Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Candlemass Day" (Marianne Stokes, 1901)
Dear Friends in Christ,
Every Easter Vigil, we gather in front of a new fire and prepare the large paschal candle which the priest processes through the church, singing three times, Christ, our Light! to which the faithful sing back, Thanks be to God! The largest and the most prominent candle in the church is the Paschal Candle, which burns as a symbol of the presence of Christ all throughout Eastertide and at funerals as a sign of the resurrection of the body.
But there are other candles in church, too: the sanctuary lamp, which hangs in front of the tabernacle whenever Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is present; altar candles, which vary in number according to the solemnity of the celebration, and which give light to the altar; and votive lights, which we light as a symbol of our prayers rising to God even when we are not physically present.
Most people don’t use candles to light their homes any more, except in a blackout or for a romantic dinner. But they are still a powerful symbol of Christ’s love piercing through the darkness.
On Monday, the Church celebrates one of the most beautiful feasts of the liturgical year: the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem; a feast which is often called candle-mass. This feast, which began in Jerusalem as early as the 4th century, commemorates that beautiful hymn of Simeon when he describes the baby Messiah, "a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people, Israel" (Lk 2:32), by blessing candles.
Of course normally the best way to keep the feast of the Presentation is to attend holy Mass (and don't forget to bring your candles to be blessed), but if you are unable to you can at least read those verses of St. Luke’s Gospel (Lk 2:22-40) and give thanks for the gift of our salvation in the words of holy Simeon.
One of the things we do with blessed candles is bless throats in honour of the Bishop and Martyr St. Blaise. His feast day, February 3rd, is this Tuesday, so we are going to do the blessing not only after that 9am Mass but also after the Vigil & Sunday Masses this weekend.
We pray that the brightness of the candles we use in divine worship will awaken in our hearts love for the uncreated brilliance of Christ’s perpetual light so that all people will see the unbounded light of his glory reflected in the holiness of his Church.
Fr. Justin
PS - Candlemas, Feb 2nd is known in France as “crepe day”. A good day to make savoury crepes for dinner (use whole wheat flour and fill them with ham, cheese, etc.) and sweet crepes for dessert (use white flour and top them with fruit, chocolate, whipped cream).
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Weekly Schedule
Snowball fight in St. Peters Square, 1956
4th Sunday in OT
Sat, Jan 31 @ 5pm*
Intentions of the Tai Family
[req. John & Kom Tai ~ Flower Sponsor
* Throats will be blessed after Mass through the intercession of St. Blaise.
4th Sunday in OT
Sun, Feb 1 @ 11am**
Alex Morrison †
[req. Garry & Brenda Poirier]
*Jr. Liturgy
* Throats will be blessed after Mass through the intercession of St. Blaise.
Lectors
5pm: Maureen O'Connor
11am: Anne Marie McGregor
Sun, Feb 1 @ 12-12:30pm
Singers for Jesus Practice
The Presentation of the Lord (F)
Candlemas - World Day for Consecrated Life
Peter Murphy †
[req. Bob & Donna Murphy]
*Candles will be blessed at the beginning of the Mass
Mon, Feb 2 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Blaise, Bishop & Martyr (OM)
Tues, Feb 3 @ 9am
Unannounced Mass
Wed, Feb 4 @ 9am
Julia & Karolina Pietrus
[req. Alicja Farmus Pietrus]
Wed, Feb 4 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr (M)
Thur, Feb 5 @ 9am
Deceased Bishops & Priests of the Archdiocese †
[req. Fr. Brian Price]
St. Paul Miki & Companions, Martyrs (M)
First Friday
Fri, Feb 6 @ 9am
Alex Morrison †
[req. Mark & Jan Neal]
Fri, Feb 6 @ 9:30-10:30am
** First Fri Holy Hour! **
- Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart
- Litany to the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart of Mary
Weekly Schedule
4th Sunday in OT
Sun, Feb 1 @ 9am**
Pro Populo
*Jr. Liturgy
* Throats will be blessed after Mass through the intercession of St. Blaise.
Lector: Jason Reck
Greeters: Don & Noreen Baile
Jr. Liturgy Leader: Cheryl Freeman
Wed, Feb 4 @ 9am
Gordon Sommerville †
[req. Sommerville Family]
Wed, Feb 4 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Wed, Feb 4 @ 6:30pm
"Sacred Hearts of Hope" Information Meeting
O'Neill Parish Hall
Fri, Feb 6 @ 6:15-7:30am
That Man Is You
#17 - Fr. Augustus Tolton
O'Neill Parish Hall, Madoc
Our Lady's Saturday
First Saturday
Sat, Feb 7 @ 9am
Elaine Quinn
[req. Betty Lowrie]
Sat, Feb 7 @ 9:30-10:30am
** First Sat Holy Hour! **
- Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sat, Feb 7 @ 10:30am
OFS Queen of Peace Fraternity
O'Neill Parish Hall
O'Neill Parish Hall
- All are welcome for coffee, muffins & fellowship
7-Day Votive Candle Offerings
There are many reasons to light votive candles: to give honour to a particular saint; we can light them in memory of a deceased loved one too, or for someone who is facing illness or other troubled times. As they continue to burn in Church, it can comfort us to know that the light of our candle continues to honour God. We are usually asked to make an offering to the Church when we light candles, usually to cover the cost of the candles. Candles have a rich history in our Church. May the flame of faith in your heart be undimmed. When the Lord comes may you go out to meet him with all the Saints in the Heavenly Kingdom!
SHJ CHURCH
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
Repose of the Soul of Alex Morrison †
[req. Anne Marie McGregor]
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Special Intention
[req. Anne Marie McGregor]
ST. JOSEPH
Repose of the Soul of Peter Murphy †
[req. Anne Marie McGregor]
ST. ANNE & OUR LADY
Special Intention
[req. Anne Marie McGregor]
SHM CHURCH
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
[available]
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
[available]
You can put your $10 7-Day Votive Offering in the filled-in pink envelope.
Any questions? Contact Pauline at the parish office @ 613.472.2220 or sacredheart.mm@archkingston.ca
"Hope anchors the soul"
(Heb 6:19)
Sacred Hearts of Hope is a new initiative for both our Madoc and Marmora parishes. It's a pastoral care group we want to start during this special Anniversary Year that focuses on outreach to those who are home bound, or in the nursing home, focusing on the elderly and lonely.
Our Mission
To provide Catholic Based support, to our home bound parishioners and fellow Christians in our community, by providing a meaningful visit with them, to help nurture their spiritual well being.
Our inaugural and informational meeting for this new initiative take place
Wed, Feb 4th @ 6:30pm
O'Neill Parish Hall
SHM Madoc
where we will review ideas and approaches to this new program. This is a wonderful way to get involved! If you have a heart for those on the periphery or are just curious to learn more, please come to this meeting.
"Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
(Mt 25:40)
MANDATORY
First Holy Communion & First Reconciliation
Parent & Candidate Meeting
Thursday, February 19
6:30pm SHJ Hall
The meeting will consist of introducing our parish catechists, an outline of the program that will be used, expectations, as well as encouraging you to be supportive of your child. Fr. Justin will also outline the component of parish participation.
Our program emphasizes the children's personal journey of faith and relationship with God, and consists of 8 sessions, each focusing on key aspects of the faith. It incorporates Scripture, Catechism teachings, prayer and family activities. The Kerygma, the core Gospel message, is central to the program and parents are encouraged to participate actively in their child's faith journey.
Registration forms and material will be available in the narthex of the churches this weekend, as well as handed out through SHJ school. They are attached below.
We look forward to meeting with you and your children as we begin preparation for this wonderful and special time in your child’s life. Please feel free to contact the Parish Office (613.472.2220 or sacredheartmm@archkingston.ca ) if you have any questions.
First Holy Communion
Corpus Christi Sunday
Sunday, June 7 2026
Sunday, June 7 2026
11am @ SHJ
Classes
#1 - Feb 28
#2 - Mar 14
#3 - Mar 28
#4 - Apr 11
#5 - Apr 25
- Apr 28 (First Confessions)
#6 - May 9
#7 - May 23
#8 - May 30
- June 6 (Retreat)
- June 7 (First Communion)
Registration forms due by Thur, Feb 26.
Confession Schedule this Week
Sat: 4-4:45pm
Sun: 8-8:45am & 10-10:45am
Mon: 8-8:45 & 9:45-10:15am
Tues: 9-9:45am
Wed: 8-8:45 & 9:45-10:15am
Thur: 8-8:45pm
First Fri: 8-8:45 & 9:45-10:15am
First Sat: 8-8:45 & 9:45-10:15am
Anointing of the Sick
Those Catholics confronted with serious illness, chronic illness, or surgery are invited to request the Sacrament of Anointing by calling Fr. Justin for an appointment. We also now have a wonderful Pastoral Care team made up of generous parishioners who can bring Holy Communion to the sick and those confined to their own homes. Again, if you are someone or know of someone who would like to receive Sacraments at their home, please contact the office @ 613.472.2220 for more information.
If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions.
shjpayments@gmail.com (SHJ)
shmpayments@gmail.com (SHM)
Of course we gratefully accept donations by cash or cheque mailed or dropped off into our secure mailboxes, or in the plate during the offertory collection.
Requesting Mass Intentions
To arrange to have a Mass celebrated, just contact our secretary Pauline Davis (613.472.2220 or SacredHeart.MM@archkingston.ca) or better yet, use the mass intention envelopes found in the vestibule, fill it out and put in the $20 offering and place it in the collection basket at Mass. We will do our best to have the Mass offered on the date requested.
By using the white Flower Sponsor envelopes (located in the narthex), a one time donation of $40 will provide flowers for the sanctuary and shrines, and you'll also get a Mass intention included in that. So a great deal if you think about it! The churches are beautifully decorated in large part to your flower donations. And when you see in the Flocknotes Masses being offered "For the X Family Intentions" - usually those are from the Family flower sponsor. Thanks to Shirley Gauvreau, Brenda Poirier, Iris Doyle & Joanne Forestell for always doing such a splendid arrangement of the flowers! Thank you for your support!
Don't forget that great online faith resources are available to every member of our parish including books, movies, podcasts and more at Formed.org.To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
Go to https://signup.formed.org/
Enter our parish’s postal code (K0K 2M0)
Enter your name and your email address.
Links, Recommendations & Random Thoughts
Hard to disagree with this eh? LOL
- Blessing of Throats: St. Blaise was a fourth century bishop in Armenia. We don't know much about his life, but we know by tradition that he saved a small boy from choking on a fish bone. Because of this, people through the ages have sought his help, especially those who are afflicted with ailments of the throat. His feast day is Tues, Feb 3rd, but the Church will continue its ministry to the sick through the blessing of throats after the Sunday Masses. This blessing asks God's healing and protection. Two blessed candles, joined in the form of across and usually tied with a red ribbon (as sign of the martyrdom of Blaise), are placed around the throat of each person asking a blessing. Our limitations and weaknesses help us turn to God for protection and care.
- Singers for Jesus: If you are a young member of this parish who likes to sing or play an instrument, stick around for a half hour after this mass at the back of the church for a little get-together. This will continue after the first Sunday Mass of each month. Thank you to Colleen MacAlister for organizing.
- Fr. Price is away for a month starting this Thursday helping to cover his former parish St. FX in Brockville. We’ll miss him!
- Are you doing it?
- First Holy Communion Registration is now underway for students in Grade 2 and up. The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion will take place on Corpus Christi Sunday - June 7, 2026. Registration forms are available in the narthex, the parish office, attached above and have be sent out by Sacred Heart of Jesus school this past week. Completed forms should be returned by Feb 26 to our parish secretary Pauline at the office.
- Parish Housekeeping: Please feel free to take 1 or 2 envelopes when needed for your mass request and refrain from stock piling handfuls of these envelopes. They keep disappearing without being used, so just the requested mass offering envelope as needed. Thank you!
Thank you. - On Monday, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. According to Old Testament law, two ritual acts needed to take place for a firstborn son. First, the mother of a newborn son was ritually unclean for seven days, and then she was to “spend thirty-three more days in a state of blood purity” (see Leviticus 12). During these forty days the mother was not to “touch anything sacred nor enter the sanctuary till the days of her purification are fulfilled.” For this reason, today’s feast has at times been called the “Purification of Mary.” Note how Monday's Feast is celebrated in our Church exactly forty days after Christmas. Secondly, the father of the firstborn son was to “redeem” the child by making an offering to the priest of five shekels so that the priest would then present the child to the Lord (see Numbers 18:16) Remember also that the firstborn male of all the Egyptians, animals and children, were killed during the tenth plague, but the firstborn males of the Israelites were spared. Thus, this offering made for the firstborn son in the Temple was a way of ritually redeeming them in commemoration of that plague. Another name traditionally given for today’s feast is 'Candlemass'. As early as in the fifth century, the custom of celebrating this feast with lighted candles developed. The lit candle symbolized Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be 'a light to enlighten the pagans', as per Monday's gospel reading. At the 9am Mass, there will be a blessing of candles. You may either bring your own candles to be blessed or you can purchase Candlemas Candles (there are 2x8” candles in a box for $5). Candles to be blessed are to be placed in the baskets near the altar before Mass.
SHJ Jr. Liturgy last Sunday with our wonderful leaders Colleen Shannon, Kelly Rinder, Patricia Brownson & Colleen MacAlister.
Since we've been reading from the Book of Samuel about David these last weeks at weekday Mass, the new animated movie by Angel Studios is getting amazing reviews. I believe it's on Amazon Prime now.
- Lector Schedule for SHJ: If you are interested in being added to the Lector Schedule or would like to be removed from the SHJ lector schedule please contact Fr. Justin or Maureen O'Connor by Feb 14, as the new schedule will be created and ready for pick up the weekend of Feb 21/22.
- SHM Lectors: There's a new schedule lovingly organized by Cathy M. & Charlotte L. We are very grateful to all who so faithfully and beautifully proclaiming God’s Word.
- SHM Greeter Schedule: Thank you Charlotte L for organizing the new schedule and especially grateful to all our wonderful greeters who warmly welcome parishioners and visitors to Sacred Heart Mary every Sunday.
Due to the winter storm last weekend we had to reschedule the Friarside Chat to Sat, Feb 28 from 11am-1pm at O'Neill Parish Hall in Madoc. This is a chance to deepen your Christian faith by learning about the several different “spiritualities” within the Catholic Church. Which one do you identify with most? Fun, fellowship and a light lunch provided, free of charge. A presentation by Brother Alan OFM cap and Brother Stephen OFM cap. Sponsored by the Queen of PEACE Fraternity.
The Family Office February Newsletter is out!
- A big thank you to Don B. & Denis W. for snow-shovelling and overseeing the meter change at SHM Hall and for Bob M. & Garry P. for all the fixes they've done in SHJ (water tank and heater) and rectory this week.
“Food for Thought”
by Collen MacAlister ofs
Whatsoever things are good, pure, holy, positive, admirable, heroic, hopeful, happy, if there is anything of good report, think on these things. That is my amplified paraphrase of Philippians 4:8.
They say we are what we eat. Today’s daily thought diet may not be healthy. But the scriptures give us many promises that can strengthen us we if we read them and think on them, even memorize them and say them over in our minds. Here’s one: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13) and then again “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Neh 8:10). Definitely on my daily menu and definitely food for thought!
Above, Archbishop Mulhall's homily from the 200th Anniversary Mass this past Tuesday. And below, a letter from His Grace regarding the same.
- Healing Mass: Next month on the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes (which is the World Day of the Sick), SHJ & SHM will offer a Healing Mass for the Sick. Fr. Bill Maloney & parishioners of St. Mary's in Campbellford will also be joining us in this celebration. This Healing Mass will take place on Feb 11th @ 7pm at SHJ Marmora. Please spread the word and in particularly invite anyone you know who is sick (esp. with cancer, recovering from it or in remission) regardless of denomination to attend and receive this powerful Sacrament (for Catholics) or a special blessing (for non-Catholics).
- St. Mary's Parish Campbellford Winter Fun Dinner: Beat the winter blues attending our winter Fun Dinner this Sat, Jan 31 @ 5– 6:30pm in St. Mary’s School Gym. Dine to succulent roast beef/pork, mashed potatoes, gravy + pie. Adults $20, Children 6-10 are $10 under 5 are free. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Jan 28th. Call 705.768.0844 to order tickets.
- Income Tax Receipts: We are currently preparing your income tax receipts for your 2025 donations and they will be available in the vestibule of the churches next weekend. Thank you for your donations - your generosity is truly appreciated. Making them available for pick-up ahead of the Apr 30 deadline saves the parish the cost of mailing them, so we are grateful to those parishioners who can pick them up when they come to Mass. They will be in alphabetical order. Please ensure to check the complete name, so you do no pick up someone else's receipt. We will mail out those that have not been picked up a few weeks before the deadline. Also note that there are still a number of 2026 offertory envelopes at the back of the church too - please pick yours up.
