WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
Divine Mercy Sunday meets us not in our perfection, but in the middle of our unfinished stories. The Gospel opens with locked doors and anxious hearts. Into that fragile space, Jesus comes and says, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Jesus does not wait for courage; He brings peace first. And then, strikingly He shows them His wounds. The Risen Christ does not erase the marks of the Cross; He transforms them into sources of Mercy.
Thomas is often labeled “doubting,” but perhaps he is simply honest. He refuses second-hand faith: “Unless I see… I will not believe” (John 20:25). And Jesus does something remarkable, He returns just for him. No rebuke, no disappointment. Only an invitation: “Put your finger here… Do not doubt but believe” (John 20:27). Divine Mercy is God’s refusal to give up on us. He meets us precisely where we struggle to believe.
We know this dynamic in ordinary life. In a family, when trust is broken, the deepest healing does not come from pretending nothing happened, but from a love willing to reopen the wound together to forgive, to rebuild, to begin again. Mercy costs something, but it restores everything.
Then, Jesus breathes His own life into them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven” (John 20:22–23). Mercy is not meant to stop with us; it is meant to pass through us to others.
And this is where it becomes intensely Eucharistic. The same Jesus who stood among them now stands among us, His wounds glorified, His mercy alive. In every Eucharist, heaven does not remain distant; heaven becomes touchable. We do not place our fingers into His wounds as Thomas did, but we receive Jesus: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
At this altar, Mercy is not remembered; Mercy is given. So come as you are, not as you think you should be. Bring your doubts, your sins, your hunger. And hear again His first word to you: Peace be with you!
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
THIS WEEK:
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
Community Dinner: Saturday, April 11th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church. Goodwill offering appreciated.
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates: The next class will be this Sunday April 12th, and begins with the 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, April 17th at 7:00 PM, at 15 Church St.
SOLEMN MASS OF THANKSGIVING Saturday, April 18, 2026; 10:30am
St. Mary’s Cathedral- 279 Johnson Street, Kingston.
Confirmation Candidates: The next class will be next Sunday, April 19th, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex.
K of C March for Life Youth Summit Sponsorship. The Knights of Columbus Perth Council 3531are having a contest to sponsor two youth, (3–17).
K of C Fundraising Draw for the Perth Special Olympics 4 prizes to be won! Draw at 7 pm July 1. Tickets ($5) from our local Knights of Columbus members.
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 )
MASS SCHEDULE -
Saturday April 11
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday April 12
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Jon Paul LeBlanc & Emily McNaughton
SHP 9:00am - For the deceased members of the LaFreniere family ~ Pat & Eadie
LaFreniere
SB 11:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Evelyn & Arthur Publow ~ Publow Family
SJ 3:00pm - Divine Mercy Prayers
Monday April 13
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday April 14
SB 9:00am - ~No Intention Booked~
SJHS 9:30am - St. John’s High School Mass
SJ 4:30pm - Chris MacDonald ~ Ann Buchanan
Wednesday April 15
SJ 9:00am - Hilda Pledge ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
Thursday April 16
SHP 10:15am - Combined Daily/Sacred Heart Elementary School Mass
~No Intention Booked~
SJ 10:00am - St. John Elementary School Mass
Rosa Angelita Gaitan ~ Lissette Wright
SJ 12:00 pm - Wayne Burns ~ Barbara Hendry
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Centre Mass
Friday April 17
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Hugh McDougall ~ Ann Buchanan
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday April 18
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
Sunday April 19
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Helen Cameron ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SB 11:00am - John R. McParlan (35th anniversary of his passing) ~ Theresa Kirkham
SJ 11:00am - Des McKenna ~ Gerald McKenna & Joanne Workman
Saturday April 11
SJ 5:00pm - Mass for the People of the Parish
Sunday April 12
SJ 9:00am - Theresa Somerville ~ Jon Paul LeBlanc & Emily McNaughton
SHP 9:00am - For the deceased members of the LaFreniere family ~ Pat & Eadie
LaFreniere
SB 11:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 11:00am - Evelyn & Arthur Publow ~ Publow Family
SJ 3:00pm - Divine Mercy Prayers
Monday April 13
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday April 14
SB 9:00am - ~No Intention Booked~
SJHS 9:30am - St. John’s High School Mass
SJ 4:30pm - Chris MacDonald ~ Ann Buchanan
Wednesday April 15
SJ 9:00am - Hilda Pledge ~ Howard & Anne Pledge
Thursday April 16
SHP 10:15am - Combined Daily/Sacred Heart Elementary School Mass
~No Intention Booked~
SJ 10:00am - St. John Elementary School Mass
Rosa Angelita Gaitan ~ Lissette Wright
SJ 12:00 pm - Wayne Burns ~ Barbara Hendry
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Centre Mass
Friday April 17
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Hugh McDougall ~ Ann Buchanan
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday April 18
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
Sunday April 19
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Helen Cameron ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SB 11:00am - John R. McParlan (35th anniversary of his passing) ~ Theresa Kirkham
SJ 11:00am - Des McKenna ~ Gerald McKenna & Joanne Workman
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, Kim Lapointe & Camille Bozozuk.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Joe McEachern.
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
SOLEMN MASS OF THANKSGIVING Saturday, April 18, 2026; 10:30am
St. Mary’s Cathedral- 279 Johnson Street, Kingston.
The faithful are cordially invited to join in the solemn Mass of Thanksgiving to offer praise & gratitude to God for the abundant blessings bestowed on our
Archdiocese over the past 200 years.
K of C March for Life Youth Summit Sponsorship This year, the Knights of Columbus Perth Council 3531 are once again holding a contest to sponsor two youth, aged 13–17, to attend the March for Life Pro Life Youth Summit on May 15th in Ottawa. For more information, please email Dave Lapointe
kanddforlife1@outlook.com. If you wish to attend, please email Dave with a short explanation on why you would like to attend. Successful applicants will be advised on April 29th. Transportation will be arranged.
K of C Fundraising Draw for the Perth Special Olympics
1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes to be won! Draw to take place 7 pm July 1, 2026, at Conlon Farm in Perth. $5/ticket. Tickets available through our local Knights of Columbus members. More details to come!
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.
Goodwill offering appreciated.
Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick at St. Francis de Sales Church:
Are you or a loved one in need of God’s peace, physical restoration, or spiritual renewal? We warmly invite you to join us for this special Mass on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11am. There will be a luncheon afterwards in lower Hanley Hall. This sacred celebration is a powerful opportunity to experience the Lord’s healing touch through the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Anointing. Come as you are and place your trust in Jesus, the Divine Healer. All are welcome—those suffering from illness, emotional burdens, or seeking spiritual strength.
St. John’s Movie Club Update:
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, April 17th at 7:00 PM, at 15 Church St. Grey weather, brutalist buildings, moral dilemmas in an amoral country, are we in Canada? No, we're in communist Poland just before the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Join us for the 1 hr screening of episode 9 of the Dekalog, a short film loosely based on the 9th Commandment, Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Wife. There will be popcorn, drinks and lively discussion! Everyone welcome!
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.
SAVE THE DATE! March 4 Life: Save the date for this years’ National March 4 Life on Parliament Hill, on May 14th, 2026!
1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes to be won! Draw to take place 7 pm July 1, 2026, at Conlon Farm in Perth. $5/ticket. Tickets available through our local Knights of Columbus members. More details to come!
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:
Community Dinner: Saturday, April 11th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth. Menu: Shepherd’s pie, salad, dinner roll and for dessert lemon poppyseed cake.Goodwill offering appreciated.
Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick at St. Francis de Sales Church:
Are you or a loved one in need of God’s peace, physical restoration, or spiritual renewal? We warmly invite you to join us for this special Mass on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11am. There will be a luncheon afterwards in lower Hanley Hall. This sacred celebration is a powerful opportunity to experience the Lord’s healing touch through the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Anointing. Come as you are and place your trust in Jesus, the Divine Healer. All are welcome—those suffering from illness, emotional burdens, or seeking spiritual strength.
St. John’s Movie Club Update:
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, April 17th at 7:00 PM, at 15 Church St. Grey weather, brutalist buildings, moral dilemmas in an amoral country, are we in Canada? No, we're in communist Poland just before the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Join us for the 1 hr screening of episode 9 of the Dekalog, a short film loosely based on the 9th Commandment, Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Wife. There will be popcorn, drinks and lively discussion! Everyone welcome!
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.
SAVE THE DATE! March 4 Life: Save the date for this years’ National March 4 Life on Parliament Hill, on May 14th, 2026!
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 - Friday, April 17th
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 APRIL 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