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 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
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.
Change in Mass Timings- There will be NO 8AM Mass and morning adoration on Thursday March 19th but there will be 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 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 – We appreciated your donation to help purchase Lilies for the decoration of the church on Easter. Donations can be dropped 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 12:00 AM & at Sacred Heart at 6:30 PM, or if First Friday after the 6:30PM Mass.
St. John the Baptist Peterborough (March 14, and 28)
Stations of the Cross for Children ages 7–12: 10:30
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 – Sacred Heart Church, after the 5:30 PM Mass (in the basement)
Sunday, March 22nd – Saint John’s, after the 10:30 AM Mass (in the basement).
Chrism Mass – Monday, March 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains
Holy Thursday April 2nd
6:00pm at Sacred Heart
8:00pm at Sacred Heart TLM
8:00pm at St. John
Good Friday April 3rd
12:00pm at Sacred Heart TLM
3:00pm at Sacred Heart
4:30pm at St. John
Easter Vigil April 4th
8:00pm St. John
8:00pm at Sacred Heart TLM
D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS
Relic Saint Faustina At Our Lady of Mercy Bancroft
Sunday March 22, Mass 10:00 am Our Lady of Mercy, Bancroft will be welcoming a 1st class relic of St. Faustina. His Excellency Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R. Bishop of the Diocese of Pembroke will be the main celebrant.
Journey Through Lent With Bishop Miehm
Fourth Sunday of Lent video of the series titled “Journey through Lent” is now available on
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!
St Alphonsus Adoration Chapel – Needs more adorers. Can you commit to One hour a week to spend in prayer before the blessed Sacrament? Schedule is set hourly Monday – Friday 9am- 8pm. Please contact Renate 905-934-5234 email ren.van60@gmail.com or Mary Ellen 705-917-1637 maryellenandfrank2021@gmail.com