WEEKLY BULLETIN

BULLETIN HEBDOMADAIRE

DIOCESE OF PEMBROKE/DIOCÈSE DE PEMBROKE

 

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

​

​​

April 28, 2026

Ferial – Férie

FROM THE DIOCESE

​​

​​​

Benemerenti Medal: The Apostolic Nuncio has informed Bishop Brehl that the Holy Father,

Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the papal honour of the Benemerenti Medal upon Mme. Lucile Tourigny of

Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste, Pembroke. Bishop Brehl will confer the medal upon Mme. Tourigny at the

Sunday Mass at Paroisse St-Jean-Baptiste on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Congratulations are

extended to Mme. Tourigny for this great honour!

 

Médaille Benemerenti : Le nonce apostolique a informé Mgr Brehl que le pape Léon XIV, a décerné la

distinction papale de la médaille Benemerenti à Mme Lucile Tourigny, de la paroisse Saint-Jean-Baptiste,

à Pembroke. Mgr Brehl remettra la médaille à Mme Tourigny lors de la messe dominicale à la paroisse

Saint-Jean-Baptiste, le dimanche 10 mai 2026, jour de la fête des mères. Toutes félicitations à Mme Tourigny pour ce grand honneur !

 

Pastoral Planning Information: Any information regarding Pastoral Planning may be found on our website at https://pembrokediocese.com/diocesan-pastoral-planning/.

 

Informations sur la planification pastorale : Vous trouverez toutes les informations concernant la planification pastorale sure notre site web à l’adresse https://pembrokediocese.com/fr/planification-pastorale-diocesaine/.

​

 

​

​

FROM THE CCCB / DE LA CECC

​

​​

Reflection on the Holy Father’s Call for Peace, Human Dignity, and Moral Responsibility in Public Life: Ottawa — In light of recent public commentary surrounding the Holy Father’s appeals for peace, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Communications Service wishes to reiterate several principles of Catholic teaching that remain especially relevant in times of war and international tension. (Read more…)

 

Réflexion sur l’appel du Saint-Père à la paix, à la dignité humaine et a la responsabilité morale dans la vie publique : Ottawa — Pour donner suite aux récents commentaires publics concernant les appels du Saint-Père pour la paix, le Service des communications de la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) souhaite réitérer plusieurs principes de l’enseignement catholique qui demeurent particulièrement pertinents en temps de guerre et de tensions internationales. (Lire la suite…)

 

Statement by the Permanent Council Calling the Catholic Faithful to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East: The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expresses its deep concern about the war currently ravaging Iran and several countries in the Middle East. We cannot remain indifferent to this armed conflict, which risks escalating into a protracted war. During the Angelus on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV stated: “Stability and peace cannot be built through mutual threats or through weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.” (Read more…)

 

Déclaration du Conseil permanent : Appel à la prière pour la paix au Moyen-Orient : Le Conseil permanent de la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) exprime son inquiétude profonde à propos de la guerre qui secoue actuellement l’Iran et plusieurs pays du Moyen-Orient. Nous ne pouvons être indifférents à ce conflit armé qui risque de dégénérer en une guerre prolongée. Lors de l’Angélus du dimanche 1er mars 2026, le Pape Léon XIV affirmait : « La stabilité et la paix ne se construisent pas par des menaces réciproques, ni par les armes, qui sèment la destruction, la douleur et la mort, mais uniquement par un dialogue raisonnable, authentique et responsable. » (Lire la suite…)

 

Resources for National Family and Life Week 2026: Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce the release of resources in preparation for National Family and Life Week 2026 (#NFLW2026), taking place Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 17 May 2026. (Read more…)

 

Ressources pour la Semaine nationale pour la famille et la vie 2026 : Ottawa (Ontario) — La Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) a le plaisir d’annoncer la disponibilité de ressources en préparation de la Semaine nationale pour la famille et la vie 2026 (#SNFV2026), qui se déroulera du dimanche 10 mai au dimanche 17 mai 2026. (Lire la suite…)

​

​

​

L’ASSEMBLÉE DES ÉVÊQUES CATHOLIQUES DU QUÉBEC

​

Les évêques catholiques du Québec expriment leur soutien au pape Léon XIV : Laval, le 17 avril 2026 – L’Assemblée des évêques catholiques du Québec souhaite exprimer son soutien au pape Léon XIV, qui est un véritable artisan de paix. En droite ligne avec ses prédécesseurs, et suivant l’exemple du Christ Jésus, le pape Léon XIV appelle toutes les parties impliquées dans les conflits armés à trouver des solutions pacifiques, afin que cessent le bruit des armes et les cris des victimes innocentes.

