WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
Theme: The Call, the Cost of Discipleship, and Our Unity as Children of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s readings speak with one clear voice about God’s call, the cost of responding to that call, and the unity that must mark those who belong to Christ.
Isaiah proclaims a people who once walked in darkness but have now seen a great light. This is not because they found the light by their own effort, but because God came looking for them. The light shines in Galilee; a place considered ordinary, even insignificant.
This reminds us that God’s call often comes into the ordinary spaces of our lives: our families, workplaces, struggles, and weaknesses. Discipleship always begins
with God’s initiative. Before we respond, God has already spoken; before we follow, God has already shone His light upon us.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John with simple but demanding words: “Come after me.” Immediately, they leave their nets, their
boats, and even their father.
This is where we encounter the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus is not a hobby or a part-time commitment. It requires letting go: of security, old
habits, selfish ambitions, and anything that keeps us from fully trusting God.
Notice also that Jesus does not call them individually to walk alone; He calls them into a community of disciples. Discipleship is never a solo journey. To follow
Christ is to belong to His Body, the Church.
Saint Paul addresses a painful reality in the Church at Corinth: divisions. “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas.” Paul reminds them— and us—that Christ is not divided.
Division weakens our witness. When Christians are divided by pride, tribalism, personal loyalties, or power struggles, the light of Christ is dimmed. The cross, which
Paul preaches, calls us to humility, self-emptying, and reconciliation.
To be disciples of Jesus means to live as one family, united not by personality, culture, or preference, but by the cross of Christ and our baptism as children of God.
These readings challenge us with three important questions:
1. Have I truly responded to Christ’s call, or am I still holding onto my “nets”?
2. Am I willing to pay the cost of discipleship? Trusting God even when it is uncomfortable or demanding?
3. Do I contribute to unity in the Church, or do my words and actions deepen division?
Jesus still walks along the shores of our lives today, calling each of us by name. He calls us to follow Him, to grow in faith, and to live in unity as brothers and sisters.
As children of God, called out of darkness into His marvellous light, may we respond generously to Christ’s call, embrace the cost of discipleship with faith, and work tirelessly for unity in His Church.
Jesus still walks along the shores of our lives today, calling each of us by name. He calls us to follow Him, to grow in faith, and to live in unity as brothers and sisters.
As children of God, called out of darkness into His marvellous light, may we respond generously to Christ’s call, embrace the cost of discipleship with faith, and work tirelessly for unity in His Church.
United in Christ, the Light of the world, we become a living sign
of hope for a world still longing for God’s light.
of hope for a world still longing for God’s light.
Your Priest,
Father Anthony
Please do not hesitate to contact 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 January
In his prayer intention for January 2026, Pope Leo XIV: FOR PRAYER WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
THIS WEEKEND! St. John’s Social Sunday: Please join us this weekend after each Sunday Mass for the monthly St. John’s Church Social!
THIS WEEK! 200th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston Mass: Please join us in celebrating on the anniversary date itself. Tuesday, Jan. 27th @ 7:00pm.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are grateful to the volunteers who have generously stepped up to assist with St. John's cleaning & we would appreciate more help.
Donation envelopes for 2026 are in the churches, please put your name & address on the front of the envelopes for January, to help with our records.
St. John’s 2025 Income Tax Statements: A reminder that 2025 income tax statements are available for pickup in the narthex.
Important Notice: Please take care when parking to ensure our neighbours driveways remain accessible.
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 -
Saturday January 24 ~ St. Francis de Sales
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday January 25
SJ 9:00am - Deacon David Cavalier ~ Cavalier Family
SHP 9:00am - Int. of Mary Rorwick ~ Doris Quinn
SB 11:00am - Harold & Beatrice McGivern `and Wilbur & Marie Merkley ~ Merkley Family
SJ 11:00am - Margaret Brady ~ Mary & Bruce McIntyre
Monday January 26 - St.’s Timothy & Titus
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday January 27
SB 9:00am - -----------------Mass Cancelled-----------------
SJ 4:30pm - Bill Publow ~ Shirley Kindellan
CATH 7:00pm - 200th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston celebratory Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kingston
Wednesday January 28 - St. Thomas Aquinas
SJ 9:00am - Des McKenna ~ Cavalier Family
CCt - 10:2pm - Carolina Court Mass
Martha Phelan ~ Marie White & Shirley Chaplin
Thursday January 29
SHP 9:00am - -----------------Mass Cancelled----------------
SJ 12:00 pm - John Thibeau ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
Friday January 30
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Dr. Andrew Mai ~ St. John’s LifeMatters Group
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday January 31 - St. John Bosco
SJ 5:00pm - Jean Fortner ~ Nancy Fortner
Sunday February 1
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Mary Somerville, Emily McNaughton & Jean-Paul Leblanc
SHP 9:00am - James O. Adam ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SB 11:00am - For the sick, dying, and grieving within our parish ~ St. Bridget’s CWL
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, Edith Lepine, Doris Quinn, Claudette Timmerman, Mary Rorwick, Stephen Tysick, Susan Beaudoin Watson, & David Small.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Christopher MacDonald, Jordan Newton, Vincent Ryan, & Janice Rutherford.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Need a prayer?
Are you or someone you love in need of prayer? Contact 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 February 8th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
Confirmation Candidates:
The next class will be February 22nd, 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.)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We are grateful to the volunteers who have generously stepped up to assist with church cleaning. Their help has been a true blessing. However, this important work cannot be carried by a few alone, and we are seeking additional volunteers to join them. Even one hour a week can make a meaningful difference.
If you are able to help, please contact the parish office. Thank you once again to all who continue to serve our parish with such generosity and care.
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 are available in our churches. 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!
St. John’s 2025 Income Tax Statements: A reminder that 2025 income tax statements are available for pickup in the narthex. Please note that tax receipts are not being emailed, except by special request to the parish office, in order to ensure reliable delivery to all parishioners.
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:
THIS WEEKEND! St. John’s Social Sunday: Please join us this weekend after each Sunday Mass for the monthly St. John’s Church Social! Snacks and drinks provided for everyone’s enjoyment!
THIS WEEK! 200th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston Mass: Please join us in celebrating the anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston on the anniversary date itself this coming Tuesday, January 27th, at 7:00pm. The celebration will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston, and all are warmly welcome to attend.
St. John's Movie Club - February The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, February 13th at 7:00pm, at 15 Church St. Every meeting, we watch a film together and have group discussion about the meaning of the film and art in general afterward. 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) (for this month - January 22) 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.
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.
COMMITTEES, MINISTRIES & GROUP
St. John's Life Matters Group: CLICK
UPCOMING MEETINGS
CWL Monthly Meeting - 2nd Monday of each Month @ 7pm Monday, February 9th
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.
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, February 13th @7pm
Life Matters Men’s Group Monthly Meeting – Contact Dave Lapointe - 3rd Saturday
Life Matters Men’s Group Monthly Meeting – Contact Dave Lapointe - 3rd Saturday
Saturday Mass 5:00pm Choir - Saturdays @ 4:45pm
CONTACT INFORMATION
St. John the Baptist Parish
Parish Council Chair: Sandra Stewart 613-812-3870
Property & Finance Chair: Doug James 613-267-5520
CWL: Colleen Donohue 613-264-0227
Sacramental Preparation & Bible Study: Jenny Salte 613-264-7794
Sacred Heart Parish
Parish Council Chair: Doris Quinn 613-256-1119
Property & Finance Chair: Eadie Lafreniere: 613-259-5506
St. Bridget Parish
Parish Council Chair: Bill Mackler 613-267-3450
Property & Finance Chair: Mark Noonan 613-267-3382
CWL: Krystyna Williamson 613-264-1908
Knights of Columbus
Grand Knight: Mike Goebel 613-267-7812
Cemeteries
St. John: Ann Buchanan 613-264-2929
Sacred Heart: Don Adam 613-264-6238
St. Bridget: Diane Quinn 613-267-8081
St. Columbkill: Martin LaHaise 613-278-2115
St. Patrick: Charlie Quinn 613-253-0157
Hall Rentals
St. Bridget's (BVM) Hall: Marg McMunn 613-267-1085
Foy Hall: Claude Charetter 613-259-4783
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 JANUARY 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