Did you know that St. John the Evangelist will celebrate a major milestone in the month of October? Our parish was canonically established On October 3, 1988, which means we will celebrate our 25th Anniversary this year. Obviously at this time, Masses were held in the Naples Park Elementary School Cafeteria. The first Mass in the Church was celebrated on Christmas Eve in 1992. The church was dedicated on March 14, 1993. Believe it or not, there are still numerous parishioners who have experienced all 25 years of this parish’s history. Plans are not yet confirmed, however, we will be doing something to recognize this milestone.
We are constantly striving to enhance our buildings and grounds so that they look as nice as possible. For those who have at
tended an event recently in the Parish Life Center, you may have noticed that the artificial trees which are placed around the perimeter have certainly seen better days after 16 years of use. In addition, the wall sconces have begun to discolor (and fall apart) and do not look very good. As a result, we have replaced the dated sconces with an up-to-date and more aesthetically pleasing version. We have also replaced all of the trees and pots with broad leaf trees that seem to have more of a presence among the very high ceilings in the ballroom. In addition, we have created grouping of the trees which look much better than a stand-alone tree. We hope that you enjoy the new addition to our ballroom.
This week (and next) you will see a substantial jump in the Catholic Faith Appeal statistics. Our data entry employee was out of town for an extended period and three weeks’ worth of CFA contributions were not recorded. We should be back on track now moving forward for the remaining four months of the appeal. It is imperative that we reach our goal and with your help, I am confident that we can do so. Please notice that we are only $80,000.00 shy of our goal. If you are able, please consider making a pledge or contribution to the Catholic Faith Appeal. Please make your check payable to the CFA with St. John the Evangelist in the memo line.
Paver crews were onsite this past week mud setting the granite markers in those sections of the memorial garden where the grass was removed. Although it looks rough right now, once the sod is reinstalled and becomes established, you will see the true beauty of the garden appear. We have completed mud setting the markers in the K of C section (13) which is located in the northwest corner of the garden as well as section 14 which is immediately adjacent. If you would like to see a finished product, then look at either of these two sections. It really looks great with all the markers consistent, in line and at the same level. Thanks for your continued patience while we complete this process.
Thank you to all of our parishioners for your incredible generosity during the two weeks of Undy Sunday. There were literally bags of undergarments anywhere and everywhere. Representatives from Catholic Charities were ecstatic at the turnout from St. John the Evangelist. If surrounding religious establishments replicated our efforts, then many of those children in Collier County needing assistance will certainly receive the necessary undergarments to go back to school. Thanks again!
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager