Mission Sunday, October 21-22
The annual Mission Sunday collection is one of the most important for the universal church. Every mission diocese in the world receives a basic subsidy from this collection. The mission subsidy is the basic support for the Catholic Church in poor countries and it is essential to the church’s flourishing. The word “catholic” means universal and our Catholic Church is universal. The Archdiocese has arranged for Father Dermot Roache, a priest of the Society of African Missions, to speak at all Masses on the weekend of October 14-15 on behalf of the Mission Sunday collection. The collection will be on the following weekend, October 21-22 and I urge you to make an extra generous donation. I have seen firsthand in many places the good works supported by the Mission Sunday collection
Beef and Beer Fundraiser
A few parishioners would like to revive an old tradition of an annual beef and beer fundraiser. But we need a committee to work om it. If you’d like to help, please email Fr. Tom:
Boot Up Philly
Saint John’s Hospice is holding its annual Boot Up Philly campaign with the goal of purchasing winter boots, underwear, socks coats and other cold-weather items to assist more than 1000 homeless men and women across Philadelphia. From September 15 to the end of October, all donations to our church Poor Box will be sent to Saint John’s Hospice for the Boot Up Philly campaign.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
We began our weekly zoom classes on Monday, October 9 at 7 PM. These classes are for adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church through baptism or confirmation (for those who are already baptized). However, those who wish to update and expand their knowledge of the faith are also invited. If you wish to receive email invitations to our RCIA classes, email Fr. Tom
There is still time to join our classes.
Eucharistic Procession
The Catholic Church in the USA is in the midst of a “Year of Eucharistic Revival”. Our bishops ask us Catholics to learn about and celebrate the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We are planning a Eucharistic procession from Holy Redeemer Church to Saint John Church on Sunday, October 15. There will be 11:15 AM Mass at Holy Redeemer followed by a procession through the streets of Center City to Saint John’s where we will conclude with prayer and Benediction. After the Benediction, we will have a light luncheon in the parish center.
Religious training for children
Our sister church community, Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church offers weekly religious education for children including a special needs Sunday School for children with disabilities or other special needs.
Saint John Golden Eagles
We have at Saint John’s an active young adult outreach. We want also to have a dynamic outreach to our senior church members and friends, those 60 years of age and older. On Sunday, October 29 we will hold a meeting and social for seniors. Refreshments will be available and we look for ideas about how we can better serve our seniors. The name “Saint John’s Golden Eagles” has been suggested since the eagle is the symbol of Saint John the Evangelist, the writer of the fourth gospel.
