Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 29/30, 2019
Today’s readings take us back to the basics, inviting us to reflect honestly on our deepest priorities in life.
In today’s Gospel, from Luke, Christ refers to the struggle to put Him above all else as He encounters two “would-be” disciples on His way to Jerusalem. “‘Follow me,’” Jesus says to the first man. He replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." The other said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” These two want to follow Christ but only on their terms and only after taking care of some other, more pressing matters (at least in their minds).
To this, Christ says thanks, but no thanks! Following Him requires an unqualified “yes” not a “yes, but…” We are called to put Christ and His kingdom ahead of our plans if we truly wish to be His disciples and to find victory in the battle of selfishness.
Living stewardship as a way of life can go a long way in arming us for victory. A stewardship way of life provides us with a custom-made “training plan”; the commitment to a specific offering of our time, talent, and treasure to the Kingdom of God. It is a plan discerned through prayer, and by looking at the realities of our unique circumstances, strengths, and limitations. The daily discipline of committing to the plan strengthens us and helps us gradually move away from the “yes, but” attitude and towards an unqualified “yes!” to Christ and His will.
Do not be afraid to give the best of yourself and your gifts to Christ. He deserves nothing less. Moreover, this way of life, while challenging, will be characterized by a joy and peace that only comes from living for Him.
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A FOND FAREWELL
After serving 22 years at St. John’s Parish, Jodi Bowers has accepted a new position at the Archdiocese.
Ever since I have been here, Jodi has been the one person every new parishioner meets at the front desk. To explain her job would take too long as it involves many and varied tasks from putting together the weekly bulletin, placing new messages on the electric sign, scheduling Mass intentions, listening to many parishioners, and the list goes on. On behalf of the entire parish, we thank Jodi for her years of service and send her forth with blessings and good wishes. Her last day in the front office will be Friday, July 12. However, on Sunday, July 21, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass, we will have a special blessing for Jodi and a reception in the church hall for all to wish her well in her new employment.
Go with God, Jodi.
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Last Call to Become a Firecracker Backer!
Make a contribution to this year's fireworks display.
Categories for Sponsorship:
- Platinum: $500
- Gold: $250
- Silver: $150
- Bronze: $100
- Copper: $50
The deadline for Sponsorship is June 30, 2019.
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Please be aware that the Parish Office will be
CLOSED on both Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Please plan accordingly.
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CDs from Augustine Institute
Did you know we have CDs (and other items) located in the narthex? Each week we will highlight one of the available CDs.
Cost is $4 each.
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Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS and world renowned authority on evangelization, shares how a personal encounter with Jesus is the key to following him with fidelity, gratitude, and joy. Using humor and relatable examples, he also shows how experiencing Christ before evangelizing others is the biblical model witnessed to by the Apostles, and one that is certain to bear fruit in the life of any believer.
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With summer upon us, we can help you take care of all your shopping needs. Vacations? Home improvements? We've got a card for that! Having a BBQ? We can help with that! All this can be done by purchasing SCRIP! From hotels, airlines, home improvement stores to all your grocery needs. Shop with us and St. John's will receive a percentage. Click
here to view and print our order form. We order on Mondays and have them ready to be picked up no later than Thursday each week.
July 6/7 and 20/21 will be the upcoming SCRIP weekends. As always, SCRIP is available in the Parish Office during regular business hours.
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This program allows .5% of your regular shopping on Amazon to be donated to St. John the Evangelist.
If you purchase Scrip, St. John's receives an additional 2.25%. That's 2.75% of your purchases to St. John's if you are already shopping Amazon.
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52nd Annual Family Festival News
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We need your help to make our Festival a success. Please consider volunteering your time and talent to our largest event of the year.
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Click each date for more information:
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What's Happening in Our School
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Sunday, July 14 - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Sendik's Food Market, 7901 W. Layton Ave.
Join us as we serve up delicious brats and other grilled fare!
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Summer Adult Programs
We will be offering several one day/evening programs over the summer months.
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The newsletter is published on Wednesdays. Articles for each week's publication are due on Mondays at noon.
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"Remember God's Will in Yours!"
Please keep the needs of St. John the Evangelist in mind as you do your estate planning. For information on how to include the parish as a beneficiary, contact the Parish Office at 414-321-1965.
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