WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
Palm Sunday
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we gather with hearts full of reverence and joy to commemorate Palm Sunday—the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, singing, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Yet, within days, those same voices would cry, “Crucify Him.”
Palm Sunday reminds us how quickly human hearts can turn. It's easy to praise God when everything’s going great—but what about when things get tough?
This moment invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of our faith. How often do we, like the crowd, welcome Jesus with enthusiasm, only to falter in our commitment when the path becomes difficult? Palm Sunday calls us not only to celebrate the King of Peace but also to journey with Him through the suffering and sacrifice of Holy Week.
Jesus enters Jerusalem not as a conquering warrior, but humble and riding on a donkey—symbolizing peace, not power. He comes not to reign with force, but with love and mercy. In His passion, we see the depths of His love for us—a love that embraces betrayal, denial, pain, and even death.
Let us wave our palms not only with outward joy but with inward conviction. Let our “Hosanna” be more than words; let it be a pledge to follow Christ not only in moments of triumph but also through the trials and crosses of life.
As we begin this most sacred week, may we walk closely with Jesus, allowing His suffering to transform our hearts. Let us prepare to celebrate not only the sorrow of the cross but the glory of the resurrection that awaits. And maybe, let’s keep a little “Hosanna” in our hearts even after the palms are put away. And yes, it’s okay if you forget where you put your palm. It happens to the best of us.
May our hearts be renewed in love, and may our lives proclaim, with courage and faith, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
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.
LENT 2025
This year, join me as we read a chapter each day of the GOSPEL OF JOHN - ONLY 21 CHAPTERS.
Stations of the Cross
Join us every Friday throughout Lent at St. John’s Church & Sacred Heart Church at 7pm.
Join us at St. Bridget’s Church each Sunday throughout Lent at 10:30am!
Journey Through Lent – Video Series
This year’s spiritual reflections are available on the CCCB Website:
In English: www.cccb.ca/lent
In French: www.cecc.ca/careme
Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the Liturgy prepares the Catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian Initiation. It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their baptism and enter into penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the year.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fast & Abstinence. All Catholics ages 18-59 are to observe fasting and those 14 and older are to abstain from meat on those days.
Penitential Discipline: Penance is an important requirement of the Christian life. Fulfillment of this duty involves prayer, works of piety and charity, self denial and fulfilling our obligations more faithfully. Every Friday of the year, especially during Lent, is a penitential day.
LENTEN CONFESSIONS
This Weekend! A reminder that Lenten Confessions will be held at 3:00pm on Palm Sunday, April 13th at St. John’s Church. See you there!
This Weekend! A reminder that Lenten Confessions will be held at 3:00pm on Palm Sunday, April 13th at St. John’s Church. See you there!
Pontifical Collection for the Church in the Holy Land:
The Annual Good Friday Collection is taken at the request of the Holy See. The Church and our Christian brothers and sisters count on your help to retain a faith filled Christian presence in the Holy Land. Please give generously during your parish’s
Good Friday celebrations on April 18, 2025. Thank you.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
REMINDER: Please do not wear any Fragrance to church, we have parishioners who are highly allergic.
Community Dinner: Saturday, April 12th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth. Goodwill offering appreciated.
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates: The next class will be this Sunday, April 13th, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Our Life Matters Core Group will offer the 9am Mass on Wednesday April 16
for the Protection of All Human Life. Afterwards a Rosary in Reverence for Life.
Knights of Columbus Contest! Are holding a contest to sponsor two youth under 18 to attend the Pro-Life Youth Summit on May 9th in Ottawa, (more info below.)
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!
CHRISM MASS
Tuesday, April 15, 2025; 10:30am
St. Mary’s Cathedral- 279 Johnson Street, Kingston. The Chrism Mass is an Archdiocesan celebration, and all parishioners and catechumens are encouraged to attend! Hope to see you there!
NOTICE OF MASS CHANGE Sacred Heart Parish: Saturday 5pm mass will be on hold from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend (May 18-October 12).
