To understand, forgive, accompany and integrate. That is the mindset which should prevail in the Church.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 12, 2016
Changes are coming to our Parish Family this year. We are not waiting for the Life Center’s new capabilities and spaces to develop to provide new programs that will transform our engagement with the Catholic Faith. We have been called to accompany each other and those around us through every stage of our lives. That requires our community to be connected to and care for each other deeply. In order to choose the most effective priorities for the programs that will help us achieve these goals, we need to know what you want and what you need in your life to find fulfillment and belonging. Over the next few weeks, I will be presenting the three major categories for a survey of your thoughts and priorities for yourself and your family. The responses will structure our first steps into Catholic Youth Organization, Catholic Adult Organization, and the overall focus of St. John for years to come. It is the responsibility of all of us as a Parish Family to provide direction for our future for Social and Spiritual programs, Sports and Wellness activities, and Music and the Arts.
The first of the three categories of programs we will focus on is: Social and Spiritual Programs
St. John is already alive with social opportunities for all ages. From the JOP Christmas Tea to the Men’s Club Sock Hops, KoC Valentine’s Day Dance to Coney Island Night, Families in Christ to Vacation Bible School, we have so many events that are fun, community-driven moments. The types of social programs we are planning for our future are different. These programs are persistent, with weekly or even more frequent chances to engage. They will create and foster the fellowship and friendship we are all looking for. It does not matter if you just moved here from up North, were just widowed two months ago, just had your first baby, or need a place after school because your parents work, you should have a place to come and feel safe, loved, and engaged.
Some specific programs you might be interested that fall into this category will include: daily coffee talks after Mass, movie nights, discussion groups, afterschool support, bingo nights, happy hours, youth group, talks on parenting and marriage, mission support, and a host of other possibilities. You will help to define the priorities.
While the money has been pledged in our Build Our Future, Serve Our Past capital campaign to build our Life Center 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