KNEELING AND STANDING:  Unfortunately, we seem to lack a common posture at Mass.  The General Instructions for the Roman Missal (this is the list of rubrics {or rules} governing the Mass state that a congregation should observe common postures during the Mass.  As to what this common posture is, there are two options that can be used but they should not be mixed.  Beginning in two weeks, I would ask you to observe the follow when it comes to the posture we use at the Cathedral:

1. We stand at the Opening Hymn until after the Opening Collect.
2. We sit for the readings and the Psalm.
3. We stand for the Gospel
4. We sit for the Homily.
5. We sit for the Offertory.
6. We stand when the priest says: “Pray, my brothers and sisters that my sacrifice …”
7. We kneel after we sing the Holy, Holy, Holy and we remain kneeling for the entire Eucharistic Prayer.
8. We stand after the “Through him, and with him, and in him, …”
9. We stand for the Our Father up until after the Lamb of God.
10. Once the Lamb of God is finished, we kneel.
11. After communion, we can kneel again or sit.
12. We stand for the final prayer and the blessing.

The changes are in bold.  There are several reasons why I wish to use this option.  It is good that we don’t change positions in the Eucharistic Prayer – half way through – because the Eucharistic Prayer is one prayer.  It seems to make better sense to use one posture.  The biggest reason is that our congregation is more and more elderly.  If you have difficulty standing or kneeling, you can always sit.  However, if everyone around you is standing, it is harder to participate because you may not be able to see the front of the church.  If everyone is kneeling, then you will feel more comfortable sitting.

St. Columbkille Cathedral

125 Years as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Pembroke

3rd Sunday of Lent

March 12, 2023

MASSES THIS WEEK (March 13 to March 19)

****PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN MORNING MASS TIMES DUE TO FORTY HOURS DEVOTION.  9:00 AM ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

FORTY HOUR DEVOTION:  Please take time to pray this Lent by attending the 40 hour devotion held at the Cathedral this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  If you have time during the day, even if you did not sign up, you are welcomed to come and spend even 5 minutes in prayer.  Each evening, beginning at 7:00 PM there will be Vespers.  It is at this time that Father Eric Mason, a priest of the Diocese of Peterborough and pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Powassan, Ontario, will give a talk/reflection.  This will end with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

NOTES FOR THIS WEEK:

1. MASS TIMES AT HOLY NAME: Mass will be offered at Holy Name on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:10 PM for this week only.
2. Confessions will be available each evening during Vespers at the Cathedral.
3. Mass at the Cathedral for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be at 9:00 AM only.

Cathedral CWL is hosting a “Welcome Spring” Dessert and Card Party on Wednesday, April 12^th in Cathedral Parish Hall.    Doors open at 6 p.m.  Admission is $8.00.  Choose your games of choice for the evening. Evening includes Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, ample desserts & beverages.  Tickets available from CWL Members; evening concludes at 9:00 p.m.  Cathedral Hall is elevator accessible.

ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT: “Do whatever He tells you (John 2.5)” from March 24 to 26, 2023 at the Graphite Bible Camp in Maynooth. Fr. Zachary Romanowsky and Cheryl Ann Smith from Madonna House will be leading the retreat. The cost is $175.00 for 2 nights and 5 meals. Limited spots available! To register: fill in the Google registration form at RETREAT REGISTRATION , and send e-transfer to womensretreatcombermere@gmail.com(Question: What is name of retreat centre? Answer: Graphite). For more information contact us at call/text Caitlin 613-316-0992 or Kristan 613- 585-0579.

ADULT STEUBENVILLE SUMMER CONFERENCES: Registration is now open for Adult Steubenville Summer Conferences (2 in June, 3 in July). Go to: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/ for more information.

IMAGE OF GOD MONTHLY SESSIONS – CANCELLED FOR MARCH – NEXT SESSION – Wednesday, April 12th from 7-8 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Renfrew. Topic: Signs & Symbols: Our lives are dominated by signs and symbols – ignore them to your own peril. This event is being hosted by the Family Life and Youth Ministry Office, with guest speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist, and is open to all. Each evening has a different topic and will include time for discussion. The purpose is to grow in your spiritual health, your spousal relationship and parenting skills. No matter what age you are, you will surely find this very beneficial. Please enter through the small Parish Hall doors. For more information contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.

THEOLOGY ON TAP:  Join us at J&E Bored N’Saucy Restaurant at 1895 Pembroke St. East on Wed. March 22  from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.  Guest Speaker is Father Michaek Smith, Vicar General of the Diocese.  The Topic is “The Power of Prayer and Fasting.”

ADULT FAITH LENTEN RETREAT:  Saturday, April 1, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Renfrew, Ontario, 331 Plaunt ST. South, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM with registration beginning at 9:30 AM.  Mass at 10:00 AM.  Cost is $15.00 per person.  The Retreat will be lead by Most Rev. Terrence Prendergast, Archbishop emeritus of Ottawa and the theme is “The Eucharist.  To register or for more information please contact Deacon Adrien Chaput at 613.732.7933 ext 206 or email at dcadriendchaput@pembrokediocese.com.  Deadline to register is March 30th.

NEXT HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS AT HOLY NAME PARISH:  On April 7 from 8 PM to 9 PM at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish.  The Holy Hour consists of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reflection by Fr. Scott Murray and we will pray the rosary for Vocations.  Open to everyone.

RECOLLECTION FOR WOMEN:  Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Pembroke on Thursday, March 16 from 11 AM to 1 PM.  Take a break from your busy schedule to think about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook.  Involves exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, guided prayer, examination of conscience, confession, a talk and Benediction.  Bring a lunch for a get together after the prayer time.  For more information contact Nadia Bagshaw :  nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or call 613.584.9388.

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS:  I will be accompanying 5 men from our Diocese to St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto the weekend of March 18 and 19 where they will participate in a “Come and See Weekend” at the seminary.  The seminary provides this for those who are discerning becoming a seminarian and thus studying for the priesthood.  Perhaps you could offer up some prayers, especially during the 40 hours, for these men who are contemplating priesthood.  (Father Beachey)

PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT:  The Parish Financial report will be published and distributed the beginning of March after the Parish Finance and Property Committee has met.

MASS ON TELEVISION AND THE INTERNET:  The Masses on television and the internet are wonderful opportunities for those who are sick and unable to attend Holy Mass in person at their local parish.  Because of their illness or condition, they are exempt from the Sunday Obligation to attend Mass.  It was of great benefit during the pandemic when churches were closed for the health and safety of the population.  However, the dispensation from Sunday Mass Obligation was taken away many months ago by Bishop Desrochers.  Sunday Mass on television does not fulfill your Sunday Obligation if you are not prevented by a serious reason from attending Mass in person.