WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
5th Sunday of Easter (John 13:1, 31-33a, 34-35)
This Sunday’s Gospel takes us into one of the most intimate and surprising moments of Jesus’ ministry. With the cross looming, you’d expect Jesus to maybe organize a farewell tour, leave a powerful final speech, or call down a chariot of fire. Instead, He gathers with His disciples, washes their feet, and gives them what He calls a new commandment: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
At first glance, it doesn’t seem new love has been a theme since Genesis. But Jesus isn’t talking about just any love. This isn’t “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is “love like I love”, which means selflessly, relentlessly, and even when someone’s about to betray you over dinner.
And then He says something radical: this love is how people will know we’re His followers. Not by our theology, our Spotify worship playlist, or how well we avoid sin, but by our love. That’s beautiful… and also wildly inconvenient, because it means loving people who don’t vote like us, think like us, or return our text messages.
Jesus’ final instructions weren’t about power, success, or status. He boiled it all down to love. Love is the Christian brand. It’s our identifier, our mission, and honestly, our biggest challenge.
So maybe today’s call is simple: start small. Offer kindness. Be patient. Forgive quickly. And if you really want to go full disciple, love someone who’s hard to love. Yes, even the guy who double-parks at church.
So, this Sunday, we’re reminded: the journey is tough, the destination is glorious, and the way we get there, oddly enough, is by loving each other like Jesus does. Simple? Yes. Easy? Not even close. Worth it? Every time.
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.
NOTICE: UPCOMING ANNUAL PRIESTS RETREAT
Fr. Charles & Fr. Anthony will be away May 19th – 23rd. Weekday Masses are cancelled.
The 9-day Novena, leading up to the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, begins Friday, May 30th.
Remember to pray the Rosary daily throughout the month of May
“The Blessed Virgin Mary offered the disciples her prayers, motherly care, and witness. She continues to offer us hermotherly love and intercession. During this month of May, let us rediscover her maternal role in each of our lives. Let
us offer our spiritual mother our sincere prayers, that just as she aided the first Apostles with her prayers, she may also guide and intercede for us in our journey of faith. Let us learn from her how to love and trust God completely
and how to be faithful witnesses of the risen Lord.” - thecatholicstand.com
us offer our spiritual mother our sincere prayers, that just as she aided the first Apostles with her prayers, she may also guide and intercede for us in our journey of faith. Let us learn from her how to love and trust God completely
and how to be faithful witnesses of the risen Lord.” - thecatholicstand.com
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
REMINDER: Please do not wear any Fragrance to church, we have parishioners who are highly allergic.
THIS WEEKEND! Foy Hall Garage Sale: We are pleased to announce that the Foy Hall Garage Sale is open every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 10:00 –– 2:30pm!
2025-2026 SJ Parish Pastoral Council Elections: Your vote matters, please fill out a Nomination form – found in your pews & in the Narthex from May 10th – 18th.
St. Vincent de Paul, in DeWitts Corners, will be open and will celebrate its first mass on Saturday, May 17th at 5pm.
Confirmation Candidates: The next class will be next Sunday, May 25th, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
NEXT WEEKEND! Sacred Heart Parish Social Gathering: Come on out to our Church Rectory following 9am Mass on Sunday, May 25th, everyone welcome!
St. Bridget’s Cemetery Meeting St. Bridget's Cemetery: The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 @ 7pm. All welcome!
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!
NOTICE OF MASS CHANGE:
Sacred Heart Parish: Saturday 5pm mass will be on hold from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend (May 17 - October 11), inclusive.
St. Vincent de Paul, in DeWitts Corners, will be opened and will celebrate its first mass on Saturday, May 17th 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 11th, 2024.
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 SJES - St. John Elementary SchoolSJHS - St. John High School
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 SchoolSJHS - St. John High School
Saturday May 17
SJ 5:00pm - In Thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SVDP 5:00pm - Ray Switzer ~ Switzer Family
Sunday May 18 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
SJ 9:00am - James Schonauer ~ Karen & Maurice Diotte
SHP 9:00am - Ruth & Edward Dunnigan ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Michael Quigley ~ Mackler Family
SJ 11:00am - For the People of the Parish
Monday May 19
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday May 20
SB 9:00am - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
SJ 4:30pm - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
Wednesday May 21SJ 4:30pm - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
SJ 9:00am - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
Thursday May 22
SHP 9:00am - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
SJ 12:00pm - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
Friday May 23
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - -------------MASS CANCELLED---------------
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction ------------- CANCELLED---------------
Saturday May 24
SJ 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SVDP 5:00pm - Isabel Mallon ~ Marion & Carey Letts
Sunday May 25 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
SJ 9:00am - Martha Phelan ~ Brain Brosso
SHP 9:00am - Christine Viau & Camille Bozozut ~ Sylvie & Ray Proulx
SB 11:00am - Michael Quigley ~ Denise Quigley-Tobin
SJ 11:00am - David Nitschmann ~ Frank & Jane Nitschmann
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 Jeannette Olivier, Maureen Cordick, Maureen Czop, Thomas Smallwood, Demetrie Laming, Eric Adam, Marjorie Facette, David Kevan, Deborah LaRiccia, Angelika LaHaise, Joann Hall, Hugh McKenna, Al Maloney, & Heather Luft.
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
“2-day Retreat & Healing Mass: May 17-18, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. Guest speaker Fr. James Blount, SOLT. Admission $150 (includes all conferences, plus 2 meals with beverages). Reserve your tickets today. Call 579-721-4027 for more information and register at www.theflameoflove.org”.
SACRAMENTS:
Sacramental Preparation Classes!
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.
Confirmation candidates will have Reconciliation on Friday, June 6th @ 7pm.
Ceremony Dates:
The Confirmation ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 7th @ 1pm.
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.)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
NEXT WEEKEND! Sacred Heart Parish Social Gathering: Come on out to our Church Rectory and enjoy our Social Gathering following 9am Mass on Sunday, May 25th. Everyone is welcome. Come enjoy hot & cold drinks and a variety of goodies.
BIRTHRIGHT: is celebrating Mother’s and Father’s Day again this year by distributing baby bottles on Mother’s Day weekend. If you want to make a difference in this CHANGE FOR LIFE campaign, please take a bottle, fill it with coins, paper money or cheques and return it on Father’s Day weekend. The money we raise will enable us to offer positive assistance and aid to pregnant women and girls who find themselves facing a difficult or unplanned pregnancy. Thank you for your support. “The Essence of Birthright is Love; and where love is, miracles happen.”
THIS WEEKEND! Foy Hall Garage Sale: We are pleased to announce that the Foy Hall Garage Sale is open every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 10:00am –– 2:30pm! 91 Princess St. in Lanark. Come check outthe great bargains! Hope to see you there!
2025-2026 SJ Parish Pastoral Council Elections
It’s that time again! Your vote matters, please fill out a Nomination form – found in your pews & in the Narthex from May 10th – 18th. No formal experience required! This year, we are looking to elect 4 adult members and 2 student members. All nominees must be 14 years of age or older. Please put your name forward, or the name of someone you think might be a great fit for this important and rewarding role.
NOTICE: UPCOMING ANNUAL PRIESTS RETREAT
Fr. Charles & Fr. Anthony will be away May 19th – 23rd on their annual Priests Retreat. Weekday Masses are cancelled. Weekend Masses will proceed as usual. May our Priests enjoy a rejuvenating and blessed retreat!
St. Bridget’s Cemetery Meeting St. Bridget's Cemetery:
The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 29th, 2025 @ 7pm. All welcome to attend!
The Parish BBQ will be held June 22nd, on the Parish Lawn after 11:00 PM Mass. If there is inclement weather, we will use the gymnasium at St John Elementary School.
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.
Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage: 151st Annual Pilgrimage to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape. August 9–10, 2025. For more information about departures from your Archdiocese, please see posters and contact Mike Budge at 613-224-8110 or by email at mikebudge2021@gmail.com.
Announcements
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 MAY 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.
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