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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March 17, 2026
Ferial – Férie
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FROM THE DIOCESE
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Pastoral Planning – Email: Any questions or concerns regarding Pastoral Planning
may be emailed to planning@pembrokediocese.com.
Planification pastorale – Courriel : Pour toute question ou préoccupation concernant
la planification pastorale, veuillez envoyer un courriel à planning@pembrokediocese.com.
Calling All Singers: Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to join the Diocesan Choir
for the Mass of Chrism at St. Columbkille Cathedral, Pembroke, on Tuesday, March 31st
at 10:30am. Please contact Nick Walters, Director of Music, at nwalters346@gmail.com or 613 433-4729 to confirm your participation and receive additional information.
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FROM THE CCCB / DE LA CECC
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Statement Calling for Prayer for Peace in the Middle East: Ottawa, Ontario – The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued a Statement Calling the Catholic Faithful to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East. The statement affirms that we cannot remain indifferent to an armed conflict that risks escalating into a prolonged war. (Read more…)
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Déclaration appelant à la prière pour la paix au Moyen-Orient : Ottawa (Ontario) — Le Conseil permanent de la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) a publié une déclaration appelant à la prière pour la paix au Moyen-Orient. La déclaration affirme que nous ne pouvons être indifférents à ce conflit armé qui risque de dégénérer en une guerre prolongée. (Lire la suite…)
Journey Through Lent: Weekly Video Reflections: The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) presents Journey Through Lent. This video series, a joint project of the CCCB’s National Liturgy Office, Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, provides weekly Lenten spiritual reflections. (Read more…)
Cheminer à travers le Carême : Réflexions vidéo hebdomadaires : La Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada (CECC) présente Cheminer à travers le Carême. Cette série de vidéos, fruit d’un projet conjoint de l’Office national de liturgie et le National Liturgy Office, l’Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, propose des réflexions spirituelles hebdomadaires pour le temps du Carême. (Lire la suite…)
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LENT / CARÊME
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A message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. for Lent 2026: Bishop Brehl’s message for Lent is now available on YouTube: A message from Bishop Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. for Lent 2026.
Un message de Mgr Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. pour le Carême 2026 : Le message de Mgr Brehl pour le Carême est maintenant disponible sur YouTube : Un message de Mgr Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. pour le Carême 2026.
Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026: The 2026 Message of Pope Leo XIV for Lent is titled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.”
In his message, the Holy Father writes: “Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.”
Message du Saint-Père Léon XIV pour le Carême 2026 : Le message du pape Léon XIV pour le Carême 2026 est intitulé « Écouter et jeûner. Le Carême comme temps de conversion ».
Dans son message, le Saint-Père écrit « Le Carême est le temps où l’Église, avec une sollicitude maternelle, nous invite à remettre le mystère de Dieu au centre de notre vie, afin que notre foi retrouve son élan et que notre cœur ne se disperse pas entre les inquiétudes et les distractions quotidiennes ».
CCCB – Journey Through Lent – Fourth Sunday of Lent 2026: The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Lent with the Most Rev. Bishop Daniel Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Lent 2026.
On this Fourth Sunday, Bishop Miehm provides a reflection on the man born blind who receives not only his physical sight but a spiritual awakening.
A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Watch the 4th Sunday of Lent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jAkruSQ9Wg&t=2s
3rd Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82DxMTxQaVg
2nd Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoNg0ZzLuo4
1st Sunday of Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TJsS7mlQkg&t=1s
Ash Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxWxlpbB6Xs&t=1s.
CECC – Cheminer ensemble durant le Carême – Quatrième Dimanche du Carême 2026 : La Conférence des évêques catholiques du Canada présente Cheminer ensemble durant le Carême avec Mgr Juan Carlos Londoño, évêque auxiliaire à Québec. Joignez-vous à nous pour méditer sur les Écritures des dimanches du Carême 2026.
En ce quatrième dimanche, Mgr Juan Carlos nous propose des chemins pour laisser le Seigneur guérir notre cécité intérieure afin que nous puissions vivre en enfants de lumière.
Une initiative conjointe de l’Office national de liturgie, du National Liturgy Office et de l’Office for Evangelization and Catechesis.
Vous pouvez visionner la vidéo YouTube ici : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZPDqaiCHZU&t=1s
Troisième Dimanche du Carême : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU1--icOLHg&t=1s.
