Located one hour from the Nation’s Capital in Heritage Perth Ontario,
St. John’s is one of the oldest Roman Catholic parishes in Upper Canada.
The first Mass was held in this historic building on Christmas Eve in 1848,
while our Christian community actually predates the founding of Perth in 1816.
TUESDAYS – 4:30pm
WEDNESDAYS – 9:00am
THURSDAYS – 12:00pm
FRIDAYS – 9:00am
SATURDAYS –5:00pm (with additional Mass at 9:00am on the First Saturday of every month)
SUNDAYS – 9:00am & 11:00am
FRIDAYS – Following the 9am Mass.
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favourably on your servant Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your
Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom
he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted
to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we celebrate the glorious feast of the Epiphany – a moment when the world was illuminated by the light of Christ made manifest to all nations. It is a day that reminds us of divine guidance, hope, and the universal scope of God’s salvation.
In our Gospel reading (Matthew 2:1-12), the wise men from the East are guided by a star – an extraordinary celestial sign that leads them to the newborn King. The star symbolizes God’s guiding hand, a divine light shining in the darkness, illuminating the path toward truth, righteousness, and salvation.
Just as the star directed the Magi, God continues to guide us today. His light cuts through the darkness of confusion, despair, and sin, leading us toward good and eternal life. The star invites us to keep our eyes open for God’s signs in our lives – His Word, His grace, and His providence – so that we may follow His lead faithfully.
Isaiah (60:1-6) proclaims: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This passage calls us to awaken from spiritual slumber, to rise and radiate the light of Christ in our lives. The divine guidance we receive is not merely for personal salvation but for the illumination of the world around us.
The Magi’s journey is a symbol of our own spiritual pilgrimage. We trust in God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain. They traveled afar, guided by the star, to worship the Lord. Similarly, we are called to follow God’s signs, to seek His presence actively, and to allow His light to transform us and those we encounter.
A crucial part of the story is the warning given to the Magi: “Do not go back to Herod.” Herod represents the forces of falsehood, violence, and deception; those who seek to manipulate and destroy God’s plan. The phrase “do not go back to Herod” resonates deeply with every Christian: it reminds us to avoid returning to destructive habits, harmful influences, or any form of spiritual Herodism that seeks to divert us from God’s path.
In our lives, this means standing firm against temptation, corruption, or any shortcuts that lead us away from God’s truth. It is a call to discernment – to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to choose the path of righteousness, even when it is difficult.
Let us pray for the grace to heed God’s guidance, to reject whatever leads us away from Him, and to be shining lights in our communities, reflecting the glory of Christ, who is the Light of the nations.
~ Happy New year ~
Your Priest,
Father Anthony Dim
St. John the Baptist Parish accepts e-transfers. Please use the email address stjohnperthdonations@gmail.com and it will be deposited directly into the Parish account. Alternatively, we continue to accept cash, cheque, and donations through direct deposit (please visit the Parish office to register ). Thank you for your continued support!
Grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ through liturgy, Eucharistic worship and outreach, Saint John the Baptist Parish calls the faithful to an active involvement in Parish life and responsible participation in extending Christ-like values to the wider community.
Letter from Archbishop Mulhall on Sacramental Preparation in our Churches (example)
March 7, 2024
Message from His Holiness Pope Francis – World Day of the Sick (example)
Uncategorized
February 9, 2024