- Parish Pancake Brunch: Our Knights of Columbus #7301 are hosting a Pancake luncheon after the 11am Mass on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, so Sun, Feb 15th @ 12pm at SHJ Hall. Lunch includes maple syrup, pancakes, sausages, hash browns and beverages. Invite your friends and family and neighbours. Goodwill offering only.
- Ash Wednesday is Coming: Though it scarcely seems possible, Lent begins in less than three weeks and so now is the time to give careful consideration to your own program of spiritual renewal. A time-honoured custom for Catholics is to give up something for Lent, usually a favourite food or pastime, as a means of growing in self-discipline and joining more fully in Christ’s self-sacrificing love. But in addition to giving something up, another useful practice for enriching Lent is taking something on. Find a good book for spiritual reading, resolve to give alms to assist those in need, or study and pray with Sacred Scripture, either alone or with others. Give some time now to preparing for Lent by preparing a brief Plan of Life to help you become a more faithful disciple of Christ. That way, when Ash Wednesday arrives on Feb 18th, your 40 Days of fasting, prayer and works of charity will be greatly enriched.
- Palms to Ashes: Many of the faithful have used palm branches from Palm Sunday to decorate their homes. Using palms as decoration in the house serves as a constant reminder of Palm Sunday. It is a beautiful way to stay connected to Holy Week throughout the year. If you are ready to part with your blessed palms, you can bring them back and place them in the receptable provided in the narthex of our churches. The palms are burned to create ashes for use on Ash Wednesday (Feb 18). The burning of palms often takes place on Shrove Tuesday (17th).
PILGRIMAGE
TO THE HOLY LAND
with Fr. Justin & Fr. Price
Have you ever longed to visit the Holy Land during your lifetime, to follow in the footsteps of Our Blessed Lord, to pray, kneel and kiss the soil where his sacred feet trod? Would you like the Sacred Scriptures to be opened up in new and exciting ways? Do you want to experience His Mercy? Do you want your family to be converted? Do you expect a healing for you or someone you love? Do you desire to make atonement for your past sins? Or simply to give thanks to God for all the blessings He's given you?
Then let us go up to Jerusalem!
We are thrilled to invite you to the pilgrimage that transforms lives more than any other: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, October 5–15, 2026, with Fr. Justin and Fr. Price. This is no ordinary trip. It is a living encounter with the very places where the Word became flesh.
We have carefully designed this itinerary with one goal above all: deepening your personal relationship with the Savior. That’s why we have built in generous time at each holy site – plenty of time for silent prayer, reflection, and lingering before and after Mass. No rushing from one place to the next. We want you to be able to sit, pray, and let the Lord speak to you in the very places where he once walked. You have no idea how many sites I cut because I wanted a slower, more relaxed and meditative pace. And beware: the terrain of the Holy Land is not easy, and if you thought the walking in Rome was a bit of a challenge, well...
Many of you have told me how much you missed the Holy Land during the pandemic years, and how the war has made returning seem uncertain. Now is the perfect time: the region is open, safe for pilgrims, and the spiritual hunger is stronger than ever. Come and see for yourself – walk where our Blessed Lord walked, touch the stones he touched, and let the Holy Spirit renew you in ways that words cannot describe. Many of you know that the Holy Land is my favourite place in the world, and I've been longing to get back there after the last 4 planned trips have been cancelled.
Only 40 spots are available, and 19 have already been reserved by past pilgrims who didn’t even wait for this official announcement. Demand is high, and availability is limited. Secure your place early so you don’t miss this life-changing journey.
The detailed day-by-day itinerary and registration form are attached. Please review them, share it with your friends and family, pray about it over Christmas, and let me or Edgar know as soon as possible if you’d like to join us. It will be an unforgettable grace-filled experience.
Because of the physical rigours of making a trip of this kind, all pilgrims must be in general good health and able to walk up stairs and across rough ground without assistance. This trip is not a vacation, and we are not looking for rest or recreation. A pilgrimage is a journey of faith that entails penance, conversion, reconciliation, and restoration, and each part of the journey must therefore be marked by a spirit of renunciation of self in order to be conformed more completely to the Lord Jesus.
"Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, There's always laughter and good red wine. At least I've always found it so. Benedicamus Domino!"
