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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In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). At first, that can sound like a condition, almost a test. But listen closely: it is not a demand; it is a description. Love, when it is real, naturally expresses itself in action.
Think of this: Love reshapes desire. It moves from “I have to” to “I want to.” This is what Jesus is inviting us into: Love is not mere rule-keeping, but a relationship that transforms the heart.
Jesus knows we cannot do this alone. So, He promises us, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate… the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16–17). The Christian life is not a solo effort powered by willpower; it is a life animated by the Holy Spirit. God does not just give commands, He gives Himself.
Saint Peter echoes this in the second reading: “Always be ready to give an explanation… for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15). I want us to notice that he does not say “arguments,” but hope. People will never be convinced by logic but will be invited by a life that radiates something deeper: Peace in trial, Patience in suffering, Quiet joy in ordinary days.
So, the question becomes: do people see this hope in us? The beautiful truth is that hope is not something we manufacture, it is Someone we receive. Similarly, each Holy Eucharist is not just a ritual; It is an encounter with Jesus. The risen Christ comes to dwell in us, fulfilling His promise: “I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you” (John 14:20).
At this altar, love becomes tangible. The One who commands love feeds us with His own life, so that we can love as He loves.
And so, we come, not because we have perfected love, but as those being drawn, week by week, into the life of Divine Love.
Your Priest,
Father Charles Enyinnia
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