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 gives His disciples a new identity. He does not say, “Try to become salt” or “Aim to be light.” He says, plainly: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” This is who we are because we belong to Him. Salt and light do not exist for themselves. Salt gives flavor and preserves; light reveals and guides. In the same way, a disciple of Christ is not called to live a private or self-centred faith, but a faith that touches, heals, and transforms the world.
This identity finds its challenge and clarity in the words of the prophet Isaiah. God rejects empty religion and speaks clearly about the fast He desires: to break unjust chains, to share bread with the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to clothe the naked, and to care for our own brothers and sisters.
Here, God teaches us that true worship is lived out in justice, mercy, and compassion. A faith that does not change how we treat others loses its flavor just like salt that has gone flat.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, reminds us that this Christian life is not built on impressive words or human wisdom. He came with simplicity, humility, and trust in the power of God. The light we shine is not our own brilliance; it is the light of Christ working through ordinary people who depend on Him.
When we live this way, Isaiah’s promise is fulfilled: “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.” Our good works do not point to us, but to God. As Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may glorify your Father in heaven”.
As followers of Christ we are to know that:
Dear brothers and sisters, to follow Jesus is to accept this identity and its demands. The world does not need louder Christians, but truer ones, disciples whose lives make God’s love believable. If we allow Christ to season our lives with love and set our hearts on fire with His light, then the world will see, and God will be glorified.
Your Priest,
Fr. 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