Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 23, 2024

Dear friends, Fr. Martin made it safely to his new parish, St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lady Lake (The Villages) on Tuesday, 30 June, and began his new assignment as parochial vicar on July 1st. The year and a half he spent with us was sheer gift and an amazing grace for all of us. Let us keep him in our prayers. We also thank seminarians Cannon Van Handle and T. J. Dulac who, through their service and shared experiences in the life of our parish, were touched by the strong sense of community that continues to grow here at St. John’s. Thanks to all of you for making them feel at home. With 49 families in attendance, our first Community Baby Shower far exceeded expectations! Parents were thrilled at the selection of so many useful items available for them to take home. I thank Karina, Jamie, Jennie, Ciara, and the many others who volunteered to help with this amazing event. We praise God for these mothers and their openness to life. The tragedy suffered by the people of Venezuela is beyond imagination. The successive earthquakes that shook the country have wreaked great havoc on the lives of people there. At last count, more than 1700 people have died, many have lost their homes, and the number of wounded continues to grow. Let us pray that the rescue operations engaged by so many may bear fruit. At this time of great humanitarian need, we not only offer our prayers for all those affected but also active participation in solidarity with the Disaster Relief 2026 collection during the weekend of July 4/5 at all Masses. Please make your checks out to St. John the Evangelist and write in the memo, Disaster Relief 2026 . Bishop John Noonan states: “The funds collected in this special appeal will be used to support the efforts of the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church, Catholic Charities USA and/or Catholic Relief Services, as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care, and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.” Thank you, as always, for your generosity. This weekend is of great significance to us — the celebration of 25 years as a parish community! Let us give thanks to our gracious God and Father for the many blessings we’ve received! It is also a significant year in the life of our country as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding. Let us continue to thank God for calling our parish forth as a guiding light, and let us continue to pray for our country, that it might fulfill the purpose for which it was founded — to be a light for all. Summertime allows for rest, relaxation, and travel, a “break” from the exhausting lives we often lead. Many carry burdens that are not visible to others: worries about family, concerns over health, financial struggles, loneliness, grief, disappointments, and the constant pressure to keep up with life's demands. We smile on the outside while carrying heavy loads within. Of this reality, Jesus speaks one of the most comforting invitations in all of Scripture: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Notice that Jesus does not say, "Come to me when you have solved all your problems." He simply says, "Come." He welcomes us as we are — tired, anxious, wounded, and searching. His heart is always open. The rest Jesus offers is more than physical relaxation; it is the deep peace that comes from knowing we are loved by God, forgiven of our sins, and never alone. His presence does not always remove our crosses, but it gives us the strength to carry them with hope. Jesus also says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart." At first, this seems surprising. Why would He invite us to take up a yoke if we are already burdened? Because His yoke is different. In biblical times, a yoke joined two animals together so they could pull a load. When we take on Christ's yoke, we are no longer pulling life's burdens by ourselves. We walk with Him, and He bears the greater weight. The Eucharist is where this invitation becomes real. Each Sunday, Christ gathers us around His table to strengthen our hearts, renew our spirits, and remind us that His grace is always sufficient. We come with our burdens, and we leave carrying His peace. As we begin another week, let us accept the Lord's invitation. Spend a few quiet moments with Him in prayer. Bring Him your worries, your fears, your hopes, and your dreams. Trust that the gentle and humble Heart of Jesus will give you the rest for which your soul longs. May our parish always be a place where the weary find welcome, the broken discover hope, and everyone encounters the loving embrace of Christ. God bless America! God bless our parish community! Have an amazingly relaxing week! With Love, Fr. John

