This week I have one new item and several friendly reminders.

This weekend of August 6th and 7th St. John’s will participate in the Annual Missionary Cooperation Appeal. Sister Theresa Ho Nguyen of the Lovers of the Holy Cross, Hung Hoa, Vietnam will speak at all the Masses.

The Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hung Hoa, a Vietnam community of religious women are committed to ministering the needs of the suffering, especially women and children through education, health care, and social works in ten provinces in the north of Vietnam. The sisters also visit he sick and elderly in their diocese, including lepers.

There will be a second collection in support of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Please note: Even though the appeal will be this coming weekend, I was informed by the Archdiocese that parishioners have already contributed $1,401.00 to the Appeal.

Vandalism again at St. John’s. Rocks were thrown at the large meeting room windows on Clover Street last week which dented the windows. The window door to the left leading to the lower church was destroyed by a flying rock. Our security cameras have identified the person who was responsible for these damages, a police report was filed. The homeless individual “lives” on Clover Street. Charges have been filed.

Please note: The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother is Monday, August 15th. It is a holy day, however, since the Solemnity falls on a Monday it is NOTa holy day of obligation. The Mass schedule remains the same: 7:45 am, 12:05 and 5:15 pm.

Are you a pianist or know of someone who is? St. John’s has two pianos which no longer are needed: a baby grand and a regular piano. Interested? Please call me (Father John) 215-563-4145x23.

Farewell Mass. I wanted to let you know that I was finally able to organize and schedule my farewell Mass which will be Sunday, August 28th at the 10:30 Mass. There will be a reception in the parish center immediately following. All are welcome.

For your information, I will also be having a farewell Mass at Holy Redeemer Chinese Church on Sunday, August 21st at 11:15 with a reception following. All are welcome.