OUR LADY OF SORROWS PARISH

Congratulations to Mrs Glenna Mackenzie of our parish who has been awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis for her outstanding service to the Church! Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.S.s.R., Bishop of Pembroke, presented the Medal to Mrs. Mackenzie on Saturday December 4, 2021 at the parish mass for the Second Sunday of Advent.  For many years Mrs Mackenzie has served our parish faithfully as a catechist and most especially as the Director of Religious Education for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa.

The Benemerenti Medal is bestowed to individuals who have merited special recognition by the Holy See. The Medals are Pontifical decorations instituted by Gregory XVI in 1832, and are conferred to people for distinguished service to Catholic principles, the Church and society – to those who have shown an active fidelity to and love for the Church.

Liturgical text for Recognition, Blessing of Insignia & Conferral

At this same celebration, 
Mrs. Ann Marie Rutz was also congratulated and acknowledged for her 25 years of dedicated service as Parish Secretary.

This Sunday’s gospel tells of how John the Baptist’s message is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.  “Prepare the way of the Lord!” John the Baptist is presented as one who helps to prepare the way for the Lord.  This Sunday’s scriptures remind us that Jesus enters into our human history following a line of holy men and women who looked forward to God’s promise that baptizes us into a changed life. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” 

Jesus is the long-expected Messiah who comes to save us and give the entire world hope. John the Baptist calls each one of us into this covenant of announcing the Lord’s coming and preparing a way for him. We are to prepare a place for Christ to be born again in our hearts. Through baptism, our hearts are cleansed and we are made open to God’s action in our lives. This is the covenant relationship that makes us God’s people. 

Advent announces to us all that - We matter to God!  God will never leave us in exile.  God constantly calls his people back to him with hearts and hands and voices. We must trust that God’s words are true. God will never abandon his people.  We all can imagine that our way of doing things is not the same as God’s way of doing things. Nevertheless, we must continually seek God’s will in our lives. 

The Season of Advent offers us an opportunity to witness and proclaim God’s love for us all.  The simple lesson of Advent asks us to 1) Be ready to change. 2) Acknowledge that God will help us change. 3) Welcome the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to others along this journey. 4) Always have trust that God is with us. At the heart of this lesson, we must recognize that we cannot do this alone. We need each other. Identify at least one action that you will take this week to try to be more faithful followers of Jesus.   

Advent is a season of a faith journey into which we are invited.  How strong is your faith?  What causes you to doubt the most?  Many times, when these questions are asked, we often think of someone other than ourselves who either helps or causes doubt in our faith life.  Today, Jesus is asking, who do you say that I am?  If what has is true, how has Jesus’ presence in your life made a difference? Do others see in you what it means to be a follower of Christ?  Advent asks a new mindset from us.  With this new change of heart, we will become more believable as we announce Christ’s forgiveness in our lives and become more open to God’s forgiveness in the lives of others. 

The Congregation of the Holy Spirit
Province of the United States

Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24 - Mass @ 4:30 p.m

Friday, December 24 - Mass @ 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day  
Saturday December 25 - Mass @ 10:00 a.m.

(Since Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, there is no Vigil Mass for Sunday (Saturday 5:00 p.m.))

The Feast of the Holy Family
Sunday December 26 - Mass @ 10:00 a.m.
 

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Saturday January 1, 2022 - Mass @ 10:00 a.m.

(Since New Year's Day falls on a Saturday, there is no Vigil Mass for Sunday (Saturday 5:00 p.m.))


The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Sunday January 2, 2022 - Mass @ 10:00 a.m.


The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Saturday January 8, 2022 - Mass @ 5:00 p.m.
Sunday January 9, 2022 - Mass @ 10:00 a.m.
 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)

In addition to the usual times when the sacrament is available, the following special hours have been added to our schedule:

Thursday, December 9 - 10:20 - 11:00 a.m. (after Mass)

Saturday, December 18 - 11:00 - 12:00 noon

Friday, December 24 - 11:00 - 12:00 noon
 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in the Quiet Room, located in the foyer of the church. If the door is closed, someone else is celebrating the sacrament. A mask is required. Please do not attend if you think you are unwell or are presenting symptoms. During a busy time of year, all desire to maintain good health.

December 8, 2021 - December 8, 2022

Novena to St. Joseph

Roman Catholics are encouraged to offer this
novena throughout the year.

True Reconciliation can only begin with the Truth



Messages / Documents: Saint Pope John Paul II





Meeting of Pope Benedict XVI with Canadian leadership of Indigenous Peoples

Pastoral Initiatives of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Expressions of Apology (1991 - 2021)

National Post - June 2, 2021

National Post - June 2, 2021

 Thursday, May 6, 2021

Today, I have promulgated in the Diocese of Pembroke The Policy and Procedures for the Prevention and Management of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Adults who in Law are the Equivalent of Minors. This document replaces the Protocol for Sexual Abuse Cases Involving Minors that has been in force since 2007. This revision has taken place in accordance with the obligation and desire of the Bishops of Canada to embody the Catholic Church’s teachings, laws and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2018 document Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse. This revised protocol is the fruit of this commitment. Pastors are to review with, and document that, all parish employees and volunteers have read this revised document, which may be accessed on the diocesan website www.pembrokediocese.com.

In conjunction with our revised diocesan policy, I wish to apprise you that today, the CCCB unveiled the ClearView Reporting System, which is a centralized third-party mechanism to report allegations of abuse or the cover-up of abuse by bishops in Canada. The centralized ClearView Reporting System will ensure that allegations of abuse or the potential cover-up of abuse are conveyed to the proper ecclesiastical authority, as outlined in Pope Francis’  2019     motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi. This ClearView Reporting System may be accessed via www.cccb.ca or the link from our own diocesan website.

In Vos estis lux mundi, our Holy Father states “it is good that procedures be universally adopted to prevent and combat these crimes that betray the trust of the faithful’. Let us always pray for the healing of those who have suffered abuse and for the healing of their families. Let us work for the protection and well-being of all God’s holy people.

May God bless you in these times of rejoicing and festivities as we celebrate the birth of our Savior,

+Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R.
 Bishop of Pembroke
 

Bishop Desrocher's delegate in matters pertaining to the Prevention & Management of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Adults who in Law are the Equivalent of Minors:

Father John Burchat
St. John Chrysostom Church
295 Albert Street, Arnprior, ON K7S 2M7

613-623-2282

Deputy Delegate

Father Peter Proulx
St. John Chrysostom Church
295 Albert Street, Arnprior, ON K7S 2M7

613-623-2282

The Policy & Procedures for the Prevention and Management of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Adults who in Law are the Equivalent of Minors


New Canadian Reporting System for Sexual Abuse
or coverup by a Catholic Bishop
 

The Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., announces the following pastoral appointments: 

Reverend Steven F. BALLARD (J.C.L.) has been appointed Pastor of St John Chrysostom Parish, Arnprior, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside. This appointment takes effect February 1, 2022. 

St. John Chrysostom Church, Arnprior ON

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside ON

Reverend Justin BERTRAND has resigned from priestly ministry and expressed his desire to seek dispensation from the obligations of the clerical state. 

Reverend John BURCHAT has been appointed as Pastor of St Lawrence O’Toole Parish, Barry’s Bay, Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish, Combermere, and St Francis de Sales Mission, Latchford Bridge. This appointment takes effect February 1, 2022. A priest of Madonna House will continue administration until the end of December. 

Reverend Patrick DOBEC has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa. This appointment takes effect February 1, 2022. 

Reverend Réal OUELLETTE will remain in the parishes of Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin, Astorville, Ste-Bernadette, Bonfield, and Sacred Heart, Corbeil. 