Nous vivons dans un monde où, aux yeux de certains, la violence semble être une solution raisonnable aux conflits. Or, la force n’est pas un chemin de paix et de justice.

Dans toute sa vulnérabilité et sa fragilité, le Christ sur la croix nous rappelle que la violence ne fait jamais partie de la solution. Seule l’amour peut soutenir, par le dialogue et le respect, la recherche de compromis qui respectent la vie, la dignité et le bien-être de chaque être humain.

C’est à ce chemin de fragilité, de dialogue et de paix que le pape Léon XIV appelle l’humanité entière et, plus particulièrement, les dirigeants politiques des pays en guerre.

En ces jours difficiles où les conflits armés s’intensifient, les évêques du Québec appuient sans réserve le Saint-Père dans son service de l’Évangile et appellent toutes les personnes de bonne volonté à prier pour la paix.

​

THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM / L’ÉQUIPE D’ÉVANGÉLISATION

​​

​

​

THE HOLY SEE / LE SAINT-SIÈGE

​

Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2026: That everyone might have food – Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

​

Intention de prière du Saint-Père pour le mois de mai 2026 : Pour une alimentation pour tous – Prions pour que chacun, des grands consommateurs aux petits consommateurs, s’engage à éviter le gaspillage alimentaire et pour que tous aient accès à une alimentation de qualité.

 

VOCATIONS

​

​​

FAITH FORMATION / L’ÉDUCATION DE LA FOI

​​

La Messe expliquée : Le Bureau de la formation à la foi du diocèse de Pembroke vous invite à une soirée organisée près de chez vous sur le thème « LA MESSE EXPLIQUÉE ». Présentateur : le père Michael Smith, curé de Fort-Coulonge et vicaire général du diocèse de Pembroke.

Dates des conférences :

• Jeudi 7 mai à 18 h 30 à la paroisse St-Pierre de Fort-Coulonge ;

• Jeudi 14 mai à 18 h 30 à la paroisse Ste-Anne de Mattawa;

• Jeudi 21 mai à 18 h 30 à la paroisse Ste-Thérèse de Témiscaming ;

• Jeudi 28 mai à 18 h 30 à la paroisse Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Pembroke.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter le diacre Adrien Chaput au 613 732-7933, poste 206, ou à l’adresse dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.

  

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

​​

NEW Session!! Marriage Preparation Program: Due to popular demand, an extra Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program will be offered on Saturday, May 9th and Saturday, May 30th at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa. Deadline to register: May 5th. Register online at Clone of 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.

 

St. Carlo’s Crew Youth Night! (A diocesan event): This is a free event for youth grade 7 to 12 and all are welcome! The upcoming date is Friday, May 15th from 7-9:30pm at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. There will be games, social time, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection.

Questions or to be added to the e-mail list for reminders? Contact Patrick Sullivan at family@pembrokediocese.com. Come join us and bring a friend!

​

PRO-LIFE / PRO-VIE

​

PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association Sanctity of Life) presents a free screening of the film “Life Worth Living: Averting the Canadian Euthanasia Crisis” at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 423 Witt Rd., Pembroke on May 21st at 6:30pm. Featuring special guest, Alex Schadenberg, film producer, and EPC Int’l Chair. Q&A time following the movie. Watch the trailer at https://lifeworthlivingfilm.com/. For more information, call Pastor Paul DeGraaf at 613 585-9501 or email info@parasolcare.com.

​

First Step Options 2026 Virtual Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign: Fill our virtual bottle…change a life! From Mother’s Day (May 10th) to Father’s Day (June 21st). For inquiries or information on how to donate, please contact FSO at firststepoptions@gmail.com or call 613 635-7440. E-transfers and cheques accepted! Or become a monthly donor by filling out the form at https://www.firststepoptions.com/donate.

 

National March for Life: Renfrew County Right to Life is co-sponsoring a bus to the National March for Life which takes place on Parliament Hill on Thursday May 14th. The coach will leave the Pembroke Metro at 7:45am, with stops at the Cobden Pentecostal Church and the Renfrew Visitors' Centre. Payment by donation. To reserve seats, please email RCRTlife@gmail.com with names of all riders or call Susan Dagenais at 613 401-6482. For more information: facebook.com/RCRTL .

​

Dinner Theatre Production – “Chaos at Confirmation”: Join First Step Options for a delightful night out at a Dinner Theatre Fundraiser featuring the play “Chaos at Confirmation!” on Saturday, May 2nd at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 307 Julien Street, Pembroke. Doors open at 6:00pm – Dinner at 6:30pm. Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner followed by a live performance. Silent auction available. Email Amy Belder at ma.belder@gmail.com for tickets (tickets: $50/person). All proceeds will be donated to First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre.

​

PARISH EVENTS / ÉVÉNEMENTS PAROISSIAUX

​​

33 Day Consecration to St. Joseph: During crisis, confusion, and a world at war with the Church, it's time to come home again to our spiritual father, St. Joseph. In this richly researched and lovingly presented program of consecration to St. Joseph, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, brings to life the wonders, the power, and the ceaseless love of St. Joseph, Universal Patron of the Church and the Terror of Demons. Those participating in the Consecration will need to buy a copy of Fr. Callaway’s book “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” available through Sunrise Marian or Amazon. Participants will meet in St. Joseph’s sacristy, St. Joseph, QC for prayers and discussion from 10:30-11:30am on Wednesdays until May 1st.

​

​​

​​​​OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS / AUTRES ÉVÉNEMENTS CATHOLIQUES

​​​​

Catholic Education Week – Ontario: Catholic Education Week begins on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The Catholic schools in our diocese will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to learn about the various celebrations that are happening in your children’s school, and are welcome to attend, if possible. Publicly funded Catholic education has existed in Ontario since 1841 and its graduates have served Ontario and Canada very well. The current generation of students in our publicly funded Catholic schools will serve with the same spirit and generosity as their previous generations.

This year’s Catholic Education theme is, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.”

 

Second Annual RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage: We are pleased to extend an open invitation to all staff, families, and community members of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board to participate in our second annual RCCDSB Walking Pilgrimage on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. 

This will be a wonderful opportunity for a day of walking, spiritual reflection, and community fellowship. Along the route, we will take moments to pray the Rosary for the month of Mary. Everyone is welcome to join us!

Event Details: Saturday, May 9th at 9:30am at St. Michael's Parish, Douglas to St. James Parish, Eganville. We anticipate arriving in time to celebrate Mass at 4:00pm, with Father Michael Lund as the celebrant.

The Route: The walk is approximately 15.2 kilometres via Fourth Chute Road. It is estimated to take around 3.5 hours of walking time, and there will be planned rest stops along the way.

What to Bring & How to Prepare: Please ensure you come prepared for a comfortable walk!

Your own lunch and a refillable water bottle – your Rosary – comfortable walking shoes – weather-appropriate clothing (this event will proceed rain or shine).

We look forward to sharing this meaningful journey with our RCCDSB community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to kylie.gibson@rccdsb.ca. We hope to see you there!

​

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

​​​

​​

​​

OTHER / AUTRES

​

​​Grief Support Group: Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care is offering a Grief Group for anyone who has experienced the death of a special person. Weekly meetings begin April 28th and run until June 2nd from 1-3pm in Barry’s Bay. Email bereavementmvhospice@sfmhosp.com or call 613 756-3045 ext. 350 to register and be provided with meeting location. You do not have to carry it alone!​

​

​

*****************************************************************************************************

​

​

​

​