WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
Today’s Gospel passage tells us about a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son (cf. Mt 22:1-14). He is a powerful man, but he is above all a generous father, who invites others to share in his joy. In particular, he reveals the goodness of his heart in the fact that he does not compel anyone, but invites everyone, even though this way exposes him to the possibility of rejection.
We notice that he prepares a banquet, freely offering an opportunity for encounter, an opportunity for a feast. This is what God prepares for us: a banquet, to be in communion with him and among ourselves. And we, all of us, are therefore God’s invited guests.
But a wedding banquet requires time and commitment on our part: it requires a “yes”: to go, to go to the Lord’s invitation. He invites, but he leaves us free.This is the type of relationship that the Father offers us: he calls us to stay with him, leaving us the possibility to accept or not accept [the invitation]. He does not propose to us a relationship of subjection, but rather of fatherhood and sonship, which is necessarily conditioned by our free assent.
God is very respectful regarding freedom; very respectful. Saint Augustine uses a very beautiful expression in this regard, saying: “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent” (Sermonclxix, 13). And certainly not because he does not have the capacity to do so — God is omnipotent! — but because, being love, he respects our freedom fully. God proposes: he does not impose. Never.
(Pope Francis, Angelus, 15 October 2023) – www.vaticannews.va
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for October
For mental health ministry
Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses. Amen.
A THANKSGIVING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. Fill our hearts with gratitude, our homes with love, and our lives with generosity toward others. May we always recognize Your goodness in all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wishing everyone a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
THIS WEEK:
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! St. John's Parish is seeking additional volunteers to help lead Children's Liturgy during Sunday Masses.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – SACRED HEART PARISH is seeking volunteers interested in serving on our Parish Screening Committee.
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!
Community Dinner: This Saturday, October 10th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church,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.
DONATIONS NEEDED! St. John Catholic High School is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, October 24th, from 7am - 2:00pm in the school gymnasium.
Confirmation Class: Sunday, October 25th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
(See Upcoming Events for more details).
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! St. John's Parish is seeking additional volunteers to help lead Children's Liturgy during Sunday Masses.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – SACRED HEART PARISH is seeking volunteers interested in serving on our Parish Screening Committee.
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!
Community Dinner: This Saturday, October 10th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church,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.
DONATIONS NEEDED! St. John Catholic High School is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, October 24th, from 7am - 2:00pm in the school gymnasium.
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
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!
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday October 10
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SHP 7:00pm - Int. of the Tam Family ~ Rose & Walter Tam
Sunday October 11
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SJ 11:00am - Int. of Don & Gloria Davidson on their 65th Wedding Anniversary
Monday October 12 Thanksgiving
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday October 13
SB 9:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 4:30pm - Int. of Fr. Anthony Dim ~ Chris & Maureen Rivers
Wednesday October 14
SJ 9:00am - Joseph McGuire ~ Jim & Fran McGuire
SJ 10:00am - Lanark Lodge Mass Fran Murphy, Tom Christenson, Lynne Newman ~ A Friend
Thursday October 15 St. Teresa of Jesus
SHP 9:00am - C.A. “Tony” Noonan ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SJ 12:00 pm - John Boznar ~ Mark & Madeleine Boznar
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Centre Mass
Friday October 16 St. Marie-Marguerite D'Youville
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Marlowe & Wayne Kirkham ~ Edith Clark & Monica
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday October 17 St. Ignatius of Antioch
SJ 5:00pm - Fr. Herbert Kalathil, OCD ~ Jishil Jolly
SHP 7:00pm - Ian MacDonald ~ Helen Lowe
Sunday October 18
SJ 9:00am - For the intentions of Fr. Cyprian Ihedoro, on his 60th Birthday ~ St. John’s Parishioners
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SJES 12:00pm - Welcome & Birthday Potluck
Celebration for Father Cyprian – @ St. John’s Elementary School Gym
Saturday October 10
SJ 5:00pm - In thanks to St. Jude ~ Bonnie Switzer
SHP 7:00pm - Int. of the Tam Family ~ Rose & Walter Tam
Sunday October 11
SJ 9:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SJ 11:00am - Int. of Don & Gloria Davidson on their 65th Wedding Anniversary
Monday October 12 Thanksgiving
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
Tuesday October 13
SB 9:00am - Paul McShane ~ Jean McShane
SJ 4:30pm - Int. of Fr. Anthony Dim ~ Chris & Maureen Rivers
Wednesday October 14
SJ 9:00am - Joseph McGuire ~ Jim & Fran McGuire
SJ 10:00am - Lanark Lodge Mass Fran Murphy, Tom Christenson, Lynne Newman ~ A Friend
Thursday October 15 St. Teresa of Jesus
SHP 9:00am - C.A. “Tony” Noonan ~ Don & Dianne Adam
SJ 12:00 pm - John Boznar ~ Mark & Madeleine Boznar
PCCC 2:00pm - Perth Community Care Centre Mass
Friday October 16 St. Marie-Marguerite D'Youville
SJ 8:30am - Prayer for the Sick & Suffering
SJ 9:00am - Marlowe & Wayne Kirkham ~ Edith Clark & Monica
SJ 9:30am - Holy Adoration & Benediction
Saturday October 17 St. Ignatius of Antioch
SJ 5:00pm - Fr. Herbert Kalathil, OCD ~ Jishil Jolly
SHP 7:00pm - Ian MacDonald ~ Helen Lowe
Sunday October 18
SJ 9:00am - For the intentions of Fr. Cyprian Ihedoro, on his 60th Birthday ~ St. John’s Parishioners
SJ 11:00am - Mass for the People of the Parish
SJES 12:00pm - Welcome & Birthday Potluck
Celebration for Father Cyprian – @ St. John’s Elementary School Gym
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, Teresa Donnelly, Danielle Gervais, & Helen Merritt.
Please remember those who have recently died in your prayers, especially Margaret “Ann” Vaughan, Arron McParlan, Jackie Valliquette, & Bertha Tovey.
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:
First Communion & Confirmation Sacramental Upcoming Classes:
First Communion & Confirmation Sacramental Upcoming Classes:
First Communion: Class #2, Sunday, November 8th, beginning with the 11:00am Mass
Confirmation: Class #1 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
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – SACRED HEART PARISH Sacred Heart Parish is seeking volunteers interested in serving on our Parish Screening Committee. This
The Archdiocese of Kingston is offering training for new committee members on Saturday, November 7th, from 9:30am - 2:30pm, at the Diocesan Centre in Kingston. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the parish office by October 30th, so that we may submit your name for registration before the November 1st deadline. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve our parish!
DONATIONS NEEDED!
St. John Catholic High School is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, October 24th, from 7am - 2:00pm in the school gymnasium (2066 Scotch Line, Perth). All proceeds will support students travelling to Costa Rica for a volunteer service trip.
Donations are welcome! Items may be dropped off on Saturdays, October 10th and 17th, from 9am to Noon, at the back of Giant Tiger in Perth or at 76 Cornelia Street in Smiths Falls (vacant lot beside the hospital). Large furniture, hardcover books/textbooks, and televisions cannot be accepted.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
St. John's Parish is seeking additional volunteers to help lead Children's Liturgy during Sunday Masses. If interested in sharing your time and faith with our young parishioners, please contact the parish office!
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!
Community Dinner: Saturday, October 10th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church, 54 Beckwith St. East, Perth.
Menu: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Carrots, Rolls and for dessert Pumpkin Tarts.
Goodwill offering appreciated.
You’re Not Alone - Families in Crisis:
Join Wayne Burke, on Thursday’s in October (October 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 Next 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 Thursday of each Month @ 4pm
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
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.
Family Ministries and Outreach Office October 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:
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