Dear friends, Many thanks to all of you for giving Fr. Martin such a wonderful farewell. Thank you for welcoming him into our parish family and for the kindness, love, and generosity you have shown him. The time we shared with him was truly a blessing. We are filled with gratitude to God for leading him to our parish community. I would especially like to thank Beth, our liturgical ministries, the Kitchen Crew, members of the EMHC, CRHP, Gratia Plena, CCW, and Young Adult ministries for their efforts in setting up and cleaning the hall for the farewell refreshments after every Mass. We are truly blessed with so many generous and dedicated ministries. Please continue to keep Fr. Martin in your prayers, that he may shine the light of Christ wherever he goes. We will all look forward with joy to seeing him when he visits on his days off. I am also deeply grateful to our seminarians, Cannon Van Handel and T. J. Dulac, whose presence among us during the past six weeks has been a tremendous blessing both for them and for our parish. During their stay, they experienced firsthand the life of a vibrant parish community. They joined us in our liturgies, observed many ministries in action, and were a tremendous help during Vacation Bible School. Apart from learning so many things during their time with us, we're certain they also spent some time honing their dance skills! Thank you, Cannon and T. J., for sharing your time, energy, and faith with us. Please keep them in your prayers, along with the eight other Holy Cross seminarians who are entering their novitiate year. May the Lord guide their lives and open their hearts ever more fully to His call to serve in His vineyard. May our Blessed Mother wrap them in the mantle of her loving protection. Please remember that this year's Fourth of July celebration will be our biggest ever and one of the concluding events of our Silver Jubilee year. Justin and Amanda are once again coordinating the preparations. Please sign up through SignUp Genius to let us know how many will be attending the dinner and, if able, consider volunteering to help make this event a great success. There will be fireworks, games, food, and fellowship for all to enjoy for this special celebration of the 250th year of the founding of our nation! Let us come together as a parish family and celebrate God's abundant blessings upon our community. In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks words that may sound demanding: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." These words can make us uncomfortable, but Jesus is not asking us to love our families less; He is inviting us to love Him first so that we can love everyone else better. When Christ occupies the first place in our hearts, all other relationships find their proper meaning and strength. Our love becomes more generous, our service more selfless, and our commitment more faithful. I personally see this lived out in our parish community as I witness the countless hours so many of you dedicate to the building up of our family here at St. John's. Let us continue to remind ourselves that discipleship is not merely a matter of words but a daily choice to place Jesus at the center of our lives. Jesus also highlights the importance of hospitality and kindness. Even the simple act of offering "a cup of cold water" to someone in need does not go unnoticed by God. Small acts of charity, encouragement, and compassion have great value in the Kingdom of God. It is often through these ordinary gestures that Christ's love becomes visible in our world. As we continue our journey of grace, faith, and hope during this jubilee year, may we renew our commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Let us welcome Him into our homes, our workplaces, our parish community, and our hearts. In doing so, we will discover the joy, peace, and purpose that come from being His faithful disciples. May God bless you and your families abundantly! With Love, Fr. John

Dear friends, Today is Father’s Day, a special occasion set aside to honor our fathers, thank them for their sacrifices, and pray for them with gratitude and love. It is both our privilege and joy to reflect on the many ways fathers enrich our lives and shape our families. Fathers … protect their families with courage and vigilance. … provide food for our tables and the necessities of life. … profess their faith by living exemplary and God-centered lives. … promote the noble values they themselves received from their fathers. … promise an enduring presence, offering guidance and support through every season of life. … prefer the well-being of their children over many of their own desires and ambitions. … persevere through difficulties and challenges without giving up. … practice patience when teaching, correcting, and encouraging us. … pray faithfully for their children and families. … prepare us for life's responsibilities and opportunities. … pardon our mistakes and teach us the beauty of forgiveness. … pursue what is good, true, and honorable for the sake of their families. … plant seeds of faith, hope, and love that continue to bear fruit for generations. … participate actively in the joys and struggles of family life. … prioritize the needs of their loved ones above their own comfort. … preserve family traditions, memories, and values. … point us toward Christ by their example and witness. … praise and encourage us, helping us discover our God-given gifts. … promote unity and peace within the family. … pour themselves out generously in countless seen and unseen acts of love. Today, we gratefully acknowledge the role our fathers have played — and continue to play — in our lives. Most fathers carry burdens that are often unseen and unspoken. What can we offer them in return? Perhaps the greatest and most meaningful gift we can give is our gratitude, our love, and our prayers. Let us remember with thanksgiving those fathers who have gone before us and pray for those who are still with us, that this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass may bring them strength, consolation, and abundant blessings. The readings for this Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us of the most loving Father we have, our Heavenly Father. Jesus assures us that we are precious in His sight and invites us not to be afraid: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Every earthly father is called to reflect something of that reassuring presence and faithful love of God. The Lord's message to all of us today is simple and powerful: “Fear no one.” May St. Joseph, Patron of Fathers, guide, protect, and intercede for all fathers. Happy Father’s Day! Today, we also turn our attention to Fr. Martin Joseph who has been a beloved spiritual father to our parish family for the past eighteen months. His presence among us has truly been one of God's providential gifts. Humanly speaking, it seemed unlikely that a Salesian priest would serve in a parish administered by the Congregation of Holy Cross, yet God’s ways are often surprising and beautiful. At a time when I was serving alone and without the immediate availability of a Holy Cross priest, the Lord opened a path. We are deeply grateful to Bishop John Noonan for his kindness in sending Fr. Martin to assist us, even more so that he allowed him to remain beyond the original one-year arrangement. How often do an uncle and nephew have the blessing of serving together in the same parish? God's providence has been evident every step of the way. Personally, these past eighteen months have been among the most peaceful and profoundly impactful of my time here. I thank God for bringing Fr. Martin to the United States, especially for bringing him to St. John the Evangelist. His kindness, generosity, priestly zeal, and joyful spirit have touched many lives. Though it is difficult to see him leave, we know it would be selfish to hold onto him when God is calling him forward. As he continues his journey toward serving the Diocese of Orlando, we send him forth with our prayers, gratitude, and best wishes as he begins his new assignment at St. Timothy Catholic Church, The Villages, only a couple of hours away. Thank you, Fr. Martin, for all you have done for us and for the love you have shown our parish family. May God, our provident and loving Father, watch over you and bless you abundantly! With love and gratitude, Fr. John

Dear friends, This Sunday, we welcome Fr. Gaspar Selvaraj, C.S.C., Provincial Superior of the Tamil Nadu Province in India. Having visited us several times throughout the years, this occasion is particularly special because he will share with us the evangelizing efforts of Congregation of Holy Cross religious who serve in some of the most challenging situations in India. We are delighted to have you with us, Fr. Gaspar! I am immensely grateful to Lisa and Neil Starr and Gail Sullivan for leading Vacation Bible School (VBS) this past week. Nearly 80 children participated in this amazing week of learning how to “walk with Jesus” in a fun and engaging way. I’d like to thank our veteran volunteers — Art and Barbara Hudson, Debra Campbell, John Moster, and many others — along with our videographer, Megan Knick, tech wizards, Zachary and Melissa, costume designers, Marie Knick and Sonia Santiago, as well as those who portrayed the saints and biblical characters. A special thanks to our kitchen crew who prepared delicious snacks for the children. This year we were also blessed with the presence of Cannon Van Handel and T.J. Dulac, Holy Cross seminarians, and the impact of their witness and service among us. To our parents, thank you for encouraging your children to grow in our faith through shared experiences. Lastly, I thank our dear parishioners for their constancy in generosity and support. What a blessing to have people who are on fire to share God’s love with our children. Congratulations to Dan and Diane Scheuerer, recipients of our Family of the Month Award for June 2026. As some of our founding parishioners, they have faithfully supported countless parish projects and have served our community at many levels with joy, dedication, and generosity. Thank you for the unique gifts and spirit you bring to our parish family. This week, we were also blessed to consecrate our parish and our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. There is great need for these prayers at this time in our history, and we will continue to offer them throughout the year, especially during the July 4th weekend celebrations. In the meantime, let us continue to strive for hearts that beat in harmony with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and let us continue to pray: "O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Desire of Nations and Center of History, bless these United States of America." Having celebrated the great Solemnities of Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity, and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we return to our journey through Ordinary Time and continue walking with Jesus as He ministers to people in their everyday needs. Although Ordinary Time resumed on the weekdays following Pentecost, the Sunday celebrations of the 8th, 9th, and 10th Weeks in Ordinary Time were replaced by these great feasts. This Sunday, we celebrate the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, with readings drawn from the Gospel of Matthew. We begin with these moving words: "At the sight of the crowds, Jesus' heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd" (Mt 9:36). What a beautiful way to resume our journey with Jesus! We encounter a Lord who sees our struggles, knows our needs, and responds with compassion. Recognizing the immense needs of the people, Jesus not only ministers to them Himself but also sends out the twelve apostles to continue His mission: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons" (Mt 10:8). That same compassionate gaze of Christ rests upon our world today. We live in a society blessed with remarkable advances, yet many people continue to experience loneliness, anxiety, confusion, and spiritual hunger. Like the crowds in the gospel, they search for meaning, direction, and hope. The same Jesus who sent His apostles to extend His healing presence now invites each one of us to continue His mission by bringing His compassion, mercy, and love to those around us. May we keep our eyes open to the needs of others and our hearts attuned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus so that we might spread the fragrance of Christ wherever we go. Have a blessed week! With Love, Fr. John

Dear friends, With June comes the reminder that we are entering hurricane season in Florida, and while we pray that the Lord may have mercy on us and spare us from disaster, we need to be sufficiently prepared to face whatever the season might bring our way. Remember the saying, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ — traditionally known as Corpus Christi — which invites us to rediscover the fundamental truth of our Catholic faith, namely that Jesus is truly present among us in the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol or a reminder of Christ. It is Christ Himself — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — given to us as food for our journey. The Eucharist is God's answer to humanity's deepest hunger, the hunger for meaning, forgiveness, peace, love, and eternal life. Jesus offers all of these in the Blessed Sacrament. He does not merely give us something; He gives us Himself. How blessed are we to avail of this opportunity to receive him every Sunday and, for some of us, to receive him daily! As we celebrate Corpus Christi, may we renew our love for the Mass and our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Let us approach Holy Communion with gratitude and reverence, recognizing the extraordinary gift we receive. And may the Christ whom we receive at the altar be seen in our words, actions, and love for one another. This week, we will be hosting Vacation Bible School from 8 - 12 June. I thank Lisa Starr for leading the charge this year and all the volunteers who will help during this time of fun and learning for our children. Thanks for your support of this program through donations and prayer. Next weekend, we will be hosting Fr. Gaspar Selvaraj, C.S.C., Provincial Superior of the Tamil Nadu Province in India. He will be sharing with us some of the challenging situations faced by Christians when evangelizing the Good News of Jesus Christ in India. Please welcome him with joy. The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and, this year, it assumes even greater significance. The USCCB has decided to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as we celebrate the semiquincentennial (quarter millennial) anniversary of its founding. On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We will pray the consecration prayer in our parish during the Behold the Lamb of God Holy Hour at 7 p.m. on the Vigil of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On June 12, the feast day of the Sacred Heart, we will celebrate Masses at 8 a.m. and 12:05 p.m., concluding with a holy hour at 3 p.m. Please come and thank our God for the amazing gift of our nation. I ask that you pray the following as part of our desire to unite with the beating heart of Jesus who longs to dwell in our hearts: O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you. From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you. We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love. O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! May our hearts beat in unison with the Heart of Jesus! With love, Fr. John

Dear friends, We did it — the mosaic artwork capturing the essence of our faith is finally accomplished, thanks be to God! Thank you for your continued patience with me these past two years in planning for this dream to become a reality, the result of your dedication and endurance. There were many lessons learned along the way in creating a work of art with such magnitude and proportion, and it is my sincerest hope that you all agree it was worth it — in the end, a small price to pay for such transcendental beauty. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and renowned scientist, famously said, "Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep." This legendary piece of wisdom comes to mind when I think of how this dream kept me awake most nights. Beginning in 2018 when we built the church, I couldn’t help feeling that there should be something more to this beautiful space, that it was meant to hold some design of color that would further enhance it’s contemplative serenity as a place of prayer. Over the past six years or so, I took note of all the churches I visited both in this country and abroad while on pilgrimage. I began asking the price of murals and paintings, and then God providentially put me in touch with artists Giancarlo Biagi and Jill-Burkee Biagi and the idea of a mosaic. The theme I had in mind was certain; I wanted to follow the same idea used in designing the grotto — Mary looking at John. I knew I wanted to depict this iconic moment of Mary and John faithfully standing at the foot of the cross at Golgotha. While the evangelists depict different scenes of the crucifixion, I wanted to reflect what John, our theologian par excellence, describes in his 19th chapter. I first conceived the central panel but was concerned about the placement of Mary and Joseph in their niches where they have not been visible to all. I wanted to have them brought to the forefront; hence, the idea of a triptych was born, further enhancing our worship space. After discussing with Giancarlo Biagi and Jill-Burkee Biagi, we agreed to name this triptych mosaic “Consummatum est in Golgotha.” It is a phrase combining Latin and the place associated with the Crucifixion of Jesus. It captures the triumphant mission accomplished by Jesus as presented in John 19:30 in Golgotha, the “place of the skull” in Hebrew. “Consummatum est in Golgotha” in English translates to, “It is finished at Golgotha.” Again, I thank all who helped make our Thanksgiving Mass in celebration of our jubilee year a grand success. There is not enough space to list the many names; hence, I offer a general THANK YOU to all who helped make the mosaic, the Mass, and the picnic so beautiful. Over time, I will be working on a brochure to explain the details of the artwork. This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, one of the deepest mysteries of our faith: one God in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the Trinity is beyond our human understanding, it is not so much a puzzle to be solved as it is a relationship to be lived. At the heart of the Trinity is perfect love, communion, and unity. God is never alone but, rather, in eternal relationship. Created in the image of this Triune God, we, too, are made for relationship with God and with one another. In a world often marked by division, isolation, and selfishness, the Trinity reminds us that true life is found in love, self-giving, and unity. The Father creates us in love, the Son redeems us through love, and the Holy Spirit sustains and guides us in love. Every time we make the sign of the cross, we proclaim this great mystery: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” It is both a prayer and a reminder that we belong to God and are called to reflect His love in our homes, our parish, and our community. May this feast renew in us a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our lives and inspire us to become living signs of unity, peace, and love for others. With the completion of the mosaic, we have moved adoration back to our Adoration Chapel . I’d like to thank Jamie Waller for coordinating this process and all the adorers for your commitment to spending time with our Lord. In time, I will be revisiting our plan to expand the hours for adoration. We are blessed to have two postulants, T.J. Dulac and Cannon Van Handel from the Congregation of Holy Cross, here with us until the end of June. They have already begun integrating into our community, and I ask that you please pray for them and greet and welcome them when you see them around. They will enter the novitiate program this fall. Welcome, T.J. and Cannon! Now I have to share with you some bittersweet news, Fr. Martin has been given another assignment, appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Timothy Catholic Church in The Villages, effective 1 July. Although we will all dearly miss him, we must thank God for allowing him be with us for the past one and a half years. We are planning a farewell meet-and-greet after all the Masses the weekend of 20/21 June. Please make time to stop by the hall and wish him well when the time comes. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:2). With love and gratitude, Fr. John

Dear friends, A notice displayed at the reception area of a hotel once read: “A little disruption now. Lots of wows later.” The moment I saw that, I immediately thought of our family of St. John’s. Over the past several months, there has certainly been “more than a little disruption” as we journeyed toward the “wow” effect that many of you have now experienced upon entering our church. The day has finally come when we can breathe a great sigh of relief and stand in awe before this extraordinary work of art — the fruit of many gifted hands, hearts, and minds. Throughout history, the Catholic Church has used sacred art as a powerful means of evangelization. Every sacred artwork preaches a silent yet profound homily, as in the words of Pope Benedict XVI from August 2002: “The only really effective apologia for Christianity comes down to two arguments: the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb.” Indeed, this masterpiece has been growing in the womb of St. John’s for more than four years. During that time, I increasingly felt that although our church was already beautiful, something was still missing. After visiting many churches and praying deeply about it for months, God, in His divine providence, brought into our lives the remarkable artists Giancarlo Biagi and Jill Burkee-Biagi . I shared with them my vision for a parish in Florida named after St. John the Evangelist and how deeply John and Mary are united through the mystery of Christ’s Crucifixion. That conversation marked the beginning of a beautiful journey, one that has now brought us to this blessed day. And there could not be a more fitting occasion for this than the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost . Just as the Easter season culminates in the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we likewise have been building toward this sacred moment — a moment of grace marking the pinnacle of our Silver Jubilee Year. Since the opening Mass on September 11, 2025, we have celebrated many events during this jubilee year, but the dedication of this magnificent mosaic wall depicting the Crucifixion scene from the Gospel of Saint John the Evangelist (John 19) truly stands as the crowning jewel of these celebrations. This sacred depiction of Mary and John standing faithfully at the foot of the Cross — together with Mary, the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and the Roman soldiers — transforms our sacred space into a living encounter with the mystery of Christ’s love. A mosaic is not merely art; it is theology in color and stone . As Bishop Robert Barron beautifully describes, sacred art is “Heaven in stone and glass.” There is something profoundly transcendent about this work. Each tiny piece so carefully placed reflects how God gathers the broken fragments of humanity and forms them into a unified story of redemption. In this Crucifixion scene, suffering, sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope are held together in one powerful image. The Cross is no longer distant history; it becomes visible, present, and almost tangible before us. Spiritually, this mosaic invites contemplation; we will not simply “look” at it — we will pray with it. The eyes of Christ upon the Cross, the sorrow of Mary, the faithful presence of John, and the sacred stillness of Calvary draw the soul into silence and prayer. There is a quiet yet radiant glory that emanates from this scene of the Crucifixion. It is my sincere hope that amid the busyness of our lives, this mosaic will become a sacred place where we pause, reflect, and enter more deeply into the Passion of Christ, the source of our salvation. This mosaic will also become a silent teacher. Without speaking a word, it proclaims the very heart of the Gospel: that love is strongest when it gives itself completely. Every person who enters our church will hear that message spoken through stone, color, beauty, and light, calling them to remember, to believe, and to live that same sacrificial love. At this moment, I am reminded of the words of Jesus in John 16:21: “When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” Today, we experience that joy. I am deeply indebted to our artists, Giancarlo Biagi and Jill Burkee-Biagi, whose remarkable talents and dedication made this dream possible. They have accomplished much throughout their lives, but this may well stand among their crowning achievements. I look forward to sharing more about them next week. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Manrico Bertellotti and Nicola Catelli and their family members who brought generations of mosaic craftsmanship and tradition to this sacred project. Many thanks, as well, to Bishop John Noonan , Scott Ferguson , and Debbie Whalen for accompanying us on this journey. My sincere appreciation goes to GCC for their assistance in constructing the wall and to the many others whose hands and hearts helped bring this dream to life. I extend a special thank you to Shamir and Beth for carrying such a significant share of the burden throughout this process. Finally, to all of you — thank you for your patience, understanding, and support through the inconveniences of these past months. Now it is time to rejoice! We warmly welcome Most Reverend Jorge Izaguirre, C.S.C., for making the long journey from Peru to be with us at this important moment in the life of our parish. Thank you for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation for our teens and adults. I have long awaited this visit with great joy. A special welcome also to Fr. Bill Lies, C.S.C., our Provincial Superior, for making a deliberate effort to join us as we celebrate 25 years of Holy Cross presence in our community. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to our beloved shepherd and chief pastor, Most Reverend John Noonan. Thank you for believing in this “crazy idea” from the very beginning and for your constant encouragement and support. Your gracious presence among us is a tremendous blessing. To my dear Silver Jubilee Committee Chair, Sandy Samuel, and its members — and to all who worked tirelessly to make our Silver Jubilee celebrations such memorable and grace-filled experiences — thank you. What a blessing you have been! May we continue this journey of grace, faith, and hope with renewed courage and confidence in the everguiding presence of our Triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Have a Spirit-filled week! With love and gratitude, Fr, John

Dear friends, This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, 40 days after the completion of Christ’s earthly mission and His return to the Father. Traditionally observed on the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, most U.S. dioceses have transferred it to the Seventh Sunday of Easter where it remains a holy day of obligation and is celebrated together as a community. The archdioceses and dioceses of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia have retained its celebration on the proper Thursday. The Solemnity of the Ascension reminds us that Jesus did not abandon His disciples but entrusted them with a mission and filled them with hope, opening the way for all of us to share in God’s eternal life. Jesus’ presence among us takes on a new and deeper form through the Holy Spirit and through the life of the Church. In a world often weighed down by fear and uncertainty, the Lord calls us to lift our eyes upward and our hearts outward — upward in faith and outward in mission. Jesus commissions His disciples to baptize in His name, reminding them that He is always present through the Spirit. Having ascended to His Father amid cries of gladness, we are called to be His witnesses, sent like the apostles to be witnesses of hope, love, mercy, and truth in our homes, workplaces, and communities. May this solemnity renew in us the courage to live our faith boldly, knowing that the Risen Lord remains with us always. The Easter season is a joyous, 50-day period from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday which is celebrated 10 days following Christ’s ascension. In our diocese, we will have 7 days to prepare for this solemnity and the coming of the Holy Spirit. During these days, the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus may be sung and prayed as a way to prepare for this momentous occasion in the Church. Let us join Mother Mary and the apostles who kept vigil and prayed for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. On 3 May, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed, “The month of May has begun: throughout the Church, the joy of gathering in the name of Mary, our Mother, is renewed, especially by praying the Rosary together. We relive the experience of those days between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost, when the disciples gathered in the upper room to invoke the Holy Spirit. Mary Most Holy remained in their midst, her heart keeping watch over the fire that animated the prayer of all. I entrust my intentions to you, particularly for communion within the Church and for peace in the world.” The schools in our county are winding down for the year with the last few days of class and exams before summer break. Our high school and college seniors will be celebrating their graduations soon , and we wish to congratulate them all for both their perseverance and their achievements. We thank the parents for their love and support throughout the years, and as we celebrate a Baccalaureate Mass with them on Sunday, May 17th at 4:30 p.m., let us pray that the Lord will continue to inspire them as they begin new chapters in their lives. With the astounding statistic that approximately 79% of young people leave the Church and their faith around this time, might we continue to encourage them and keep them in our prayers. The men of our parish will gather on Monday, May 18th, at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of discipleship . Our own Father Martin Joseph will be the guest speaker. Please consider attending, and I encourage you to invite a friend. Congratulations to Justin, Amanda, Madison, and Reagan Libak, recipients of the Family of the Month Award for May 2026. What a blessing to have them in our parish. The entire family is so gifted and involved in ministries that serve to build our community. Thank you, Libak family, for all you do! Next weekend, we celebrate the pinnacle of our Silver Jubilee celebrations. Bishop John Noonan, Bishop Jorge Izaguirre, C.S.C., and our Provincial, Fr. Bill Lies, will be with us, along with many other friends and family. Let us extend to them our kindest SJE hospitality. Please see schedule below for the weekend of PENTECOST, May 23/24, 2026: Saturday, May 23: Mass at 4:30 p.m., during which we will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for our youth and adults. Sunday, May 24: Mass at 8 a.m., Mass of Thanksgiving at 11 a.m.* & Mass at 4:30 p.m. * During the 11 a.m. Mass, we will welcome Bishop John Noonan of Orlando, Bishop Jorge Izaguirre, C.S.C., of Chosica, Peru, and Fr. Bill Lies, Provincial of the Congregation of Holy Cross, USA, as well as many other guests. We will also have the BIG REVEAL of the mosaic work representing the scene of the Crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary. We have arranged for overflow and a simulcast Mass in the hall. Following Mass and felicitations, we will celebrate with a parish PICNIC . There will be a bounce house and games for the kids, so please plan to attend. Have a blessed week! With Love, Fr. John

Dear friends, The month of May is well underway and promises to be a momentous one with our Mass of Thanksgiving on the 24th to celebrate 25 years as a community of beloved disciples of Jesus. We will also be unveiling the mosaic wall depicting the scene of the Crucifixion of our Lord. Thank you for your generosity in prayerfully helping us achieve this amazing work of art. A special thanks to all the children who participated in the May Crowning ceremony last Sunday and to our Council of Catholic Women (CCW) who accompanied them to our Mother Mary with flowers in hand to place before her. This gesture symbolizes the handing on of our faith from one generation to the next, the lighting of a spark that will hopefully stay with them as they grow in their own faith. May Mary, our Mother, lead them faithfully to her son, Jesus. In crowning our Mother, we recognize that Mary is our Queen — not a queen of power and dominance but one of humility, love, and quiet strength. Her greatness lies in her trust in God. Please join us in praying the Rosary every day this month at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes at 6:30 p.m. It is especially fitting that on this Sunday, we honor our earthly mothers — the women God chose to bring us into life. We take this opportunity to thank all of our mothers for the countless ways they have nurtured us: for giving us life, for their love and sacrifices and, above all, for introducing us to a life of faith and our Church. Together with our fathers, they have endured many struggles, made quiet sacrifices, and given so much of themselves to care for our every need. As Sacred Scripture reminds us: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26). How beautifully this reflects the love, strength, and faith of our mothers. Here at St. John’s, we are truly blessed to support and accompany women at every stage of life. Our parish is enriched by so many vibrant ministries: SJE Moms, Walking with Moms in Need, Blessed Is She, Gratia Plena (Women of Grace), W.I.N.G.S., and the Council of Catholic Women. Most, if not all, of these ministries are led by faithful and devoted mothers who continue to inspire our community by their witness. Today, we give thanks for all of you. Happy Mother’s Day, and may God continue to bless you abundantly. As part of our Silver Jubilee, we have planned a one-day pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando on Saturday, 16 May . Anjanette is coordinating this event, and we will travel together by bus, leaving the parish at 8 a.m. Seats are going fast; one bus is already sold out. You don’t want to miss the newly-completed Gospel Gardens created by world-renowned sculptor Timothy Schmalz. The readings of the Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A) gently remind us that love for Christ is not merely spoken — it is lived. Jesus tells His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” inviting us into a relationship where love is expressed through faithful action. This is not a burden but a promise, for He assures us that we are not alone. The gift of the Holy Spirit — the Advocate — abides with us, strengthens us, and guides us in truth. In the first reading, we see the growth of the early Church with Philip effectively spreading the “Good News.” The Samaritans were in awe of the miracles he performed. This reminds us that our faith is not meant to be private or isolated; it is lived in community, nourished by the sacraments, and strengthened through the Church. In the second reading, St. Peter encourages us to be ready to give reason for our hope, always with gentleness and reverence in reflecting the spirit of Christ. As we continue our Easter journey, we are invited to examine how we live out our love for the Lord in our daily lives. Do our words and actions reflect His presence within us? Are we open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? This week, let us consciously choose to live our faith with courage and kindness, trusting that Christ remains with us in the Holy Spirit who leads us toward greater love and truth. Have a blessed week! With love, Fr. John