To those in our society who have lost all hope and joy in life, to the elderly who struggle alone and feel their strength waning, to young people who seem to have no future, to all I once more address the words of the Risen One: “See, I am making all things new… To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life” (Rev 21:5-6) – Pope Francis Easter Message 2016
Some of you may have heard Father John’s stirring message this past Easter Sunday, describing how far we have come in such a short time for the Build Our Future, Serve Our Past Capital Campaign. We have started the construction planning for our new Life Center and will break ground this year on this amazing resource for our Parish Family and the larger community here in Naples. However, we cannot build a facility of this type and then attempt to create the programs within it. It must be alive and full of activities day one. In order to accomplish this feat, we must set priorities as a church for the types of programs for all ages and needs. In discussions with parishioners and community leaders, we have determined three focus areas for both adult programs and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO):
- Wellness / Sports: In order to take care of your body as well as your soul at Saint John, we must have effective wellness activities for all ages. From Bone Builders, a senior stretching program, to boot camps, from pick up basketball games to sponsored sports teams, we will provide activities for all ages. Pope Francis has made it clear that this must be a focus for Catholics, even starting a global conference this coming October called “Sport at the Service of Humanity”: Religious faith and sport are fundamental driving forces within global society. Both share a common purpose in the promotion of human values and both have vital roles to fulfill. – http://www.cultura.va/content/cultura/en/press/sport.html
- Social / After School Activities: John is already a wellspring of social engagement for many groups. We should have more formalized and persistent opportunities for the retired members of our Parish Family to get together here on campus and enjoy each others’ company without having to run off to McDonald’s, First Watch, or Panera. Additionally, it is clear that the youth of the area need someplace safe and engaging to go after school. They need to be able to have something good to eat, someplace to do their homework with assistance, and somewhere to blow off some steam in a productive way instead of aimlessly walking around the mall, or being home alone.
- Music / Arts: As you will see on Page 6, we are blessed in the upcoming months to be able to choose a new Musician and Liturgist for our parish. This is a decision that is much more than just about the music in the church. It is also the individual who will define our overall music and arts programs for all ages. Some retirees may want to learn how to play an instrument. Some of the youth may want to join a choir or learn how to compose music. We will have those programs available consistently so we can continue the tradition of the Catholic Church in fostering the arts.
While the money has been pledged in our Build Our Future, Serve Our Past capital campaign to accomplish the facility and some of our other urgent needs, we still need our entire Parish Family to give in order to reach our additional goals, including the detailed execution of the above programs. 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