The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life. – Pope Francis “EVANGELII GAUDIUM”
For all our guests and Parish Family members who may have been away for a little while, we wanted to enlighten you about the future of Saint John the Evangelist. We have successfully reached our initial goal for our Capital Campaign to Build Our Future, Serve Our Past. This campaign will allow us to construct a unique space in the Naples area for people of all ages. This Life Center will provide activities and events ranging from wellness activities for seniors, after-school programs for youth, sports, fitness, and social activities for adults, food and drink services for various times of the day, music and theatrical shows, and lively group discussions around coffee and bocce courts. It will house the first active Catholic Youth Organization in Florida and the first Catholic Adult Organization in the United States. As the heart of our community, it will constantly be alive with programs supporting and encouraging the joyful encounter with our faith and with each other. This radical and expansive endeavor could not be possible without the support of time, talent, and treasure of our Parish Family. If you would like to join with us in realizing this future, please fill out this pledge card and either drop it in the offertory basket or bring it to the church office.
While we have begun the work our current blessings have allowed us to accomplish for the Build Our Future, Serve Our Past capital campaign, we still need our entire Parish Family to give in order to reach our additional goals. 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