The continued involvement of our Parish Family here at Saint John is clearly evident each and every weekend. We need to take a moment to thank you for participating in our Masses, activities, and events even in the midst of the challenging environment we are experiencing due to the Hurricane that devastated our campus 1 ½ years ago. It has been a significant undertaking to provide ten weekend Masses in two different locations. Many of our Family may not “see behind the curtain” often, but the sheer dedication and effort of over 100 people allow for our Parish to continue with its critical liturgical capabilities, serving over 600 in the Ballroom and over 700 in the Life Center for each Mass. Thanks should be given to our Liturgical Ministries, the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Musicians, Ushers, Sacristans, Arts and Liturgical Environment, and Altar Servers, all of which have worked hard to double their service to the community.
We should all appreciate each other and all the challenges we are facing with grace, flexibility, and patience. We are blessed that we have two locations on our campus to service our community with Mass. If we did not have the Life Center (and our Ballroom back from its destruction), we would be significantly reduced in our faith environment and opportunities for Mass. Thank you all for your continued support. There are a few reminders to assist us all in respecting our Parish Family and Environment during this transition time:
- Pre-Mass Prayerful Time: We have a joyous community here at St. John and many people come to church early to meet each other to talk about their week and enjoy each other’s company. There are some members of our Parish Family, however, that are looking for a quiet and reflective moment of prayer, even while we are temporarily in our Ballroom and Gym for Mass. If you are speaking with your friends, please try to keep your voice low or even move the conversation outside the sacred space.
- Parking and Walking: We are very blessed to have increased our front parking lot with over 40 new spots by reengineering the layout and adding the new lighting. We have also increased the parking in the partially paved locations due to the loss of the trees from the storm, along with the newly revamped back lot that has an easy pedestrian walkway to the Ballroom and Life Center. However, we are still finding some people parking on curbs and in “No Parking” locations. These areas as specifically designated that way for our safety. If an emergency vehicle needs to get to our church Ballroom or Gym in the middle of Mass due to a health situation, all these areas must be clear. We built a specific pedestrian walkway between the school parking lot and the church so people can safely travel between the two locations, instead of walking on the driveway. Please utilize those parking spots if you cannot find a location on the church campus.
- Words and Actions: The St. John Parish Family has always prided itself on being a welcoming place. As such, we should always act and speak in warm and engaging way to anyone who comes to campus. We may see them every week, or it may be the first time you have seen that person, but you never know what may be going on in their life and how they may need your connection and your friendship. A smile goes a long way to brighten up the spirit of the community just as opening the door for another person or helping someone who dropped a paper. As St. Ignatius of Loyola said:
Love is shown more in deeds than in words.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola