Third Sunday of Lent
The month of March is traditionally dedicated to St. Joseph, Foster-father of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, most chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Prince and Patron of the Universal Church.
"Moses Striking Water from the Rock" (Jacob Jordaens, 1593)
Dear Friends in Christ,
Be sure to ‘spring forward’ before bed on Saturday so as not to miss morning Stations & Mass!
Fr. Justin
Be sure to ‘spring forward’ before bed on Saturday so as not to miss morning Stations & Mass!
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. Why? Because Friday is the day Christ offered his flesh in sacrifice on the Cross. By refraining from meat - the flesh of warm-blooded animals, we unite ourselves spiritually to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his flesh for the life of the world. The law of abstinence binds all Catholics who have completed their 14th year.The obligation to observe, as a whole or “substantially,” the penitential days specified by the Church is a serious obligation. The Code of Canon Law states: “On these days (of Penance), the faithful are in a special manner to devote themselves to prayer, to engage in works of piety and charity, to deny themselves, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the fast and abstinence…”
- Join us for a May 1st one-day parish bus pilgrimage to all the churches in our Western Deanery (Madoc, Tweed, Stoco, Read, Marysville, Deseronto, Picton, Wellington, 3xBelleville, Trenton, Batawa, Frankford, Stirling, Marmora). Save the date! Only 50 spots available which are filling up quickly. This will be quite an enjoyable day, but fast-paced and we're aiming for only a 15-20min visit to each church/mission. The route for the Western Deanery leg is below. Lunch in PEC. Should be quite fun. Aiming for a 12 hour day. Only $95 per person. Speak to Father or Diane or Nicola to register.
This is the first of four deanery pilgrimages that will cover all the churches in the entire diocese. One pilgrimage per season. The next one will be on June 24th and will cover the Eastern Deanery (Merickville, Kemptville, Spenverville, South Mountain, Chesterville, Morrisburg, Cardinal, Prescott, Brockville x2)
THE PASCHAL CANDLE
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.
The Paschal Candle, purchased new each year is not inexpensive. But like last year, we'll continue a new initiative in which one family from each parish sponsored the cost of the Paschal Candle, and as such, they will receive the remainder of the Paschal Candle this Easter.
This year the Paschal Candles at SHJ and SHM will both depict the Sacred Heart of Jesus and they cost $356 (3"x36" SHJ) and $305 (2.5"x36 SHM) respectively.
The reason we purchase a new Paschal Candle every year is given to us in the words of the Exsultet, (The Easter Proclamation):
On this, your night of grace, O holy Father,
accept this candle, a solemn offering, the work of bees and of your servants’ hands, an evening sacrifice of praise, this gift from your most holy Church.
But now we know the praises of this pillar,
which glowing fire ignites for God’s honour, a fire into
many flames divided, yet never dimmed by sharing of
its light, for it is fed by melting wax, drawn out by
mother bees to build a torch so precious.
O truly blessed night, when things of heaven
are wed to those of earth, and divine to the human.
Therefore, O Lord, we pray you that this
candle, hallowed to the honour of your name, may
persevere undimmed, to overcome the darkness of this night. Receive it as a pleasing fragrance, and let it
mingle with the lights of heaven. May this flame be
found still burning by the Morning Star: the one
Morning Star who never sets, Christ your Son, who,
coming back from death’s domain, has shed his
peaceful light on humanity, and lives and reigns for
ever and ever.
Roman & Ewa Korus sponsored last year's Paschal Candle for SHJ. A most generous donation to our parish! We need a sponsor for this year.
Paul & Cathy Francis sponsored the Paschal Candle last year for SHM, but this upcoming Easter candle is available if someone would like to sponsor it.
