Second Collection for Saint John Debt Reduction

John’s owes the Archdiocese about $700,000 for work done some years ago to the church towers and for other bills what we were not able to pay. Over the past few years, we have been making significant payments on our debt. We will have significant needs in the future and paying off our debt is essential for us to move forward with other necessary projects. Please be generous this weekend, December 16-17.

December 17: Celebrate the 800th Anniversary of Saint Francis First Christmas Crèche in Greccio

According to Franciscan tradition, on Christmas Eve 1223, Saint Francis created the first living Nativity scene. Actors played the parts of Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. Live cows and sheep made the scene realistic. And according to medieval legend, the actual infant Christ appeared. In honor of the 800th anniversary of this event, the Secular Franciscan Fraternity and our young adult community will offer a meditation on the event in the lower church after the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday, December 17. The meditation will be about a half hour. Join in this spiritual reflection on the meaning of the Christmas crèche. 

In honor of this anniversary, Pope Francis has decreed that anyone praying before a nativity crèche in December or January in a church served by Franciscans (like Saint John’s) will receive a plenary indulgence. The usual conditions in addition to the indulgenced act are: confession, communion and prayer for the intentions of the Pope.

Meeting with Councilman Mark Squilla regarding proposed 76ers arena

All are invited to a meeting with Councilman Squilla on December 17 at 2 PM at the Mother Bethel AME Church at 419 S 6th Street to talk dialogue about the proposal to place a basketball arena on Market Street at the border of Chinatown. This is an important issue for our friends in Chinatown. It would also create a major change in Market East, Center City.

End of the year donation

Please consider making an extra generous end of the year donation to Saint John Church. Saint John’s Church is able to continue due to our generous benefactors and the donations that young couples provide for their weddings. But we also have many challenges to remain a vibrant Catholic presence in Center City. I assure you that we are careful with the donations and money we receive, that we operate without waste. I pray every day for our generous benefactors.

Christmas Gifts for Nursing Home Patients

For many years on Christmas Eve, Holy Redeemer children have gone with me to the nursing home/rehab facility at 16th and Lombard Streets. This year our own Saint John’s confirmation class will also help distribute wrapped Christmas gifts and sing carols. We will expand our visits; children will visit two nursing homes in the days before Christmas. Simple gifts are appreciated: word puzzle books, adult coloring books, decks of cards, stuffed animals, 2023 calendars with pictures, socks, warm scarfs or lap blankets. 

Please consider buying a few gifts, wrapping them and mark them M, F or E (male, female or either). Please do not give food or candy. Gifts will be collected in boxes in the upper & lower churches. All gifts must be received by Friday, December 22.

Advent Penance Services

In addition to our usual Wednesday to Saturday schedule of confessions, Saint John Church will offer two communal penance services with individual confession of sins and absolution. Mark your calendars for December 18 and 19, 12:30 PM. Plan to make a good confession before Christmas.

Christmas flower donations

There are envelopes in the upper and lower churches for Christmas flower donations. Every Christmas Saint John’s is beautifully decorated with flowers and trees. The cost of flowers has increased over last year. Please help us to have a beautiful church this Christmas!

Christmas Novena Masses

As usual, we will offer nine Masses for our novena intentions beginning on Christmas. If you would like to include your intentions in these Masses, there are novena offering envelopes in the upper and lower churches. Novena Mass cards are available in the parish office.

Our beautiful liturgies depend on volunteer lectors, servers and ministers of the Holy Eucharist. We are especially in need of help for Sunday Masses. But we need help during the week also. If you are able to help, please email Fr. Tom: