WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
There is a striking honesty in today’s Gospel: Jesus arrives late. Lazarus is already dead. Martha even says what many of us quietly feel: “Lord, if you had been here…” We know that sentence. We have prayed it in hospital rooms, in grief, in moments when God seems delayed.
Yet the heart of the Gospel is this: Jesus is not late, He is revealing something deeper. He does not simply prevent death; He conquers it. Jesus re-affirms: “I am the resurrection and the life.” He did not say, I will be, but I am. Resurrection is not just an event; it is a Person standing before us. Jesus is the Resurrection!
Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones speaks into every place in us that feels lifeless, relationships gone cold, faith grown tired, hope buried. And St. Paul reminds us that the Spirit who raised Jesus already dwells within us. The problem is not God’s absence, but our resistance to letting Him breathe.
In many homes, especially after a long day, someone forgets to plug in the phone. By morning, it is dead, not because it is broken, but because it was not connected to a source of life. Many Christians live like that, good people, sincere, but unplugged from the living Christ.
This is why the Eucharist matters. Here, Jesus does not stand outside the tomb; Jesus enters into us. The same voice that cried, “Lazarus, come out,” now whispers, “Receive me.” And in receiving Him, we are reconnected to divine life.
So, when we come forward to receive, do not come casually, we are not performing a ritual. We are stepping out of the tomb. We are saying: “Lord, call me again. Breathe in me again. Live in me again.” So, come as one who wants to live again. Place before Him whatever feels broken and buried. And hear Jesus say, not in the past, but now, “Come out.”
Jesus will make you live! Because His words are always effective: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
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
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Fr. Emeka Onyeogubalu for leading us in our 2026Parish Lenten Mission this past week!
Pontifical Collection for the Church in the Holy Land
The Annual Good Friday Collection is taken at the request of the Holy See. The Church and our Christian brothers and sisters count on your help to retain a faith filled Christian presence in the Holy Land. Please give generously during your parish’s
Good Friday celebrations on April 3, 2026. Thank you.
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).
THIS WEEKEND! Bunnies and Bears for Life: St. Johns Life Matters Group invites you to purchase bunnies, bears & other assorted stuffies in support of Project Rachel.
St. John's Holy Face Group will be holding their March monthly gathering on Thursday, March 26th, following the noon Mass. All are welcome!
NEXT WEEKEND! Sacred Heart Parish Social Gathering: Come on out to our Church Rectory & enjoy our Social Gathering following 9am Mass,Sunday, March 29th.
LENTEN CONFESSIONS: St. John the Baptist Church, Sunday, March 29th @ 3:00pm
CHRISM MASS Tuesday, March 31, 2026; 10:30am St. Mary’s Cathedral-
279 Johnson Street, Kingston
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 – Saturday, March 21st @ 10:30am -12:00pm
Francis de Sales Church, Smiths Falls – Sunday, March 22nd @ 3:30pm
St. Edward’s Church, Westport – Thursday, March 26th @ 4:30pm
St. John the Baptist Church, Perth – Sunday, March 29th @ 3:00pm
MASS SCHEDULE -
Friday March 20
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - ***Parish Lenten Mission***
Vincent Ryan ~ Lorraine Houlahan
SJ 9:30am - 3pm Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 7pm - Stations of the Cross
SHP 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday March 21
SJ 5:00pm - Dave White ~ Mary White
Sunday March 22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Collins Evans ~ Larry & Ann Fillmore
SB 10:30am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Janice Rutherford ~ Pennett Family
Monday March 23
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday March 24
SB 9:00am - In thanksgiving for answered prayers ~ Nina Stewart
SJHS 9:30am - St. John’s High School Mass
SJ 4:30pm - Gerry & Genina Sherwin ~ Allida Rubino
Wednesday March 25
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Nick Lusito ~ St. John’s LifeMatters Group
CCT 2:15am - Carolina Court Mass
Thursday March 26
SHP 90:00am - Christiane Kosynskie ~ Sylvie Bozozuk
SJ 12:00 pm - Lee brothers & spouses: John & Marg, Ron & Marg, Mel & Marg, Ormond & Ethel, Patrick & Nelly, Murray & Beryl ~ Myrna Lee-De Cou
Friday March 27
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Jon Paul LeBlanc & Emily McNaughton
SJ 9:30am - 3pm Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 7pm - Stations of the Cross
SHP 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday March 28
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday March 29 - Palm Sunday
SJ 9:00am - Joe & Fran Publow ~ Publow Family
SHP 9:00am - Alice T. Noonan ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SB 10:30am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Chris MacDonald ~ Alan & Shirley Chaplin
St. Mary’s Church, Carleton Place – Saturday, March 21st @ 10:30am -12:00pm
Francis de Sales Church, Smiths Falls – Sunday, March 22nd @ 3:30pm
St. Edward’s Church, Westport – Thursday, March 26th @ 4:30pm
St. John the Baptist Church, Perth – Sunday, March 29th @ 3:00pm
MASS SCHEDULE -
Friday March 20
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - ***Parish Lenten Mission***
Vincent Ryan ~ Lorraine Houlahan
SJ 9:30am - 3pm Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 7pm - Stations of the Cross
SHP 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday March 21
SJ 5:00pm - Dave White ~ Mary White
Sunday March 22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Collins Evans ~ Larry & Ann Fillmore
SB 10:30am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Janice Rutherford ~ Pennett Family
Monday March 23
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday March 24
SB 9:00am - In thanksgiving for answered prayers ~ Nina Stewart
SJHS 9:30am - St. John’s High School Mass
SJ 4:30pm - Gerry & Genina Sherwin ~ Allida Rubino
Wednesday March 25
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Nick Lusito ~ St. John’s LifeMatters Group
CCT 2:15am - Carolina Court Mass
Thursday March 26
SHP 90:00am - Christiane Kosynskie ~ Sylvie Bozozuk
SJ 12:00 pm - Lee brothers & spouses: John & Marg, Ron & Marg, Mel & Marg, Ormond & Ethel, Patrick & Nelly, Murray & Beryl ~ Myrna Lee-De Cou
Friday March 27
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Jon Paul LeBlanc & Emily McNaughton
SJ 9:30am - 3pm Holy Adoration & Benediction
SJ 7pm - Stations of the Cross
SHP 7pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday March 28
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday March 29 - Palm Sunday
SJ 9:00am - Joe & Fran Publow ~ Publow Family
SHP 9:00am - Alice T. Noonan ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SB 10:30am - Stations of the Cross
SB 11:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Chris MacDonald ~ Alan & Shirley Chaplin
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, “Nana” Beaudoin, & Kim Lapointe.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Muriel Chenard.
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
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).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISM MASS Tuesday, March 31, 2026; 10:30am St. Mary’s Cathedral-
279 Johnson Street, Kingston. The Chrism Mass is an Archdiocesan
celebration, and all parishioners and catechumens are encouraged to attend!
Hope to see you there
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!
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! Bunnies and Bears for Life: In the Spirit of Lenten Charity, your St. Johns Life Matters Group invites you to purchase bunnies and bears and other assorted stuffies in support of Project Rachel. They will be available at all masses in the narthex on the weekends of March 21st & 28th.
NEXT WEEKEND! Sacred Heart Parish Social
Gathering: Come on out to our Church Rectory and enjoy our Social Gathering following 9am Mass on Sunday, March 29th. Everyone is welcome. Come
enjoy hot & cold drinks and a variety of goodies.
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 - No meeting in March
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