WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
“When we let go of lesser things, God fills us with what truly matters.”
Today’s Gospel about the dishonest steward can sound confusing at first. Jesus is not praising dishonesty but rather pointing to wisdom in setting priorities. He ends with the reminder: “You cannot serve both God and money.”
A little story helps. A grandmother took her grandson to the park. The boy had his pockets stuffed with little stones he had picked up along the way. When they stopped at the ice cream stand, he wanted a cone but couldn’t reach into his pockets, his hands were too full of rocks. Smiling, his grandmother said, “You cannot hold onto everything. To enjoy something better, you have to let go.”
That’s the heart of the Gospel. Too often, our lives are weighed down with “stones”: worries about possessions, money, or status. If we cling too tightly, we risk missing the greater treasures, peace of heart, joy in serving others, and closeness with God.
The prophet Amos warns against letting greed blind us, while Paul urges us to pray for all people so we may live in peace. Jesus then asks us to be faithful with the little things, acts of honesty, kindness, obedience and generosity, so that God can entrust us with greater gifts.
This week, let us examine our “pockets.” What are we clinging to? Can we let go so that God may fill our hands with blessings far richer than we imagine? True freedom comes when our hearts belong fully to Him.
Prayer: “Lord, free our hearts from the weight of lesser things, and fill our lives with the treasure of Your love and peace.”
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.
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
What is a Jubilee or Holy Year:
Jubilee Celebration!
The Parish of St. John the Baptist, together with our entire Deanery, will be hosting a special Jubilee Celebration on Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 p.m. at St. John’s
Cemetery. This beautiful event will take place rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a lawn chair. Highlights of the afternoon include the Rosary and Benediction. All who participate will receive a Jubilee Indulgence! Don’t miss this special occasion as we welcome Archbishop Mulhall, who will be in attendance.
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 19 & 20th, Friday and Saturday,
91 Princess St. in Lanark Village, 10am to 2:30pm.
Catholic Women’s League - Fall Retreat: Saturday September 27th, 9am-2pm. Please RSVP by September 22, 2025.
Catechism Classes for First Communion Candidates: (starting in October)
Mandatory parent meeting: Tuesday, September 23rd @ 7:00pm. St. John's Church
St. John's Holy Face Group will be holding their September monthly gathering on Thursday, September 25th, following the noon Mass. All are welcome!
NEXT WEEKEND! Sacred Heart Parish Social Gathering: Gathering at our Church Rectory will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28th, following the 9am Mass.
Catechism Classes for Confirmation Candidates: (starting in October)
Mandatory parent meeting: Tuesday, September 30th @ 7:00pm. St. John's Church
Invitation to Explore & Learn About the Catholic Faith: Open to everyone!
Tuesday evenings, starting September 30, at 7 pm at 15 Church St
St Bridget's Cemetery General Meeting Wednesday, Oct 1st at 7:00pm @ BVM Hall
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 -
Saturday September 20 - St. Andrew Kim Tae-Gon, Paul Chonh Ha-Sang & Companions
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SVDP 5:00pm - Margaret Brady ~ John & Cathy Conway
Sunday September 21 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Louis & Roseleen Weatherdon ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Anniversary int. of Bill & Lillian Mackler ~ Their Family
SJ 11:00am - Ron Southwell ~ Elizabeth Hogan & Family
Monday September 22-
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday September 23 - St. Pius of Pietrelcina
SB 9:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 1:15pm - St. John’s Elementary School Mass Bob & Jim Schonauer ~ Nina Stewart
SJ 4:30pm - Ken Kerr ~ Harold Brash
Wednesday September 24
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Father Anthony Dim ~ K of C, Council #3531
CCt 2:15 - Carolina Court Mass
Thursday September 25
SHP 10:15am - Combined Daily/Sacred Heart Elementary School Mass
~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 12:00pm - Mary Theresa Nagle ~ A Friend
Friday September 26 - St. Jean de Brébeuf & St. Isaac Jogues
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Pierrette Poulin ~ Jacques Poulin
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday September 27 - St. Vincent de Paul
SJ 5:00pm - Paul Nagle ~ Cathy Fergusson
SVDP 5:00pm - Margot Wojciechowski ~ Williamson Family
Sunday September 28 - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Jean & Fred Shepherd ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Harold & Rita Kerr ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Erich & Erika 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 Maureen Czop, Jeannette Olivier, Marjorie Facette, Heather Luft, Des McKenna, Claudette Timmerman, Theresa Irvin, Deborah La Riccia, Gary & Georgette Whyte, & Demetrie Laming.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Jess Crosby & Seta De Francesco.
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:
Catechism Classes for First Communion and Confirmation
Our new cohort of First Communion and Confirmation candidates will begin catechism classes in October.
Mandatory parent meetings will take place prior to the start of classes:
First Communion parents: Tuesday, September 23rd @ 7:00pm, St. John's Church
Confirmation parents: Tuesday, September 30th @ 7:00pm, St. John's Church
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!
Catholic Women’s League - Fall Retreat:
We are happy to welcome Nancy Steele as our keynote speaker to our retreat on Saturday September 27th, 9am-2pm. Her talk is entitled "From stumbling blocks to stepping stones. A journey of healing from the inside out. Love defined: discover God's love for you." ALL ladies are invited to this wonderful event. Please contact Ann at 613-868- 4090 or annmbjohnson@gmail.com if you plan to attend. A free will offering will be accepted. Please RSVP by September 22, 2025. Hope to see you there!
NEXT WEEKEND! Sacred Heart Parish Social Gathering: Gathering at our Church Rectory will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28th, following the 9am Mass, with a great variety of goodies & drinks. Come on out and enjoy hot or cold drinks while mingling with others. Hope to see you !
INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Learn About the Catholic Faith
Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Church, including its teachings and practices, are warmly invited to participate in a dedicated series of sessions.
Session Details: Tuesday evenings, starting September 30, at 7 pm at 15 Church St
What to Expect: These RCIA sessions offer an engaging experience that includes viewing videos, participating in thoughtful conversations, and reflecting on various aspects of the Catholic faith.
Open Invitation: Everyone is welcome to attend and explore this journey of faith.
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.
Save the Date. Life Chain:
Sunday Oct. 5th 2-3pm in Perth and 10:15-11:15am in Lanark.
15th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Brother André: Autumn pilgrimage to St. Joseph Oratory in this Jubilee 2025, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from the Archdioceses of Ottawa-Cornwall, Kingston and Gatineau, and the Dioceses of
Pembroke. Departures: Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, Morrisburg, Cornwall. Contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or Eveline McNeil at 613 543- 2662 for more information.
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).
Invitation to Explore the Catholic Church
Learn About the Catholic Faith
Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Church, including its teachings and practices, are warmly invited to participate in a dedicated series of sessions.
Session Details: Tuesday evenings, starting September 30, at 7 pm at 15 Church St
What to Expect: These RCIA sessions offer an engaging experience that includes viewing videos, participating in thoughtful conversations, and reflecting on various aspects of the Catholic faith.
Open Invitation: Everyone is welcome to attend and explore this journey of faith.
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) - Sept.25th
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 - Thursday, October 9th after the noon Mass
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
Lenten Collection Update
The attached letter from Archbishop Mulhall detailing an update on the 2025 Lenten Collection with attached list of agencies selected for donation. 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 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
For information, please contact Katelyn: office@stmarysparishcp.com | 613-257-1284
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