Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:5
Sunday March 08,2026
Message From Our Pastor & News
Dear Parishioners,
The Gospel readings for this weekend and next are wisely given to us by the Church, as they beautifully portray the process of conversion experienced by the catechumens. During these days, through the Scrutinies, they are getting ready for the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. This weekend we have the Gospel of the Samaritan Woman at the well. In this Gospel, Jesus asks the woman for a drink and at the same time He promises a drink “If you knew the gift of God (the Holy Spirit), and Who is saying to you ‘Give me a drink’ (the Messiah who sent the Holy Spirit), you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water” In the Scriptures, water symbolizes the Holy Spirit especially for two reasons: 1) because of its power to cleanse (as when you wash dishes, mop the floor, or take a shower), and 2) because of its power to give life (as when it rains, plants grow, animals quench their thirst). When Jesus says to the woman: “Give me a drink” Jesus is telling her that He (Jesus) wants to satisfy His thirst by requesting her faith (of the woman). If she believe in Him as Messiah, He would give her the Holy Spirit, that is the Living Water. The conversation develops as Jesus guides the woman little by little to open her eyes to see who He was. The woman was amazed by His teaching saying “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when He comes, He will tell us everything” Now that everything is in place Jesus reveals Himself: “Jesus said to her: ‘I am He, the one Who is speaking with you’” She believed in Jesus! Like the Apostles when they left their nets, now this woman left her water jar and went to announce to the town the Messiah. Let us ask this to the Blessed Virgin Mary that in this Lent season, we may leave our nets and jar of water (our jobs for a moment) and open our door to Jesus Who is coming to our souls, so that we may worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE
WEEKLY NEWS
Catholic Missionary Children Oratory
All children ages 7 to 10 are invited on Saturdays to join the CMC at St. John the Baptist church at 10 am to noon. For info contact Sr. Inmaculada 705 977 6410 or stjohnandsacredheart@gmail.com
Parish 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 at 416 558 2562/ nithyavathi@gmail.com or Ann Kennedy 705 742 8534 at your earliest convenience.
Sign-up for FREE streaming at Formed:
www.Signup.Formed.org Enter your email (input your city to locate your Parish, click your parish and join).
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 chronology of the Gospel events, focusing on the week before the Passion, Passion Week, and the timeline of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The presentation will include maps, times, and locations. All are welcome! 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 |
DIOCESAN &O THER NEWS:
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.
Wayside Academy Wayside Academy, a private classical Catholic school in Peterborough is offering a chance for prospective students to come experience what Wayside is like. During Shadow Week, March 16-19, 2026, prospective students are invited to spend a full day (or more) immersed in our classrooms, community, and daily rhythms. From prayer and rich discussion to joyful camaraderie, students will experience firsthand what it means to learn in a Catholic classical environment rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness. JK & SK: Due to space considerations, Kindergarten students may participate in one Shadow Day. Grades 1–12: Students are invited to join us for up to four days during Shadow Week, March 16–19, 2026. Kindly note that parents are asked to drop off their child for this experience so students can fully participate in the rhythm of the school day. Shadow Week spaces are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. register: (705) 749-3658
World Youth Day 2027 Anyone interested are invited to attend an info session on March 11th at 7:00 PM. Please email FrStephenDecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org to register.
Lift Jesus Higher Rally Metro Toronto Convention Center, March 14th, one day. St. Alphonsus Liguori has booked a bus. Please contact Monica at 705-745-8623 or email monica@stalphonsus.net