WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C, draw our attention to the mystery of God’s plan unfolding through humility and faith. They remind us that God often works through the simple and unexpected to bring about His greatest works.
In the first reading from Micah, the prophet foretells that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town. This reveals that God’s ways are different from ours; He chooses the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, becomes the setting for the world’s greatest gift—God Himself.
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter Mary and Elizabeth, two women of deep faith who play pivotal roles in God’s plan. Mary, having received the message of the angel, visits Elizabeth, who joyfully proclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Mary’s willingness to say “yes” to God’s will brings the Savior into the world. Her humility and faithfulness are an example for us as we prepare to welcome Christ.
Advent reminds us that God often comes to us in quiet and unexpected ways. Like Mary, we are called to respond to God’s invitations with trust and openness. As we light the final Advent candle, let us prepare our hearts for Jesus by embracing humility, faith, and love. May we recognize His presence in the simple moments of our lives and joyfully proclaim, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Your Priest,
Father Charles
Please do not hesitate to contact me, Father Charles (frenyinnia@yahoo.com) (613-328-8331), Father Anthony (dimtony3482@gmail.com) (613-200-5357) or the parish office (stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca ) (613-267-1043), if we can be of any assistance to you in any way. We are very glad to respond to a request for prayers, the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession, Sick Calls and/or Conversation.
We wish Fr. Charles a wonderful and safe vacation as he travels home to Nigeria this week! During his absence, we welcome Fr. Francis Ikhianosime from Rome, who will celebrate Masses in his place.
Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Advent!
LOVE
“The fourth candle of Advent represents Love, the ultimate love of God that He might send His only Son for us. Called the “Angel’s Candle,” the fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, and it is the color purple, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on earth”.
Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colors, Symbolism, Themes, and More. (Hallow.com)
Christmas Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24th
St. John’s Church - 5pm, 7pm, 9pm, & Midnight
Sacred Heart Church – 5pm
St. Bridget’s Church – 5pm
Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25th
St. John’s Church – 10am
Sacred Heart Church – 10am
New Years' Mass Schedule
New Years’ Eve - Tuesday, December 31st
St. John’s Church - 5pm (replaces Tuesday 4:30pm Mass)
New Years’ Day – Wednesday, January 1st
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
Sacred Heart Church – 9am
St. Bridget’s Church – 11am
St. John’s Church - 5pm (replaces Tuesday 4:30pm Mass)
New Years’ Day – Wednesday, January 1st
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
Sacred Heart Church – 9am
St. Bridget’s Church – 11am
ADVENT CONFESSIONS
Saturday, December 21st @ 3:00pm: St. Ann Church, Merrickville
Sunday, December 22nd @ 3:00pm: St. John the Baptist Church, Perth
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
Christmas gift cards are now being collected, to assist those who are struggling within our community. There is a box in the Narthex to collect your donations.
Candlelight Procession and Donations: At 3:30PM on Saturday, Dec. 28th (the Feast of the Holy Innocents), the Life Matters Group will hold a candlelight procession.
Thank you to the talented and dedicated parishioners who made this possible!
Confessions are available 30 minutes before each regular Daily & Weekend Mass.
PASTORAL CARE: Any parishioner or family member unable to attend Mass and would like a home visit please call Parish Office at 613-267-1043.
Reminder: Allergy Alert! Please Avoid Strong Scents when at Church
Please avoid perfume, shaving lotion and scents when at church. Some people have allergies that prevent them from attending or remaining at Mass if the above are present. Thank you for your consideration..
Parish Office Christmas & New Years’ Hours
Mondays (closed)
Tuesday, December 24th – Closed
Wednesday, December 25th – Closed
Thursday, December 26th – Closed
Friday, December 27th – Open 9:30am- 3:30pm
Mondays (closed)
Tuesday, December 31st- Open 9:30am- 3:30pm
Wednesday, January 1st – Closed
Thursday, January 2nd – Closed
Friday, January 3rd- Closed
SUBMISSIONS FOR WEEKLY BULLETIN & FLOCKNOTE
Please submit your information for the weekly bulletin & Flocknote no later than 9am Thursday’s. If submitted after this deadline, the information will be entered the following week. Thank you!
