WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
The Ascension of the Lord can seem, at first glance, like a goodbye moment. The disciples stand on the mountain, watching Jesus disappear into the clouds, with their hearts full of wonder and uncertainty. Anyone who has stood at an airport, waved goodbye after a family visit, or watched a child leave home knows that strange mixture of sadness and hope. Love always feels the ache of separation.
Perhaps the disciples wondered: “Lord, what happens now?” It is good to know that the Ascension does not mean that Jesus is abandoning the world. It is about Jesus remaining with us in a deeper and more powerful way. As He promises: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The angels almost gently teased the apostles: “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” (Acts 1:11). In other words: “Do not remain frozen in fear or nostalgia. Go and live the Gospel.” Jesus entrusts His mission to ordinary people, weak, imperfect disciples, much like us. They still had doubts, fears, and questions. Yet Christ trusted them anyway. That is comforting for every parent trying to raise children in faith, every weary volunteer, every Christian wondering whether their small acts of love really matter.
The Ascension reveals something beautiful about our destiny. Jesus ascends with His glorified humanity. And as Saint Paul says, may “the eyes of your hearts be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). Christianity is not simply about surviving life; it is about being drawn into the very life of God.
And Jesus does not leave us empty-handed. Saint Leo the Great wrote: “What was visible in Christ has passed into the sacraments.” The ascended Lord remains close in His Word, in His Church, in the poor, and most profoundly in the Holy Eucharist.
At every Mass, heaven touches earth. The risen and ascended Jesus comes to feed His people with His Body and Blood. We do not merely look up toward heaven; heaven comes down to us. Nourished by His presence, we are sent forth with joy to become witnesses of His love in the world.
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
That everyone might have food.
Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.
The 9-day Novena, leading up to the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, begins today, Friday, May 15th.
Remember to pray the Rosary daily throughout the month of May!
"The Blessed Virgin Mary offered the disciples her prayers, motherly care, and witness. She continues to offer us her motherly love and intercession. During this month of May, let us offer our spiritual mother our sincere prayers, that just as she aided the first Apostles with her prayers, she may also guide and intercede for us in our journey of faith. Let us learn from her how to love and trust God completely and to be faithful witnesses of the risen Lord." the cathlolicstand.com
REMINDER: ANNUAL PRIESTS RETREAT
Fr. Charles & Fr. Anthony are away this week, May 18th – 22nd, on their
annual Priests Retreat. Weekday Masses are cancelled. Weekend Masses will proceed as usual. May our Priests enjoy a rejuvenating and blessed retreat
THIS WEEK:
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Now open for 2026! Fridays & Saturdays, from 10am – 2:30pm! 91 Princess St. in Lanark.
Confirmation candidates will have Reconciliation on Friday, May 15th @ 7pm.
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting tonight
Friday, May 15th at 7:00pm, at 15 Church St.
St. Vincent de Paul Church will resume Saturday 5pm Masses, beginning this weekend, Saturday, May 16th.
The Confirmation ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17th @ 1pm.
You’re Not Alone: A four-part (May 21st) information workshop offering an in-depth view of how addiction negatively affects each and every member of the family.
SAVE THE DATE! St. John’s Annual Parish BBQ: Join us on Sunday, June 14th, after the 11am Mass, for our annual parish BBQ! See you there!
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.
REMINDER: ANNUAL PRIESTS RETREAT
Fr. Charles & Fr. Anthony are away this week, May 18th – 22nd, on their
annual Priests Retreat. Weekday Masses are cancelled. Weekend Masses will proceed as usual. May our Priests enjoy a rejuvenating and blessed retreat
THIS WEEK:
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Now open for 2026! Fridays & Saturdays, from 10am – 2:30pm! 91 Princess St. in Lanark.
Confirmation candidates will have Reconciliation on Friday, May 15th @ 7pm.
The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting tonight
Friday, May 15th at 7:00pm, at 15 Church St.
St. Vincent de Paul Church will resume Saturday 5pm Masses, beginning this weekend, Saturday, May 16th.
The Confirmation ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17th @ 1pm.
You’re Not Alone: A four-part (May 21st) information workshop offering an in-depth view of how addiction negatively affects each and every member of the family.
SAVE THE DATE! St. John’s Annual Parish BBQ: Join us on Sunday, June 14th, after the 11am Mass, for our annual parish BBQ! See you there!
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
NOTICE OF MASS CHANGE
St. Vincent de Paul Church will resume Saturday 5pm Masses, beginning this weekend, Saturday, May 16th.
Friday May 15
SJ 7:00pm - Reconciliation for Confirmation candidates
Saturday May 16
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SVDP 5:00pm - Margaret Brady ~ Williamson Family
Sunday May 17
SJ 9:00am - Edie Cordick ~ Sheila Kehoe
SHP 9:00am - Marie Fritz ~ Doris Quinn
SB 11:00am - ~ No intention booked ~
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SJ 1:00pm - Confirmation Ceremony
Monday May 18
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday May 19
SB 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 4:30pm - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
Wednesday May 20
SJ 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
Thursday May 21
SHP 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 12:00 pm ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
Friday May 22
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday May 23
SJ 5:00pm - Zofia Raczek ~ Daughter & Family
SVDP 5:00pm - For the deceased members of the Williamson family ~ Williamson Family
Sunday May 24 - Pentecost Sunday
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Eleanor Walsh ~ Doris Quinn
SB 11:00am - Theresa Phillips ~ St. Bridget’s CWL
SJ 11:00am - Edie Cordick ~ Marg McMunn
NOTICE OF MASS CHANGE
St. Vincent de Paul Church will resume Saturday 5pm Masses, beginning this weekend, Saturday, May 16th.
