First Sunday of Lent
The month of February is dedicated to the Most Holy Family
"The Temptations of Christ" (Eric Armusik, 2011)
Dear Fellow Lenten Wayfarers,
Every Sunday, week after week, we profess our faith. That is, we say the Creed, from the Latin word Credo, “I believe,” - the first word of the profession of faith. The text we have been using on Sunday customarily is called the Nicene Creed because it was composed at the Council of Nicaea in the year 325. It was later modified at the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople in 381, and so its true and full name is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (which is why we just call it the Nicene Creed!)
Every Sunday, week after week, we profess our faith. That is, we say the Creed, from the Latin word Credo, “I believe,” - the first word of the profession of faith. The text we have been using on Sunday customarily is called the Nicene Creed because it was composed at the Council of Nicaea in the year 325. It was later modified at the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople in 381, and so its true and full name is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (which is why we just call it the Nicene Creed!)
But even older than the Nicene Creed is the text we call the Apostles Creed – not written by an apostle, but summarizing the saving doctrine taught by the apostles. The Apostles Creed was written by an unknown person or persons in the city of Rome.
Starting this Sunday through Pentecost, the Church encourages us to use the text of the Apostles Creed rather than the Nicene Creed at the profession of faith because the Apostles Creed is the baptismal profession of faith in the Church of Rome, and it is the Apostles Creed (in a question and answer format) that we will hear again on Easter Sunday, when Catholics the world over will be asked to renew the promises of their baptism.
So allow the Apostles Creed to stir up in your hearts your commitment to Christ, which was first made at your own baptism, and help prepare you to renew your promises this Easter.
Fr. Justin
Friday Abstinence: All Fridays of Lent are traditionally days of abstinence. On days of abstinence, meat should not be eaten at any meal. The law of abstinence binds all Catholics who have completed their 14th year.
Because we're having Stations 30 mins before the Vigil & Sunday Masses, you'll have to come extra early for confessions at SHM (7:45am-8:25am). For SHJ, until Fr. Price returns on March 7-8th weekend, confessions will be throughout the week as usual (schedule below) and only on Saturday from 4-4:45pm. When Fr. Price returns, he'll hear them from 10-10:25am before he starts the Stations at 10:30am. Plan accordingly.
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Weekly Schedule
"Jesus tempted by the Devil" (Gustave Doré, 1865)
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ 4:30pm
1st Sunday of Lent
Sat, Feb 21 @ 5pm
Pro Populo
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ 10:30am
1st Sunday of Lent
Sun, Feb 22 @ 11am*
Yvonne Minns †
[req. Children & Grandchildren]
* Jr. Liturgy
Lectors
5pm: Dale Clemons
11am: Colleen Shannon
Mon, Feb 23 @ 9am
Brad Haig
[req. Aileen Haig]
Mon, Feb 23 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Thur, Feb 26 @ 9am
Fr. Peter Bissonnette
[req. Willie Kuttschrutter]
Fri, Feb 27 @ 9am
Unannounced Mass
Fri, Feb 27 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Sacred Heart of Mary
Weekly Schedule
"The Temptation of Jesus" (Kim Ki-Chang)
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ 8:30am
1st Sunday of Lent
Sun, Feb 22 @ 9am*
Eng Tik Ling †
[req. Nicola Wand]
*Jr. Liturgy
Lector: Karen Nickle
Greeters: Charlotte Lahey
Jr. Liturgy Leader: Cheryl Freeman
"Jonah being Devoured by the Whale"
(Bible of St John XXII, France, 14th Century)
Wed, Feb 25 @ 9am
Living & Deceased Members of the McGowan & Lowrie Families †
[req. Betty & Lawrence Lowrie]
Wed, Feb 25 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Wed, Feb 25 @ 5pm
Combined SHM & SHJ Choir Practice
Wed, Feb 26 @ 6:30pm
SHM Parish Council Meeting
O'Neill Parish Hall
Fri, Feb 27 @ 6:15-7:30am
That Man Is You
#20 - The Four Last Things
O'Neill Parish Hall
7-Day Votive Candle Offerings
SHJ CHURCH
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
Yvonne Minns †
[req. Pauline & Steve Davis & Family]
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
[available]
ST. JOSEPH
My Family Members
[req. Anonymous]
ST. ANNE & OUR LADY
A Special Intention
[req. Anonymous]
SHM CHURCH
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
[available]
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
Terry & Leslie Murphy
[req. Don & Noreen Bailey]
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
Confession Schedule this Week
Our conversion from sin begins at Baptism, but as I mentioned last Sunday, it must continue all the days of our lives. After Baptism, the only ordinary way in which grave sins are forgiven is by receiving the Sacrament of Penance, by going to Confession. Catholics are bound (remember the power of binding and loosing, given by the Lord Jesus to his Apostles?) to go to Confession at least once each year as part of their Easter duty, and any Catholic who has not been to Confession in at least a year is no longer in full communion with Christ and his Church. I invite you to go to Confession during these 40 Days of preparation for Easter. Remember the Word of the Lord: Return to me with your whole heart, and rend your heart.
