WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a liturgical bridge that connects the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. During the Christmas season we pondered the Incarnation, Nativity, Presentation in the Temple, and Epiphany. Today, we see Jesus manifesting Himself to the world as He began His three years of public ministry.
In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of comfort and hope, proclaiming the coming of the Lord who will reveal His glory. Isaiah’s imagery of valleys being lifted and mountains made low evokes a deep sense of transformation and preparation, which reflects the spiritual renewal and cleansing that baptism imparts in us. The Catechism teaches that through baptism, individuals are freed from sin and reborn as children of God (CCC 1265). Just as Isaiah foretells the coming of one who will prepare the way for God, baptism prepares us to receive the grace of God and enter a new relationship with Him.
In Paul's letter to Titus, we hear about the transformative power of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. The reference to “being washed and regenerated” connects directly to the act of baptism, which symbolizes inner transformation and the washing away of sin. Paul conveys that through baptism, Christians receive the Holy Spirit and a new identity as heirs of eternal life.
In the Gospel of Luke, we witness the actual baptism of Jesus and hear the affirmation of His identity as the Beloved Son. The presence of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the Father gives the importance of this moment. For us, Jesus' baptism serves as a model; it sanctifies the waters of baptism. The Catechism discusses how Jesus’ immersion in the waters of the Jordan anticipates His death, which baptism symbolizes (CCC 1227). Through the sacrament, we are called to share in the life of Christ, embracing our identity as beloved children of God.
Your Priest,
Father Anthony
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.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
Don’t forget to pick up your 2025 Donation Envelopes in the Narthex! Please put your name and address on the envelopes for the first few weeks.
St. John’s Parishioners: Tax receipts are emailed (see note below), for everyone else the hard copy tax receipts will be available in the Narthex, in a couple of weeks.
Community Dinner: Saturday, January 11th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food to serve. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth.
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates: The next class will be thisSunday, January 12th, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Our Life Matters Core Group will offer the 9am Mass on Wednesday January 15th
for the Protection of All Human Life. Afterwards a Rosary in Reverence for Life.
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 Hours
Mondays (closed),
Tues., Wed., Fri., (9:30am - Noon & 1:00 - 3:30pm)
Thurs. 1:00- 3:30pm
(613-267-1043) ( stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca )
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
Saturday January 11
SJ 5:00pm - Helen Downie O’Connor ~ A Friend
Sunday January 12 ~
SJ 9:00am - For the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Basil & Jean Dunnigan ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Lawrence Brennan ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Dave Nitschmann ~ Kim Baker
Monday January 13
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday January 14
SB 9:00am - Harold, Rita, Ron, & Carl Kerr ~ Jean McShane
SJ 4:30pm - Vince Closs & Family ~ Mary Rorwick
Wednesday January 15SJ 4:30pm - Vince Closs & Family ~ Mary Rorwick
SJ 9:00am - For the Protection of All Human Life ~ LifeMatters Core Group
Thursday January 16
SHP 10:15am - Combined Daily/Sacred Heart Elementary School Mass
Beverley King ~ Pat MolyneauxSJ 12:00pm - Steve Oattes ~ Elaine Cavalier & Family
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Centre Mass
Friday January 17 - Saint Anthony
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Ross Cotton ~ Cathy Ferguson
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 1:00pm - St. John’s Elementary School Mass David Nitschmann ~ Lucy Brennan
Saturday January 18SJ 5:00pm - Gerry & Genina Sherwin ~ Allida Rubino
Sunday January 19
SJ 9:00am - David Cavalier ~ Elaine Cavalier & Family
SHP 9:00am - Nancy Shepherd ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Catherine & Gordon McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - For the People of the Parish
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 Jeannette Olivier, Sylvia Peter, Maureen Cordick, Father Michael McCarthy, Father Don Cummings, Father Leo Byrne, Noreen Coulter, Phoenix Hogan, Father Mac Burke, Maureen Czop, Stephen Tysick, Thomas Smallwood, Lynne Newman, Dan Keaney, Barb & Roger Beadle, Demetrie Laming, Doris Quinn, Eric Adam, Marjorie Facette, Georgie Scissons, Ian MacDonald, Father Dan Ryan, Rob Publow, and Helen O’Connor.
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 this 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 next 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:
THANK YOU!
The St. Johns Life Matters Group would like to thank everyone who participated in the recent Feast of the Holy Innocents Candlelight Procession and Birthright baby items drive. The procession was a success, as indicated by the participants as well as some of the public who showed support for our cause. The playpen was overflowing with your donations - items that Birthright needs to support women who choose the gift of life! We hope to make this an annual event!
St. John’s CWL
Come join us for our CWL meeting Monday February 10th. New members welcome!
Don’t forget to pick up your 2025 Donation Envelopes in the Narthex!
For the first several weeks of the new year, kindly place your name and address on the envelopes. This helps the office to ensure that all envelopes were picked up by their intended owners. Thank you!
Email 2024 Income Tax Statements
2024 Income Tax Statements have now been sent out to those who signed up to receive them by email. If you signed up, but haven’t received yours, please check your junk email folder. Still can’t find it? Connect with the Parish office, and we’ll try sending it again!
For those who did not sign up for emailstatements, your hard copy will be available in the Narthex within the next couple weeks.
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 (January 15th) 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:
Community Dinner: Saturday, January 11th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food to serve. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth. Menu: Chili with double baked cheesy potatoes, garden salad, rolls and for dessert, cheesecake bars. A goodwill offering is appreciated.
Transformation Night (Our Lady of Divine Fire Mission):
Wednesday, January 29, 2025; 7:00– 9:30pm. St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (1111 Taylor-Kidd Blvd., Kingston).
Experience the “Transforming Power of the Steadfast Love of God”. Nancy Steele
(www.nasteele.ca), author and recent keynote speaker at the 2024 Women’s Fall Retreat has a heart to help people grasp just how much God loves them. The evening will begin with Adoration and worship with song. After Nancy’s presentation there will be an opportunity for personal prayer ministry from the Encounter School of Ministry
graduates. NO CHARGE.
For more information email: kingston@encounterschool.org. See poster in Narthex!
COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES & GROUP
UPCOMING MEETINGS
CWL Monthly Meeting - 2nd Monday of each Month @ 7pm, next one, February 10th
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 January 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