Friday May 15
SJ 7:00pm - Reconciliation for Confirmation candidates
Saturday May 16
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SVDP 5:00pm - Margaret Brady ~ Williamson Family
Sunday May 17
SJ 9:00am - Edie Cordick ~ Sheila Kehoe
SHP 9:00am - Marie Fritz ~ Doris Quinn
SB 11:00am - ~ No intention booked ~
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SJ 1:00pm - Confirmation Ceremony
Monday May 18
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday May 19
SB 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 4:30pm - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
Wednesday May 20
SJ 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
Thursday May 21
SHP 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 12:00 pm ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
Friday May 22
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - ---------------MASS CANCELLED--------------
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday May 23
SJ 5:00pm - Zofia Raczek ~ Daughter & Family
SVDP 5:00pm - For the deceased members of the Williamson family ~ Williamson Family
Sunday May 24 - Pentecost Sunday
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SHP 9:00am - Eleanor Walsh ~ Doris Quinn
SB 11:00am - Theresa Phillips ~ St. Bridget’s CWL
SJ 11:00am - Edie Cordick ~ Marg McMunn
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, Claudette Timmerman, Mary Rorwick, Susan Beaudoin Watson, Barbara Morrison, Pascal Proulx, Kim Lapointe, Camille Bozozuk, & Christiana Enyinnia.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Edith Lepine, Fidelis Ajawara, father of Fr. Cosmas Ajawara, & Gilles Proulx.
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:
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations and continued blessings upon the Confirmands, their parents, sponsors, catechists, teachers, prayer partners, and all others involved in the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation this Sunday, conferred by
Archbishop Michael Mulhall!
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
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.
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Now open for 2026! Fridays & Saturdays,from 10am – 2:30pm! 91 Princess St. in Lanark. Come check out new items at great prices! Hope to see you there!
“Change for Life” Birthright Fundraiser:
On Mother’s Day weekend (May 9/10), baby bottles were made available to take home to support the moms and babies at Birthright. We encourage you to take home a bottle and fill it with spare change, paper money or a cheque made out to Birthright.
Please return the bottles on Father’s Day weekend (June 20,21). All proceeds support our work to help any woman who is facing an unplanned or difficult pregnancy make a plan for her future with her child. Thank you in advance and may God bless you for your generous support.
You’re Not Alone: A four-part information workshop offering an in-depth view of how addiction negatively affects each and every member of the family. Bring: notepad, pen, water. Please arrive promptly to begin at 6:30pm. See posters for registration details or register using the QR code below:
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:
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Now open for 2026! Fridays & Saturdays,from 10am – 2:30pm! 91 Princess St. in Lanark. Come check out new items at great prices! Hope to see you there!
“Change for Life” Birthright Fundraiser:
On Mother’s Day weekend (May 9/10), baby bottles were made available to take home to support the moms and babies at Birthright. We encourage you to take home a bottle and fill it with spare change, paper money or a cheque made out to Birthright.
Please return the bottles on Father’s Day weekend (June 20,21). All proceeds support our work to help any woman who is facing an unplanned or difficult pregnancy make a plan for her future with her child. Thank you in advance and may God bless you for your generous support.
You’re Not Alone: A four-part information workshop offering an in-depth view of how addiction negatively affects each and every member of the family. Bring: notepad, pen, water. Please arrive promptly to begin at 6:30pm. See posters for registration details or register using the QR code below:
SAVE THE DATE! St. John’s Annual Parish BBQ: Join us on Sunday, June 14th, after the 11am Mass, for our annual parish BBQ! See you there!
2026 Seminarians Dinner – Celebrate our Seminarians: Sunday, July 12, 2026. Join us for a 4- course Supreme Chicken Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus of the Archdiocese of Kingston in order to provide financial support towards the training of Seminarians and funds direct to each seminarian to help defray their annual costs.
2026 Seminarians Dinner – Celebrate our Seminarians: Sunday, July 12, 2026. Join us for a 4- course Supreme Chicken Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus of the Archdiocese of Kingston in order to provide financial support towards the training of Seminarians and funds direct to each seminarian to help defray their annual costs.
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, May 15 @ 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 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:
✞ Archdiocese of Kingston 200th Anniversary Pilgrimage to the Holy Land:
Update: I know that there are many who have expressed interest in joining us but are (understandably) taking a wait-and-see approach to register. But if you're seriously interested in this pilgrimage, please secure your spot by completing the registration forms and returning them with a copy of your passport. Note that we will not charge any payments until we know for sure we are going (however, anyone intending to pay by credit card must complete the credit card section). But it's important to secure your spot because there's very high demand and you don't want to miss this opportunity. We're already over 50% booked, and should a stable ceasefire be negotiated and held in the next few weeks, there will be an explosion of demand.
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