If you are interested in sponsoring SHJ or SHM's Paschal Candle this year (Sacred Heart, $356 & 305 respectively), please let Fr. Justin know by email or by calling the parish office
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Weekly Schedule
"Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well" (Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, 1818)
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ 4:30pm
3rd Sunday of Lent
Sat, Mar 7 @ 5pm
Pro Populo
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ 10:30am
3rd Sunday of Lent
Sun, Mar 8 @ 11am*
Charles & Shona O'Neill †
[req.O'Neill Family]* Jr. Liturgy
Lectors
5pm: Madeline McGregor
11am: Willie Kuttschrutter
Mon, Mar 9 @ 9am
Isaac Brownson Birthday Blessings
[req. Tony & Patricia Brownson]
Mon, Mar 9 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Tues, Mar 10 @ 9am
Rodel & Clarita Zantua
[req. Jennifer & Richard Ingham]
Isaac Brownson Birthday Blessings
[req. Tony & Patricia Brownson]
Mon, Mar 9 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Tues, Mar 10 @ 9am
Rodel & Clarita Zantua
[req. Jennifer & Richard Ingham]
Tues, Mar 10 @ 7PM
Knights of Columbus #7301 Meeting
SHJ Hall
Wed, Mar 11 @ 9am
Deceased Bishops & Priests of the Archdiocese †
[req. Fr. Brian Price]
Wed, Mar 11 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Thur, Mar 12 @ 9am
Unannounced Mass
Fri, Mar 13 @ 9am
Peter Murphy †
[req. Joe & Luisa Palma]
Fri, Mar 13 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Knights of Columbus #7301 Meeting
SHJ Hall
Wed, Mar 11 @ 9am
Deceased Bishops & Priests of the Archdiocese †
[req. Fr. Brian Price]
Wed, Mar 11 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Thur, Mar 12 @ 9am
Unannounced Mass
Fri, Mar 13 @ 9am
Peter Murphy †
[req. Joe & Luisa Palma]
Fri, Mar 13 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Sacred Heart of Mary
Weekly Schedule
Sat, Mar 7 @ 10:30am
Franciscan Fraternity Meeting
O'Neill Parish Hall
"Christ and the Samaritan Woman"
(Josef von Hempel, 1823)
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ 8:30am
3rd Sunday of Lent
Sun, Mar 8 @ 9am*
Shirley Lajoie †
[req. Len Lajoie]
*Jr. Liturgy
Lector: Don Bailey
Greeters: Dave & Carol Paranuik
Jr. Liturgy Leader: Cheryl Freeman
"St. Joseph with the Child Jesus"
(Francesco Grandi, 1892)
Wed, Mar 11 @ 9am
Fr. Brian Price Birthday Blessings
[req. SHM CWL]
Wed, Mar 11 @ 9:30-10:30am
** Holy Hour! **
Wed, Mar 11 @ 5pm
Combined SHM & SHJ Choir Practice
Wed, Mar 11 @ 6:30pm
Sacred Hearts of Hope
Pastoral Visitation Training Session O'Neill Parish Hall in Madoc
Fri, Mar 13 @ 6:15-7:30am
That Man Is You
#22 - The Triduum Through Jewish Eyes
O'Neill Parish Hall
7-Day Votive Candle Offerings
SHJ CHURCH
OUR BLESSED MOTHER
For Prayers Answered
[req. Tonya Sandford]
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
For Prayers Answered
[req. Tonya Sandford]
ST. JOSEPH
For Canada
[req. Dale & Vicki Clemens]
ST. ANNE & OUR LADY
For Norma Sweeney - leukemia)
[req. Mark & Yvonne Leahy]
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
Confession Schedule this Week
The Sacrament of Penance is a sacred mystery of conversion from sin, confession of guilt, forgiveness of the wrong done, and reconciliation with God and His Church. All Catholics over the age of reason should come to the Sacrament of Penance at least once each year during Lent or Eastertide and as often as necessary when conscious of serious sin, and anyone conscious of grave sin should not receive Holy Communion before being reconciled to God by sacramental confession and absolution. Our Parish Lenten Penitential Service is Thur, Mar 26 @ 7pm SHJ. Several priests will be available to receive you in the Sacrament of Confession.
Sat: 4-4:25pm
Sun: 7:45-8:25am
Mon: 8-8:45am & 9:45-10:15am
Tues: 8-8:45pm
Wed: 8-8:45am & 9:45-10:15am
Thur: 8-8:45pm
Fri: 8-8:45 & 9:45-10:15am
* No confessions at SHJ before the 11am Mass until Fr. Price returns 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.
SHJ Parish Council Members
Jan O'Neill
Maureen O'Connor
Anne Marie McGregor
Garry Poirier
Steve Davis
Mark Lahey
Bob Murphy
Dale Clemens
Bob Vesterfelt
SHM Parish Council Members
Karen Nickle
Debbie Wood
Cathy Massey
Diane Smith
Cathy Mouck
Charlotte Lahey
Dave Ascott
Don Bailey
Reminder: 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
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.
Easter Flowers
Parishioners are encouraged to help decorate for the Holy Week and Easter Liturgies. If you wish to honour a loved one, living or deceased, please use your Easter Flower Offering envelope OR our while Flower Sponsor envelopes (located in the narthex) for your donation. For the latter, a one time donation of $40 will cover your week, and you'll also get a Mass intention included in that. So a great deal if you think about it! Whichever you choose, please print your envelope number, your name and the names of those you wish to honour. Memorial requests must be received no later than Holy Monday, Apr 5 for the names to appear in the Easter Flower list. 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.
