WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
CONVERION MOVES US FROM “NO” to “YES” TO THE FATHER
As humans, we can recognize something of both sons in our own lives. A times, we are like the second son: our actions do not match our promises. We give our word but do not keep to it. At other times, we are like the first son, who turns a “NO” into a “YES”.
It can be very easy to say yes in the moment, without fully realizing what will be required of us. As time passes and we begin to understand what our “YES” involves, doubts can arise about whether we are willing to remain faithful to it. To fulfil our “yes”, we must continue to choose it.
Similarly, the opposite could be the case when we say “NO” to something initially and then change our minds after a moment of deeper reflection. Here we see the possibility of conversion: we can acknowledge our mistakes, turn away from what is wrong, and choose what is good. Our relationship with God, and with one another, is not built merely on spoken words, but on our deeds.
Many Christians can easily fall into the category of the second son. He represents those of us who pay lip service to God: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matt 15:8); referring to those who are fast at making vows of “I WILL” to God yet fail to make the effort required to live in obedience to His will.
Many Christians, during the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Matrimony, boldly in the presence of many witnesses, responded “I WILL” to every question posed, but ultimately do not end up fulfilling them.
Let us thank God for every opportunity He gives us to live faithfully by our “YES” to Him. Let us also thank Him for the grace to turn our “NO” into to a “YES”. God is gracious, and His plan of salvation is for everyone. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that they turn from their ways and live.
– Fr. Cyprian Ihedoro
Fr. Cyprian – Away on Retreat this Week September 28 – October 2
A reminder that Fr. Cyprian will be away on retreat this week from Monday through Thursday. All weekday Masses during this time are cancelled. Regular Masses will resume on Friday morning, October 2nd.
We wish Fr. Cyprian a safe and fruitful retreat and look forward to welcoming him back!
Parish Office Closed - Wednesday, September 30th
Please note that the Parish Office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30th. Regular office hours will remain unchanged for the remainder of the week.
First Communion & Confirmation Sacramental Preparation: If you missed the Parent Meeting and would still like your child to participate, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible.
The Pope's Prayer Intention for September
For the care of water. Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resourc, so that everyone may have equal access to it. Amen.
2026 Lenten Collection
Archbishop Mulhall has written an update on the 2026 Lenten Collection. Please see the attached letter and accompanying list of agencies funded during this year's cycle.
For the care of water. Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resourc, so that everyone may have equal access to it. Amen.
2026 Lenten Collection
Archbishop Mulhall has written an update on the 2026 Lenten Collection. Please see the attached letter and accompanying list of agencies funded during this year's cycle.
THIS WEEK:
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Fridays & Saturdays, 10am – 2:30pm There are always amazing deals to be found! 91 Princess St. in Lanark. Hope to see you there!
St. John’s Cemetery Mass is THIS Saturday, Sept. 26th @11am
First Communion Class: Sunday, October 4th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
Save the Date - Life Chain: Sunday Oct. 4th, 2-3pm
Community Dinner: Saturday, October 10th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East,Goodwill offering appreciated.
Join Us in Celebrating Fr. Cyprian!: Sunday, October 18th, following the 11am Mass, for a potluck celebration in the gym at St. John Catholic Elementary School.
Confirmation Class: Sunday, October 25th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Fridays & Saturdays, 10am – 2:30pm There are always amazing deals to be found! 91 Princess St. in Lanark. Hope to see you there!
St. John’s Cemetery Mass is THIS Saturday, Sept. 26th @11am
First Communion Class: Sunday, October 4th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
Save the Date - Life Chain: Sunday Oct. 4th, 2-3pm
Community Dinner: Saturday, October 10th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East,Goodwill offering appreciated.
Join Us in Celebrating Fr. Cyprian!: Sunday, October 18th, following the 11am Mass, for a potluck celebration in the gym at St. John Catholic Elementary School.
Confirmation Class: Sunday, October 25th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
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
Parish Office Closed - Wednesday, September 30th
Please note that the Parish Office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30th. Regular office hours will remain unchanged for the remainder of the week.
