WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
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On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Church slows us down at the very edge of Christmas and asks us to look not first at Mary, but at Joseph, the quiet, faithful man standing just outside the spotlight.
Isaiah gives us the sign: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel.” A sign not flashy or forceful, but tender, God choosing to come close, to dwell with us. Yet signs are only helpful if someone is willing to trust them. That is where Joseph enters.
Matthew tells us Joseph was a righteous man. That does not mean he had all the answers; it means he was open to God even when life stopped making sense. His plans were simple, decent, respectable. Then God interrupted them. Mary was pregnant. Joseph faced heartbreak, confusion, and the temptation to quietly walk away. Many of us know that place, when faith collides with disappointment, when obedience feels costly.
Here is the gentle humor of God: instead of a long theological explanation, Joseph gets a dream. An angel says, essentially, “Do not be afraid.” And Joseph believes. He does not speak a single word in Scripture, but his actions preach loudly. He takes Mary into his home. He names the child. He stakes his reputation, his future, his comfort on trusting God’s promise.
Saint Paul reminds us in Romans that the Gospel is not an afterthought, it is God’s long-promised plan, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, born of David’s line, revealed as the Son of God. Joseph becomes part of that promise not by preaching, but by protecting, by staying, by saying yes in silence.
This is good news for believers. We do not need perfect clarity to be faithful. We need courage to trust God one step at a time. Joseph shows us that holiness often looks like quiet obedience, steady love, and showing up when it would be easier to disappear.
As we prepare for Christmas, ask yourself: where is God asking me not to be afraid? Whom is God asking me to welcome, protect, or trust with my imperfect faith?
Emmanuel is coming. God-with-us does not wait for perfect people, only for willing hearts. Like Joseph, may we rise from our fear and do what the Lord asks, trusting that God is already at work in ways we cannot yet see.
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.
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
Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Advent!
“The fourth candle of Advent represents Love, the ultimate love of God that He might send His only Son for us. Called the “Angel’s Candle,” the fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, and it is the color purple, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on earth”.
-Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colours, Symbolism, Themes, and More. (Hallow.com)
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
Advent Donations for Birthright The St. Johns lifeMATTERS group will be collecting donations from Dec 10th until Dec 28th.
LAST CALL FOR ADVENT CONFESSIONS! This Sunday, December 21st @ 3:00pm: St. John the Baptist Church, Perth.
Confirmation Candidates: The next class is this Sunday December 21st, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex
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!
Donation envelopes for 2026 are available in our churches this week. Please remember not to use these envelopes until January 1st.
Important Notice: Please take care when parking to ensure driveways remain accessible, there have been complaints from our neighbours.
Christmas gift cards are now being collected. To assist those who are struggling within our community. There is a box in the Narthex to for your donations.
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 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
New Years’ Mass Schedule
New Years’ Eve - Wednesday, December 31st
St. John’s Church – 5pm (replaces Wednesday 9am Mass)
New Years’ Day – Thursday, January 1st
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
Sacred Heart Church – 9am
St. Bridget’s Church – 11am
New Years’ Eve - Wednesday, December 31st
St. John’s Church – 5pm (replaces Wednesday 9am Mass)
New Years’ Day – Thursday, January 1st
St. John’s Church – 9am & 11am
Sacred Heart Church – 9am
St. Bridget’s Church – 11am
MASS SCHEDULE -
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
Monday December 22
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday December 23
SB 9:00am - ~ No Intention Booked ~
Ccct 10:00am - Carolina Court Mass
SJ 4:30pm - Frank Amyot ~ Ken & Lucille Crawford
Wednesday December 24 - Christmas Eve
SJ 9:00am - -----------------Mass Cancelled-----------------
SJ 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SHP 5:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SJ 7:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SB 7:00pm - For the People of the Parish
SJ 12:00am - For the People of the Parish
Thursday December 25 - Christmas -The Nativity of the Lord
SHP 9:00am - -----------------Mass Cancelled-----------------
SJ 9:00am - For the People of the Parish
SJ 11:00am - For the People of the Parish
SJ 12:00 pm - -----------------Mass Cancelled-----------------
Friday December 26 - St. Stephen
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Closs, Christie, & Lachapelle Families ~ Mary Rorwick
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday December 27 - St. John
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday December 28 - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
SJ 9:00am - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bernie De Francesco
SHP 9:00am - Louis & Roseleen Weatherdon ~ Gail & Fred Shepherd
SB 11:00am - ~ No intention booked ~
SJ 11:00am - Karen Thibeau ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
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, Claudette Timmerman, & Mary Rorwick.
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:
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates:
The next class will be January 11th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Confirmation Candidates:
The next class will be this Sunday 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.)
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to the St. John Parish community for your generous support of the Catholic Women’s League bake sale. With over $1,100 raised, the sale will help support a family at Christmas, provide bursaries, and contribute to the school nutrition program and other meaningful projects. Your kindness truly makes a difference.
Important Notice
Our St. John’s Church neighbours have been affected by vehicles blocking their driveways during Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses. Please take care when parking to ensure driveways remain accessible.
Important Notice
All users of the St. John’s Meeting Place (15 Church Street) are kindly reminded to turn down the thermostat when leaving the building. Our hydro costs in November and December were significantly higher than this time last year, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you. ***
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 on 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 on 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!
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!
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 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
Christmas - The Nativity of the Lord
St. John's Parish Website: CLICK HERE
St. John's Facebook: CLICK HERE
Sacred Heart/St Bridget Facebook: CLICK HERE