Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed. – Proverbs 16:3
Saint John the Evangelist is transforming itself and our concept of what a Catholic Community can be for our Parish Family. Please take a look at some of the exciting new programs we have starting this month in JP’s column, including a Farmer’s Market, Doo Whop Night, and Social Music Enjoyment opportunities for seniors. These programs and events are a clear illustration that our Campaign to Build Our Future, Serve Our Past, is the right path.
Wellness, the healthy balance of mind, body, and soul, is at the core of our focus. When a group of people come together in worship and communion with each other, it makes such a positive impact on each individual, which is what Pope Francis calls a “Moment of Encounter”. One new initiative in Naples that provides wonderful resources for wellness is called Blue Zones. You may have heard about it in the news recently: http://www.naplesnews.com/bluezone. Blue Zones is the result of research on how people have been able to live longer and happier lives based on their personal habits and the community around them. “Blue Zones” are locations that commit to nurturing these healthy habits. One of the unique focal points for Blue Zones from other Wellness programs is that belonging to a faith-based group and attending services regularly is actually a core requirement (part of the Power 9 seen here). We are excited here at Saint John that we are the first Religious Organization to have scored above 32 points in the Blue Zone program, and we will be moving forward with additional efforts soon, so stay tuned!
As we develop and start the programs associated with our Build Our Future, Serve Our Past campaign for all members of our Parish Family, like the Catholic Adult Organization and CYO, we need our entire Parish Family to give in order to reach our additional goals. If you have not returned a pledge card yet, here is one for your use right now. Please tear out of the bulletin and place in the offertory basket this week or one of the upcoming weeks once you have a chance to prayerfully reflect on your gift to the future of our Parish Family. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Lichwalla, the Campaign Coordinator at 239-495-2001 or email: [email protected].
You can also learn more information about the Campaign at: www.sjecc.com/future