WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
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On this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church dares to wear rose and invites us to rejoice. And if you are thinking, “Rejoice? With everything going on?” You are in good biblical company. John the Baptist asked the same question. From his prison cell, he sends messengers to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or must we look for another?” Jesus answers: “Go and tell John what you see and hear.”
Isaiah’s vision is a map for discipleship today. Every time you encourage someone who has lost hope, a desert blooms. Every time you forgive, or make peace, or choose compassion over cynicism, lame hearts begin to walk again. Grace puts spring back in the human step. Isaiah is not offering poetry for greeting cards; he is announcing what happens when God steps into our barrenness. The desert blooms precisely because grace enters where we least expect it.
James urges us to be patient, like farmers waiting for rainfall. Advent patience is not passive. It is the discipline of refusing despair, the insistence that God is still sowing grace in hidden soil. Perhaps this week you may practice a small Advent discipline: be patient in traffic, gentle with someone anxious, or slow to speak when tempted to judge. These are tiny seeds of joy.
Again, John the Baptist in the Gospel was sitting in prison, wrestling with doubt, asked Jesus, “Are you the One?” Even saints have their moments of holy hesitations and questions. Jesus does not scold him; He simply points to the evidence: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead rise, the poor hear good news. In other words, “John, the Kingdom is happening, even in your darkness.”
So, what about us? Many of us carry hidden prisons: anxieties, disappointments, health struggles, fractured relationships. Like John, we sometimes whisper, “Lord, are You there?” And like John, Jesus answers not with theories but with signs, small healings, unexpected kindnesses, grace that arrives disguised as an ordinary day.
This Sunday invites us to practice JOY, not cheerfulness, and a deep Advent TRUST that God is moving even in deserts. Perhaps the gentle humor of the day is this: God is more patient with us than we are with ourselves. He does not rush His work, but He never stops working.
So, rejoice, quietly, steadfastly, confidently. The desert is already blooming. God is on the way. And He never arrives late.
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.
200th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston The Jubilee Year Begins!
We began our celebrations for the 200th Anniversary Jubilee of the Archdiocese of
Kingston this past Monday, December 8th! Jubilee celebrations will take place
throughout the year at the Parish, Deanery, and Archdiocesan levels. Keep an eye on the bulletin & Flocknote for parish and deanery events to come! Archdiocesan events can be found in the Fall edition of Journey, which can be found in your church today!
We began our celebrations for the 200th Anniversary Jubilee of the Archdiocese of
Kingston this past Monday, December 8th! Jubilee celebrations will take place
throughout the year at the Parish, Deanery, and Archdiocesan levels. Keep an eye on the bulletin & Flocknote for parish and deanery events to come! Archdiocesan events can be found in the Fall edition of Journey, which can be found in your church today!
Welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent!
The third candle of Advent symbolizes Joy. As we continue to approach Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. The third candle takes us back to the joyful anticipation
of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem, even before the wise men. On this third Sunday of Advent, which the Church calls “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice or praise, we light the third candle and rejoice like the shepherds. For this reason, the third candle of Advent is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and its color is pink, the liturgical color for joy.
-Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colours, Symbolism, Themes, and More. (Hallow.com)
-Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colours, Symbolism, Themes, and More. (Hallow.com)
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
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.
“Journey through Advent” is available again this year on the CCCB website, in both French and English. Prepare for the coming of Christ this Advent!
Advent Donations for Birthright The St. Johns lifeMATTERS group will be collecting donations from Dec 10th until Dec 28th.
Fruit Cakes For Life : orders are ready for pick up in the Narthex. Thank you and God bless you for your support of this important fundraiser for Life!
Community Dinner: Saturday, December 13th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James, 54 Beckwith St. East. Goodwill offering appreciated.
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates: The next class will be this Sunday, December 14th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Our Life Matters Core Group will offer the 9am Mass on Wednesday December 17th for the Protection of All Human Life. Afterwards a Rosary in Reverence for Life.