Deuxième Dimanche du Carême : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE5mbwqo9Z8&t=1s
Premier Dimanche du Carême : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pph23WnSuc
Mercredi des Cendres : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVDGzXYJmOk&t=2s.
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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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VOCATIONS
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FAITH FORMATION / L’ÉDUCATION DE LA FOI
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​Divine Mercy Sunday: The Office of Faith Formation and Leadership Development invites you to Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, 2026 from 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish, 188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke. Our presenter will be Father Réal Ouellette. There will be Adoration, singing of Hymns and the Divine Mercy Chaplet as we pray for God’s Mercy upon the whole world. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206 or dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com.​
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MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS / MARIAGE, FAMILLE, JEUNESSE ET JEUNES ADULTES
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Spring Marriage Preparation Program NOW FULL: The Spring Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program scheduled for Saturday, March 28th and Saturday, April 11th at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew is now full! Stay tuned for upcoming dates! 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
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.​
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PARISH EVENTS / ÉVÉNEMENTS PAROISSIAUX
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The Bible Timeline – The Story of Salvation Bible Study: St. Hedwig Parish, Barry’s Bay will offer The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation beginning Wednesday, April 15th from 7:00-8:45pm for 10 weeks (until June 24, 2026). Participants will view an engaging high production quality video, followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. Registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Julie Culshaw at 613 756-1136, julieculshaw5@gmail.com. Deadline to register: Tuesday, April 7th.
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A Little Pilgrimage to St. Joseph's, Thursday, March 19th at 8:30am: The pilgrimage begins with prayers at St. Alphonsus, Chapeau at 8:30am and then pilgrims walk the 12.5km to St. Joseph's for Mass at 11:30am followed by a pizza lunch in St. Joseph's community centre. Please try to pre plan a carpool to get your vehicle from Chapeau.
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Solemn Reception and Veneration of the Relic of Saint Sister Maria Faustina: Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Bancroft, invites you to a special Mass of welcome and solemn enshrinement of the First Class Relic of Saint Sister Maria Faustina on Sunday, March 22nd at 10:00am. Chief Celebrant: Most Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. Veneration will follow the Mass, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. All are welcome to share in this grace-filled moment!
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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 from March 25th to May 1st.
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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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A Sacred Encounter with Divine Mercy: Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Renfrew CWL Council warmly invites you to the Seven First Words of Mercy led by Fr. James Zettel, English Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature, Ottawa, on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026 commencing at 3pm. Please call the parish office at 613 432-8525 or email fatimarenfrew@gmail.com for more information.
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​​​​OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS / AUTRES ÉVÉNEMENTS CATHOLIQUES
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VOLUNTEER & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES / OPPORTUNITÉS DE BÉNÉVOLA ET D’EMPLOI
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Galilee Centre – Manager of Spiritual Programs: Galilee Centre is seeking a new Manager of Spiritual Programs. This a part-time leadership role (16 hours per week) responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating spiritual programming at Galilee Centre. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Manager ensures all programs and their development align with Galilee Centre’s mission, vision and values, and the spiritual needs of retreat and program participants. Visit the posting on the website for more information: https://www.galileecentre.com/careers/.
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Volunteers Needed! First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre needs volunteers for the “Chaos in Confirmation” Dinner Theatre on Saturday, May 2nd. If you are interested in helping, please contact Amy Belder at 613 732-3848 or email ma.belder@gmail.com to sign up.
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OTHER / AUTRES
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PARASOL (Pembroke and Region Association for the Sanctity of Life): Consider joining the PARASOL Care Team to journey and visit those who are suffering, socially isolated, sick or dying, to renew their hope and purpose in life. Next meeting will be held on Friday, March 20th with 6:30pm mingle and 7:00pm start at the Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle, 34 Jordan Ave. Pembroke. Presenters: Rev. G. Engler and Dr. G Steffens. For more information, please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613 732-7933 ext. 206, email dcadrienchaput@pembrokediocese.com, email info@parasolcare.com, or visit the website at Home | PARASOL.
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Spring/Summer 2026 Classes – Assumption University: Receive a graduate diploma in Catholic Studies (online) at one of Canada’s most historic universities! A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a cumulative average of 70% required. Visit https://assumptionu.ca/ for a complete list of Spring/Summer 2026 classes. Register at registrar@assumptionu.ca or call 519-973-7033. Deadline to apply: April 24th.
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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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At once the man was made well
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(John 5.1-16)