St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community

Dear friends,

Greetings from Fr. John!

Hurricane IAN and the disruptions it may cause:

Brace for Hurricane IAN, as it has become one of the most unpredictable storms that we have seen in many years.  Hurricane Ian is expected to linger over Central Florida for some time, leaving a trail of damage to peoples’ lives and property.  Its force could result in complete power losses, flooding, and major devastation across our state.  I ask you and your families to stay safe, with your homes and property as secure as possible.

As per the Tuesday (27 September) 5 p.m. update on Hurricane IAN, we have decided the following: 

The office will be closed beginning Wednesday, September 27 through Sunday, October 1, 2022.

All the meetings and events scheduled for the rest of the week are now cancelled.

We will not have EDGE on Wednesday, 28 September, or Religious Education classes on Sunday, 2 October.

WEEKEND MASSES WILL BE HELD as usual.  Bishop John Noonan will not be able to make it for the 11 a.m. Mass, but we will continue to pray for him and all the people who will be affected by IAN.

The PICNIC to be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 is CANCELED for now.

The parish bulletin will only be available online at www.stjohnviera.org for this weekend, 1-2 October 2022.

A very active and dedicated group of volunteers have been working for nearly two months in preparation for the festivities scheduled for this Sunday, 2 October, which included celebration of the Mass by Bishop John Noonan, a Eucharistic procession, and a parish picnic.  I want to thank all these wonderful people for their dedication to our parish.  They will keep on file the logistical plan for future celebrations.  I’d also like to thank those who responded with intent to attend the celebrations and those who donated water, sodas, and cookies for the picnic.  We can always use them for parish events.  Thank you, again, for your time and efforts in planning to make this event a meaningful one.  It seems God has other plans.  All we can do is to say like Mother Mary:  Let your will be done.

OCTOBER 2022 UPDATES:

Phase II of God’s Heart Our Dream Project, the GROTTO:  I was very much hoping to have a ground-breaking ceremony for the grotto on 2 October, but that will not be possible now.  It looks like we may begin on 1 November, Feast of All Saints.  

As part of “Respect Life” month, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus will host a baby item collection throughout the month of October.   A baby bassinette that will be located in the narthex of the church.  This is the month also to pray for the many unborn children as well as for those facing challenges in their lives, from the moment of conception to natural death.

1 October:  In honor of St. Francis, the Blessing of Animals will be held at 12 noon under the covered drop-off area in front of the parish center.  Please bring your pets if it is safe for you to do so, leashed or held in your arms.

2 October:  The Life Chain on Route 192 will be held on Sunday, October 2^nd from 2-3 p.m.  St. John’s parishioners usually park at Sky King Fireworks.

15 October:   Rosary Rally for Life, Priests, and World Peace will be held on Saturday, October 15^th at 12 noon in the church.  The Knights of Columbus will also host their annual Oktoberfest celebration on this day at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. 

15 and 16 October:   We will have a collection for our Sister Diocese, San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.  We will also host the 11^th Annual Harvest Food Drive to benefit the Farmworker Association of Florida - Fellsmere. 

22 October:  Prayer breakfast and workshop for the women of Gratia Plena from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the parish hall.  The theme for this event is, “Fall for Christ:  Healing and Hope.”  There will be several amazing speakers and food.  This will be a limited capacity event, so please RSVP to [email protected].

28 October:  SJE Annual “Trunk or Treat,” 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 

We need your help to make this event a success!  Please e-mail Dawn Hurley ([email protected]) or call the office if you are interested in decorating your trunk.  Our goal this year is 50 trunks, with prizes to the top three trunks. 

Candy donations are much appreciated and should be dropped off in the office beginning on Monday, October 3^rd.  In addition, we are asking for baked goods (cookies, cupcakes, brownies).  Please drop these off in the office on Thursday, October 27^th, or Friday, October 28^th. 

Finally, we need volunteers to help with set-up, to monitor games and crafts, and to assist with clean-up.  If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Schonda Rodriguez at [email protected].  Thank you for your generous support of this fun, family event!

29 October:  Due to the “Trunk or Treat” event scheduled on Friday, 28 October, the Kerygma Prayer and Healing Ministry will meet on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in the church for a period of Eucharistic Adoration followed by a healing prayer service.  Come experience the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

29 and 30 October:  Mission Cooperative Appeal 2022:  Every year, the Diocese of Orlando receives many requests from Catholic dioceses and Religious Orders from outside the country to help support their missionary endeavors.  Due to Covid-related issues, the Diocese of Orlando has decided to ask the same entities as last year to make the appeal this year, too.  Hence, Fr. M. S. Selvaraj, the Mission Director of Kumbakonam Diocese, South India will make his Mission Appeal during the weekend of 29/30 October 2022 at all the Masses.  Thank you for your generosity and support.

Know that you are in my prayers this month.

May the Lord bless you and yours abundantly!

With love,  

Fr. John

Weekly Offertory

Thank you for your continued support of our Parish. Without your help we wouldn't be up and running. If you have not made your weekly donation you have the following options:

1. Online at stjohnviera.weshareonline.org 

2. Offertory can be sent by mail.

3. Offertory can be dropped off at the Parish.

Thank you to those who have already made their donation. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm

Church Address

5655 Stadium Parkway

Viera, FL  32940

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (321) 637 9650
Fax: (321) 637 9651