For all who have been created yesterday, today and forever
The Most High desires a place of belonging
For every woman, man, and child
All have a place in the heart of God
Made is His Immortal Image
Traces of divinity placed upon every soul – Father John Ludden, “Peaceful Moments”
The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist has recognized the vision Father John has placed in front of us in his “Peaceful Moments” poem, called “Belonging”. Our Build Our Future, Serve Our Past Campaign is focused on this effort for every single parishioner of St. John. The relationships and togetherness we have when we are at church bring a sense of belonging and community, and that is so important, no matter if you are 7, 17, 71, or 107 years old.
A few individuals have asked what a “Life Center” will do for them, since they are older and do not see a need for a gym or a coffee shop. “Life” has many components to it. So does wellness. It is now a proven fact that belonging to a religious group provides an individual with “sustained happiness”. The American Journal of Epidemiology released a study that specifically states that one of the secrets of finding happiness is to participate in a religion.
“The church appears to play a very important social role in keeping depression at bay and also as a coping mechanism during periods of illness in later life,” Mauricio Avendano, an epidemiologist at the London School of Economics and an author of the study, said in a statement. “It is not clear to us how much this is about religion per se, or whether it may be about the sense of belonging and not being socially isolated.”
This Campaign is for so much more than just a gym. It is focused on developing and nurturing the sense of belonging that all of us need in our lives, especially as we get older and we need more assistance in getting around and being a part of the community. With vehicles specifically dedicated to our new Companion Driving Ministry (which including companionship just as much as a ride to Mass), to the Catholic Adult Organization (with daily social and wellness activities), our efforts will increase the joy, community, and belonging of all our Parish Family.
We need our entire Parish Family to give in order to reach our additional goals. If you haven’t turned in your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. If you did not receive your Campaign Packet or 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