Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, we celebrate the Third Epiphany: the Wedding at Cana. This Gospel passage reveals a profound truth about the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ. His first public miracle occurs at a wedding, a setting that symbolizes the intimate union between God and humanity.

Through the Incarnation, Jesus – the Divine Person – weds His human nature. This mystery is at the heart of our faith, reflected in Christ’s own words: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son” (Mt. 22:2). This marriage finds its fullest expression in the Church, the Bride of Christ. As the Book of Revelation proclaims, “The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, and His bride has prepared to welcome Him” (Rev. 19:7). In the Church is included all the baptized, this is why the very first marriage is between the soul and God; and then between a man and a woman.

This week, we also enter the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed from January 18 to 25. These days fall between the Confession of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul – two pivotal moments in the history of our Church. This is a time for Christians of all denominations to join in prayer for the unity of all who share the one baptism in Christ. This week, let us ask the Lord to heal the divisions that wound His Body and to bring all His children into full communion in the Church.

God bless you

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE.

WEEKLY NEWS

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025

January 18 to 25

This year’s theme, inspired by the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, is “Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26).

Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew – Thursday January 30th, 2025

Join the DRIVEN TO PRAISE prayer Group as we journey now through the Miracle ministry of Jesus 7pm – 8 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. For more info contact Daniel @ DanielRozario@live.com or 647 928 6414.

Trent Catholics are reaching out to all university students who are looking to get involved in the Catholic community on campus. They run events like adoration, men’s and women’s night, faith studies and more. For more information, please speak to Angelo Zidan, at the end of the Mass.

Sacred Heart Choir

All voices (including children aged 10+) are invited to join! No previous experience necessary. Please contact Christine by call or text at 343-369-8739 to learn more or to sign up.

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.

FORMED Sign-up

1. Visit Website – formed.org, select “Sign Up”.
2. For Parish Name type in “Saint John the Baptist 300 Wilson Street” both parishes (Sacred Heart & St. John are using the same account)
3. Then after selecting the Church, click on “Next”.
4. Fill in your name & email to create an account. “Sign Up”

D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS:

Camp Northen Lights Collection

will take place next weekend January 22-23. The Camp provides a wilderness camping experience for children aged 9-13, as well as a leadership experience for High School students as volunteer counsellors. For further information call Randy Riel at 705 872 7343

Jubilee Mass: World Day for Consecrated Life St. Mary’s Lindsay

Join us February 2nd when St. Mary’s Lindsay celebrates the year of Jubilee and the World Day of Consecrated Life. Our schedule is as follows: 10:30 a.m.   Blessing of the candles (please leave your candles on the stairs of the altar for blessing)

10:45 a.m.   Parishioners pick up their blessed candles

11:00 a.m.   Mass offered by his Excellency Bishop Miehm

12:15 p.m.   Reception in the parish hall at St. Mary School

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE/ CHANGE OF DATE

Just a reminder that our diocesan Marriage Preparation Course will take place online on Saturday May 10, 2025 with presentations on video being sent out for three weeks previous. Any couples preparing for marriage, should go to the link below to register https://www.peterboroughdiocese.org/en/life-and-faith/sacrament-of-marriage-preparation-online.aspx