When I have been walking around Saint John recently, I have been asked several times “We love what you are doing for families and for the young people, but what about the rest of us?” My response is always the same. “You are all part of the Saint John Family.” Every single individual is part of our Parish Family. Programs and events are all-inclusive. Our Young Adult programs (like the Food and Fellowship this past week) are for all parishioners, which is why we jokingly say these events are for the 18-95 crowd. Our Holy Father, who has made a point to call the Catholic Church “Mother”, has made it clear that our faith is a family. Saint John is the exact illustration of his thoughts on the presentation of Jesus in Temple:
It is a beautiful image: two young parents and two elderly people, brought together by Jesus. He is the one who brings together and unites generations! He is the inexhaustible font of that love which overcomes every occasion of self-absorption, solitude, and sadness.
– Pope Francis 2/25/2014 (http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-issues-letter-to-families)
Please continue to join in our Catholic Community at Saint John and experience the love, mercy, and joy of being part of our family. There are some exciting announcements about new initiatives and programs that will support our family in the coming months, so stay tuned!