I hope I am not speaking prematurely in suggesting that we may have experienced our last 90 degree day of the year. One can certainly feel the “slight” change of seasons upon us now in Southwest Florida. These are certainly the days we year round residents look forward to all summer long. After Hurricane Sandy passes far to our East this weekend, we are in store for a magnificent stretch of weather with highs in the upper 70s/low 80s and lows in the low 60s. I believe this is what is referred to as “Chamber of Commerce” weather in the Urban Dictionary. My suggestion to all of our parishioners is to get out there and enjoy it while it lasts.
Ground breaking officially took place this past week on the “Lest we Forget” Veteran’s Memorial. We have a very short window in order to get the job completed by November 10, however, we are going to do everything in our power to do so. Believe it or not, we experienced a lengthy delay with Collier County in getting the proper approval for the flagpoles which had to be certified to 
Southwest Florida wind load standards. In addition, the benches (which will be memorialized) will not be installed until after the dedication. We had a difficult time obtaining accurate pricing and since the benches are going to be engraved, there is no way we could accomplish this task in time. We do now have pricing for the flagpoles, benches and brick pavers, which is as follows.
(2) 20’ Flagpole – $4,000.00 – flying the Papal flag and St. John the Evangelist flag
(features a bronze plaque at the base of the flag)
(1) 25’ Flagpole – $4,500.00 – flying the American flag
(features a bronze plaque at the base of the flag)
(6) Granite benches – $3,500.00 – engraved with an honorarium or memorial
(50+) Brick pavers – $150.00 – engraved with an honorarium or memorial
Currently, one of the 20’ flagpoles, two of the benches and numerous pavers are reserved. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please contact me a 566.1678. This is going to be an absolutely amazing memorial to our veterans.
I am sure many of you have seen the attached parking sign in commercial parking lots at one time or another. As far as I am concerned, there are far too few. We have purchased two and will install them in the next week in our parking lot in two “prime” spots in front of the church. Undoubtedly by doing so, we will take away someone’s favorite parking spot, however, I am sure you will understand. We have a lot of younger families and you will agree that there are always a couple of expectant mothers at Mass. This will be a nice gesture in allowing these mothers to park without having to trek across the lot.
Thank you so much to everyone that gave so very generously to the second collection last weekend for World Missions. The collection totaled $7,280.00. Offerings from Catholics in the United States, on World Mission Sunday and throughout the year, are combined with offerings to the Propagation of the Faith from Catholics worldwide. Mission dioceses — about 1,000 at this time — receive regular annual assistance from the funds collected. In addition, these mission dioceses submit requests to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples for assistance, among other needs, for catechetical programs, seminaries, the work of Religious Communities, for communication and transportation needs, and for the building of chapels and churches. These needs are matched with the funds gathered in each year. The world’s national directors of the Propagation of the Faith vote on these requests, matching the funds available with the greatest needs. These funds are then distributed to Mission (Arch) Dioceses throughout the world. This General Fund of support is then distributed in its entirety each year.
This coming Sunday, November 4 will be the fourth Anniversary of Fr. John’s arrival as our pastor. On behalf of our entire parish family, I would like to say “Happy Anniversary.” Fr. John has brought a renewed sense of spirituality to our parish. Under his brilliant leadership, St. John the Evangelist has flourished and will continue to grow and develop into the future.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager