui constituent ensemble le Conseil permanent, la plus haute instance d’autorité de la CECC entre les assemblées plénières.

La position de la déclaration s’aligne avec la Lettre ouverte du Conseil permanent au gouvernement fédéral sur la permission accordée aux personnes atteintes de maladies mentales d’avoir accès à l’euthanasie et au suicide assisté (2023) : « Le fait de permettre ou d’aider ces patients et patientes à se suicider contredit directement les stratégies nationales de prévention du suicide et renie notre responsabilité sociale collective de fournir aux personnes vivant avec des problèmes de santé mentale un traitement, un soutien et de l’espoir par le biais d’interventions thérapeutiques. »

S’appuyant sur des études empiriques ainsi que le jugement professionnel de nombreux experts et expertes en santé mentale, la déclaration publiée aujourd’hui souligne que les troubles mentaux ne sont pas nécessairement irrémédiables. Cela met en évidence la nécessité d’améliorer l’accès aux traitements pour les maladies mentales, y compris les soins palliatifs.

Le Conseil permanent conclut par une exhortation à permettre que le vote parlementaire sur le projet de loi C‑218 se déroule selon la conscience des parlementaires plutôt que selon la ligne de parti.

 Lisez la déclaration complète :

En français : https://www.cecc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-04-Declaration-du-CP-de-la-CECC-Appui-du-Projet-de-loi-C-218.pdf

 

Pope Leo’s Message For The 34th World Day Of The Sick (11 February 2026): (Ottawa) – Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, offers a reflection on the theme “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain”. (Read more…)

 

Message du pape Léon XIV pour la 34e Journée mondiale du malade (11 février 2026) : Ottawa – Le message du pape Léon XIV pour la 34e Journée mondiale du malade, qui sera célébrée le mercredi 11 février 2026, offre le thème de « La compassion du Samaritain : aimer en portant la douleur de l’autre ». (Lire la suite…)

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THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM / L’ÉQUIPE D’ÉVANGÉLISATION

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THE HOLY SEE / LE SAINT-SIÈGE

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Pope’s Prayer Intention for February 2026: For children with incurable diseases – Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

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Intention de prière du Saint-Père pour le mois de février 2026 : Pour les enfants atteints de maladies incurables – Prions pour que les enfants atteints de maladies incurables ainsi que leurs familles reçoivent les soins médicaux et le soutien nécessaires, sans jamais perdre force et espérance.

 

VOCATIONS

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1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations: February 5th from 6:30-7:30pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. The Holy Hour will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by Fr. Murray, a Rosary for vocations, and time for silent prayer. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. For more information and details please visit Pembroke Vocations.​

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FAITH FORMATION / L’ÉDUCATION DE LA FOI

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Diocesan Lenten Retreat: The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to the next Diocesan Lenten Retreat on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:30am to 2:00pm (Registration at 9:00am) at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Author and speaker: Patrick Sullivan. Cost: $15.00 (lunch provided). To register please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com or 613 732-7933 ext. 206. Deadline to register: Wednesday, February 18th.​

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MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS / MARIAGE, FAMILLE, JEUNESSE ET JEUNES ADULTES

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Marriage Preparation Program: The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program is coming up on Saturday, March 28th and Saturday, April 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Deadline to register: March 24th. Register online at https://form.jotform.com/FamilyPembroke/marriage-preparation-course. E-transfers of $125/couple can be made to donnabiggs@pembrokediocese.com, or mail cheques to Diocese of Pembroke, 284 Trafalgar Road, Pembroke, ON K8A 5A8. For inquiries, please contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com or call 613 732-7933 ext. 208.

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PRO-LIFE / PRO-VIE

 

Become a Monthly Donor – First Step Options: Become a monthly donor or increase the amount you are currently giving, and you will be entered into a draw to win a gift certificate worth approximately $200! Visit the First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre website and click on the DONATE tab to sign up today!​

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First Step Options Annual General Meeting: FSO Annual General Meeting will take place at 7pm on Monday, February 23rd. For more information, please call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.

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PARISH EVENTS / ÉVÉNEMENTS PAROISSIAUX

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​6 Hand Euchre Fundraiser:  This upcoming St. James the Less Parish fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 28th at 7pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Lots of laughter, table pounding, 50/50 draw and prizes! Pre-register your team at 613 628-2020 or drop by the office at 78 Wellington Street for only $20 per person (includes late lunch)! Hope to see you there!​​

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​​​​OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS / AUTRES ÉVÉNEMENTS CATHOLIQUES

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2026 Lift Jesus Higher Rally will be held Saturday, March 14th at the Toronto Convention Centre. Come for a great experience! For details and registration please visit Home - Lift Jesus Higher Rally (LJHR).

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VOLUNTEER & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES / OPPORTUNITÉS DE BÉNÉVOLA ET D’EMPLOI

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OTHER / AUTRES

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Ecumenical World Day of Prayer: The Pembroke Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada invites you to this prayer service on Friday, March 6th at 2pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 68 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. This year’s theme: “I Will Give You Rest: Come.” All are welcome!

Why Lent? A Retreat with Fr. Jim Clarke at Galilee Centre: Discovering deeper meaning in the Lenten Experience from March 13-15. The purpose of this retreat is to help us go deeper into the Christian mysteries through the portal of our own lives. Visit https://www.galileecentre.com/why-lent/ for more information and registration.

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2026 Women’s Retreat Combermere: All women are warmly invited to a weekend retreat.

2 retreats available:

• Elim Lodge, March 13-15, 2026; $365(696 Elim Lodge Rd. Lakehurst, Ontario K0L 1J0). Led by the team from Madonna House – Shatzi Duffy and Fr. Zach Romanowsky

Register Here: https://forms.gle/kazuMJt1RUZbHr9M8.

• Graphite Bible Camp, April 10-12, 2026; $250 (702 Graphite Rd, Maynooth, ON K0L 2S0). Led by the team from Madonna House – Shatzi Duffy and Fr. Brian Christi

Register Here: https://forms.gle/YNBLnfPpsDZngKBe8.

To register:

1. Decide which retreat you would like to attend

2. Fill in the Google registration form (see links above)

3. Send e-transfer to womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com. (Security question: Event; Answer: Retreat)

Once your registration and payment have been received, we will send you a confirmation email. Registration limited! Please bring your Bible and journal to the retreat. For more information, please call Kristan (Graphite retreat) at 613 585-0579 or Astrid (Elim retreat) at 905 377-0688.

 

Tuesday, March 17 – A Day Honouring St. Patrick: Join the Galilee Centre St. Patrick's Day morning for an introduction to Celtic Spirituality, focusing on the teachings of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, followed by an Irish Celebration Luncheon. Lead by Tim Kehoe and Mike McBane. $22 luncheon only, $50 luncheon & program. Register online at https://www.galileecentre.com/a-day-honouring-st-patrick/.

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Daring to Walk Where Faith & Life Meet: Weekend Retreat: A Galilee Centre retreat exploring transformative perspectives and practices for flourishing on the journey of faith and life March 20-22. Facilitated by Dr. Carol Kuzmochka (Saint Paul University). Visit https://www.galileecentre.com/daring-to-walk-where-faith-and-life-meet/ for more information and registration.

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Pilgrimage to Medjugorje: From May 18 to May 28, 2026 with Fr. Christopher Shalla, Diocese of Pembroke. Price - $3150.00 (includes taxes, side trips and gratuities). For more information contact Jack Duggan at 613 756-2655 or email irishjack@bell.net.

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