Dear Parishioners,
1856. In this year, the “Mother Church of Jackson” laid its cornerstone, and from that moment on, parish life at St. John the Evangelist Parish began! This year, as we celebrate 165 years, we have over 50 active Service Ministries, Faith Formation opportunities, and Councils/Committees! The majority of those are described here in our handbook.
So first, a big THANK YOU! While the number of ways to be involved is impressive, it is the people that represent these groups that make them what they are! So, we say “thank you” to all who are involved in some way already! Your giving of “time, talent, and treasure” displays so beautifully the legacy of Catholic service here in Jackson for generations. Just this past year alone, as we experienced the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw how our parish ministries responded with outreach to not only our parishioners but to the larger community through St. Vincent de Paul. And our Faith Formation program, though often in virtual format, continued without missing a beat! If we had not had such strong groups, such talented people, such generous leaders in place, these efforts would likely have gone undone. THANK YOU to all!
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Secondly, a SHORT REFRESHER… A few years ago, many of us received a copy of Matthew Kelly’s The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. Since, we’ve stressed and incorporated these ideas into our parish in various ways, from homily series to our 5-4-1 Generosity Challenge to our evergrowing faith formation opportunities. Here’s a refresher, as these four “signs” are at the very heart of our ministries and faith formation program:
*PRAYER: Do we give the Lord 1% of our day, talking with and listening to His voice for at least 15 minutes daily? Have we considered signing up for an hour of Adoration per week?
*STUDY: Do we practice Lectio Divina as we read Scripture? Attend a conference or retreat? Take part in some of the many offerings of the parish?
*GENEROSITY: Do we gratefully acknowledge the Lord’s generosity with the way that we in turn share of our time, talents, and treasure?
*EVANGELIZATION: Our faith journey is not just about us; we are called to share Jesus with others! We have been created, captured, and rescued! How do we respond? Have we accompanied a friend in their faith journey and invited them to the sacramental life of the Church?
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Finally…an INVITATION to “Come and See!” Toward the end of this handbook, you’ll find two forms, one to express interest in Youth Opportunities (fill one out for your kids or grandkids!) and the other to express your interest in Adult Opportunities. We invite you to prayerfully consider how the Lord is calling you into both service and deepening your faith. While this booklet is published in conjunction with our annual Come & See Event, our groups welcome new members at most any point during the year! If you’re new to the parish, please let us know how you’d like to get involved. If you find more time on your hands at some other point in the year, reach out! Thank you for being a part of the Body of Christ here at St. John the Evangelist Parish. May we serve each other well. In Jesus’ name, we ask for an abundance of fruitfulness for our parish and the Jackson community!
Fr. Chas Canoy – Pastor
Todd Gale – Director of Faith Formation
Shayne Slough – Director of Parish Life
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“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!’” We hear these words from Isaiah, and we call for these willing hearts, Lord. We pray for the desire to serve in your vineyard. We ask for open ears to hear how You call us to deeper relationship through study and prayer. Amen.