WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
1 Samuel 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38
Today’s readings challenge us to embrace a higher way of living, a way that reflects the heart of God rather than the instincts of the world.
In 1 Samuel, David has the perfect opportunity to take revenge on King Saul, who has been hunting him down. Yet, David refuses to harm Saul, recognizing that vengeance is not his to take. He entrusts justice to God, showing mercy even when it is difficult. This act of restraint and respect for God’s anointed teaches us to leave judgment to God rather than seeking revenge.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians, contrasts Adam, the man of the earth, with Christ, the man of heaven. We are all born in Adam’s image are inclined toward sin, self-interest, and retaliation. But through Christ, we are called to be transformed into His image, living by the Spirit rather than by the flesh. This transformation enables us to live as Jesus teaches in today’s Gospel.
In Luke, Jesus presents one of His most radical teachings: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you. This is not natural to us, it is divine. The world tells us to seek revenge, to love only those who love us. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard: to love unconditionally, to be merciful as the Father is merciful.
If we are truly in Christ, we must break the cycle of hatred and retaliation. By loving our enemies, forgiving those who wrong us, and doing good without expecting anything in return, we reflect the image of the heavenly man, Jesus Christ. May we follow His example and become living witnesses of God’s mercy in the world. Amen.
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.
PREPARING FOR LENT… ASH WEDNESDAY IS ALMOST HERE!
Wednesday, March 5th, begins our 2025 Lenten journey.
Beginning this weekend, there will be a basket in the Narthex to collect last years’ palms.
Ash Wednesday Mass Times:
St. John’s Church – 9am, 1:15pm (combined with St. John’s Elementary School),
& 5pm
Sacred Heart Church – 10:15am (combined with Sacred Heart Elementary School)
St. Bridget’s Church – No additional Masses
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
This Weekend! Sacred Heart Social Sunday: Our Sacred Heart Church Sunday Gathering is set to go this Sunday, February 23rd, after the 9:00am Mass.
This Weekend: St. John's lifeMATTERS Group presents a MAID in CANADA Ethics & Euthanasia Presentation: Sunday February 23rd.
St. John's Holy Face Group will be holding their February monthly gathering on Thursday, February 27th, following the noon Mass. All are welcome!
Parish Council Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, March 4th @ 6:30pm
World Day of Prayer 2025: Friday, March 7th at 2 pm at BETHEL UNITED CHURCH, 1500 Rideau Ferry Road, Perth.
Community Dinner: Saturday, March 8th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food to serve. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth.
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 Parish
SHP - Sacred Heart Parish
SB - St. Bridget's Parish
SVDP - St. Vincent de Paul
CCt. - Carolina Court Retirement Residence
L.Lif - Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence
PCCC - Perth Community Care Centre
LL - Lanark Lodge
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 February 22 Chair of Peter
SJ 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
Sunday February 23 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
SJ 9:00am - Anne Marie & Benoit Blier ~ Elaine Cavalier & Family
SHP 9:00am - For the conversion & healing of the Masson Family ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Isabel Mallon ~ St. Bridget’s CWL
SJ 11:00am - For the intentions of all CWL members ~ Kingston Diocesan Council of the CWL
Monday February 24
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday February 25
SB 9:00am ~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 4:30pm - Mary Theresa Nagle ~ A Friend
Wednesday February 26SJ 4:30pm - Mary Theresa Nagle ~ A Friend
SJ 9:00am - Ross Cotten ~ Dorothy Finner
CCt 2:15pm - Carolina Court Mass
Thursday February 27
SHP 9:00am - For the Abandoned Souls in Purgatory ~ Sacred Heart Parish CWL
SJ 12:00pm - Gerry & Genina Sherwin ~ Allida Rubino
Friday February 28
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Helen Downie O’Connor ~ A Friend
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
(First) Saturday March 1
9:00am - Dave Nitschmann ~ Peter & Kate Noonan
SJ 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
Sunday March 2
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Lianne Kevan, in honour of her 60thBirthday ~ Laura Mackler
SHP 9:00am - Rose & Louis Weatherdon ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - For God’s Healing ~
SJ 11:00am - Raymond Lalonde ~ Jack & Marjorie Facette
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 Pope Francis, Jeannette Olivier, Sylvia Peter, Maureen Cordick, Father Michael McCarthy, Father Don Cummings, Father Leo Byrne, Noreen Coulter, Phoenix Hogan, Father Mac Burke, Maureen Czop, Thomas Smallwood, Demetrie Laming, Eric Adam, Marjorie Facette, Georgia Scissons, Ian MacDonald, and Helen O’Connor.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Michael Quigley.