St. Vincent de Paul, in DeWitts Corners, will be opened and will celebrate its first mass on Saturday, May 18th at 5pm. Saturday evening masses will continue at St. Vincent de Paul throughout the summer, and will conclude with the celebration of its final mass for this year on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.
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 SJES - St. John Elementary SchoolSJHS - St. John High School
CCt. - Carolina Court Retirement Residence
L.Lif - Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence
PCCC - Perth Community Care Centre
LL - Lanark Lodge SJES - St. John Elementary SchoolSJHS - St. John High School
Friday April 11
SJ 7:00pm Stations of the Cross
SHP 7:00pm Stations of the CrossSaturday April 12
SJ 5:00pm - In Thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SHP 5:00pm - In Thanksgiving for our 45th Wedding Anniversary ~ Dianne & Don AdamSunday April 13 - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
SJ 9:00am - For the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Dan Keaney ~ Keaney FamilySB 10:30 am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Daniel Kerr ~ Jean McShane
SHP 9:00am - Dan Keaney ~ Keaney FamilySB 10:30 am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Daniel Kerr ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Evelyn & Arthur Publow ~ Publow Family
SJ 3:00pm Lenten Confessions
Monday April 14 - Monday of Holy Week
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday April 15 - Tuesday of Holy Week
SB 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston 10:30am ~ Chrism Mass
SJ 4:30pm - Hilda Pledge ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
Wednesday April 16 - Wednesday of Holy Week SJ 4:30pm - Hilda Pledge ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
SJ 9:00am - For the protection of all human life ~ LifeMatters Core Group
Holy Thursday April 17 - Thursday of the Lord’s Supper
PCCC 2:00pm - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 7:30pm - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SJ 8:30pm - Holy Adoration & Benediction
SHP 7:30pm - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SHP 8:30pm - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Friday April 18 - Friday of the Passion of the Lord
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 10:00am - Stations of the Cross
SHP 10:00am - Stations of the Cross
SB 10:00am - Stations of the Cross
SJ 3:00 pm - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SHP 3:00 pm - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SB 6:00pm - For all Parishioners & Visitors
Saturday April 19 - Holy Saturday
SJ 8:00pm - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SHP 8:00pm - For all Parishioners & VisitorsSunday April 20 - The Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Sunday )
SJ 9:00am - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SHP 9:00am - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SB 11:00am - For all Parishioners & Visitors
SJ 11:00am - For all Parishioners & Visitors
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 *** When sending an etransfer, please make a note which church the donation is for and your envelope number, if applicable ***
PRAYERS
Please remember the sick in your prayers, including Pope Francis, Jeannette Olivier, Maureen Cordick, MaureenCzop, Thomas Smallwood, Demetrie Laming, Eric Adam, Marjorie Facette, David Kevan, Deborah LaRiccia,
Angelika LaHaise, Joann Hall, Mary McNamee, & Hugh McKenna.
Angelika LaHaise, Joann Hall, Mary McNamee, & Hugh McKenna.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Paul Nagle & Audrey Carson.
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, April 13th 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 May 25th and will begin with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex. (No April class due to Easter weekend conflict).
Reconciliation Dates:
First Communion candidates will have their First Reconciliation on Friday, May 2nd @ 7pm.
Confirmation candidates will have Reconciliation on Friday, June 6th @ 7pm.
Ceremony Dates:
The First Communion ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 4th @ 1pm.
The Confirmation ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 7th @ 1pm.
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 use the parish website to sign up or contact the parish office for details. (For Marriage at least 6 months in advance notice is required.)
Federal Election Guide for Catholics
The Mary Ward Centre (a ministry of the Loretto Sisters-IVBM Canada), Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto have put together a resource to help you discern your vote. In their federal election guide, you will find a helpful overview of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, a method for reflecting on your vote, and statistical data on pressing social issues.
