I would like to notify everyone that due to the fact that I am now caring for triplets and unable to train adequately, I did not participate in the Boston Marathon this year. As it turns out, the location of the first explosion is the exact spot where my wife waits for me every year at the finish. Although I would have finished well before the explosion, it is disconcerting nevertheless to think what could have been. I received countless emails and phone calls as to my whereabouts, and I sincerely thank you for your concern. Please continue to pray for those affected by this terrible tragedy.
As a result of Fr. John’s message on the front page of the bulletin this past weekend, we have received over $7,000.00 in donations to install a first class surveillance system. Although the complete system will be much more than $7,000.00, this is a great head start. As I alluded to several weeks ago, we have completed a direct bore from the PLC to the church and installed fiber optic cable which will allow us to monitor an advanced surveillance system. Thank you to those who made a donation for this very worthwhile cause. As you may have seen on the local news and in the newspaper, Collier County Sheriff’s apprehended a couple responsible for burglarizing St. Finbarr parish and several other parishes locally. We are optimistic that this was the same team that was responsible for burglarizing our church. This past week, we also completed a total upgrade of our security system in the church
As I write my column on Wednesday, all of the tickets for the Reverse Raffle have been sold. Hallelujah! I would like to especially thank those who purchased tickets outside of Mass this past weekend. We sold nearly 70 tickets on Saturday and Sunday, and now we will have a very successful event. I apologize for the constant pleas, however, ultimately my begging paid off as we sold all 300 tickets. By the time you read my comments, several of you will have a little extra cash in your pocket. Thanks again for your outpouring of generosity.
We are growing! Did you know that since the first week of February, we have had 51 new families register to become members of St. John the Evangelist? This is great news and a testament to the amazing parish that is St. John the Evangelist. Fr. John and I were talking last week, and he mentioned that a parishioner exclaimed to him that we are the model of what a Catholic Parish should be. I could not agree more. With that said, it is you, our parishioners who embody the true essence of this parish and are THE CHURCH.
This past Thursday, I attended the grand opening of Messner Publications’ brand new facility which houses their new million dollar press. This press is responsible for providing our parishioners the beautiful bulletin we have seen the past few weeks. While there, I visited with representatives from Liturgical Publications, Inc. Our current vendor (Pledge Connect) for online transactions (credit card and ACH) has merged with Liturgical Publications, Inc. to provide an enhanced online giving environment under a module called “WeShare.” WeShare is a complete online donation and event management system. Once the transition is complete, our options will be limitless. You will be able to register for and purchase tickets for any parish-related event online in a very safe and secure platform. We are very excited about this development and look forward to the convenience we will recognize as a result.
After a three month hiatus, we are hosting another AARP driver Safety Program at St. John the Evangelist. The next class will take place on April 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Seminar Room of the Claussen Center. There will be a one hour lunch break. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The focus of the course is to give drivers over the age of 50 an opportunity to compensate for the changes occurring in their aging bodies; however, anyone may take the course. As a bonus, you receive a discount on your auto insurance premium. For more information or to register, please contact Toni Valery at 239.593.9329.
Have you purchased an engraved brick paver at the base of the “Lest we Forget” Veteran’s Memorial? We have sold over 40 thus far a
nd there are at least another 50 or so available for purchase. This is a great way to honor or memorialize a veteran, currently enrolled member of the armed forces or anyone you wish. The cost is only $150.00. If you are interested, please contact me at 566.1678.
Did you take a look at the Catholic Faith Appeal statistics in the bulletin? We have already exceeded 50% of our goal only two full months into the annual appeal. Thank you for your extreme generosity! Seasonal residents and visitors, please remember to make your check payable to the CFA with St. John the Evangelist in the memo line.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager