WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
First Sunday of Advent
My friends, blessings and welcome to Advent, a season that arrives every year like a gentle alarm clock from God. It is not the kind that surprises you with a terrible ringtone, but the kind that whispers, “Wake up! … something beautiful is coming.” St. Paul says it plainly today: “It is now the moment for you to wake from sleep.” Advent is God’s way of nudging us out of spiritual drowsiness so we can notice His footsteps approaching.
Isaiah gives us a breathtaking vision: all nations streaming toward the mountain of the Lord, trading weapons for plowshares and fear for peace. It is a picture of humanity finally remembering who we are, God’s children, children of the light, walking in His light. But Isaiah’s vision is not just a lovely prophecy; it is a divine invitation. “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Advent begins with a movement. God is coming toward us, and we are invited to rise and walk toward Him.
Then, Jesus gives us a surprising Gospel: people in Noah’s time were eating, drinking, getting married, doing ordinary things, and they missed God’s moment. This is not because they were wicked, but because they were distracted with other things and ignored God’s invitation. Sometimes, the ordinary becomes the enemy of the essential.
So, Jesus tells us today: “Stay awake.” Not anxiously, but attentively. Advent is not about fear; it is about readiness. It is about keeping the lamp of our hearts trimmed and burning so that when Christ comes in the Eucharist, in the poor, in the unexpected moments of grace, we recognize Him.
The gentle humor of Advent is that we spend weeks preparing for Christmas, shopping, baking, decorating, yet the One we are celebrating prefers arriving quietly, humbly, even inconveniently. God rarely knocks loudly; He usually whispers.
So, how do we walk in the light this Advent? Paul tells us: put on Christ. Wrap yourself in compassion instead of impatience. Choose forgiveness over grudges. Offer kindness rather than sarcasm. These are the small but holy ways we stay awake.
May this Advent be a sacred journey from distraction to devotion, from darkness to dawn, from spiritual sleep to joyful expectation. Christ is coming, let us rise and walk in His light.
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 December
In his prayer intention for December 2025, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray for Christians in areas of conflict: Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
ADVENT PARISH MISSION! THIS COMING WEEK
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!
First Sunday of Advent!
“The first candle is purple, the primary colour of Advent and a colour symbolizing royalty. Sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle,” the first candle harkens us back to Isaiah’s foretelling of the birth of Christ and all of the promises God gave us in the Old Testament that would be fulfilled by the birth of Jesus.”
-Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colours, Symbolism, Themes, and More. (Hallow.com)
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details)
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Final Weekend! open Friday & Saturday (10am–2:30pm). Last one until Spring, and (this Sunday, after Mass, for parishioners only).
FRUIT CAKES FOR LIFE!: In collaboration with Campaign Life Coalition, St. John's lifeMATTERS Group will be taking orders until Nov. 30th, sign up sheets in Narthex.
Christmas gift cards are now being collected. (to assist those who are struggling within our community). There is a box in the Narthex to collect your donations.
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.
St John's CWL Christmas Bake Sale: The highly anticipated annual CWL Christmas bake sale will be held on December 6th and 7th.
Archdiocesan Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Monday Dec. 8th at 10:30am - St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston.
CWL Christmas Dinner: At Michaels Table! Monday December 8th at 6:00 pm. No meeting just good food and socializing! RSVP Colleen by December 2nd.
Parish Council Monthly Meeting - December 9th @ 6:30pm
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 )
ARCHDIOCESAN MASS
for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, December 8th at 10:30am - St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston. Celebrations for the 200th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston also begin on this day!
200th Anniversary Mass – Transit Update
Due to limited interest, we will not charter a parish bus. St. Mary’s in Carleton Place invites our parishioners to join their coach ($25/person). Reserve with Katelyn: 613-257-1284 or stmary.carletonplace@archkingston.ca ...... see poster above.
Reserve by November 30th.
ADVENT CONFESSIONS
• Wednesday, December 3rd @ 6:30pm: St. Mary’s Church, Carleton Place
• Friday, December 5th @ 6:00pm: St. Ann Church, Merrickville
• Sunday, December 7th @ 3:30pm: St. Francis de Sales Church, Smiths Falls
• Thursday, December 11th @ 6:00pm: St. Laurence O’Toole, Spencerville
• Tuesday, December 16th @ 6:00pm: St. Edward’s Church, Westport
• Sunday, December 21st @ 3:00pm: St. John the Baptist Church, Perth
MASS SCHEDULE -
Saturday November 29
SJ 5:00pm - For the deceased members of the Knights of Columbus Council #3531 ~
K of C Council #3531
Sunday November 30 - First Sunday of Advent
SJ 9:00am - Ranald Quail ~ Cavalier Family
SHP 9:00am - Melanie Leroux ~ Brian & Pat Molyneau
SB 11:00am - Harold & Cecilia Merkley ~ Merkley Family
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
Monday December 1 -
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday December 2
SB 9:00am - ~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 4:30pm - Noreen Coulter ~ Marilyn Allan
Wednesday December 3 - St. Francis Xavier
SJ 9:00am - Pierrette Poulin ~ Jacques Poulin
Thursday December 4
SHP 9:00am - Marie Gayda ~ Her daughters, Kathleen & Vicky
SJ 12:00 pm - Kathryn Barnes ~ Elaine Cavalier & Family
(First) Friday December 5
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - The De Francesco Family ~ Bernie De Francesco
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
(First) Saturday December 6
SJ 9:00am - Sue Kato ~ Cavalier Family
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday December 7 - Second Sunday of Advent
SJ 9:00am - Jayden Dowdall, 2nd Anniversary ~ Jason, Julie, & Justin Dowdall
SHP 9:00am - Julie Dunnigan ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - ~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 11:00am - Jayden Dowdall, 2nd Anniversary ~ Jason, Julie, & Justin Dowdall
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, Demetrie Laming, Deborah LaRiccia, Barbara Morrison, Edith Lepine & Doris Quinn.
