On Palm Sunday, I spoke a bit about the reasoning behind our new Life Center and the specific programs for engaging all ages of adults, both in our Parish Family and in the larger community. Father John’s vision for our parish goes so much further, including ensuring the future of the Catholic Church here in Southwest Florida. The demographics are changing here. Naples is no longer only a seasonal retiree community. There is a growing set of full-time families and younger professionals that are making Naples their home. We can all be part of the same Parish Family, providing programs that develop the future of the church, and that future, as Pope Francis has described, is the youth. He is even making next year’s Synod of the Bishops specifically dedicated to this focus: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”, recognizing there is no future of the church without the direct involvement of and with the youth.
Catholic Youth Organization, which has been dormant in Florida for over 35 years, needs to be renewed and integrated into the fabric of everything we do here at St. John. It is a set of sports, social, and artistic programs that allow every child to become involved in activities that will uplift and encourage them, as well as integrate their life priorities with their faith. Even better, it will assist families and parents with the same opportunities to support their children and give them a safe, inexpensive, and fun place to call their “Third Place” (their favorite place to be after their home and their work/school). The rest of our Parish Family has a direct role in CYO as well, even if they do not have children or if their children (and children’s children) have grown up. We need all the members of our community to be coaches, mentors, tutors, and fans of the youth of St. John, cheering them on, no matter if is a basketball game, a play, or a concert. No child will be left behind or not able to attend due to financial needs or abilities.
As we Build Our Future, Serve Our Past, we still need all the gifts, prayers, and support of our Parish Family to reach our Pinnacle Goals. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Lichwalla, the Campaign Coordinator at 239-495-2001 or email: [email protected].