WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
The drama of the Third Sunday of Lent is not really about water. It is about the human heart.
In Exodus 17, Israel is thirsty in the desert, but beneath the thirst is a deeper ache: “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” That is the real temptation. Not atheism, but suspicion. God has just divided the sea, rained down manna, and still they doubt. Before we judge them, we should smile gently at ourselves. In parish life, when attendance dips, when plans stall, when prayers seem unanswered, how quickly we ask the same question, quietly, respectfully, but sincerely: “Lord, are You really here?”
Then comes the woman at the well in John 4. She arrives at noon, the hour when no one wants to be outside. She carries not only a jar but a history. Jesus names her brokenness, not to shame her, but to free her, five husbands, a fractured story, and social isolation. And Jesus does something astonishing: He asks her for a drink. The Holy One makes Himself vulnerable. He is seeking her heart. He thirsts, not first for water, but for her redemption.
Jesus named her sins without crushing her dignity. He reveals Himself as Messiah without theatrics. And in that encounter, shame turns into a mission. She leaves her jar, her old way of drawing life, and runs to announce Christ. The outcast becomes an evangelist.
St. Paul, in Romans 5, gives us the interpretive key: “The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” Poured. Not measured. Not rationed. Poured. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That is the Gospel in its pure form: God moves first. Grace precedes repentance. Mercy outruns merit.
In many of our homes, no visitor is denied water. Even before conversation begins, a glass is offered. Hospitality comes first. Today Christ stands in our parish and says, “Give me a drink.” He desires our trust, our honesty, our wounds.
And here is the Eucharistic climax: the One who asked for water now gives His Body and Blood. From His pierced side flow blood and water, the sacraments of the Church. This altar is our well. The Eucharist is living water, not metaphorically but sacramentally: the very life of the risen Christ poured into us.
So let us come thirsty. Bringing our doubts, our fatigue, and our hidden sins. Let Him meet us. And then let’s leave our jars behind. Let’s go home, go to our families, our workplaces, our neighborhood, and say with joy, “Come and see a man who told me everything, and loved me still.”
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.
LENT 2026
Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the Liturgy prepares the Catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian Initiation. It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their baptism and enter into penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the year.Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fast & Abstinence. All Catholics ages 18-59 are to observe fasting and those 14 and older are to abstain from meat on those days.
Penitential Discipline: Penance is an important requirement of the Christian life. Fulfillment of this duty involves prayer, works of piety and charity, self-denial and fulfilling our obligations more faithfully. Every Friday of the year, especially during Lent, is a penitential day.
1. Stations of the Cross: Join us every Friday throughout Lent at St. John’s Church & Sacred Heart Church at 7pm. Join us at St. Bridget’s Church each Sunday throughout Lent at 10:30am!
2. Holy Adoration & Benediction: On all Friday’s during Lent, please join us at St. John’s Church for extended Holy Eucharistic Adoration, DivineMercy prayers, & Benediction from 9:30am until 3pm. Sign up sheets for hours of Adoration are at the Narthex.
Lenten Mission 2026
Join us this Lent for a powerful 3-day encounter with God, as Fr. Emeka Onyeogubalu leads us in our 2026 Parish Lenten Mission. Wednesday, March 18th- Friday, March 20th, during regular Mass times at St. John’s Church.
200th Anniversary Pilgrimage to St. Mary’s Church
Please join us on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30pm, St. Mary’s Church (28 Hawthorne Avenue, Carleton Place) for Lenten Confessions and Adoration throughout the evening. “To know Christ and the Power of His resurrection”
For disarmament and peace. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
LENTEN CONFESSIONS: St. Mary’s Church, Carleton Place – Wednesday, March 11th @ 6:30pm for Confessions and Adoration throughout the evening.
Community Dinner: Saturday, March 14th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church. Goodwill offering appreciated.
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.
Please join us on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30pm, St. Mary’s Church (28 Hawthorne Avenue, Carleton Place) for Lenten Confessions and Adoration throughout the evening. “To know Christ and the Power of His resurrection”
Pope Leo XIV: Prayer Intention for March
In his prayer intention for March 2026, Pope Leo XIV:For disarmament and peace. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
LENTEN CONFESSIONS: St. Mary’s Church, Carleton Place – Wednesday, March 11th @ 6:30pm for Confessions and Adoration throughout the evening.
Community Dinner: Saturday, March 14th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church. Goodwill offering appreciated.
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
Mondays (closed),
Tues., Wed., Fri., (9:30am - Noon & 1:00 - 3:30pm)
Thurs. 1:00- 3:30pm
(613-267-1043) ( stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca )
LENTEN CONFESSIONS
St. Mary’s Church, Carleton Place – Wednesday, March 11th @ 6:30pm
St. Francis de Sales Church, Smiths Falls – TBD
St. Edward’s Church, Westport – Thursday, March 26th @ 4:30pm
St. Edward’s Church, Westport – Thursday, March 26th @ 4:30pm
St. John the Baptist Church, Perth – Sunday, March 29th @ 3:00pm
MASS SCHEDULE -
(First) Friday March 6 World Day of Prayer
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Norah Fox ~ Mark & Gina Noonan
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 2pm - World Day of Prayer Service
SJ 7pm - Stations of the Cross
SHP 7pm - Stations of the Cross
(First) Saturday March 7
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Brian Brosso ~ Jim & Fran McGuire
SJ 5:00pm - Jayden Dowdall ~ Jason, Julie, & Justin Dowdall
Sunday March 8 - Third Sunday of Lent
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Deceased members of the LaFreniere family ~ Pat & Eadie LaFreniere
SB 10:30am - Stations of the CrossSB 11:00am - Desmond Quigley ~ Denise Tobin
SJ 11:00am - Len Brady ~ Brady Family
Monday March 9SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday March 10
SB 9:00am - Cliff Kerr ~ Jean McShane
SJ 4:30pm - Mary Moore ~ Bob & Shirley Scott
Wednesday March 11
SJ 9:00am - Murray Lee ~ Myrna Lee-De Cou
LL 10:00am - Lanark Lodge Mass
SJ 1:15pm - St. John Elementary School Mass
Des McKenna ~ Gale & Marg McMunn
Thursday March 12
SHP 90:00am - Yu Meng Long ~ Sylvie Bozozuk
SJ 12:00 pm - Cora Thibeau ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
Friday March 13
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Lucie & Renato Brun del Re ~ Jim & Fran McGuire
SJ 9:30am - 3pm Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 7pm - Stations of the Cross
SHP 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday March 14
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
Sunday March 15 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Jon Paul LeBlanc & Emily McNaughton
SHP 9:00am - Helen Cameron ~ Cameron Family
SB 10:30am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Norma Cameron ~ Jean McShane
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, Susan Beaudoin Watson, David Small, Barbara Morrison, & Pascal Proulx.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Stephen Tysick, Fr. Collins Okafor, Fr. Bill Steacy, Sabu Joseph, brother of Fr. Jacob Chelamootil, Edith Cordick, & James Russell.
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,
For more than forty years, a committee representing all major Christian Churches in Perth and area has organized the World Day of Prayer, an event that is truly ecumenical and celebrated worldwide. Pope Leo XIV has encouraged active participation in these gatherings, considering them essential for overcoming division and providing a shared witness to the world.This year's service, themed "I will give you rest: Come," was written by a group of Christian women from Nigeria. Since our parish priests are also from Nigeria, St John's Church was chosen as the ideal place to host the event on Friday, March 6 at 2 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to pray, learn about Nigeria, sing and connect with others in fellowship. Everyone is welcome - please come! For further details, see the posters as you leave the 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 Sunday April 19, 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).
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
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:
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.
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.
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 - TBD
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 MARCH 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