MASS SCHEDULE -
SJ - St. John the Baptist Parish
SHP - Sacred Heart Parish
SB - St. Bridget's ParishSVDP - St. Vincent de Paul
CCt. - Carolina Court Retirement Residence
L.Lif - Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence
PCCC - Perth Community Care Centre
LL - Lanark Lodge
SHP - Sacred Heart Parish
SB - St. Bridget's ParishSVDP - St. Vincent de Paul
CCt. - Carolina Court Retirement Residence
L.Lif - Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence
PCCC - Perth Community Care Centre
LL - Lanark Lodge
SJES - St. John Elementary School
SJHS - St. John High School
ADVENT CONFESSIONS
Saturday, December 21st @ 3:00pm: St. Ann Church, Merrickville
Sunday, December 22nd @ 3:00pm: St. John the Baptist Church, Perth
New Years' Mass Schedule
New Years’ Eve - Tuesday, December 31st
St. John’s Church - 5pm (replaces Tuesday 4:30pm Mass)
New Years’ Day – Wednesday, January 1st
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
Sacred Heart Church – 9am
St. Bridget’s Church – 11am
St. John’s Church - 5pm (replaces Tuesday 4:30pm Mass)
New Years’ Day – Wednesday, January 1st
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
Sacred Heart Church – 9am
St. Bridget’s Church – 11am
Saturday December 21
SJ 5:00pm - Brenda (McNamee) Neville ~ Stephen McNamee
Sunday December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
SJ 9:00am - Camille & Marie Poulin ~ Jacques Poulin
SHP 9:00am - Jean & Fred Shepherd ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Gordon, Catherine, & Paul McShane ~ Doreen Kerr
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People
Monday December 23
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday December 24
SB 9:00am - *****Mass Cancelled*****
SB 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SHP 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SJ 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SJ 7:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SJ 9:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SJ 12:00am - For the People of the Parish
Wednesday December 25 - The Nativity of the LordSJ 10:00am - For the People of the Parish
SHP 10:00am - For the People of the Parish
Thursday December 26 - St. Stephen
SHP 9:00am - Miriam Wood ~ Doris Quinn
SJ 12:00pm - Mary Theresa Nagle ~ A Friend
Friday December 27 - St. John the Apostle
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Dave Nitschmann ~ Elaine Cavalier & Family
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday December 28
SJ 5:00pm - Helen Downie O’Connor ~ A Friend
Sunday December 29
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People
SHP 9:00am - Julie Dunnigan ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - John & Loretta Oneil, and Catherine Oneil ~ Doreen Kerr
SJ 11:00am - Karen Thibeau ~ Anne & Howard Pledge
MASS REQUESTS
If you have a mass request, please clearly print who the mass is for, who it is requested by, and in which church it is to be said. You can call the Parish Office (613-267-1043), mail, or email your request to stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca . Please note, unless there is a special circumstance that has been cleared with the Parish Office, we cannot accommodate requests for specific dates due to the high volume of mass requests. Please watch your Flock Notes. Leave the stipend in the offertory plate, in an envelope clearly marked “Mass Intentions” with who the mass is for and who it is from (inside with your money), or you can mail/drop off directly at the Parish Office. Stipend: Announced ($20); Unannounced ($10) which are sent away to a mission. Thank you!
DONATING TO ST. JOHN
To make a donation to St John Church, please remember to add your envelope number, church and what to apply your monies towards.
We gratefully accept donations by:
Cash or cheque: Mail in, Drop In, or Offertory basket
E-transfers: stjohnperthdonations@gmail.com
DONATING TO SACRED HEART & ST. BRIDGET
To make a donation please remember to add your envelope number, church and what to apply your monies towards.
