St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community

Dear Parishioners,

Greetings from SJE and Happy Independence Day!

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day this year, the famous words of General Washington to his troops come to mind: “Crossing the Delaware tonight will be risky and difficult. Remember what you are fighting for and have courage.” Yes, dearly beloved parishioners of SJE, we are indeed going through one of those risky and difficult “nights,” not so much as troops but as a nation part of a larger, global community.

Although I am filled with gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist once again with the family of St. John the Evangelist, this COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of the lives to which we are accustomed. Many of our members returned to celebrate the liturgy on Pentecost Sunday (30/31 May 2020), and our staff continues to ensure that all safety measures are followed for those in attendance. We cannot thank enough the many wonderful volunteers who regularly assist!

With increased anxiety over issues of race and politics in our country, and as we see the enemy wielding the weapons of hatred, fear, and division to his advantage, the time has come for us to stand together to defeat the enemy.

With the alarming uptick in the number of people infected with COVID-19 in Florida, there has been a corresponding uptick in the number of people growing anxious about safety in the church. We are a caring community committed to the safety and well-being of all, and despite the highly divisive and explosive atmosphere created by COVID-19, we will be able to rise above that which divides us and together do what is in the best interest of all. As Anne Lamott said:

“We are not here to see through one another, but to see one another through.”

After attending Mass, some of parishioners have expressed concern over those who are not wearing masks or following proper social-distancing. I have been hesitant to make wearing a mask a requirement, but after much prayer and consultation, I offer the following choices beginning the weekend of 4/5 July 2020 and until we return to some sense of normalcy:

A. If you are attending the Sunday Masses:
I implore you, in humility and charity, to follow the CDC guidelines when you enter the church and our offices:

1. Wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask, we can provide one.
2. Use only the main doors to enter and exit the church.
3. Maintain appropriate social-distancing while sitting in your pews and when you are in the Communion line and also when you exit.
4. Bring your own hand sanitizer, if possible.
5. If you have breathing difficulties, you can adjust the mask to make it easy for you to breathe.

B. If you do not want to wear a mask:
I do understand that there are some who have a different opinion on these issues.
I do not want you to feel neglected. If you have strong objections to wearing a mask, please know that we will offer the following options:
     i) You can attend one of the Daily Mass where there is more room for social-distancing, and wearing a mask may not be required.
     ii) Attend the 11 a.m. Mass in the Holy Cross Hall where we will simulcast the Mass, more easily maintaining 6-foot social-distancing. You will be able to take part in Communion at the same time as others in the Church.
     iii) If there are sufficient numbers of people (50 or more) who prefer not to or are unable to wear a mask, we are even ready to offer an additional Mass on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the church. Please call the office and let us know if you would like to attend this Mass.

C. If you are joining us from home:
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19, if you are in a high-risk category for Covid-19, if you are a caretaker of an elderly or sick person, if you have travelled to any of the hotspots recently, or if you are not comfortable attending Mass in the church at this time, please stay home and attend the 11 a.m. Mass livestreamed via our website at www.stjohnviera.org. Please do so by creating a prayerful atmosphere in your home, and call the family together to prayerfully and reverentially celebrate the Eucharist, making an act of Spiritual Communion together.

Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando has granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.

As your pastor, I am deeply concerned about your spiritual as well as your physical well-being, especially during this unprecedented and vicious pandemic. Please continue to pray for an end to this contagious virus, and continue to do what is most loving, even if you think others might be of a different mindset. Let not the enemy divide us over a simple act of charity and love, something as simple as wearing a mask.

Should any of you need any assistance during this challenging time, please contact us at 321-637-9650.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, without ceasing.

We are indeed going through one of the risky and difficult “nights” of our time. Let us reflect on the powerful words of wisdom from our beloved Saint Anthony of Padua: “Love of God is the food of the soul. From it we grow in virtue. And it softens up the harshness of all tribulation. Nothing is difficult for the person who loves. When the sweetness of the divine love is taken away, the bitterness of our tribulation becomes intolerable.”

Be Blessed!

With love,
Fr. John