Dear Parish Family,
After twenty years of dedicated service, Rose Noble, our “treasured” Finance Manager, will be moving on to do similar work at St. Joseph Shrine in Brooklyn. I of course tried to talk her into staying, but I can understand why this is such a good move for her. It is closer to her home, and she knows St. John’s former Parochial Vicar, Fr. Bob Pienta, very well. We are happy for her, though we will be sad to see her leave.
After much discernment and prayer, I am resigning from my position as Finance Manager at St. John the Evangelist Parish. I value and treasure my 20 years with the parish and the many friendships and relationships which made working, participating and worshiping here a very rewarding and heartfelt experience. I have been offered and accepted a position at St. Joseph Shrine working with Fr. Bob Pienta. I will continue my assistance here at St. John Parish through November 30, 2016 to help ensure a seamless transition. Please keep me in your prayers as I move forward to a new chapter in my life!!
Thank you & blessings to all!
Rose Noble
This does mean we need to find someone to fill the Finance Manager role soon. Please find the job posting in this bulletin, share the information among your business networks, and let us know if someone comes to mind by contacting Todd Gale. The position can be filled by one full-time person or two part-timers familiar with accounting and bookkeeping.
At last weekend’s Masses, we shared about the “Called By Name” Diocesan Assembly and how fifty St. John parishioners were in attendance, along with over 1700 others from around our Diocese of Lansing. During the Sunday homily, Fr. Brian and I asked everyone to think of at least one person who has fallen away from the Catholic faith of their childhood. Think of those whom you desire to see back at Sunday Mass, receiving the grace and strength of the sacraments, and growing deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Hold that person in prayer throughout these next two years or until the day they begin coming back to church. Pray daily for that person, perhaps praying just one “Hail Mary” each day for his or her conversion. Fr. Brian and I pledge to keep encouraging you to remember to pray for his or her salvation and return home.
Finally, the “Witness to Hope” Campaign feasibility study is underway. This past week, the development firm, Greater Mission (also used by the diocese, Queens and St. Rita), interviewed about 20 of among our most involved and supportive parishioners in order to get their opinions about the upcoming capital campaign and the various parish needs and projects that would be funded by a combined campaign with the diocese. We want everyone to have the opportunity to learn and offer their feedback about the campaign, “Heritage Hall,” and all that is planned for our parish and its facilities. These are all in their initial stages, and so your input and feedback will help shape the future direction of this campaign and our parish’s current plans for building and renovation.
To that end, we have an In-Pew Survey going on the weekend of Nov. 12 and 13 and a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m. regarding “Witness to Hope.” During that evening, architect Jason Covalle will also introduce the initial “Heritage Hall” floor plans. I hope to see you there!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Chas