WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
Malachi 3:19-20a; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19
Brothers and Sisters, as we draw near to the end of the Church’s liturgical year, the readings take on a kind of holy seriousness. They sound a bit like the final exam before graduation, sobering, but also hopeful. Jesus speaks of earthquakes, wars, and persecutions. This is not exactly the stuff of cheerful dinner conversation! But before we panic, let us remember: Jesus is not trying to frighten us. He is preparing us.
In the Gospel, people are admiring the beauty of the Temple, its stones, gold, and grandeur. Jesus interrupts their admiration with a shocking prophecy: “All these things you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.” The people must have gasped! Yet, what Jesus is saying is timeless: all that glitters fades. Our temples of wealth, success, and comfort will not last forever. What does last is faithfulness.
The prophet Malachi gives us that hope: for those who fear the Lord, “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” In other words, the end is not destruction for believers, it is transformation. The apparent end is really God’s new beginning.
St. Paul, in the second reading, brings this heavenly vision down to daily life. He urges the Thessalonians not to sit idly, staring at the sky, waiting for the end, but to keep working faithfully. Holiness is not about hiding from the world; it is about bringing light into the world through our honest labor of love, our care for others, and our trust in God’s timing.
So, if the end of the world came tomorrow, would you keep living your faith today? Would you still pray, love, forgive, and cook dinner for your family? (Hopefully yes and maybe make dessert too!) That is how Christians face the “end times”: not with fear, but with faith-filled normalcy, because we know the story ends in victory.
Brothers and sisters, every Holy Eucharist reminds us: the Lord is coming, and He is already here. So, let us live each day not in anxiety, but in radiant readiness, with hearts awake, hands busy, and eyes fixed on the Sun of Righteousness who rises to heal and to save us.
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.
Letter from Archbishop Michael Mulhall:
ADVENT PARISH MISSION!
Together, St. John the Baptist, Sacred Heart, and St. Bridget’s Churches welcome Fr. George Okoye (SMMM) to lead this years’ Advent Misson! Join us at St. John’s Church on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, December 3rd – 5th, during regular Mass times, for this joyous occasion. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
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 Nov. 14th & 15th. Friday and Saturday, (until the end of November), 91 Princess St. in Lanark Village, 10am to 2:30pm.
FRUIT CAKES FOR LIFE!: In collaboration with Campaign Life Coalition, St. John's lifeMATTERS Group will be taking orders beginning Nov.15th - 30th - Narthex.
St. John Elementary School Poinsettia Fundraiser: Pre-Order after 5pm Mass on Saturday, Nov.15th & after 9am Mass on Sunday, Nov.16th. 8” Red Poinsettia $30
Confirmation Candidates: The next class will be this Sunday, Nov. 16th, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
LifeMatters Presents: ‘Dying to Meet You, Preventing Euthanasia & Encouraging Hope’: THIS Sunday, November 16th, at St. John Elementary School
Our Life Matters Core Group will offer the 9am Mass on Wednesday Nov. 19th
for the Protection of All Human Life. Afterwards a Rosary in Reverence for Life.
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, Nov. 21st at 7:00 PM, at 15 Church St.
NEXT WEEKEND! St. John’s Social Sunday: Next Sunday, November 23rd, our Parish Council invites everyone to joinus for Social Sunday!
NEXT WEEKEND! CWL members will be collecting non-perishable food donations at St. John’s Social Sunday.
Christmas Children’s Shopping Event in Lanark, we are requesting donations of items suitable for children (up to age 16) to give to their family members.
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!