Cemetery Fund Envelopes
Cemetery Fund envelopes are available in the narthex of both churches. Parishioners who wish to donate to support the care and maintenance of our cemeteries may pick up an envelope at either church, donation can be dropped off at the office or put in the collection basket. Your cheques can be made out to your parish. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us preserve our sacred spaces.
Links, Recommendations
& Random Thoughts
Suppose you wanted to travel between Judea and Galilee. The logical path would be straight through Samaria. But in the first century, Jews would go out of their way to avoid Samaria by travelling through Perea, essentially crossing the Jordan River twice in their travels simply to avoid contact with these apostates and blood traitors. But on his journey to Jerusalem (which we'll hear of in Sunday's Gospel), Jesus takes the Twelve not across the Jordan, but through forbidden Samaria. And at a certain point, he stopped at Jacob’s well – for more than 2000 years, an essential source of water in a parched land – and sent the Twelve off in search of food to a nearby town, waiting for the extraordinary conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well.
- We are now almost half way through the 40 Days of preparation for Easter, and so this is a good time to take stock of our progress. Before Lent began I suggested some simple ways to use this time well, and now I repeat them for your consideration. To keep a good Lent you could: attend the Stations of the Cross; help those in need with donations to food bank boxes; attend weekday Mass or study Sacred Scripture on your own; and invite a lapsed Catholic to return to the practice of the Faith by coming with you to Mass and, in time, going to Confession. Now is an acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation! Let’s use these remaining days of Lent well.
- Parishioners are encouraged to help decorate for the Holy Week and Easter Liturgies. If you wish to honour a loved one, living or deceased, please use your Easter Flower Offering envelope in your pews or our while Flower Sponsor envelopes (located in the narthex) for your donation. For the latter, a one time donation of $40 will cover your week, and you'll also get a Mass intention included in that. So a great deal if you think about it! Whichever you choose, please print your name, your envelope number and the names of those you wish to honour. Memorial requests must be received no later than Sunday April 5th for the names to appear in the Easter Flower list. Thank you for your support!
- Food Bank Box: Let's not forget those in need. For those of us who can, let us remember to help the food banks as well by using the box in the narthex of our churches. Suggestions for our most needed items: canned meat & fish, peanut butter, jam, stews, canned tomatoes, baby food, formula, diapers, pasta, cereal, 100% fruit Juice, money (please deposit in the collection - envelope should be marked: “food drive”, cheques made out to SHJ or SHM).
- The commemoration and blessing of the newly installed statue of Our Blessed Mother (and St. Bernadette). That Sunday, May 3rd, the 9am Mass will be in Marmora and the 11am Mass in Madoc, followed by a reception in O'Neill Parish Hall to celebrate and thank those who helped with making this happen. What a way to kick off the Marian month! Save the date!
- Blessing of Expectant Mothers: Laetare Sunday is Mar 15th. Here at Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary, we like to celebrate life on these beautiful Rose Sundays. We ask our expectant mothers to come forward at the 9am and 11am Masses to receive a special blessing and to thank them for choosing life. This Sunday was known in England as “Mothering Sunday.” Celebrate this joyful occasion by wearing pink or rose vestments or clothing on this Sunday!
- Food for Thought: This morning, I am reflecting on ‘JOY’. Scripture teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. St. Francis of Assisi, took having joy, as a command! This command was as important as the command to be “poor and humble” and to “walk in love”.
- He taught his brothers that it was their business to make sure that their joy was not taken from them. It was a flame to be tended and if it went out it was to be immediately lit again. St. Francis said, “if the servants of God would study to preserve within and without the spiritual joy which comes of cleanness of heart, which is acquired by devoutness of prayer, the demons would not be able to harm him, for they would say : “since this servant of God has joy in tribulation, as in prosperity, we can find no way of entering to him, nor of hurting him.”
- Remember, Psalm 9: 9-10 “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in time of trouble. Those who know Your name, trust in You, for You Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” And Psalm 9: 1-2 “I will praise you, Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things you have done. I will be filled with JOY because of You, I will sing praises to your name, O most high.”
- May the “joy” of the Lord, be our strength! God bless us all, with Peace and Good. cm ofs
- 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.
- They treat all calls and inquiries with the utmost confidentiality. Call 613.473.2679 in confidence, and see stmarysrefuge.org/rachel.
- Please see the attached Registration Form for New Life for Teens. There is a very large team that will be facilitating this course/retreat at Wesley Acres and there are only 13 spots left to fill. Fr. Justin will be there celebrating Mass & hearing confessions. It's a beautiful weekend for high school students. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kim Long @ 613.962.4634.
