WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
This Sunday’s readings place before us something both beautiful and uncomfortable: the dignity of our freedom.
Sirach says it plainly: “If you choose, you can keep the commandments.” God sets before us fire and water, life and death. In other words, our lives are not accidents; they are decisions. We are not puppets on divine strings. God respects us too much for that.
In the Gospel, Jesus raises the bar. “You have heard… but I say to you.” It is not enough to avoid murder; we must uproot anger. Not enough to avoid infidelity; we must purify the heart. Not enough to swear great oaths; our simple “yes” and “no” should be trustworthy. Jesus moves us from external compliance to interior transformation.
If we are honest, this is where we feel the weight of it. It is easier to say, “I didn’t break the rule.” It is harder to ask, “What is happening inside my heart?” I can refrain from shouting at someone and still rehearse the argument in my head all evening! Apparently, heaven also has access to our internal monologue.
But this is not about scrupulosity; it is about holiness. St. Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom is not superficial. It is deep, hidden, revealed through the Spirit. Christianity is not behavior modification. It is participation in the very life of God. The Spirit searches “even the depths of God” and He also searches the depths of us, not to condemn, but to heal.
Jesus fulfills the law not by relaxing it, but by completing it in love. The commandment against murder becomes a call to reconciliation. The prohibition of infidelity becomes a call to integrity. The law about oaths becomes a call to transparent truthfulness. The heart is the real altar where obedience is offered.
God has placed before us fire and water. Each day we choose patience or resentment, fidelity or compromise, truth or exaggeration. The good news is this: grace always accompanies the choice. God never commands without empowering.
So today, let us choose life, not just outwardly, but inwardly, and allow Christ to make our hearts as faithful as our words.
Your Priest,
Father Charles
Please do not hesitate to contact 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 February
In his prayer intention for February 2026, Pope Leo XIV: For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
St. John's Movie Club - The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on this Friday, February 13th at 7:00pm, at 15 Church St.
Community Dinner: Saturday, February 14th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church. Goodwill offering appreciated.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS- office will be closed from Tuesday, Feb. 17th - 24th. For urgent matters, please contact one of our priests directly.
Our Life Matters Core Group will offer the 9am Mass on Wednesday February 18
for the Protection of All Human Life. Afterwards a Rosary in Reverence for Life.
Ash Wednesday is on February 18th, In anticipation of this season of renewal, please return last year’s palms.
Confirmation Candidates: The next class will be next Sunday, February 22nd, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
REMINDER – FOOD DONATIONS for The Table continue to be collected in the baskets (church entrance). Your generosity can make a real difference!
St. John’s 2025 Income Tax Statements: A reminder that 2025 income tax statements are available for pickup in the narthex.
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
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
**The parish office will be closed from Tuesday, February 17th through Tuesday, February 24th. During this time, the office phone will not be monitored. For urgent matters, please contact one of our priests directly. All other inquiries will be addressed when the office reopens. God Bless!**
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 -
Friday February 13
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Mary Somerville, Emily McNaughton & Jean-Paul Leblanc
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday February 14 - St. Cyril & St. Methodius
SJ 5:00pm - Marian Raczek ~ Daughter & Family
Sunday February 15 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Melanie Leroux ~ Brian & Pat Molyneaux
SB 11:00am - Leo Pevato ~ Nina Stewart
SJ 11:00am - Jean Risk ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
Monday February 16
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday February 17
SB 9:00am - Int. of Lianne Kevan ~ A Friend
SJ 4:30pm - Des McKenna ~ Ann Buchanan
SEASON OF LENT BEGINS
Wednesday February 18 - Ash Wednesday
SJ 9:00am - For the protection of all human life ~ LifeMatters Core Group
SJ 10:00am - Ash Wednesday & St. John Elementary School Mass
Int. of Cathy Merkley ~ Friends at SJ
SHP 10:15 Ash Wednesday & Sacred Heart Elementary School Mass
~ No Intention Booked ~
SJHS 12:45 - Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John’s High School
SJ 5:00pm - Ash Wednesday Mass Int. of Suzanne Luciano ~ Mark & Gina Noonan
Thursday February 19
SHP 9:00am - Michael McDaniel ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SJ 12:00 pm - Int. of Elaine Cavalier ~ Barbara Hendry
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Centre Mass
Friday February 20
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Antonia Pelligrino ~ Colleen Smyth
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday February 21
SJ 5:00pm - Theresa Somerville ~ Mary Somerville, Emily McNaughton, & Jean-Paul Leblanc
Sunday February 22 - First Sunday of Lent
SJ 9:00am - Benoit & Anne Marie Blier ~ Cavalier Family
SHP 9:00am - Helen Cameron ~ Doris Quinn
SB 11:00am - Fr. Lindo Molon ~ McMunn Family
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, Barbara Morrison, & Pascal Proulx.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Father Stan Alanen and Rosa Angelita Gaitan.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Need a prayer?
Are you or someone you love in need of prayer? Contact
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
World Day of Prayer Nigeria, a western African country with a rich heritage and diverse ecosystem, welcomes and leads us for the 2026 prayer service. This global ecumenical event is organized by the various churches in Perth and area and will be hosted by St John's Church this year as Nigeria is the home of Frs Charles and Anthony. Everyone is invited to come together in prayer and reflection centered on the theme "I will give you rest: come," based on the Gospel of Matthew 11:26-30). Come and learn more about Nigeria's history, culture, and current issues on Friday, March 6 at 2 pm here at St John's Church.
SACRAMENTS:
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates:
The next class will be April 12th, 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.)
REMINDER – FOOD DONATIONS Food donations for The Table continue to be collected in the baskets in the church entrance. A representative of
the St. John’s CWL also accepts donations on the first weekend of each month. Your generosity can make a real difference in our community, please consider making a donation! If you would like to donate to the Food Bank directly (CLICK HERE).
Lent is Almost Upon Us!
Ash Wednesday is on February 18th, just a couple weeks away! In anticipation of this season of renewal, please return last year’s palms. Buckets are located throughout the church.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank You! A Message from Birthright Kingston: Thank you all for such a generous collection of necessary items for the babies at Birthright Kingston. I cannot begin to express the joy on our moms’ faces, including happy tears when we present them with very generous layettes that include so many items that they would not otherwise be able to purchase. On their behalf, we send our sincere thanks and may God bless the organizers and parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish for your prayers, kindness and generosity.
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!
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:
St. John's Movie Club - 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.
Community Dinner: Saturday, January 14th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth. Glazed Roast Pork with cranberry sauce anddressing, mashed potatoes, carrot casserole and fordessert – Ice cream with fruit sauce and cookies
Goodwill offering appreciated.
Goodwill offering appreciated.
Retrouvaille: A Lifeline for Troubled Marriages:
This program is designed to support marriages in crisis and can be of assistance to couples who have separated but are willing to work on their relationship to help repair the difficulties that exist. Upcoming in-person weekends:
Hamilton Community - English weekend Mar 13 to Mar 15, 2026 (Niagara Falls) For more details or to register, see posters in church or this weeks’ Flocknote.
Toronto Community - Spanish weekend Mar 20 to Mar 22, 2026 (Mississauga) For more details or to register, see posters in church.
Project Rachel Spring Retreat:
Have you suffered the loss of a child from abortion, or the abortion pill? If grief, sadness, or shame has kept you alone in this, know that you are not alone, and that there is healing for you. Project Rachel at the Refuge will hold a retreat for post abortive women in late April, 2026. Here you will find a beautiful, natural setting, companionship, and a welcome free of judgment or condemnation – healing is possible. Call 613-473-2679, in confidence, and see stmarysrefuge.org/rachel.
✞ Medjugorje Pilgrimage:
April 20 - May 1, 2026. Join us this Easter season for a grace-filled pilgrimage to Medjugorje, with a 2-night stay in beautiful Dubrovnik. Cost: $2,830 CAD (double) • Single: +$350. Includes: Flights, hotels, daily breakfast & dinner, transfers, parish-trained guide, daily Mass & excursions.
Info & Registration: Karen Shannon – 613-848-5833/Karen.Shannon@queensu.ca See posters.
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 February 18) 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.
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,
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 FEBRUARY Newsletter CLICK HERE
ARCHDIOCESE OF KINGSTON (ADK)
For More Information on Upcoming Events in the ADK CLICK HERE
✞ Archdiocese of Kingston 200th Anniversary Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Join Fr. Justin and Fr. Price on a faith-filled pilgrimage to the Holy Land from
✞ Archdiocese of Kingston 200th Anniversary Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Join Fr. Justin and Fr. Price on a faith-filled pilgrimage to the Holy Land from
October 5-15, 2026. Walk in the footsteps of Our Blessed Lord, deepen your understanding of Sacred Scripture, and experience prayer, mercy, healing, and spiritual renewal in the places where the Word became flesh. Space is limited to 40 pilgrims, so early registration is encouraged. Please see the itinerary in the church.
St. John's Parish Website: CLICK HERE
St. John's Facebook: CLICK HERE
Sacred Heart/St Bridget Facebook: CLICK HERE