Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With Palm Sunday, we begin Holy Week—the most important days of the entire year. We are called to keep these days sacred, just as they are. Let us be mindful of Jesus at every moment.

            On Palm Sunday, we hear two Gospels: one at the beginning of the Mass, recounting Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; and the second, after the readings, narrating His Passion and Death. The central theme of both Gospels is Christ the King.

The event that gives full meaning to both readings is what happened on that first Palm Sunday. Jesus, riding on a donkey, approaches Jerusalem – just as it was foretold: “look, your king is approaching, riding on the foal of a donkey” It was a joyful day. The sun was shining at noon, the people were rejoicing and shouting: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” (Here, Jesus fulfills the title of Melchizedek – King of Peace.)

Jesus desires to reign in Jerusalem. But the Gospel tells us: “As He drew near and came in sight of the city, He shed tears over it and said, ‘If you too had only recognized on this day the way to peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes!”

Jerusalem represents every soul – each one of us. Imagine the contrast between the joy of the people and the sorrow of Jesus. In less than a week, the same people will crucify Him – and for the same reason: He is the King of the Jews. They will clothe Him in red – the color of royalty. They will crown Him with thorns and place a reed in His hands like a scepter. They will kneel and mock Him, saying: “Hail, King!” On the Cross was written the reason for His execution: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

            This Holy Week, Jesus is approaching every soul. He wants to reign in our hearts. And while weeping He says: “If you had only recognized the day of your visitation” But He found no faith in Jerusalem “it was hidden from their eyes” Let us all strive to live this Holy Week to the best of our ability and with great faith.

God bless you all.                            Fr. Gaston Giacinti

WEEKLY NEWS

Parish office at Sacred Heart  Office hours will be Wednesday and Friday from 3PM to 5PM.

705-874-7100 Office Closed – Good Friday Apr. 18th and week of April 21st to 25th.

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 provided envelopes.

RIP—Monsignor John Pearson

We are saddened to share the passing of Monsignor John Thomas Pearson, P.H., J.C.D., Ph.D., a devoted priest of the Diocese of Peterborough, who died peacefully on April 9, 2025, at the age of 91. Ordained in 1958, Monsignor Pearson served in many parishes (including St. John the Baptist) and made lasting contributions to Catholic education and parish life, including the founding of the Cathedral Perpetual Fund and the Cathedral Knights of Columbus Council. Monsignor will lie in repose at the Cathedral of St. Peter-In-Chains on Monday, April 14 from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the Office of the Dead at 7:00 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m., with Bishop Daniel Miehm presiding and Fr. Peter Conlin (his nephew) preaching.

Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew – Upcoming Classes – April 24^th at St. John

Join the DRIVEN TO PRAISE prayer Group as we journey now through the Gospel of St .Matthew 7pm – 8 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. For more info contact Daniel 647 928 6414.   

March For Life 2025

GET ON THE BUS!!

March for Life, Ottawa, Thursday, May 8, 2025. Begins with Pro-life Mass, 7:30 am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, $40 per person, $10 per student, Free for children under 10 yrs., priests and religious. For reservations: Elizabeth 705-931-7633, eldonald500@gmail.com

Holy Week Schedule

Chrism Mass Monday – April 14th

• 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in Chains

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

*Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the Holy Mass to midnight, all are invited to accompany Jesus just as the disciple’s kept vigil with Christ before his passion.

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

*The Stations of the Cross at both parishes is cancelled. Evening Adoration and confessions at Sacred Heart are cancelled.

*The Divine Mercy novena starts today. Pamphlets are available at the entrance of the church.

Easter Vigil – April 19th

*9AM Sacred Heart Rosary of the 7 Sorrows of Mary

• 8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Gaston Giacinti (concelebrated by Fr. Stephen). *After the Holy Mass please join us for refreshments at the Rectory of SH.
• 10:30pm TLMass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy

*Please note there is no 4:00pm Mass at St. John and 5:30pm Mass at Sacred H.