Donation envelopes for 2026 will be available in our churches this week or shortly after. Please remember not to use these envelopes until January 1st.
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 )
ADVENT CONFESSIONS
Sunday, December 14th @ 3:30pm: St. Francis de Sales Church, Smiths Falls
Sunday, December 14th @ 4:00pm: St. Ann Church, Merrickville
Tuesday, December 16th @ 6:00pm: St. Edward’s Church, Westport
Sunday, December 21st @ 3:00pm: St. John the Baptist Church, Perth
Christmas Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24th
St. John’s Church - 5pm, 7pm & Midnight
Sacred Heart Church – 5pm
St. Bridget’s Church – 7pm
Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25th
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
MASS SCHEDULE -
Saturday December 13 - St. Lucy
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
Sunday December 14 - Third Sunday of Advent
SJ 9:00am - James N. Walker ~ Barbara Poushinsky
SHP 9:00am - Bernadette Weatherdon ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - Christians in Nigeria facing religious violence ~ Pamela Black
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
Monday December 15
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday December 16
SB 9:00am - ~ No Intention Booked ~
SJ 4:30pm - Maria Gomes ~ Gomes Family
Wednesday December 17
SJ 9:00am - For the protection of all human life ~ LifeMatters Core Group
Thursday December 18
SHP 10:15am - Combined daily/Sacred Heart Elementary School Mass
For the intercession of St. Jude, for those in need of his help ~ Jamie Maher
SJ 12:00 pm - Barbara Trudeau ~ Ken & Lucille Crawford
SJ 1:15pm - St. John Elementary School Mass Norma Riopelle ~ Brian Brosso
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Mass
Friday December 19
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Poulin family ~ Jacques Poulin
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday December 20
SJ 5:00pm - Ed & Evelyn Pennett ~ Pennett Family
Sunday December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
SJ 9:00am - Lee Family ~ Gerald Lee
SHP 9:00am - Jean & Fred Shepherd ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - ~ No intention booked ~
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 Maureen Czop, Jeannette Olivier, Marjorie Facette, Demetrie Laming, Deborah LaRiccia, Barbara Morrison, Edith Lepine, Doris Quinn, and Claudette Timmerman.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Dianne Wood.
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 this Sunday 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.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to the ladies of Sacred Heart Church for organizing a wonderful Children’s Christmas Shopping Event last weekend. We are also grateful to all who gave their time and energy to hosting Coffee Sunday. Your generosity and dedication are truly appreciated!
2026 Donation Envelopes
Donation envelopes for 2026 will be available in our churches this week or shortly after. Please remember not to use these envelopes until January 1st. As always, for the first month or so of the new year, we kindly ask that you write your name and address on each envelope to help us keep our records accurate and organized. Thank you!
FRUIT CAKES FOR LIFE
Fruit Cake orders are ready for pick up in the Narthex. Thank you and God bless you for your support of this important fundraiser for Life!
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!
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Advent Donations for Birthright
The St. Johns lifeMATTERS group will be collecting donations for the Pregnancy Resource Centre Birthright and for local crisis pregnancies from Dec 10th until Dec 28th. There will be a crib at the entrance to the church for your donations of baby and maternity gear and clothes. Items particularly needed are Baby Shampoo, Soap, Lotion & Wash, Diaper Rash Cream, Diapers size 3, 4, 5 & 6, and maternity clothes. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Thank you for your generosity!
Community Dinner: Saturday, December 13th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth. Menu: Turkey with all the trimmings - mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, carrot/turnip mash, & for dessert - Christmas cranberry cake with ice cream.
Goodwill offering appreciated.
Goodwill offering appreciated.
John’s Movie Club Update
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, January 9th 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.
Notifications
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 (Wednesday December 17th) 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,
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 - Friday, January 9th @ 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 DECEMBER Newsletter CLICK HERE
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON (ADK)
For More Information on Upcoming Events in the ADK CLICK HERE
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