Mondays (closed),
Tues., Wed., Fri., (9:30am - Noon & 1:00 - 3:30pm)
Thurs. 1:00- 3:30pm
(613-267-1043) ( stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca )
SUBMISSIONS FOR WEEKLY BULLETIN & FLOCKNOTE
Please submit your information for the weekly bulletin & Flocknote no later than 9am Thursday’s. If submitted after this deadline, the information will be entered the following week. Thank you!
CEMETERY MEMORIAL SERVICES
St. John’s Cemetery Mass is THIS Saturday, Sept. 26th @ 11am
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday September 26 - St. Jean de Brébeuf & St. Isaac Jogues
SJ 5:00pm - Living & Deceased Members of the Bencze Family ~ Joanne Finnegan
SHP 7:00pm - Simon Lau ~ Rose & Walter Tam
Sunday September 27
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Judy Farrell ~ Maxine McEachern
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
Monday September 28
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday September 29 - St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael
SB 9:00am - Mass Cancelled
SJ 4:30pm - Mass Cancelled
Wednesday September 30 - St. Jerome
SJ 9:00am - Mass Cancelled
Thursday October 1 - St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
SHP 9:00am - Mass Cancelled
SJ 12:00 pm - Mass Cancelled
(First) Friday October 2 - The Holy Guardian Angels
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Ormond Lee ~ Myrna Lee
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
(First) Saturday October 3
SJ 9:00am - Barbara Morrison ~ Brian Brosso
SJ 5:00pm - Marlowe Kirkham ~ Doreen Kerr
SHP 7:00pm - In Thanksgiving ~ Rose & Walter Tam
Sunday October 4
SJ 9:00am - Stephen McNamee ~ Susan Norwood
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
St. John’s Cemetery Mass is THIS Saturday, Sept. 26th @ 11am
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday September 26 - St. Jean de Brébeuf & St. Isaac Jogues
SJ 5:00pm - Living & Deceased Members of the Bencze Family ~ Joanne Finnegan
SHP 7:00pm - Simon Lau ~ Rose & Walter Tam
Sunday September 27
SJ 9:00am - Int. of Judy Farrell ~ Maxine McEachern
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
Monday September 28
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday September 29 - St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael
SB 9:00am - Mass Cancelled
SJ 4:30pm - Mass Cancelled
Wednesday September 30 - St. Jerome
SJ 9:00am - Mass Cancelled
Thursday October 1 - St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
SHP 9:00am - Mass Cancelled
SJ 12:00 pm - Mass Cancelled
(First) Friday October 2 - The Holy Guardian Angels
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Ormond Lee ~ Myrna Lee
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
(First) Saturday October 3
SJ 9:00am - Barbara Morrison ~ Brian Brosso
SJ 5:00pm - Marlowe Kirkham ~ Doreen Kerr
SHP 7:00pm - In Thanksgiving ~ Rose & Walter Tam
Sunday October 4
SJ 9:00am - Stephen McNamee ~ Susan Norwood
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, Claudette Timmerman, Susan Beaudoin Watson, Pascal Proulx, Camille Bozozuk, Nellie Pajaczkowski, Rita Steele, Edith Clark, Lissette Vaillancourt, & Teresa Donnelly.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Sharon Barnard, Anna Janssen, Gerald Desjardins, & Sister Sheila Anne Boase, RHSJ.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Need a prayer?
Are you or someone you love in need of prayer? Contact
Father Cyprian (jochukwudi2002@yahoo.ca)(613-362-8928), 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:
Baptismal Congratulations!
We welcome Ivy & Asher Graham into the Catholic Church through Baptism this weekend. We congratulate their parents and commend them for their commitment
to raising their children in the Catholic faith. May God abundantly bless their family!
First Communion & Confirmation Sacramental Preparation
Thank you to all the families who attended our Sacramental Preparation Parent Meeting, and to everyone who helped spread the word! We were delighted to welcome so many families from our schools and surrounding communities.
If you missed the Parent Meeting and would still like your child to participate, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible.
Upcoming Classes:
First Communion: Sunday, October 4th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
Confirmation: Sunday, October 25th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
We look forward to a wonderful year of preparation with our families!
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) Persons interested in learning more about the Catholic Church - its beliefs and practices - are invited to participate in a series of conversations (formerly RCIA) that will be held at 15 Church St,
Tuesday evenings at 5 pm.
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.)
