I have been at Saint John Church for more than six months. I am grateful to be here, grateful to be pastor. How many workers have the privilege of doing meaningful work every day? I have that honor. I celebrate Mass, help people plan weddings, funerals and baptisms, teach and preach, tend to the sick in their homes and at the hospital and guide the community at Saint John’s and Holy Redeemer Church in Chinatown. It is a busy but very fulfilling life.
Saint John’s is an important oasis of peace and faith in Center City Philadelphia. The situation in Center City has become more difficult in the past few years with crime, addictions and homelessness. But still there is a lot to love about living and working in Center City. And it is wonderful to pray and celebrate the sacraments at Saint John’s.
Saint John’s needs your support. Our Sunday and other collections are not fully supporting our parish. Without weddings, Saint John’s would close. We friars work hard to welcome and assist young couples getting married at Saint John’s and this is what keeps our church open. But even with weddings, it is not quite enough. We are in deficit spending this fiscal year.
Please consider increasing your weekly or regular offerings for your parish.
Jack’s Yacs
We are offering two Lenten events for our young adults:
- Saturday, March 11, 6:30 PM: Lenten talk and light refreshments
- Thursday, March 30, 6 00 PM: Holy Hour/Happy Hour, an hour of prayer in the lower church before the Blessed Sacrament followed by a social in a local pub.
Lenten Afternoon of Reflection
Perhaps you are asking yourself what you can do for Lent. Mark your calendars for March 19 after the 10:30 AM Mass. The Laudato Si Circle will sponsor a Meager Meal with a viewing and discussion of the “Letter” on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si. It will be an afternoon of prayer, reflection, fasting and almsgiving. This is an excellent way to observe Lent. Come and bring a friend!
Black Catholic Congress
The Black Catholic Congress will be held July 20-23, 203 at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, Maryland (near Washington). If any Saint John parishioners are interested in attending, please contact Father Tom. We hope that some of our church members will attend this Congress and bring back ideas to enrich our church life. Check out the Congress web site:
https://www.nbccgathering2023.org/
Events at Saint John’s
The Firefighters’ Mass and luncheon was an awesome gathering of our Saint John’s family. Those who attended were inspired. We need to offer more events, more opportunities for us to gather as a church community. Not all need to follow a church service; we can have events that are social and community building. Anyone interested in working with Father Tom to plan and execute events for Saint John Parish, please contact Father Tom.
Saint John Sanctuary Guild
Enroll yourself or a loved one, living or deceased, in our Sanctuary Guild. Those enrolled are remembered in a weekly Mass at Saint John’s and the $40 offering is used to support the upkeep of the church, the purchase of linens, flowers and other items needed for our beautiful church.
Collection for Church of Latin America
The collection to aid the Catholic Church in Latin America will be next weekend, March 11-12.
Historical Preservation Endowment Fund
$554,725.00