I am very pleased to announce that we have signed the proposal to install a fully integrated hearing loop system in the church. I am even more pleased to announce that our St. John the Evangelist Men’s Club has agreed to fully fund the cost of this system. This will be an amazing addition to our church and a great resource for those who have trouble hearing during Mass. By installing this loop system, we will be one of only approximately 100 facilities offering this technology in the entire state of Florida. Thank you Men’s Club for your incredibly generous donation!
What is a loop system? Below is a brief, yet concise description.
The technical name is Audio Frequency Induction Loop System, but Loop, Loop System, or Hearing Loop for short. In its most simple form, an audio induction loop system utilizes a loop of wire around the perimeter of an area that is connected to an induction loop amplifier. An input signal (from a microphone, TV, or etc.) is provided to the induction loop amplifier, and the induction loop amplifier drives an audio current (note current not voltage) through the loop in the form of a strong alternating current. As the alternating current from the amplifier flows through the loop, it creates a magnetic field within the looped area and “induces” the telecoil or T-coil in a hearing instrument, or specifically design induction loop receiver, within the looped area.
When a hearing instrument user switches their hearing aid to the “T” position on the hearing instrument, the telecoil in the hearing instrument picks up the fluctuations in the magnetic field and converts them back into alternating currents. The alternating currents are amplified and converted by the hearing instrument into sound.
The input to the induction loop amplifier can be a sound source such as a television or stereo, a public address or sound reinforcement system, a dedicated microphone, or any sound source that users inside the looped area wish to hear more clearly.
As we move through the installation process later this month, we will educate all parishioners on the requirements to be able to utilize this technology. If you currently use a hearing aid, it must include the aforementioned telecoil in order to pick up the signal. If your hearing aid does not have a telecoil, you may have it retrofitted through the manufacturer. We have ordered ten extra loop receivers for those who do not currently have a telecoil installed in their hearing aid.
Did you know that only two weeks into the month of May, we have already exceeded our regular offertory compared to the entire fiscal year 2011/2012? Including this weekend, there are seven weekends remaining in this fiscal year. This is a great testament to the amazing parishioners we have at St. John the Evangelist. This increase in revenue will allow us to make some much needed capital improvements on campus and to fund our many parish ministries. Thank you for your continued generosity in allowing us to operate “in the black” for the past twelve months. 
Have you noticed that we planted a new ficus hedge on the west side of our property? The intent of this hedge is to block the view of the maintenance “shed” next door at the cemetery. Due to the nature of ficus, we should have a beautifully manicured hedge by the end of summer and not have to see tractors, crypts, etc. while coming to and from Mass.
We have sold over 60 brick pavers at the base of the “Lest we Forget” Veteran’s Memorial. As many have commented, this is a truly beautiful memorial and a great tribute to our service men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military. As a point of edification, when we install new engraved pavers, there is sand that must be placed on the pavers and in the cracks in order for the new pavers to settle and adhere. Some of the sand settles in the lettering of some of the pavers already in place. This is not a flaw and instead the sand must simply be blown off. Some have commented that their paver looks as though the lettering is washing off. This is not the case. I have instructed our maintenance department to blow off the pavers periodically to ensure that they are legible. If you are interested in purchasing a paver to honor or memorialize a loved one, please contact me at 566.1678. The cost is only $150.00 and the end result is beautiful.
We are currently exactly $30,000.00 ahead of where we were at this same point last year with regards to pledges for the Catholic Faith Appeal. Although our assessment is $10,000.00 higher this year, we are still $20,000.00 to the good. Thank you for your continued support of the Catholic Faith Appeal.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA, General Manager