Food Bank Donations
Since January, St. John’s parishioners have collected and donated 571 pounds of food to help fill the Food Bank shelves! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed. Please continue to bring your food donations and help us keep the shelves stocked! God Bless!
If you would like to donate to the Food Bank directly (CLICK HERE).
Since January, St. John’s parishioners have collected and donated 571 pounds of food to help fill the Food Bank shelves! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed. Please continue to bring your food donations and help us keep the shelves stocked! God Bless!
If you would like to donate to the Food Bank directly (CLICK HERE).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Foy Hall Garage Sale: Fridays & Saturdays, 10am – 2:30pm There are always amazing deals to be found! 91 Princess St. in Lanark. Hope to see you there!
Catholic Women's League – Fall Retreat:
We warmly invite all women to our Fall Retreat on Saturday, September 26th, from 9:00am to 2:00pm at St. Francis de Sales Church and Hanley Hall. We are pleased to welcome Father Justin Pulikunnel as our special guest speaker for a day of faith, reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. Lunch and refreshments are included. A free will offering will be accepted.
Please RSVP by September 21st by contacting Melanie at 613-326-1003 or cwlsmithsfalls@gmail.com
Retirement Picnic for Fr. John Hibbard: St. Paul the Apostle Parish is hosting a retirement celebration for Fr. John Hibbard on Sunday, September 27th, immediately following the 11 am mass at the parish. (1111 Taylor Kidd Blvd, Kingston). It will be a potluck picnic. Anyone interested in attending are invited to RSVP and find more information at the following link: https://shorturl.at/jWFQB or on the parish website: www.stpaulkingston.com/
Save the Date - Life Chain: Sunday Oct. 4th, 2-3pm
Life Chain is an annual pro-life event held in communities across North America. Parishioners are invited to join us on Sunday, October 4th for an hour of peaceful prayer and public witness in support of the dignity and protection of human life.
Perth: Gore St. Bridge | 2:00-3:00pm
Lanark: Intersection of Mill & George St. | 10:45- 11:45am
Signs will be provided to participants. Please join us as we gather in prayer and peacefully witness to the sanctity of human life, remembering the words of
Proverbs 31:8: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
You’re Not Alone - Families in Crisis:
Join Wayne Burke, on Thursday’s in October (October 8, 15, 22, & 29), from 6:30-8:30pm in the boardroom of St. Mary’s Parish in Carleton Place, for a powerful 4- part workshop helping you cope with your loved one’s challenges with chemical use, mental illness, etc. Call St. Mary’s Parish office at 613-257-1284 to sign up today – You’re not alone!
Join Us in Celebrating Fr. Cyprian!:
Please join us on Sunday, October 18th, following the 11am Mass, as we officially welcome Fr. Cyprian to our parish community and celebrate his 60th birthday! We will gather for a potluck celebration in the gym at St. John Catholic Elementary School, 34 Wilson Street East, Perth, immediately following Mass. Bring a dish to share and come enjoy good food and fellowship as we welcome Fr. Cyprian and celebrate this special milestone with him. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there!
Project Rachel at St. Mary’s Refuge Retreat: November 13-15, 2026, for women who have been hurt by abortion. You can speak with someone who understands, and you will have a chance to begin healing from loss and grief. Phone 613-473-2679 or e-mail ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org, and visit 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 Bible Study Group @ 10am – Contact Jenny Salte for details.
Monday Bible Study Group @ 10am – Contact Jenny Salte for details.
Parish Council Monthly Meeting - 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm ***Next meeting is October 6th
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: Brian Brosso 613-770-5383
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
INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Learn About the Catholic Faith
Individuals 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 5 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.
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 Cyprian 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.
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:
Pilgrimage with Monsignor Joseph Muldoon: You are invited to join Msgr. Joseph Muldoon on a pilgrimage to Marian Shrines, the Camino and the Pyrenees, from March 31 - April 14, 2027.
A meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at 2 pm at Holy Cross Parish, 685 Walkley Rd., in the parish hall. For reservations or more information, please contact Dennis Kam, JBC Travel at 613 569-3888 ext. 3 or
dennis@jbctravel.ca.
dennis@jbctravel.ca.
St. John's Parish Website: CLICK HERE
St. John's Facebook: CLICK HERE
Sacred Heart/St Bridget Facebook: CLICK HERE