Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church presents us with the Gospel of the Transfiguration. But why do we hear this passage now when the Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th? Because at the heart of this event is the “EXODUS that Jesus was going to accomplish in Jerusalem” (Lk 9:31) – that is, His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

The Transfiguration is a moment of profound significance. By looking at those present at this event, we can understand its importance:

First, we see the Most Holy Trinity: the voice of the Father, the cloud is the Holy Spirit, and the Son transfigured in glory. Then, we have the presence of the Old Testament: Moses, representing the Law (since it was given through him), and Elijah, representing the Prophets (as one of the greatest among them). Together, they signify “the Law and the Prophets,” a common expression for the Old Testament. Finally, we see the presence of the New Testament in Peter, James, and John, the three disciples who would later witness Christ’s agony in Gethsemane.

Why did Jesus transfigure Himself before them? The Transfiguration occurred just weeks before His Passion. The disciples would soon see their Master crucified and buried, and their faith would be shaken. So Jesus revealed His glory in order to strengthen their faith in preparation for the trials to come.

Just as the Transfiguration prepared the disciples for the Passion, our moments of grace prepare us for times of struggle. This Lent, let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us understand that times of consolation are meant to sustain us in times of desolation, knowing that all things lead to the final victory of Easter.

God bless you     

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE.

WEEKLY NEWS

Note There will be NO 8AM Mass and morning adoration at on Wed March 19^th but there will be a Mass at 11am at Sacred Heart, details below.

 Mass of St. Joseph, Wednesday 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.

The Way of the Cross (The Stations of the Cross)

The way of the Cross will be guided every Friday during Lent, at Saint John the Baptist at 12:00 AM & at Sacred Heart at 6:30 PM, or if First Friday after the 6:30PM Mass. 

Holy Thursday – April 17th

6:00pm Mass of the Last Supper at Sacred Heart by Fr. Stephen DeCarlo

7:30pm Mass of the Last Supper at St. John’s by Fr. Gaston Giacinti

7:30pm TLMass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy

Good Friday – April 18th

10:00am Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral

1:00pm TLCeremony of the Passion at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy

3:00pm Ceremony of the Passion at Sacred Heart by Fr. Gaston Giacinti

4:30pm Ceremony of the Passion at St. John’s by Fr. Stephen DeCarlo

Easter Vigil – April 19th

8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Gaston Giacinti (concelebrated by Fr. Stephen DeCarlo)

10:30pm TLMass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy

Volunteers The Diocese of Peterborough has required, that all volunteers in any capacity must be screened through the Diocese Volunteer screening Program, so if you are a volunteer at either Sacred Heart or St Johns and have not been contacted yet for the screening, please reach out to Nithya Rozario @ 416 558 2562/ nithyavathi@gmail.com at the earliest or Ann Kennedy 705 742 8534.

Friday Adoration at Sacred Heart

Every Friday there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart in reparation for the offences made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from 1:30 to 6:30PM and confessions from 5:00 to 6:30PM.

Catholic Missionary Children Oratory

For Children 7-12 years old. Saturdays 10:30 AM to noon at St. John the Baptist. For info or to register contact Sr. Inmaculada at stjohnandsacredheart@gmail.com

Altar Boy Group at Sacred Heart 

1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month, 6:15 – 8:30 PM.

Way of the Cross 2025

On Good Friday, April 18th, 2025, the young people will once again reenact the Stations of the Cross in the streets of downtown Peterborough! Beginning with a prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains at 10:00 AM, the young actors will don period-authentic costumes and re-present Jesus’ Passion and crucifixion at each intersection along Hunter Street, concluding on the front steps of Immaculate Conception Parish. It is a powerful and moving testimony of faith from our young people and it is an inspiring event for both young and old. All are welcome!

Priestly Ordination of Deacon Peter Bissonnette

 It is with great joy that we announce that Peter Bissonnette will be ordained to the priesthood on May 30th, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, Peterborough! All are welcome!