Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 9, 2023

By adminFrom The Pastor's Desk

When I was a boy attending Mass at Saint Monica Church in Wampum, Pennsylvania, our pastor would tell us at the beginning of summer to enjoy vacation, but don’t take a vacation from God. He had two points: if you go away for vacation, remember your home parish whose expenses remain the same AND if you travel, be sure to find a Catholic Church and attend Mass wherever you spend your vacation.

Saint John the Evangelist Church has a special mission to serve the visitors to Center City Philadelphia and I estimate that one third of those who attend Sunday Mass are visitors. Visitors from around the world and from all parts of the USA are regularly at Mass at Saint John’s. Visitors, especially those who are in Philadelphia on business, often come to confession at Saint John’s.

The word “catholic” means universal. We Catholics belong to one Church which is everywhere the same, yet is also adapted to the local culture and context. So I repeat my boyhood pastor’s admonition. If you travel, remember Saint John’s and its needs. And if you travel, be sure to find a Catholic Church and attend Mass. Your presence in a Church will be an encouragement to the local Catholic community just as the presence of visitors to Saint John’s is an encouragement to us.

 

Summer picnic
All Saint John’s parishioners and friends are invited to a summer picnic this Sunday, July 9 from 11 AM to 3 PM in the patio behind the friary and the parish center. The theme of the gathering is Texas! Join us for music, food and maybe even dancing! Please come!

 

 

 

Saint John’s Debt Collection
Saint John Church still has an $800,000 debt from several years ago. We have not yet finalized our 2022-23 fiscal year report to determine how much we can pay on the debt at this time. However, we do need to keep paying down the debt. Please be generous to the second collection next weekend, July 15-16.

Donation can also be made electronically on our website.

 

Capuchin Province of Saint Augustine 150th anniversary
In 1873, three Capuchin friars came from Bavaria to found a new Capuchin community in Pittsburgh. This venture became the Capuchin Province of Saint Augustine and in 1991 the Province came to Saint John Church in Philadelphia. The friars plan to celebrate this anniversary at Saint John’s on Sunday August 6 at the 12:30 Mass. Those served by Capuchins at Holy Redeemer and in Frankford will also be invited. A social will follow in the parish center. Mark your calendar!

 

Catholic Charities Collection
Catholic Charities is not just “another second collection”. It is the major annual fundraising program of the Archdiocese and most of the money is directed towards the Church’s charitable work in our Archdiocese. Even though we have had a second collection, it is still possible to make your annual donation. Please bring or mail a generous contribution. There are envelopes in the back of the church.

 

Light the City
Our young adults and our entire parish are invited to participate in a night time street evangelization event on Saturday, August 26. Mark your calendars and plan to spend the evening evangelizing those who pass by Saint John’s on that Saturday evening.

Historical Preservation Endowment Fund

$559,468.00

Father Tom

Details of today article is available here on our bulletin.