We gratefully accept donations by:
Cash or cheque: Mail in, Drop In, or Offertory basket
E-transfers: sacredheart1903@gmail.com
PRAYERS
Please remember the sick in your prayers Annalisa Clarke, Jeannette Olivier, Sylvia Peter, Maureen Cordick, Father Michael McCarthy, Father Don Cummings, Noreen Coulter, Phoenix Hogan, Fr. Mac Burke, Maureen Czop, Stephen Tysick, Thomas Smallwood, Lynne Newman, Dan Keaney, Barb & Roger Beadle, Ken Kerr, Demetrie Laming, Doris Quinn, Eric Adam, and Marjorie Facette.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Need a prayer?
Are you or someone you love in need of prayer? Contact me, Father Charles (frenyinnia@yahoo.com) (613-328-8331), Father Anthony (dimtony3482@gmail.com)
(613-200-5357) or the Parish Office (stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca) to connect with our strong prayer warriors or directly to:
- St John’s Pastoral Care Prayer group: Parish Office 613-267-1043
- St John’s Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer group: Lianne Kevan 613-200-1242
- St John’s CWL Prayer group; Parish Office 613-267-1043
- St John’s KOC Prayer group; Parish Office 613-267-1043
SACRAMENTS:
Sacramental Preparation Classes!
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates:
Classes to be held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. The next class will be Sunday, January 12th and will begin with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Confirmation Candidates:
Classes to be held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. The next class will be Sunday, January 19th, and will begin with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Volunteers are needed to help provide a light snack for the children and families during sacramental preparation classes. Please call Annette at 613-264-8649 if you can help.
Baptism, Funeral and Marriage
Please contact the Parish Office directly (613-267-1043)(stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca). Please do not use the parish website to sign up. (For Marriage at least 6 months in advance notice is required.)
ANNOUCEMENTS:
Christmas gift cards are now being collected. Please consider donating gift cards, of any amount, to assist those who are struggling within our community. There is a box in the Narthex to collect your donations.
May God Bless you for your generosity!
Journey Through Advent 2024 – Video Series to Introduce and Reflect on the Season
This Journey Through Advent video series is a joint project between three CCCB offices (the Office national de liturgie, the National Liturgy Office, and the Office for
Evangelization and Catechesis), and includes reflections on the readings for each Sunday in Advent. This year’s spiritual reflections are delivered by the Most Reverend Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto (in English), and the Most Reverend René Guay, Bishop of Chicoutimi (in French). The videos are available on the CCCB Website: https://www.cccb.ca/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Volunteers are needed to help provide a light snack for the children and families
during sacramental preparation classes. Please call Annette at 613-264- 8649 if you can help. .
FOOD BANK
Please consider donating food items to our local Food Bank. There is a bin to receive your donations located in the front entrances of both St. John’s and Sacred Heart Churches. Thank you for your generosity!
COMMUNITY MEALS
✞ Dine-in meals every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 4:30-6:00pm @ The Table (190 Gore St. East).
✞ Dine-in meals on the second Saturday of each month (excluding July & August) 4:30-5:30pm @ St. James Church (54 Beckwith St. East).
Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
The Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) will be offered for persons wishing to explore the Catholic Faith, its beliefs and practices. Both Catholics and non-Catholics are welcome to attend a series of video presentations with discussions/sharing afterwards.
Our Life Matters Core Group will offer the 9am Mass on third Wednesday of the month for the Protection of All Human Life. Mass to be followed by a Rosary in Reverence for Life. Everyone is welcome!
St. John's Holy Face Group:
St. John's Holy Face Group (meets on the last Thursday of the month)(next meeting in January), following the noon Mass. Our monthly gatherings will last no longer than one hour and will provide an opportunity to pray, share and learn about this powerful, Church-approved Holy Face devotion of reparation. All are welcome to join us whenever you are able. Bring a friend and help rekindle this centuries-old devotion meant for these times! For more information, please call Elaine, 613-267-1023.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
✞ "Feast of the Holy Innocents” Candlelight Procession: We hope you will join us on our First Annual Feast of the Holy Innocents Candlelight Procession at 3:30pm on Saturday, December 28th. Our procession begins at 15 Church Street (Perth) and proceeds to the Knights of Columbus Nativity scene in the Crystal palace. Bring your children or grandchildren to enjoy this family friendly event and join us in praying the rosary and singing Christmas Carols.
