Introduction to the Liturgy – God’s Love for the Sinner – God relents of his plan to destroy his people, following Moses’ intercession on their behalf, in today’s reading from Exodus.  Persuasion tempers his anger and the people are spared.  As generous as this may be on Yahweh’s part, it is but a glimmer of the concern for the sinner that is reflected in today’s gospel, chapter 15 of Luke. The joy over the single sinner who repents throughout heaven, as illustrated in the three Lucan parables.  In the first letter to Timothy, Paul presents himself as the classic repentant sinner. He has wandered far yet God’s love reached him.

From the Saints –From the beginning of a sermon On Pastors by Saint Augustine, bishop – You have often learned that all our hope is in Christ and that he is our true glory and our salvation. You are members of the flock of the Good Shepherd, who watches over Israel and nourishes his people. Yet there are shepherds who want to have the title of shepherd without wanting to fulfill a pastor’s duties; let us then recall what God says to his shepherds through the prophet. You must listen attentively; I must listen with fear and trembling. (Matins, 24^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time)

In your prayers kindly remember the sick and those who care for them, the lonely, the handicapped, those isolated, and those who have died, especially Dianne Turcotte, Kyle Leblanc and Anita Schneider.

HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY WEEK

Your total offering for last Sunday was $3210.05

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you,
that your prophets be found true.
Hear the prayers of your servant,
and of your people Israel.

(Entrance Antiphon – 24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK:  A word of support and encouragement to all our students, teachers and support staff who have returned to classes for a new academic year during the past week at Cathedral Elementary and Bishop Smith Catholic High School and to all other students at other places of learning…elementary, home schooling, college or university.  You are in our prayers and thoughts and we wish all of you a year of growth and success in every way.  Also, a word of welcome and appreciation to the Choir who have resumed their participation in the 10:30 Mass and after a very long break due to the pandemic.  The beauty and solemnity which they add to our liturgies is acknowledged and gratefully appreciated by all.

The next meeting of Bishop N.Z. Lorrain council 1531 will be Tuesday, Sept. 13 in the Knights of Columbus Hall on Ellis Avenue. Meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Gift Shop: The Gift Shop will be open following the 10:30am Mass every Sunday starting in September, the exact date will be announced. If you wish to purchase anything from the gift shop in the meantime, please contact Becky Chaput at 732-8711.

RECOLLECTION FOR WOMEN: There will be a recollection for women at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pembroke on Thursday, September 15th from 11 am to 1 pm. Recollections are like mini-retreats that help you take a break from your busy schedule to think about your life, your relationship with God and gain a fresh outlook. The day begins with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a time of guided prayer, followed by an examination of conscience, confessions, silent prayer, benediction and concludes with a talk on a practical aspect of living the faith in ordinary life. You are invited to bring your lunch and stay for a get together afterward.  This spiritual activity, inspired by the writings of St. Jose Maria Escriva, is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information on the Prelature of Opus Dei go to www.opusdei.org. Should you have any questions, please contact Nadia at nadia.bagshaw@sympatico.ca or 613-584-9388.​​​​​​​

12^th ANNUAL FALL PILGRIMAGE ST JOSEPH ORATORY: We are back! Join our bus tour, sponsored by the Archdioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Gatineau, and Kingston, and the Dioceses of Pembroke, Mont-Laurier and Saint-Jérôme, on Sunday, October 16, 2022. First-come, first served! Please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or email at mike.budge@bell.net for more details.

7^th ANNUAL BLUEGRASS SUNDAY: On Sunday, September 25^th from 1:30-5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 170 Ellis Street, Pembroke, ON. All proceeds go to “Friends for Life International,” a small Pembroke-based Canadian charity where 100% of funds raised go towards assisting Haitians living under extremely compromised conditions in the Dominican Republic. Cost: $20 at the door. For more information, contact Ron at 819 689-5440, or visit the website at www.friendsforlifeintl.ca. 

1. ALPHONSUS PARISH SUPPER: St. Alphonsus Parish Annual Turkey Supper, Sunday September 25^th from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Turkey with all the trimmings, homemade beans and pies. Take-out available.  Everyone welcome!  Fr. Scott Murray & Parishioners welcome you!

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE: The CWL now has a Facebook page @ Pembroke CWL St. Columbkille’s.  Feel free to Like this page or send a friend request.  They will be posting past and upcoming events moving forward.  Please note, this page does not allow for comments.

NOTICE FROM MARIANHILL – Marianhill is currently seeking several community volunteers to join our Board of Directors. Marianhill operates as a charitable not-for-profit organization founded by the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and now overseen by Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario. Our dedicated staff provide long-term care and community services to seniors from Pembroke, and across Renfrew County and The Pontiac.

We are all aware that this is a challenging time to be caring for seniors. Two years of pandemic pressures and Ontario’s aging demographics mean that Marianhill requires a dedicated governance team to help guide the redevelopment and human resource challenges now facing our organization.

If you wish to give back to your community in a meaningful way and this challenge appeals to you, please send your letter of intent to: Linda M. Tracey, CEO, Secretary of the Board ltracey@marianhill.ca