Sat: 4-4:25pm
Sun: 7:45-8:25am
Mon: 8-8:45am & 9:45-10:15am
Wed: 7:45am-8:45am
Thur: 8-8:45pm
Fri: 8-8:45 & 9:45-10:15am
* No confessions at SHJ before the 11am Mass until Fr. Price returns on March 8, as I won't have time after returning from the 9am Madoc Mass.
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.
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.
At the entrances of SHJ & SHM, you’ll find a box in which you can put non-perishable food items to be donated to the Food Bank. I encourage each family – weekly, if possible – to bring an item (make it part of your normal shopping routine) so we can donate them to those in need. As you know, many families are finding it very difficult to make ends meet and are relying on the Food Bank to feed their families. Each month we try to make a small difference in their lives by donating either food or money to this worthy cause. The following items are particularly welcome: baby & infant formula, pasta & sauces, personal hygiene items, whole grain cereals, kraft dinner, shampoo, toilet paper, juice, peanut butter, canned vegetables & fruits, diapers & peanut butter or any non-perishable food. Thank you for your continued generosity.
Requesting Mass Intentions
The Greatest of Gifts ~ The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: When one receives a Mass Card for their intentions, for their anniversary, their birthday, graduation, or a special occasion, it is a source of comfort to know that one is being remembered at the holy altar. When the family of a deceased friend or relative receives a condolence card announcing that a Mass will be offered for the soul of their departed, it certainly provides more comfort than flowers. Requesting a Mass Intention is easy! 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!
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.
Links, Recommendations
& Random Thoughts
- Way of the Cross: On the walls of every Catholic Church are the Stations of the Cross, the last 14 instances of Our Lord's life here on earth. It is though his suffering and death surround us like arms, embracing us and reminding us that our God knows what suffering and death are. Reminding us that he is here with us in them. We will walk the Stations Sat @ 4:30pm (SHJ) & Sun @ 8:30am (SHM) and Sun @ 10:30am (SHJ). So come 30 mins early to Mass and include this beautiful devotion as part of your Lenten preparation of your heart to celebrate, in a deeper way this year, the great solemnity of our God’s love for us in his suffering, death, and resurrection at Easter.
I strongly recommend watching this new video from Philip, who was told that he was the only ALS patient still alive at his age and stage in his neurologist’s practice. It's not an easy watch, but it's a beautiful and powerful example of family, love and support. Philip calls these his best years.
A good video which compliments my homily and note last Sunday explaining how annulments differ from divorce. Watch!
- Lenten Daily Mass: If there's another practice that I'd urge you strongly to consider making a daily one during Lent, it's daily Mass. The readings from Sacred Scripture each day are chosen specifically to help us appreciate Lent far more deeply, and then we have the chance to participate live in 2026 in what our Lord did in the Upper Room on Holy Thursday and from the Cross on Good Friday. If you can come every day, you will see the major difference in your life. If you can only come certain days, please still come. In Mass, we fast (for an hour before Holy Communion out of hunger for God), we pray (the Mass is Christ's prayer that saved us), and, as we receive Christ's greatest Gift, we seek to "do this in memory of" him, and make of our life an alms. So daily Mass is the microcosm of Lent! Please think about coming!
- The Gospel this Sunday presents the temptations of Christ after his 40 days of fasting. The tempter first approaches Jesus in his hunger: "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." Jesus responds firmly: "It is written: 'One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" This powerful exchange reminds us that material needs - like food, money, or possessions - are real, but they are not our ultimate sustenance. The devil tempts us to prioritize worldly security over trust in God's provision. In the realm of financial stewardship, this temptation often appears as the urge to hoard resources "just in case," to chase endless accumulation, or to place our confidence in wealth rather than in the Father who provides. Lent calls us to examine our relationship with money and possessions through the three traditional pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Financial stewardship shines especially in almsgiving and fasting from consumerism. In this desert season, let us follow our Blesed Lord's example: resist the temptation to let finances define our security, and instead root our lives in God's faithful provision. This week, how can I place greater trust in God's word over material "bread" in my financial decisions?
- For more than sixteen years, St. Mary of Egypt Refuge has been offering Project Rachel retreats to extend hospitality and Christian Community to women who suffer the pain and grief of their children lost to abortion. Their retreats help women avail themselves of the forgiveness of Christ, and the healing that only our loving God can provide. The weekend retreat for women who have been hurt by abortion will take place Apr 24-26, 2026. You can speak with someone who understands and cares, and have a chance to begin the healing from loss and grief. Phone 289.691.6840, or ProjectRachel@stmarysrefuge.org. They treat all calls and inquiries with the utmost confidentiality. A web page describing their retreats is available. We would appreciate prayers, as well as volunteers willing to apply to cook for retreat weekends. (Fr. Justin will be the chaplain on this retreat)
- FYI: The Holy Rosary will be prayed every Thursday morning @ 9am front of the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at Sacred Heart of Mary Church. Enter through the door at the back between the hall and church.
- It seems that every week a number of our red pew missals go missing. Please return them and if you'd like to purchase one, we have a few extra copies in our sacristy. See Fr. Justin
- Receiving Holy Communion at SHJ:
- Let's try and get 5 or 6 people on each side across the rail. Shoulder to shoulder. Right now there's 4 and it's kinda inefficient.
- When you hear the bell rung indicating that the priest has received Holy Communion, please immediately start coming forward. This is especially important for those sitting in the first pews. As soon as the bell rings after Father drinks from the chalice, make your way up - don't hesitate.
Burning palms with the students on Shrove Tuesday!
New SHJ Lector schedule (starting March 7th) will be available in the narthex this weekend. Thank you to all our excellent lectors and especially to Maureen O'Connor for organizing this.
Congratulations to our Knights of Columbus Council 7301 on a successful Pancake luncheon this past Sunday. And thank you to all of you who came out in support of this parish event - there was a really terrific turnout. Everything was delicious. A special note of thanks to Grand Knight Dale Clemens for organizing this and all the Knights to worked together to make this a great success. Special thanks to Mark & Yvonne Leahy who donated the maple syrup.
- Cool article in the Catholic Register about an unexpected discovery they found at St. Mary's Cathedral while undergoing restoration.
Speaking of restorations, here's a short video of the renovated St. Michael's, which looks beautiful. This was right before they installed the new communion rail.
Ave Regina caelorum is the Marian antiphon priests and religious sing each night at the close of Compline, from Feb 2 until Wednesday of Holy Week. It's in the duotang (pg 23) and we'll be using it to start Mass or at Communion time occasionally. Here's the Holy Father singing it a few days ago.
Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned.
Hail, by angels mistress owned.
Root of Jesse, Gate of Morn
Whence the world's true light was born:
Glorious Virgin, Joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in heaven they see;
Fairest thou, where all are fair,
Plead with Christ our souls to spare
- Thank you to Rory C. for washing the kneelers at SHJ
- Thanks to Bob M. for fixing the leaky water pipes in the rectory basement and installing the new lock
- Thanks to Don B. for doing the self-inspection report for our buildings in Madoc for the insurance company.
- Thanks to Jacques L. for his assistance prepping the palms for burning and installing new Lenten hymns in our duotangs.
- Thanks to Debbie W for investigating pre-authorized payments for the offertory collection for our parishes.
Over 30 children at Junior Liturgy last Sunday. We're so grateful for our leaders to dedicate themselves so enthusiastically to teach these little ones the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A great turnout for Sacred Hearts of Hope's visit to Caressant Care this past Tuesday. The residents were very appreciative. Always a rewarding afternoon.
Our First Communion catechists and assistants (missing Vince B) at last night's parent-candidate information meeting. The deadline is next Thurs, Feb 26th and the first class is next Sat (28th).
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.
Anchor of Hope in Madoc is asking us to save the date for their CHILOUP spring fundraiser. Board member and SHM parishioner Charlotte Lahey has agreed to be a table host, so if you'd like to attend this worthwhile event, speak to Charlotte or Fr. Justin. This is a free event.
Our Knights of Columbus #7301 and SHM CWL are sponsoring tables as 'Campus Patrons' for the upcoming Catholic Christian Outreach St. John Fisher Dinner Gala taking place on March 19th. It is a one-night event to bring you into the Catholic ministry at Queen's University, hear from an incredible speaker, and raise the funds to make their work possible. The gala will include student and alumni testimonies, social time to mingle with the community, a keynote presentation by our own Archbishop, and an invitation to partner with Catholic Christian Outreach financially. Dinner will be served. A cash bar will be available for purchase. Semi-formal attire is encouraged and attendees are asked to register in advance.
Have you suffered the loss of a child from abortion, or the abortion pill? If grief, sadness, or shame has kept you alone in this, know that you are not alone, and that there is healing for you.
Project Rachel at the Refuge will hold a retreat for post-abortive women from April 24-26, 2026. Here you will find a beautiful, natural setting, companionship, and a welcome free of judgment or condemnation – healing is possible.
We treat all calls and inquiries with the utmost confidentiality. Call 613.473.2679 in confidence, and see stmarysrefuge.org/rachel.
Once again, our friends from Our Lady of Mercy parish in Bancroft will be hiring a bus for the annual March for Life in Ottawa this year on Thur, May 14th. Let's try and fill the bus this year! If you can't go but would like to support the March, please consider making a donation to offset the cost of the bus ($1750). So save the date and reserve a spot by calling Kathy Tripp @ 613.332.9383
UPDATE: Please note that only double rooms are available now. Single rooms requests will be placed on a waiting list. Also, of the 40 spots available, 20 have already been reserved. Demand is high, and availability is limited. Secure your place early so you don’t miss this life-changing journey.
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!
Fr. Justin & Fr. Price 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. Bring the Bible and the earliest days of the Catholic faith to life. Daily Mass. Meet other great people. Catholics and protestants welcome! Spots filling fast!
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.
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.
"All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful."