For more information or to view/download the guide, go to www.marywardcentre.ca
For more information or to view/download the guide, go to www.marywardcentre.ca
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Community Dinner: Saturday, April 12th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth. Menue: Chicken pot pie, tater tots, salad, buns and butter and for dessert, chocolate zucchini cake with whipped cream. Goodwill offering appreciated.
Knights of Columbus Contest!
This year the Knights of Columbus Council 3531 are holding a contest to sponsor two youth under 18 to attend the Pro-Life Youth Summit on May 9th in Ottawa. If you are a parishioner from one of our parishes and are interested in attending the event please email Deputy Grand Knight Brian Brosso at Brian.B1309@protonmail.com with your name, your age and in 50-100 words, describe why you would like to attend the event. Successful applicants will be advised on April 30th. Transportation will be arranged. See https://marchforlife.ca/youth-summit-2025/ for further details on the event.
Project Rachel Retreat at St. Mary’s Refuge:
St. Mary’s Refuge is offering a weekend retreat, May 2- 4, 2025, for women who have been hurt by abortion. You can speak with someone who understands and cares and have a chance to begin the healing from loss and grief. Phone 289-691- 6840, or e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org.
National March for Life: Save the date! This years’ event takes place May 8, 2025. Find details at marchforlife.ca.
Announcements
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) 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.
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 APRIL Newsletter CLICK HERE
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON (ADK)
For More Information on Upcoming Events in the ADK CLICK HERE
Jubilee of Hope – Information on Parish events: CLICK HERE
Spiritual Reflections with Archbishop Mulhall
Wednesdays; 7:00 pm
We will be reflecting 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.
Ordination of Rev. Mr. Jude Thusiar
The Archdiocese of Kingston will celebrate the ordination to the Sacred Order of the
Priesthood for Rev. Mr. Jude Thusiar.
Jude grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and his family currently attend a parish in Mississauga. He studied at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto and served with Father Richard Whalen at theparish of St. Michael the Archangel in Belleville for his pastoral year and was assigned to St.Paul the Apostle for his diaconate service.
I invite you to join me at St. Mary's Cathedral on Saturday, May 3rd, for the Ordination
Mass, which will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Vesting for priests and deacons will be in St. James= Chapel, and chasubles will be
provided for the priests. The procession will form at 10:25 a.m.
A reception will follow at Our Lady of Fatima Hall, 588 Division Street, Kingston.
Please mark your calendars for May 3rd and continue to pray for Deacon Jude Thusiar as he prepares for his ordination.
Priesthood for Rev. Mr. Jude Thusiar.
Jude grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and his family currently attend a parish in Mississauga. He studied at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto and served with Father Richard Whalen at theparish of St. Michael the Archangel in Belleville for his pastoral year and was assigned to St.Paul the Apostle for his diaconate service.
I invite you to join me at St. Mary's Cathedral on Saturday, May 3rd, for the Ordination
Mass, which will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Vesting for priests and deacons will be in St. James= Chapel, and chasubles will be
provided for the priests. The procession will form at 10:25 a.m.
A reception will follow at Our Lady of Fatima Hall, 588 Division Street, Kingston.
Please mark your calendars for May 3rd and continue to pray for Deacon Jude Thusiar as he prepares for his ordination.
7th Annual Rideau Canal Men’s Retreat by canoe and kayak
Tuesday, August 5- Thursday, August 7
Theme: Jubilee 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope
Planning is underway for the 7th Annual Rideau Canal Men's Retreat 2025 for Catholic men (18 years and older, and fathers with teenage sons) will be from August 5-7, 2025.
As in previous years, the goal is to gather Catholic men in an outdoor adventure/retreat where we can share our faith and enjoy a little male camaraderie. We hope that all who are interested in participating in this enjoyable event can work their schedules and join us for this time of prayer, daily Mass, opportunities for Confession, and lots of fun, fraternity, exercise, and adventure. If you know other men who may be interested and are not on our distribution list, please feel free to forward an invitation to them. We anticipate being fully registered, so this is your chance to let us know if you are interested. Thank you for your consideration.
Invitation attached. For more details including the registration and waiver form, please visit the event page here.
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