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
SACRAMENTS:
Baptismal Congratulations!
This weekend, we welcome two children into the Catholic Church through Baptism this weekend! Congratulations and welcome to Cayden Kirkham & Adrian McKiver-Saumure! We congratulate their parents and commend them for their commitment to raising their children in the Catholic faith. May God bless their families abundantly!
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates:
The next class will be December 14th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Confirmation Candidates:
The next class will be December 21st, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
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:
Christmas gift cards are now being collected.
Please consider donating gift cards, of any amount, to assist those who are struggling within our community. There is a box in the Narthex to collect your donations.
St. John Elementary School is looking for additional lunch supervisors.
The role is perfect for anyone who might have one hour a day, any days of the week, interacting with students while making some money. Lunch supervisors support students on the yard during lunch recess and in classrooms while students are eating. Please call St. John Elementary School, (613) 267-2865, for any further information or to express your interest. Sincere thanks for your support!
DONATIONS NEEDED!
As we prepare for this year’s 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. Gift ideas may include books, games, accessories, small household items, and similar family appropriate gifts. We are also in need of wrapping paper, tape, and gift bags. We are grateful for the outstanding generosity shown in last year’s donations and hope to continue that spirit again this season. Please contact the Parish office to arrange your donation. God Bless!
FINAL WEEKEND! SHOP WHILE YOU CAN! Foy Hall Garage Sale:
The Garage Sale is open this Friday and Saturday (10am–2:30pm), after which it will close until Spring. As a special treat, it will also be open this Sunday right after Mass for parishioners only. There is an organ for sale…please spread the word! Clothing is $5 a bag, and almost everything else is half price! The children’s corner items are free! We’d love to see you there…come find a treasure and some items for your Christmas list!
FRUIT CAKES FOR LIFE!: Final Weekend!
In collaboration with Campaign with Life Coalition, St. John's lifeMATTERS Group will be taking orders for delicious Christmas Cakes & Treats in the Narthex, until November 30th. These treats are made using the original recipes of the Monks of Val Notre-Dame Abbey (formerly Oka) and are perfect for holiday gift-giving. This year, Religious Advent Calendars are also available in two sizes, as well as religious Christmas cards … and whole Bean Coffee! … so don't wait to order. All proceeds go towards local pro-life work and the Monks of Val Notre Dame Abbey. Thank you for your support for Life, from conception to natural death. Please see posters in the Church for more information, or call Elaine @ 613-264- 4071
INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Learn About the Catholic FaithIndividuals 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.
St. Joseph Catholic School Christmas Bazaar:
Saturday, November 29th, 10am-2pm. 80 County Rd 1, Toledo. Join us for a festive sale featuring 16+ vendors and delicious holiday food. No entry fee, and all are welcome! Donations of food bank items or small trinketsfor our “I Chose It Myself” sale are greatly appreciated. *Cash is recommended.
St John's CWL Christmas Bake Sale:
The highly anticipated annual CWL Christmas bake sale will be held on December 6th and 7th. Homemade baking and preserves will be available for cash purchase in the Narthex after each Mass. Donations for our charity fundraisers will also be accepted. Anyone wishing to provide baking would be appreciated and may be dropped off before each Mass. Thank you in advance for your generous support. " ...and thank YOU ladies!
CWL Christmas Dinner
Please come celebrate the season, at our CWL Christmas Dinner at Michaels Table!
Taking place on Monday December 08 at 6:00 pm. No meeting just good food and socializing! Contact me, if you are able to attend by the 02 December. Thank you!
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
Monday Bible Study Group @ 10am – Contact Jenny Salte for details. Parish Council Monthly Meeting - 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm, 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
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 DECEMBER Newsletter CLICK HERE
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON (ADK)
For More Information on Upcoming Events in the ADK CLICK HERE
Spiritual Reflections with Archbishop Mulhall
Please note: There will not be any reflections until later in the year; around advent.
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