As part of our celebration, we are accepting donations of items in need by Birthright, in support of young women who have chosen life for their babies. A list of needed items can be found on the playpen in the narthex.
Last minute gift idea - In the Narthex, you will find a limited number of hand-crafted stuffed animals that were kindly donated by a parishioner. Any proceeds received for these cuddly animals will be sent to
Birthright. See the display for more info!
COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES & GROUP
UPCOMING MEETINGS
CWL Monthly Meeting - 2nd Monday of each Month @ 7pm
Monday Bible Study Group @ 10am – Contact Jenny Salte for details. Parish Council Monthly Meeting - 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm
Life Matters Monthly Meeting - 3rd Wednesday of each month @ 10:30am
Knights of Columbus Monthly Meeting - 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 7pm
Pastoral Care Committee Meeting - TBD
Wednesday Bible Study Group – Contact Jenny Salte for details. Wednesdays @ 7pm
St. John's Holy Face Group Monthly Meeting: Last Thursday of the month, after noon Mass
Thursday Bible Study Group @ 1 pm – Contact Evelyn Goodfellow for details.
Sunday Mass 11am Choir - Thursdays @ 7pm & Sundays @ 10:15am
St. John’s Movie Club - TBD
Life Matters Men’s Group Monthly Meeting – Contact Dave Lapointe - 3rd Saturday
Saturday Mass 5:00pm Choir - Saturdays @ 4:45pm
Parish Volunteers Needed
Mass Helpers ~ Contact: Ushers (Marie White), Choir members, Readers/Communion (Mark Kennedy), Altar Server/Volunteer Screening (Brian Brosso) or Parish Office. Also, Weekend Mass Choir Members.
Collection Counter ~ We are looking for volunteers to help count the collection or to be a spare collection counter. The commitment is approximately once/month after the Sunday 11am Mass for 30-35 minutes. If interested, please contact the Parish office.
St. John's Life Matters Group: CLICK HERE
Resource Websites: Real Life Catholic: CLICK HERE Need more: CLICK HERE
FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES
Interested In Catholicism?
Those who are interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith with a view to possibly becoming a Catholic are asked to contact the parish office (613-267-1043).
Fr Charles would be pleased to meet with you.
FORMED.org Our Free Catholic Resource! Visit FORMED.org, login and access this parish-sponsored “Catholic Netflix” and its numerous resources for every age.
First time user? Visit FORMED. org, click Sign Up, select Belong to a Parish or Organization, find St John the Baptist Parish, Perth, ON (or Parish postal code K7H 1L6, or Parish code: 7WB8TT), enter your email & check it out!
Youth Ministry Virtual Outreach News - CLICK HERE
Check out the latest in Archdiocesan Youth news, including many faith resources for families and youth of all ages. This page is updated and added regularly.
Family Ministries and Outreach Office December Newsletter CLICK HERE
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON (ADK)
For More Information on Upcoming Events in the ADK CLICK HERE
Pilgrims of Hope – Visiting Rome: Spiritual and cultural tour, accompanied by Msgr. Joseph Muldoon, of Holy Spirit Parish (Stittsville), for the Jubilee Holy Year April 21 – May 5, 2025. The tour will visit Rome, St. Peter’s, Dublin and Irish countryside, and London. Dennis Kam of JBC Travel Ottawa is the coordinator. Dennis@jbctravel.ca (613-569-3888)
Office of Family Ministries and Outreach - CLICK HERE
St. John's Parish Website: CLICK HERE
St. John's Facebook: CLICK HERE
Sacred Heart/St Bridget Facebook: CLICK HERE