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, March 9th 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, March 15th, 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.)
THANK YOU!
St. John the Baptist & St. Vincent de Paul Churches would like to acknowledge the very kind donations from the families & estates of Barbara Geroux and Patricia Kerr. From the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful for your generosity!
ANNOUCEMENTS:
Valley Youth Singers
In September of 2024, with the support of St. James and other fabulous supporters, a new children's choir was launched in our community. After an awesome first term, the Valley Youth Singers is now inviting children, ages 7 to 12, to join them as they learn while having fun singing together!
There are rehearsal locations in both Perth and Lanark. The theme for the Spring Concert will be a "Transcontinental Adventure!"
Please message valleyyouthsingers@gmail.com for more information.
St. John’s 2024 Income Tax Statements are now available in the Narthex!
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.
Contact the Parish Office (613-267-1043) (stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca).
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) February 27th 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:
This Weekend! Sacred Heart Social Sunday: Our Sacred Heart Church Sunday Gathering is set to go this Sunday, February 23rd, after the 9:00am Mass. All are
welcome to come to the Rectory after Mass! Hot and cold drinks, and lots of goodies will be ready for provided in the narthex to help us plan for the event. See posters for more information.
This Weekend! St. John's lifeMATTERS Group presents a MAID in CANADA Ethics & Euthanasia Presentation:
What if….? Are you concerned about end-of-life issues? Do you have questions about MAiD and doctor assisted suicide? Are you not sure what palliative care actually is or what the Catholic Church teaches regarding MAiD? Join us at 12:00 PM this Sunday Feb. 23rd for lunch and the Ethics and Euthanasia presentation in St. Johns’
Elementary gymnasium. Come and listen to Dr. Andrew Mai, a fellow Catholic and former long term palliative care doctor, as he explains his perspective on euthanasia vs palliative care. Come and have your questions and concerns addressed by an expert who has witnessed firsthand the slippery slope that our country is quickly descending through its promotion of Euthanasia, also known as MAID or doctor-assisted suicide. Because, what if…? Hope to see you all there!
World Day of Prayer 2025
“I made you wonderful”
Kia Orana!
Our siblings in The Cook Islands welcome us and lead us for the Day of Prayer 2025. This group of 15 islands in the South Pacific Ocean has a rich and colourful Māori heritage and a deep connection to nature. Join with us as we pray together and reflect on the theme ‘I made you wonderful’ (Psalm 139:1-18).
World Day of Prayer is an international, ecumenical movement which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers. Locally, the World Day of Prayer Committee of Perth and area with representation from the Anglican, Baptist, Free Methodist, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic, United and Perth Community Churches, invites you, your friends and family to join in this year’s service which will be held on FRIDAY, MARCH 7 at 2 pm at BETHEL UNITED CHURCH, 1500 Rideau Ferry Road, Perth.
If you are interested in joining this ecumenical WDP working group as a representative from St John's parish, you will be most welcome! Please reach out to Marleen either by having a conversation with her directly or calling her at 613-264-0960. Enhance your own personal growth and faith journey and contribute to the promotion of unity and understanding among diverse faith communities in our area.
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 - Tuesday, March 4th @ 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 February 27th
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 MARCH Newsletter CLICK HERE
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON (ADK)
For More Information on Upcoming Events in the ADK CLICK HERE
Spiritual Reflections with Archbishop Mulhall
Wednesdays; 7:00 pm
St. Mary’s Cathedral (279 Johnson Street, Kingston)
I look forward to our time together of spiritual reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Throughout my priesthood and especially in the past several years, these moments of prayer and reflection together have been deeply rewarding for me.
I propose to reflect with you on the Beatitudes of St. Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 5 as well as a series of Psalms of the Old Testament which we pray each day at Mass. As usual, we will also give time to the liturgical celebrations of Lent/Easter as we pass through the year.
It is good to remember that there is no starting point or end point as in a series of lectures or an academic course. Though we refer to previous reflections, we repeat our thoughts frequently so that anyone can join at any stage or miss weeks without losing any necessary points or developments. I like to think of our reflections as one long continuous series of reflections on a mystery from countless starting points. All these reflections I pray will be beneficial for us at whatever time of life or stage of our spiritual pilgrimage. The Lord, in whose presence we will pray together will always provide the grace, consolation, and strength that we need to make steady progress in our life of faith.
Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, Rome and Assisi
Please join Father Justin Pulikunnel and Father Shawn Hughes who will travel November 5 to November 17 to Europe to receive the great graces of pilgrimage in this Jubilee Year. Please see the attached information and registration forms. For further information please do not hesitate to contact Ann Lyng at ann@stmaryscathedral.ca
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