stjohnsphilly.org

Go to Mass
If you broke your promise and went back to the drugs or
alcohol you swore not to take

Go to Mass!
If you are sleeping with someone who is not your spouse
and you can’t or don’t want to stop right now

Go to Mass!
If you just had a huge argument with a family member and
you are still angry

Go to Mass!
If you are unsure of your gender identity and your appearance sometimes puts others off

Go to Mass!
If you are addicted to porn and can’t stop checking out
harmful internet sites

Go to Mass!
If you’ve told a lot of lies and your family and friends no
longer trust you

Go to Mass!
If you’re lonely because your family doesn’t want to see
you and you can’t make friends

Go to Mass!
If you don’t feel God anymore and aren’t sure if God is real
of if God cares about you

Go to Mass!
If you’ve been in jail or are headed to jail

Go to Mass!
At every Mass, we begin with a confession of sin because
we are all sinners and we all need mercy.

Go to Mass!

A few Bible quotes that speak to the heart of God

Jesus Christ: “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13.

Jesus Christ: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30

Jesus Christ: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Jesus Christ: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17

Jesus Christ: “In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that even one of these little ones be lost.” Matthew 18:14

Saint Paul: “This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Divorced/Separated Catholic Outreach

“Divorced, Catholic, Now What?” – a weekly program for six weeks that meets on Thursday Evenings via Zoom that addresses concerns of divorced / separated Catholic men and women. It offers much needed support and helps to answer questions asked as a result of a separation or divorce. Topics include Introductions, Prayer, Grief, Letting Go, Forgiveness, Hope, and more. 

Meetings will begin on Thursday September 4th at 7:30 pm via Zoom. 

Leader: John Robert Heard II, PE (Retired), Board Certified RN. 

Help Holy Redeemer School

Holy Redeemer School continues to educate children from low and middle income families. As you know, the cost of most things, especially education, has risen over the past decade. Fortunately, the State of Pennsylvania has created a program to assist families to pay tuition at private and Catholic schools. 

Pennsylvania residents who pay at least $1000 in State taxes (income taxes usually) can pay their money to a charity that provides tuition help to Holy Redeemer School instead of paying that money to the State. And the donors get a 90% credit (not deduction, but tax credit) for taxes that are owed to the State of Pennsylvania. Your donation will only be used for tuition for needy families.

Consider paying your taxes to Holy Redeemer School instead of into the general Pennsylvania State treasury. For information, please email Father Tom at pastor@stjohnsphilly.com.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

On Monday, September 22, we begin our weekly zoom classes for those who are considering joining the church through baptism or for baptized Catholics who would like to be confirmed. This program is known as RCIA, sometimes now called OCIA. Catholics who simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith are also welcome.

If you would like to receive zoom invitations to these classes, please email Father Tom.

Pancake and Eggs Breakfast

On Sunday, September 14, Saint John’s will hold a breakfast after the 8:30,10:30 and 12:30 Masses in the parish center. There is no set cost, but we ask that you make a donation equivalent to the cost of a similar breakfast in a restaurant. Up to you. The breakfast is a fundraiser for our Capital Campaign.

On Sunday, September 14, Saint John’s will hold a breakfast after the 8:30,10:30 and 12:30 Masses in the parish center. There is no set cost, but we ask that you make a donation equivalent to the cost of a similar breakfast in a restaurant. Up to you. The breakfast is a fundraiser for our capital campaign.

A Cappella Voice Ensemble at Saint John’s

All are welcome to attend a concert of sacred music, pop and folk songs on Saturday, September 20 at 3 PM.

Jack’s Yacs

Next Sunday, September 14, after the 6 PM Mass, we have a barbeque gathering for young adults (people under 40 years of age). We will watch a short video about the life of Saint Carlo Acutis and have a discussion on his life.

Mass of Creation

The Catholic Church marks the 10th Anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato Si. Saint John's Laudato Si Circle invites everyone to celebrate this occasion and the International World day of Peace on September 21. The 10:30 Mass will be a Mass of Creation and Peace. After Mass, please join our Laudato Si Circle in the parish center for brunch and a presentation by author Will Caverly on "Environmental Justice and Social Injustice", followed by an update from the US House of Representatives Senior Advisor Luke O'Connell on congressional initiatives relative to conservation and economic injustice with a focus on Philadelphia. Please support this exciting commemoration of Catholic Social Teaching

This week ...

From the Pastor' Desk