WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
All Souls’ Day
All Souls’ Day invites us into one of the most tender expressions of our faith, the communion of love that binds the living and the dead in Christ. On this day, we pause to remember, pray for, and entrust to God all our beloved departed. It is not a day of sorrow alone, but a day of hope; a quiet confidence that death does not have the last word, because Christ has conquered it.
The Church, like a mother, gathers her children and whispers, “Do not be afraid.” For those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith are not lost; they are being purified, made radiant in the light of God’s mercy. Our prayers for them are not futile gestures but acts of love, the kind of love that bridges heaven and earth. As the Book of Wisdom assures us, “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them” (Wisdom 3:1).
Theologically, this day reminds us of the deep mystery of the Communion of Saints, that the Church is one: the pilgrim Church on earth, the suffering Church in purification, and the triumphant Church in heaven. Our faith tells us that love does not end at the grave.
Every Mass we celebrate, every rosary we offer, every candle we light is an act of communion, a way of saying, “You are not forgotten; you are always loved.”
In a pastoral sense, All Souls’ Day gently teaches us to see death through the lens of resurrection. Our grief, when united with Christ’s cross, becomes hope. Our remembrance becomes prayer. And our love, purified by faith, becomes the bridge that unites us with those who await the fullness of joy in God’s presence.
So today, as we pray for our beloved dead, let us also let the commemoration teach us, to live more humbly, love more deeply, forgive more freely, and trust more fully in the God who, in Christ, gathers all His children into eternal life.
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. 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.
Pope Leo XIV: Prayer Intention for November
In his prayer intention for November 2025, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray for the prevention of suicide: Let us pray that those who are tempted to commit suicide might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
Dear Father Charles, your parishioners would like to wish you a very Happy Birthday this week! We pray that God will bless you abundantly on your special day!
NOTICE
This week, our priests, along with others from across the diocese, are away on their annual Convocation in Gananoque. Let us join together in prayer for them, that this may be a time of rest, renewal, and deep spiritual inspiration through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May they return strengthened in faith and refreshed in their ministry! In the event of an emergency, contact the parish office directly.
Church Entrance Renovation
Beginning Monday, November 10th, new terrazzo floors will be installed in the church entrance. The project is expected to take several days, and while we hope it will be completed before the following weekend, the timeline may vary.
During this time:
- The front entrance will be closed - please use the side entrance to enter and exit the church.
- Washroom access inside the church will be unavailable. However, the facilities at 15 Church St. will remain unlocked and available for use as needed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make these beautiful and necessary improvements to our church!
REMINDER: Please do not wear any Fragrance to church, we have parishioners who are highly allergic.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
Foy Hall Garage Sale: this weekend Oct. 31st & Nov. 1. Friday and Saturday,
91 Princess St. in Lanark Village, 10am to 2:30pm.
Community Dinner: Saturday, November 8th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East. Goodwill offering appreciated.
CWL Meeting Monday, Nov 10th, 7pm at St John Parish Meeting Place, 15 Church St. Joining us: Rob Rainer, Executive Director at "The Table Food Centre" .
ATTENTION CWL MEMBERS! Dues are $40.00 and can be placed in the collection basket. Please ensure your name and CWL is on your envelope. Thank you!
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 November 1 - All Saints
SJ 9:00am - Judy McGinnis ~ Jean McShane
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday November 2 - The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the repose of all souls
SHP 9:00am - Mass for the repose of all souls
SB 11:00am - Mass for the repose of all souls
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the repose of all souls
Monday November 3
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday November 4 - St. Charles Borromeo
SB 9:00am - ***MASS CANCELLED***
SJ 4:30pm - ***MASS CANCELLED***
Wednesday November 5
SJ 9:00am - ***MASS CANCELLED***
Thursday November 6
SHP 9:00am - Collins Evans ~ Larry & Ann Fillmore
SJ 12:00 pm - Art White & Jack Hendry ~ Barbara Hendry
(First) Friday November 7
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Alexandre & Marie Blanche Vaillancourt and Peg O’Connor ~ Lisette Vaillancourt
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday November 8
SJ 5:00pm - Harold Widenmaier ~ Marg Trombley
Sunday November 9 - The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
SJ 9:00am - Provost Family ~ Jacques Poulin
SHP 9:00am - Rhonda Shepherd ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Wilbur & Marie Merkley ~ Merkley Family
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
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 Heather Luft, Susan MacLellan, Theresa Irvin, Deborah La Riccia, Demetrie Laming, Edith Lepine, Nellie Pajaczkowski, Marg Trombley, “Nana” Beaudoin, & Barbara Morrison.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Eleanor Walsh.
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:
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates:
The next class will be November 9th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Confirmation Candidates:
The next class will be November 16th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
FORGOT TO REGISTER? IT’S NOT TOO LATE! CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE ASAP.
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:
THIS WEEKEND! Foy Hall Garage Sale: will be open EVERY Friday and Saturday, throughout the fall, at 91 Princess St. in Lanark Village. Open 10am-2:30pm. Come check out the great deals! Weather permitting, we hope the sale will continue through November.
CWL MEETING
CWL Meeting Monday, Nov 10th, 7pm at St John Parish Meeting Place, 15 Church St. We are pleased to have Rob Rainer, Executive Director at "The Table Food Centre" join us. He will enlighten us about their many services, eligibility and community support. All welcome. Optional blessings accepted of nonperishable food items or (much needed) feminine hygiene products. Our regular meeting will commence following the speaker.
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, at 7 pm at 15 Church St
What to Expect: OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation – formerly 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.
LifeMatters Presents: ‘Dying to Meet You, Preventing Euthanasia and Encouraging Hope’: Does life lose itssense in the face of suffering? Or ... is life always worth living? How do you prevent euthanasia and encourage hope? Come and join us on Sunday, November 16th, at St. John Elementary School in Perth for the DYING TO MEET YOU event by world renowned speaker, Amanda Achtman. Get inspired to encounter, understand, and overcome the euthanasia temptation. Filled with humanizing and experiences in your own life ... because this concerns all of us. Doors open at 12:00. A light lunch will be provided, followed by Amanda’s presentation, Q & A and mini-Workshop. There is no charge for this event due to the generosity of our sponsors. Registration is recommended to help us prepare for the event. Signup sheets at the back of the church or online at lifemattersnetwork.ca. We hope to see you all there!
John’s Movie Club
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, November 21st 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).
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 *November 10th @7pm
Monday Bible Study Group @ 10am – Contact Jenny Salte for details. Parish Council Monthly Meeting - 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm, *November meeting cancelled in respect of Remembrance Day* Next meeting Tuesday, December 9th @ 6:30pm
Life Matters Monthly Meeting - 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 10:30am
Knights of Columbus Monthly Meeting - 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 7pm *Moved to 2nd Wednesday of each month*
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 - Next meeting Friday, November 21st @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 NOVEMBER 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
Please note: There will not be any reflections until later in the year; around advent.
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