Blessed to have Franciscan Friars for a chat last Saturday in Madoc
The good folks at St. FX in Brockville had a little birthday reception for Fr. Price last Sunday.
Mary Bosworth & Cheryl Freeman were asked by the SHM CWL to give a little presentation on the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope this past Wednesday. A beautiful presentation.
Our dedicated parish catechists will be in Kingston on Saturday attending the latest workshop on the Kerygma. It's always a joy to be with the Archbishop and the other priests and catechists from across the Archdiocese. We're going to learn how to better present The Fall.
And our catechists leaving the first class for Confession & Holy Communion. Nice to see so many parents who are accompanying their children in preparing for these sacraments of initiation.
Come and journey with us, as we walk "Mary's Way of the Cross." This very unique meditation on Jesus' final walk, will be presented as through the eyes of his mother. Our choir will be singing before, during and after the Stations.
Please extend an invitation to your family and friends in the community to join us:
Friday, Mar 27 @ 7pm
Sacred Heart of Mary Madoc
Light refreshments to follow. If you are interested in participating, please notify
Diane Smith @ 603.403.6205
On Palm Sunday March 29th at 1:30pm in O'Neill Parish Hall, come join us in watching The Passion of the Christ to set the tone for a solemn Holy Week.
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
- Thank you to our respective cemetery chairs (Debbie Wood SHM + Sharon & Bob Vesterfelt SHJ) for working hard to complete the annual cemetery reports on behalf our parishes.
- FYI - Cemetery Fund envelopes are available in the narthex of both churches. Parishioners who wish to donate to support the care and maintenance of our cemeteries may pick up an envelope at either church, donation can be dropped off at the office or put in the collection basket. Your cheques can be made out to your parish. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us preserve our sacred spaces. Unforunately, the Cross in the old SHM cemetery fell down, so this will be a spring project.
- Ladies from both parishes are working on the 200th anniversary collages, comprised of your historical family pics of celebrations at Sacred Heart over the decades. Only one week left to submit them. Will look amazing once completed. Get your pics in ASAP.
- SHM's CWL & the Knights of Columbus 7301 Council have sponsored two tables (20 seats) for the March 19th Catholic Christian Outreach St. John Fisher Dinner. In celebration of the Archdiocese of Kingston's 200th anniversay, it'll be a wonderful evening to celebrate what God is doing among our young people and hear from CCO staff and students how Jesus is being proclaimed and lives are being transformed. The evening will include a complementary dinner (thanks to our generous sponsors), a brief program with an opportunity to connect with CCO students, missionaries, and fellow supporters. Archbishop Michael Mulhall is the keynote speaker. If you want to attend (free), speak to Grand Knight Dale Clemens or SHM CWL President Debbie Wood or Fr. Justin.
- A big thank you to Grand Knight Dale Clemens and the Knights of Columbus Council 7301 for paying for and undertaking the renovation of the the SHJ Hall bathrooms. Garry Poirier has been hard working on this for the last 3 weeks a;pmg with Bob Murphy, and they look fantastic, with new floors, baseboards, lights, paint, etc. Brenda Poirier picked the colour. The church washroom will be tackled next.
LOCAL UPCOMING EVENTS
- Lenten Retreat: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Campbellford is sponsoring a Men’s Retreat on Sat, Mar 21 from 10am-3pm beginning with Holy Mass and ending with Adoration. This year, Fr. Tom Lynch will facilitate with a focus on Ezekiel 22:30. Cost is $10. Cold cut lunch provided. Any questions can be directed to Dan Sullivan @ 647.236.7587.
From Fr. Shawn Hughes, rector of St. Mary's Cathedral in Kingston
An invitation inviting parishioners to join Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Bancroft in celebrating, welcoming and enshrining this First Class Relic of St. Faustina that their parish has been so blessed to receive, The celebration is on Sun, Mar 22 @ 10am with Bishop Michael Brehl.
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.
Join us for the original candlelight service...
TENEBRÆ
This solemn, ecumenical service of darkness reflects upon the Passion of Christ through chanted Scripture mixed with somber and dramatic motets,including: Allegri’s sublime and iconic Miserere,Orthodox chant, and works by Bach, Bruckner, Esguerra, Lotti, Rheinberger, Verdelot, and Willan
Sung by the 25 voices of the Trinitas Singers and Trinitas Youth Singers
Jeffrey Moellman, director
Sunday, March 22, 6:30pm
Christ Church,
His Majesty's Chapel Royal of the Mohawks
52 Church Lane South, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Free-will offering to benefit the Christ Church Restoration Fund
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.
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.
"God has promised forgiveness for your repentance, but he has not promised tomorrow for your procrastination."