APRIL 15, 2020
During this time of pandemic, it’s never been more apparent that we truly are ONE united parish and school. Jubilee, where funds primarily benefited only the school, has evolved and made a pivot to be more focused on community unification and support.

The St. John’s commUNITY is called to join together, to Unite for our faith and be messengers of Christ’s joy and hope to our world. Recent events have shown us how we can conquer fear and hardship when we are All In Together . Everyone is invited to witness and be an active participant in the good that is happening in our local community. . .and to add your voice and efforts to increase that greater good. We are stronger together. Pope Francis says, "Unity happens when we walk together." There is no greater time to walk together than right now.

On May 2 at 7PM , we will join together “virtually” to share stories, support each other, and help make that greater difference. The evening will include virtual entertainment, FANTASTIC live auction items to bid on, and raising funds for not only our immediate St. John’s financial needs, but the needs of others in our Savage community. 

Join us in being All In Together and we can make a difference. Start by adding this to your calendar and then help us by including your great ideas in the survey so we can all begin!
JUST A FEW OF THE EXCITING ITEMS UP FOR LIVE AUCTION . . .

  • Big Sky Montana Condo: 1 week in summer or 4 nights during ski season!
  • Ely Lakehouse: 1 week condo for 8 this summer!
  • Dinner for 8 with Archbishop Hebda!
  • Savage Mayor-for-a-Day!
  • Mass then dinner for 8 with Bishop DeGrood at the Bishop's House in Sioux Falls!
  • And many more!
FINALLY, HOLD ON TO YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS!

The raffle of the pilgrimage trip valued at $8000+ and 4 cash prizes will still occur but the date has moved to coincide with AutumnFest! Continue to purchase or sell the tickets ( picked up in the atrium in early March) and hold on to the stubs! More info to come.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
UPDATE! Celebrate God’s Gift of Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday-April 19

This year we will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday via livestream immediately following the 10AM Mass. The service will conclude around 11:30AM. You are then invited to come for a "Divine Mercy Blessing" on Sunday, April 19 from 12-1PM at the church at door #10. This will operate much like the picking up of the palms in order to get as many cars through for a blessing as possible.

More details in the Friday update.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY THIS WEEK!
NEW! LIVESTREAM WINE & WISDOM!

Adults 21+ are invited to join Father Ben this Thursday, April 16 at the virtual Wine & Wisdom event at 6:30PM. Pour a glass of wine, or your favorite beverage, and join this virtual discussion via our YouTube channel (linked above). Through YouTube, you are able to be a part of the discussion. You can chat your questions live and Father Ben will answer them. The topic this week is "Survive & Rise!" Given the current state of pandemic we live in, this topic allows us to dig deeper into how we can really lean into our faith during this challenging time and not only survive, but truly rise into who we are called to be. Will you join us? We hope so.
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
Given the Governor's extension of the Stay at Home Order until May 4, please note we will continue the following schedule through May 3 and continue to keep you updated through frequent, although not daily, email updates. This is the best way to stay connected to parish liturgies and events. To get added to this list, please send an email to welcome@stjohns-savage.org.
 
  • The parish office REMAINS CLOSED. 
  • Messages can be left on parish office voicemail or email welcome@stjohns-savage.org. Email is the best way to contact us.
  • Door #11 is open daily from 9AM-6PM Monday-Saturday and noon-6PM on Sunday to allow entrance for those wishing to pray only.
  • The school office/building IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED..
  • The church atrium is CLOSED.
  • Adoration is TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
  • Please contact Beth Prendi (bprendi@stjohns-savage.org) with regard to funerals and other pastoral care needs/concerns.
  • There are no baptisms at this time.
  • Livestream Masses will continue to be offered on Sundays at 10AM and M-F at 8AM; all Masses are recorded so they can be viewed at anytime on our youtube channel.
  • UPDATE: Next opportunity for confession is: Saturday, April 18 at 3:30PM. THIS WILL BE A DRIVE THRU CONFESSION OPPORTUNITY AGAIN.

All events previously scheduled through May 3, per the national order, will not occur as scheduled. Events that have the potential of being rescheduled will have details communicated as information becomes clear.