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, we celebrate our 166th year as a parish and our 150th year of St. John School!
So first, a big THANK YOU…
We have over 50 active Service Ministries, Faith Formation opportunities, and Councils & Committees! The majority of those are described here in our handbook. 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” and your desire to grow in your faith displays so beautifully the legacy of Catholic service and discipleship here at our parish.
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Secondly…a LOOK AT OUR THEMATIC GOAL…
Every year or so, our Parish Leadership Team (PLT) discerns a “rally cry,” an area in which to concentrate efforts depending on where the Spirit is leading. Our former rally cry, that of “Equipping & Strengthening the Core for Mission,” saw those who wanted to invest more in discipleship attending the Catechism in a Year Review and/or attending or accompanying someone to The RESCUE Project, as well as many other formation opportunities. Of course, these efforts continue.
Some of you have already had a “sneak peak” at our new thematic goal, “Discipleship Deeply Rooted in Prayer.” In upcoming weeks, you’ll hear more about this rally, but it comes from the need we always have to rely on the Lord. We plan to more fully lift up the efforts of the parish in a powerful and concerted way and to pray for others by name whether for deeper conversion or for healing and their needs. A great need for more intercessory prayer has been placed on our hearts as the Lord always has more He wants to do and give, and we want to be fully open to that, ask for it, and respond!
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Finally…an INVITATION to “Come and See!”
Toward the end of this handbook, you’ll find two forms, one to sign up for Family Discipleship (helping families grow their “domestic church”) and one to express your interest in adult Service and/or Faith Formation 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! 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!
“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 with you and others through service, study, and prayer. Amen.
Thank you for being a part of the Body of Christ here at St. John the Evangelist Parish. May we serve each other well.
Fr. Chas Canoy, Pastor
Kathy Blanchard, Director of Family Discipleship
Renee Hornby, Principal
Shayne Slough, Director of Parish Life
