For the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:9
Sunday March 15,2026
Message From Our Pastor & News
Dear Parishioners,
As we journey through the holy season of Lent, our community accompanies those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. Through Baptism one becomes a son or daughter of God. Through Confirmation one receives the Holy Spirit and becomes a soldier of Christ. Through Holy Communion one receives the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.
Among the most significant steps in this preparation are the “Three Scrutinies,” special rites celebrated on the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent. The Scrutinies are based on the Gospel readings from St. John and are intended to strengthen the catechumens by uncovering and healing what is weak and by strengthening what is good. They also invite the entire community to a deeper conversion, as we reflect on our own need for God’s mercy and transformation. The First Scrutiny, celebrated on the Third Sunday of Lent, is based on the passage of the Samaritan Woman at the Well. This scrutiny focuses on the living water that Christ offers to quench our deepest spiritual thirst. The Second Scrutiny, celebrated on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is based on the passage of the Man Born Blind. Here the theme is spiritual enlightenment. The man born blind receives both physical and spiritual sight, symbolizing the journey of faith. The Third Scrutiny, celebrated on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, is based on the passage of the Raising of Lazarus. This final scrutiny emphasizes Christ as the Lord of life.
Through these rites, the catechumens are prepared to fully embrace their new life in Christ at the Easter Vigil. Let us ask our Blessed Mother to help us and our catechumens prepare for the sacred days of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord.
Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE
WEEKLY NEWS
Congratulations to the 50/50 Winner
The winning ticket for Sun March 8th is 092651 for $138 & we still have the raffle price for Sun. Jan. 11th of $88.50 ticket 591779.
Bible Study – Gospel of Matthew – March 19th
Join the DRIVEN TO PRAISE prayer Group as we journey now through the Gospel of St. Matthew 7-8 pm at St. John the Baptist. For more info contact Daniel 647 928 6414.
Note There will be no 8am Mass and morning adoration on Thursday March 19th but there will be a Mass at 11am at Sacred Heart, details below.
Mass of St. Joseph, Thursday March 19
The solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Principal Patron of Canada, Patron of the Universal Church and foundation feast day for the sisters serving at our Parish will be on March 19 everyone is invited to the 11am Mass at Sacred Heart church followed by a potluck.
Bake Sale “The Catholic Missionary Children Oratory” will have a bake sale at the entrance of the Church on March 21st & 22nd to raise funds to help children in need. Please support their efforts to do almsgiving.
Easter Lilies A Donation would be appreciated to help purchase Lilies for the decoration of the church on Easter. Please drop your donation in the collection basket using the envelopes provided.
Lenten Activities The Way of the Cross – The way of the Cross will be guided every Friday during Lent, at Saint John the Baptist at 12:00am & at Sacred Heart at 6:30pm, or if First Friday after the 6:30pm Mass. Presentation for Lent March 21st and March 22nd Fr. Gaston will present a PowerPoint on the timeline of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Saturday, March 21st at Sacred Heart Church, after the 5:30pm Mass (in the basement). Sunday, March 22nd at Saint John’s, after the 10:30am Mass (in the basement). Holy Thursday April 2nd 6:00 pm at Sacred Heart 8:00 pm at Sacred Heart TLM 8:00 pm at St. John Good Friday April 3rd 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart TLM 3:00 pm at Sacred Heart 4:30 pm at St. John Easter Vigil April 4th 8:00 pm St. John 8:00 pm at Sacred Heart TLM |
D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS:
St. Alphonsus Oratory Adoration Chapel is in need of more adorers. Can you commit to One Hour a week to spend in prayer before the blessed Sacrament?
Schedule is set hourly, for Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Please contact Renate 905-934 5234; email ren.van60@gmail.com or Mary Ellen (705) 917-1637 maryellenandfrank2021@gmail.com
Solemn Reception and Veneration of the relic of St. Sister Maria Faustina Sunday, March 22nd 10am at Our Lady of Mercy Parish 196 Bridge Street West,Bancroft. Chief Celebrant Bishop of Pembroke Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. Veneration will follow after Mass, luncheon served in the hall following the celebration.
World Youth Day 2027 Anyone interested please email FrStephenDecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org
Journey Through Lent With Bishop Miehm
As we journey through Lent 2026, we are pleased to inform you that the Fourth Sunday of Lent video of the series titled “Journey through Lent” is now available on the CCCB website in English: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/
Way of the Cross 2026 Way of the Cross returns this Good Friday, April 3rd, 2026! Beginning at 10 AM at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, the young people of the Diocese will reenact the Stations of the Cross along Hunter Street leading to Immaculate Conception Parish on Rogers Street. All are welcome!