Reverend Peter PROULX will conclude his part-time ministry as parochial vicar at St John Chrysostom Parish, Arnprior. 

Reverend Robert RYAN will conclude his ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Braeside, as he continues his recuperation from cancer. 

Reverend Basil TANGUAY has been appointed as part-time parochial vicar to the parishes of St. James the  Greater, Portage du Fort, Immaculate Conception, Bryson, Ste-Anne, Île-du-Grand Calumet, and St John the Evangelist, Campbell’s Bay. This appointment commenced on November 1, 2021. 

20 November 2021 
Vigil of the Solemnity of Christ the King 

CanadaHelps.org account:
 

or
to participate in our
Automatic Sunday Giving (Electronic Funds Transfer) program, a registration form is available here

All donations will be credited for Income Tax as usual. We routinely check the donations received from this service and carefully record the offerings. We sincerely thank those who have already contributed and invite all to do the same during this unusual period.  Thank you!

 RECEIPTS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING
 

Receipts reflecting donations received in 2020 have been printed and are now available. In order to receive yours, please place a self-addressed stamped envelope in the mailbox outside the main door of the Parish Centre.  Rest assured, your receipt will be mailed out immediately.

Alternatively, we would be happy to mail your receipt at anytime, with or without a supplied envelope, if you would simply like to call or send us an email.

Call Ann Marie
 at 613-687-4764 ext. 1
or send her an email:

olsparishoffice@gmail.com

As always we are very grateful for your kindness and financial support!

After 40 years of service, our former Verdin Carillon Bell System has expired, and with it the melodious sounds of bells. The bells ring everyday and when we celebrate Sunday Eucharist, Baptism, Weddings and Funerals. We also play seasonal music during Lent & Easter, as well as Advent & Christmas.

In March of 2013, parishioners reported hearing the church bells ring and said, "a new Pope must have been elected!" Indeed they were correct. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Successor of St. Peter, the first Pope of the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. He was inaugurated on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2013 and assumed the title of Pope Francis.

Our new state of the art digital system has been installed by Verdin! We are excited about its arrival! If you are able to contribute to this very worthwhile project, donations can be sent to our parish by mail, thru the collection basket or at the Parish Office! We thank you for your consideration of this request. In Canadian dollars, this project costs over $14,000.  We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity!

We look foward to hearing our new carillon system in our parish community for many years to come!

Parish Office hours

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
 

The Lord's Day Masses - Sunday

Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m.




Weekday Masses
Tuesday,
Thursday & Friday
10:00 a.m.
 

*Celebrated before each weekend Mass in the foyer Quiet Room*

Saturday
4:15 p.m. 4:45 p.m.

Sunday
9:15a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

A mask is required

Any parishioner who is in danger of death, meaning their physical condition is so compromised that they may pass away, can request the sacraments at any time, including the Sacrament of the Sick and the Reception of Holy Communion.  At all times, a priest is on call in Pembroke for the Pembroke Regional Hospital and all care homes for our seniors, for this purpose.  Please call, or ask a family member or nurse to call, the switchboard of the Pembroke Regional Hospital and ask that the Roman Catholic priest on call be contacted to visit a seriously ill patient. 

They will be happy to assist! 

Naturally, what matters most in celebrating the sacraments, is not 'who' the priest is who presides, but the Lord whom we encounter. Because of a variety of commitments it is not always possible for your own parish priest to attend during an unexpected emergency.
 

Diocese of Pembroke - Decree on the Code of Pastoral Conduct for all Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Employees & Volunteers
 

Specific application of the policy at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
 

CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT: this decree is applicable to priests, deacons, seminarians, employees and volunteers engaged in ministries and services in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pembroke. It’s intent is to assist all in upholding Christian values and conduct as they minister to, or work with the People of God. In order that we may be in complete compliance with the letter and spirit of the ‘Code of Pastoral Conduct’, the following is important to note: