WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
Today’s Gospel may sound hard to hear. Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). He is not trying to scare us away but to prepare us for a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him. Following Jesus is not about comfort; it is about commitment.
The first reading from Wisdom reminds us of our human limitations: “Who can know God’s counsel… unless You give wisdom and send Your Holy Spirit?” (Wisdom 9:13,17). On our own, life is overwhelming. We cannot see the full picture, but with God’s Spirit, we gain courage and direction. Discipleship is not something we figure out alone, it is a daily walk guided by God’s grace.
Paul gives us a beautiful example in his letter to Philemon. He encourages Philemon to welcome Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother” (Philemon 16). This is what it looks like to follow Jesus: Relationships are Healed, Hearts are Softened, and Love overcomes Barriers. Faith transforms Relationships; it changes how we see one another.
Jesus’ call to “renounce all possessions” is not just about money. It is about letting go of anything that holds us back, fear, grudges, pride, or even our comfort zones. When we loosen our grip on these things, we discover the freedom to truly love.
As disciples, we are not promised an easy path, but we are promised His presence. The cross we carry with Him becomes a bridge to deeper joy. This becomes a community where everyone chooses forgiveness over resentment, service over status, and generosity over greed. That is how disciples change the world, one loving step at a time.
When Jesus calls us to renounce possessions, He is asking us to loosen our grip on anything; fear, pride, resentment, that keeps us from loving Him freely. This is because Jesus is leading us to freedom, to peace, and finally, to God’s embrace.
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.
To ensure that what is shared in our parish truly reflects the guidance of the Church and the Archdiocese of Kingston, we kindly ask that no posters, flyers, or notices be placed in the church or Parish buildings without the pastor’s permission. Thank you for your cooperation.
Pope Leo XIV: Prayer Intention for September 2025
In his prayer intention for September 2025, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray that we might experience our interdependence with all creatures, who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect. CLICK HERE
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
REMINDER: Please do not wear any Fragrance to church, we have parishioners who are highly allergic.
Foy Hall Garage Sale: this weekend September 5 & 6th, Friday and Saturday,
91 Princess St. in Lanark Village, 10am to 2:30pm.
CEMETERY MEMORIAL SERVICES: St. John’s Cemetery: Saturday, September 6th @ 11am (this is combined with the September First Saturday Mass at 11am.)
THIS WEEKEND! St. Bridget’s Coffee Sunday: Please join us this weekend after the Sunday 11am Mass. We look forward to seeing you there!
THIS WEEKEND! St. John’s Monthly Social Sunday: Please join us this weekend after each Sunday Mass. Snacks and drinks provided for everyone’s enjoyment!
Welcome Bach CWL meeting: We will have an important meeting this coming
Monday, September 8th at 7pm, 15 Church St.
Parish Council Monthly Meeting *Welcome Back! Meeting September 9th, dinner at 5 pm.,(please RSVP Sandra Stewart). Meeting at 6:30 pm
Community Dinner: Saturday, September 13th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, Goodwill offering appreciated.
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..
SUBMISSIONS FOR WEEKLY BULLETIN & 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 )
MASS SCHEDULE -
(FIRST) Saturday September 6
SJ (Cemetery) 11:00am - ***1st Saturday Mass combined with the Cemetery Mass at St. John’s Cemetery*** For the repose of the souls buried at St. John’s Cemetery
*BRING A LAWN CHAIR*
SJ 5:00pm - Vince Boland ~ Merkley Family
SVDP 5:00pm - Maria Antonia Pani ~ Butler Family
Sunday September 7 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
SJ 9:00am - Harold Widenmaier ~ George & Shirley McCaw
SHP 9:00am - Melanie Leroux ~ Georgette Whyte
SB 11:00am - Pauline Quigley ~ Denise Tobin
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
Monday September 8 ~ The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday September 9
SB 9:00am - ~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 4:30pm - Gerry & Genina Sherwin ~ Allida Rubino
Wednesday September 10
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Fr. Anthony Dim ~ St. John’s Parish Pastoral Council
LL 10:00am - Lanark Lodge Mass
Thursday September 11
SHP 9:00am - ~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 12:00pm - For all the sick within our parish ~ Barbara Hendry
Friday September 12
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Mary Theresa Nagle ~ A Friend
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday September 13
SJ 5:00pm - John & Marian Dowdall ~ Jason, Julie, & Justin Dowdall
SVDP 5:00pm - Margaret Brady ~ Brenda Cavanagh
Sunday September 14 - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Nancy Shepherd ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Special Intention of Brenda White ~
SJ 11:00am - Int. of Marjorie & Jack Facette ~ Barbara Hendry
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 Maureen Czop, Jeannette Olivier, Marjorie Facette, Heather Luft, Des McKenna, Claudette Timmerman, Theresa Irvin, Deborah La Riccia, and Gary & Georgette Whyte.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Heather Molyneaux, Christopher Riopelle, Margaret Brady, and Tony Irvin.
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:
Congratulations!
Aidan Pierman & Dana Dagenais, are to marry at St. John’s Church this week.
We ask God’s blessing upon them for a lifetime of joy and happiness.
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.)
Volunteers Needed!
We are currently seeking additional Sunday School teachers to support this valuable ministry. If you can help - even occasionally - please contact the Parish office. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the faith formation of our children!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
THIS WEEKEND! Foy Hall Garage Sale: Foy Hall Garage Sale will be open EVERY Friday and Saturday, at 91 Princess St. in Lanark Village. Open 10am-2:30pm. Come check out the great deals! We have a wide variety of items! Jewelry, toys, all sizes of clothing, books and so much more!
THIS WEEKEND! St. John’s Social Sunday: Please join us this weekend after each Sunday Mass for the monthly St. John’s Church Social! Snacks and drinks provided for everyone’s enjoyment!
THIS WEEKEND! St. Bridget’s Coffee Sunday: Please join us this weekend after the Sunday 11am Mass. We look forward to seeing you there!
Attention: Parish Pastoral Council & Property & Finance Committee Members
Our annual Welcome Dinner and First PPC Meeting of the Season will take place on Tuesday, September 9th. Dinner will be served at 5:00pm at15 Church Street, followed by the meeting at 6:30pm. If you have not yet done so, please RSVP to Sandra Stewart as soon as possible.
Our annual Welcome Dinner and First PPC Meeting of the Season will take place on Tuesday, September 9th. Dinner will be served at 5:00pm at15 Church Street, followed by the meeting at 6:30pm. If you have not yet done so, please RSVP to Sandra Stewart as soon as possible.
Community Dinner: Next weekend, Saturday, September 13th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth
Menu: Turkey pot pie, Creamy coleslaw and for dessert, Chocolate Zucchini cake and Ice cream. Goodwill offering appreciated.
St. Francis de Sales-Blessed Sacrament Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage:
St. Joseph’s Oratory (Montreal), Ste. Anne-de-Beaupre (Quebec), Cap-de-la
Madaleine (Quebec), and Notre Dame Basilica (Quebec City).
September 16-18, 2025. See posters in church for more details.
16th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat 2025:
Saturday, October 4th, 9am-3:30pm, St. Michael Catholic High School, 2755 County Rd. 43, Kemptville, ON. We are blessed to have Angèle Regnier, co-founder of Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), as our guest speaker. Cost ($50) includes snacks & a delicious lunch. Come and experience the peace and joy of a day spent in God’s presence, surrounded by a supportive community of women.
Please register by Sept. 27th at www.womensfallretreat.com. The Women’s Fall Retreat Team, Archdiocese of Kingston.
John’s Movie Club Update
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, October 17th at 7:00 PM, at 15 Church St. We will watch a short film and there will
be a group discussion following. For more information, contact Anthony: adellazazzera@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 September 8th
Monday Bible Study Group @ 10am – Contact Jenny Salte for details. Parish Council Monthly Meeting - 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm,
*Welcome Back! Meeting September 9th @ 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 - Friday, October 17th@7pm
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 SEPTEMBER 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.
Pilgrimage to the Martyrs Shrine & St. Marie among the Hurons
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Belleville is organizing a pilgrimage to the Martyrs Shrine and St. Marie among the Hurons from Wednesday, September 24 to Thursday, September 25, 2025 .To register, contact Shelley at sharttbond@hotmail.com or call the church office at 613-968-9950. All are welcome!
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje | Oct 14–24, 2025
Join us for a Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage!
Departing from Toronto → through Warsaw → Split, Croatia
Transfers to Medjugorje by coach
Stay in an award-winning Pansion, just 5 mins from St. James Church
Includes 2 meals daily, private 3-piece bath, climate control
Double occupancy | $2,675 CAD Limited spaces available! For full details, email Karen.Shannon@queensu.ca
Departing from Toronto → through Warsaw → Split, Croatia
Transfers to Medjugorje by coach
Stay in an award-winning Pansion, just 5 mins from St. James Church
Includes 2 meals daily, private 3-piece bath, climate control
Double occupancy | $2,675 CAD Limited spaces available! For full details, email Karen.Shannon@queensu.ca
Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, Rome, and Assisi
November 5–17, 2025 Please join Father Justin Pulikunnel and Father Shawn Hughes, who will travel November 5-17 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
November 5–17, 2025 Please join Father Justin Pulikunnel and Father Shawn Hughes, who will travel November 5-17 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
St. Mary’s of Egypt Refuge | November 19, 2025: Have you lost someone you love to euthanasia? You are invited: Euthanasia Healing Retreats A time for guided sharing, a pastoral talk, memorial service and supper. St. John the Compassionate Mission (155 Broadview Ave Toronto, ON). No cost to attend, though a freewill offering is appreciated. Overnight accommodation is available upon request. Registration required: www.beingwith.org/euthanasia-healing-retreats
Pilgrimage to the Canadian Martyrs' Shrine, Midland (by St. Mary’s Carleton Place)
July 16 -17, 2026 Pilgrims will leave St. Mary in Carleton Place and travel by coach to Midland. There, pilgrims will participate in Holy Mass. The Stations of the Cross and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available, as well as many other opportunities for private prayer.
For information, please contact Katelyn: office@stmarysparishcp.com | 613-257-1284
July 16 -17, 2026 Pilgrims will leave St. Mary in Carleton Place and travel by coach to Midland. There, pilgrims will participate in Holy Mass. The Stations of the Cross and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available, as well as many other opportunities for private prayer.
For information, please contact Katelyn: office@stmarysparishcp.com | 613-257-1284
Office of Family Ministries and Outreach - CLICK HERE
Beta Vergine Maria della Vita (Our Lady of Life)
St. John's Parish Website: CLICK HERE
St. John's Facebook: CLICK HERE
Sacred Heart/St Bridget Facebook: CLICK HERE