Dear Parishioners,
In 1856, the “Mother Church of Jackson” laid its cornerstone. From that moment, parish life at St. John the Evangelist began. This year, we joyfully celebrate our 170th anniversary as a parish!
First, a Big Thank You
We have more than 50 active service ministries, faith formation opportunities, councils, and committees—all contributing to our shared mission of bringing people to Jesus and Jesus to people.
The majority of these groups are described in our parish handbook. While the number of ways to become involved is impressive, it is the people who make these groups what they are.
We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who is already involved. Your generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure—and your desire to grow in faith and understanding—beautifully continue the legacy of Catholic service and discipleship at St. John.
Our Current Thematic Goal
Every year or so, our Parish Leadership Team prayerfully discerns a new “rallying cry”—an area in which we can concentrate our efforts according to where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
Our most recent focus has been to “joyfully accompany our young families.”
St. John Paul II made the importance of the family clear when he said:
“As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
We have been lifting our young families in prayer each day, working to deepen the already strong Catholic identity and culture of our school, and discerning the best ways to walk alongside the families of our parish.
To be clear, all our St. John families are important to us. Each person here is a treasured and beloved member of our parish family, and we give thanks to the Lord for our vibrant faith community!
An Invitation to Come and See
Toward the end of our parish handbook, you will find a form where you can express your interest in service and faith formation opportunities.
Our parish moves forward in a spirit of unity as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission. We invite you to prayerfully consider how the Lord may be calling you both to serve and to deepen your faith.
Although this handbook is being published in conjunction with our Come and See event, most of our groups welcome new members throughout the year. If you are new to the parish, please let us know how you would like to become involved. If you find that you have more time available later in the year, please reach out. There is always a place for you here.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said, ‘send me!’”
—Isaiah 6:8
Lord, we ask for willing hearts. Give us the desire to serve in Your vineyard and open our ears to hear how You are calling us into a deeper relationship with You and with one another through service, study, and prayer. Amen.
Thank you for being part of the Body of Christ here at St. John the Evangelist Parish.
May we serve one another well with a Spirit of Unity, a Mind for Excellence, and a Heart of Gratitude!
