On behalf of the clergy and staff of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. 2010 was a year of many changes and many great accomplishments! 2011 looks to be even better. Are you glad the holidays are over? Although the Christmas Season recognizes a very important occurrence in the birth of Jesus Christ, it is difficult to maintain any type of normalcy during this time with all of the extracurricular activities taking place. For those of you that have been traveling (and possibly stranded) over this hectic period and for those that may be arriving in Naples for the first time this season, welcome back. We look forward to an incredibly fun and spiritual filled 2011 at St. John the Evangelist.
What do you think of the appearance of the church for the Christmas season? Once again the Arts and Liturgical Environment team outdid themselves in creating a magnificent atmosphere to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Have you seen the new addition to our church? The long awaited statue of St. John the Evangelist has finally arrived and is in place in the alcove on the west side of the nave. I may be a little biased but I find this statue to be absolutely beautiful. If this is any indication of what the statue of Mary will look like, we are in for a real treat. Thank you to the anonymous donors that have contributed so generously to give these beautiful pieces a home at St. John the Evangelist. I would also like to recognize Bob Valentine for his gift of time and talent in coordinating the delivery and installation of this incredibly heavy (1,300 lbs) statue.
On Sunday, February 6th, we will host our 13th Annual Super Bowl Party in the ballroom of the Parish Life Center. This party has received much acclaim over its 13 year run and this year will be no different. Tickets will be available in the parish office this coming Monday for $25 each. We will sell a maximum of 300 tickets and due to the increasing popularity of this annual event; I strongly suggest buying yours early. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for further details.
Have you taken a trip to the “Horse Races” at Gulfstream Park with our parish? Bob Valentine (parishioner and horse racing aficionado) has been coordinating these outings for the past two years. This is a great way to spend the day away from home and an even better chance to win a buck or two hundred. This is also a great opportunity to meet and socialize with your fellow parishioners. The first trip of the season will take place on January 14th. The bus leaves the Parish Life Center promptly at 9:30am and Bob asks that you be onsite by 9:15am. After you enjoy juice and snacks on the trip over, you will be treated to a full buffet in the clubhouse, a complimentary program and a $2 betting voucher. The last race is approximately 5:30pm which should put you back at St. John at approximately 7:30pm. Kathy Valentine will serve cocktails on the return trip while Bob assists in tending bar. The cost for this magnificent day out at the races is only $78 per person. The maximum number of seats available on the bus is 44. Please see the advertisement in this bulletin for further details. Please contact Melanie by January 6th if you would like to attend.
I only have one more week to stress the importance of the Catholic Faith Appeal before we are out of time for 2010. As of December 27th we were still about $38,000.00 shy of reaching our goal. Please remember that if I have your contribution by January the 4th, I can still include it in the 2010 appeal. With that said, unless something miraculous takes place, we will not reach our goal. But it is not for a lack of effort. In the midst of a very tumultuous economic environment, we made a great run at meeting our lofty goal. So although our streak may end at two years, there is always next year to begin a new streak. As a continual reminder, if you are a seasonal resident or visitor, please make your check payable to the Catholic Faith Appeal with St. John the Evangelist in the memo line. Thank you once again for your continued support of the Catholic Faith Appeal.
Thank you so much for supporting St. John the Evangelist.