The Epiphany of the Lord, Jan 4, 2026

Dear friends,

Mother Church invites us this day to contemplate the mystery of the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ. Epiphany usually falls on January 6th, which is twelve days after Christmas. According to tradition, this is the span of time from the birth of Jesus until the visit of the magi from the east. Epiphany doesn’t always fall on a Sunday, so the Church celebrates it on the nearest Sunday (this year, January 4, 2026), and it is called “Epiphany Sunday.” The Greek word “epiphany” simply means “to reveal” or “to make manifest.” It was the name given by the early Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the revelation of God’s love to the world (John 3:16). The Church observes this feast to recognize that Jesus, the Son of God, comes to reveal God’s plan to save the world. Jesus Christ is the inextinguishable light of the gospels. This feast also reminds us that God is always at work revealing himself, even today, and that he has not abandoned his people. He is always close at hand, working in, around, and through us, leading us to other “epiphanies” so that we might realize just how much God loves us.


As such, I take this Sunday to reflect with you on the impact you have made not only on both the global missionary efforts of the Church and diocesan evangelical efforts but also on our local communities through our many outreach initiatives. I am immensely grateful to Cindy and Pete Lamonica and the teams of people who work under the umbrella of our Outreach ministry, to include Janet Owen−Jones and the Feed My Flock ministry and Lulu and Tim Farrell who coordinate the Farmworkers effort.


Our Outreach ministry also has helped many non−government social service organizations (NGOs). Through them, we are able to reach even more of the needy, the vulnerable, and the marginalized than we have staff and volunteers to address. Included among these are: Family Promise of Brevard, Brevard Senior Nutrition Program, Aging Matters, Street Showers, Our Daily Bread, the Sharing Center of Central Brevard, the Haven for Children, Bishop Grady Villa, the Children’s Hunger Project, St. Stephen’s Way, and some of our Catholic parishes and schools that are in need ... and the need continues to grow each year.


One of the most uplifting Christmas events sponsored by St. John’s was held on 11 December, when approximately 300 young adults with various medical challenges enjoyed a wonderful Christmas luncheon with their caretakers in our beautifully decorated hall. This annual event brings such joy to all in attendance. As a parish community, we packed 5100 meals for the Children’s Hunger Project, that in addition to the 2,700 packed by the Feed My Flock team and the 1300 by the Notre Dame Club. This amazing effort provides meals for children who go hungry on the weekends when school is closed.


The Feed My Flock team also provided more than 310 cupcakes for the Ministry to the Sick, bringing joy to hospitals, nursing homes, and the homebound. They also fed four families in shelter at WoodSpring Suites through Family Promise of Brevard. In support of our 25th Jubilee, our parish came together to prepare and distribute over 300 peanut butter & jelly and meat sandwiches during our Matthew’s Hope outreach to feed neighbors experiencing homelessness. A group of volunteers also went to Matthew’s Hope to help serve a hot lunch to the guests who visited the facility.


Through Aging Matters, we donated bread for distribution and packed and delivered 400 unperishable food item baskets to homebound seniors. Through our Christmas Giving Tree ministry coordinated by Susan Answay, we were able to bring joy to more than 400 children and adults. With your generous assistance, we supported the Farmworkers of Fellsmere with annual collections of nonperishable food items and clothes to assist with their mission.


Many other ministries such as CCW, Gratia Plena, Seedlings of Hope, SJE−4−Veterans, WINGS, Blessed Is She, the Sunshine Ministry, Gen Hope, blood drives, our Faith Formation programs, and our Mom’s ministry have offered a number of activities not only in support of our parish needs but also those of the larger local community. Our Rosary Makers have made several thousand rosaries that have been shipped to various people in nursing homes and hospitals and to other organizations both within our country and abroad. Our Kitchen Crew with wonderfully talented chefs and helpers and our Parish Life ministry team have helped feed thousands this past year through numerous events.


In addition to all of the above, you have been most generous in helping the Missionary Co−op from Africa, our Sister Diocese in the Dominican Republic, the Holy Cross Peru missions, and Catholic Charities. Our Funeral Ministry team has assisted with the funerals of more than 100 individuals and have provided guidance, comfort, and consolation to their grief−stricken families. In addition, our GriefShare ministry has sustained our ongoing efforts to walk with grieving members who continue to experience a void in their lives left by the loss of a spouse/child.


All of that being said, I must also mention both the various liturgical ministry teams and our Faith Formation programming that facilitate the spiritual needs of all in our parish. I express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the 73 ministry leaders and their team members for such amazing dedication and commitment to our parish life, a gift to all.


Fr. Martin and our deacons and staff have been an amazing blessing in supporting the needs of such a large and vibrant parish. Your assistance and support often go unrecognized, and I thank you all!

As noted, the sheer volume of our outreach is astonishing, and it is accomplished only through the expression of our continued love for one other and our neighbors. The challenge is to multiply our efforts 1000−fold by continuing to gather as a parish community, sharing generously of our time, talent, and treasure. What would l I do without YOU! You make the Impossible POSSIBLE. WHAT A BLESSING YOU ARE!

With love,

Fr. John


Who is St. Brother André Bessette?


Saint Brother André Bessette was born on August 9, 1845, and died on January 6, 1937. He was canonized a saint on October 17, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI declared him a saint for the Universal Church in a ceremony in Rome. He is the first Congregation of Holy Cross member to receive this honor. Saint André believed in the healing power of Christ Jesus. His devotion to Saint Joseph was his guide to God’s fidelity.


Alfred Bessette, his baptismal name, came from humble beginnings and was considered to be illiterate. He came from a large family near Montreal, Quebec, Canada but was an orphaned He was weak in body and strength. He suffered from stomach ailments. Because of his frailty, he was not considered a suitable candidate for religious life. His life was filled with paradox. Yet, God raised him up to reveal to others how faith mends body and soul.


Alfred desired a life of prayer. He wanted to join a religious community. His pastor at his home parish suggested the Congregation of Holy Cross. The priest told the superiors of the community, “I am sending you a saint.” At first, Holy Cross was reluctant to accept him. However, they soon became aware of Alfred’s integrity and prayerfulness. Alfred became “Brother André,” as he entered religious life.


The Congregation of Holy Cross assigned Brother André to serve as Porter for Notre Dame College near Montreal. He ministered at the door for the next 40 years. However, he didn’t just open the physical door for guests, he began to open the door of faith for many who were sick, disabled, and in need of physical nourishment and security. Brother André’s devotion to Saint Joseph began to flourish in the encounters he had with people. Word of Andre’s healing touch spread rapidly. Brother André never sought out the limelight. André always realized that Saint Joseph was allowing people to receive the healing they needed, so he sought the foster father of Jesus. Brother André leaned deeply into his relationship with Saint Joseph and invited others to do the same.


People requested Brother André for spiritual healing for their children and also for themselves. Word spread before the Internet, before social media, and before television. The healing miracles began to emerge. At the high point of Brother André’s ministry, he encountered 600 people a day. He told them to be short, to be quick, because of the number of people in line to seek his faith and healing touch. Brother André did not have the physical strength to spend much time with the many requests that came to the door of the college. Yet, he welcomed their stories and their souls.


The Holy Cross community in which Brother André served struggled at times to support the ministry of Brother André. They were confused about what to do with all the people who wanted just a moment of advice from the saintly man. As with any prophetic person, Brother André just did not fit into the ministry and life of the other members of the Holy Cross community. Brother André persisted in his inner call to bring people to Saint Joseph and to the sacraments of the Church.


Brother André spent his days listening to people’s requests for healing and their stories of pain, anguish, and uncertainty. Perhaps, even more importantly, Brother André spent his nights praying for the people with whom he encountered during the day. It was not unusual for Brother André to sleep only an hour or two at night. He wanted to work through the pain people confessed to him. He knew people needed spiritual help and he kept knocking on heaven’s door all through the night. His life was purely devoted to God. He begged God to heal the people whom he listened to during the daylight hours. God consumed him. People’s suffering became his life work, his prayer, and his way of life.


One of the most important aspects of Brother André’s life was hospitality, which may be defined as the radical acceptance of others. To truly listen to people’s anguish, their stories, and their suffering became his holy hospitality. People felt heard by Brother André, even though their encounters with him were often brief. They experienced a recognition from another human being that their lives mattered. When doctors and healthcare workers gave up on people’s healing, Brother André accepted them. He put a spiritual arm around them. He comforted them with his integrity and his prayerful heart. Hospitality for André became his life and true acceptance of people became his spiritual story.


Please pray on January 7, his feast day, for the healing of the sick, the discouraged, and the forgotten. Saint André Bessette, pray for us.


Rev. Ronald Raab, C.S.C.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 16, 2026

August 15, 2026
Dear friends, It is so good to see our children returning to the rhythm of life, with academics and extracurricular activities well underway. Faith formation classes will begin soon, and I’d like to thank all of our parents for prioritizing the spiritual growth of their children. Remember that you are their primary catechists. They learn from you. They watch you. They see your faith in the way you live, pray, forgive, serve, and come to worship the Lord. Your children may not remember every lesson they learn in a classroom, but they will remember the faith they saw lived in their home. Please continue to keep Christ at the center of your family life. May our children grow in faith by seeing your commitment to the Lord. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make to pass on the faith to the next generation. On Monday, August 17, Fr. Pinto Paul, C.S.C., International Director of Family Ministries, will offer a presentation to our men. I invite you to come and experience the great work the Lord is doing in our own lives and in those of our families. My thanks to Jonathan Ross and his team for their dedication in organizing this wonderful event. Our SJE4Seniors ministry will officially begin on August 21 at 2 p.m. in the Parish Hall. I invite you to come and discover how your presence, friendship, faith, and even your smile can continue be a great blessing to our parish community. This Sunday, the Church invites us to reflect on the nature of God’s house — the church — as a house of prayer. In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah gives us this beautiful promise from God: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Last Sunday, I invited us to be especially mindful of reverence in our church because we believe that Jesus is truly present among us in the Blessed Sacrament. The church is not simply a building or gathering space. It is a place of prayer, a place where we come to encounter Christ. I have noticed that many people stop by our church throughout the day and spend a few quiet moments in prayer. It is deeply edifying to see people taking time from their busy lives to visit the Lord and find a little peace in His presence. Why do they come? Because they know that Jesus is here. I renew my request that we continue to keep our church a true house of prayer and not just another place for socializing or casual conversation. People who come here longing for a quiet and intimate conversation with Jesus. Let us respect their prayers and help one another preserve the sacred silence of this holy place. Thank you for responding so favorably to this request and for helping make our church a place where people can truly encounter the Lord! This Sunday’s gospel reading gives us another beautiful example of faith and prayer in the Canaanite woman. She comes to Jesus with a desperate request for her daughter: “Lord, help me.” At first, Jesus does not answer her, yet she refuses to walk away. She continues to ask. She continues to trust. She continues to believe that Jesus can help her daughter. Her persistence is not a lack of faith. Her persistence is faith. Last weekend, we reflected on Peter's emergency prayer when he was sinking: “Lord, save me!” Today, we hear another simple but powerful prayer: “Lord, help me.” There is something beautiful about these prayers because they do not need many words. They come from hearts that know where to turn. Perhaps there are moments when we do not know what to say. Perhaps we are frightened, overwhelmed, discouraged, or worried about someone we love. At these moments, we can simply say, “Lord, save me,” or “Lord, help me,” and then keep praying. The Canaanite woman teaches us that faith does not always mean receiving an immediate answer. Sometimes faith means staying with Jesus when the answer seems delayed. She keeps knocking. She keeps trusting. She keeps believing. And Jesus finally says to her: “O woman, great is your faith.” May we have that same faith — not a faith that disappears when life becomes difficult, but a faith that keeps knocking, keeps praying, and keeps trusting. May our church always be a house of prayer. May our families always be schools of faith. And may our hearts always know where to turn when we need help: “Lord, save me.” “Lord, help me.” We will continue our journey through the first encyclical written by Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). I invite you to continue to reflect on this monumentally important topic for today. Have a blessed week! With love, Fr. John

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026
Dear friends, It is time for our teachers and families with children to return to school, and we look forward to welcoming our children back to faith formation programming soon. Thanks in advance to our parents and catechists who take great care in ensuring the importance of their children’s faith journey alongside the demands of their academics and extracurriculars. As we begin this school year, let us pray for God’s wisdom and understanding, that we may discern what is true and right and do what is pleasing to the Lord. We also pray for all teachers, aides, support staff, and all who work in school administration for our county and state, that the Lord will watch over and protect them. We are launching SJE4Seniors , a ministry dedicated to our senior parishioners. Thank you to Sue Schmid for generously agreeing to coordinate this ministry. Our first gathering will take place on Friday, August 21, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. in the Holy Cross Hall. We hope many of our seniors will join us. Another ministry we hope to begin is a fellowship and support program for parishioners living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Anyone who has cared for a loved one with Alzheimer's understands the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges involved. We hope this ministry will provide encouragement, companionship, and much-needed support for both those who struggle with this disease and their caregivers. I warmly invite you to an informational meeting on Thursday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the Holy Cross Hall. I have invited Dr. Visalakshi Srinivasan, Medical Director of Health First Aging Institute, to speak about the importance of caring for our Alzheimer family members. Thank you to Kathleen Rufino for helping us launch this important initiative. It was delightful to have Bishop Lumen Monteiro, C.S.C., with us last weekend. He has asked me to thank you for your generosity. He wishes all of us congratulations on our silver jubilee, and I promised him our prayers for him and his diocese as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. On this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, the Church presents us with a scenario where Peter initially demonstrates great courage but then becomes fearful through doubt. The disciples are in a boat and suddenly find themselves battered by wind and waves in the middle of the night. In the midst of this storm, Jesus comes to them walking on the water and speaks words that continue to bring hope to every generation: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter says to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” When Jesus says, “Come,” Peter jumps in without hesitation and walks on the water. We can only imagine how amazing it must have felt to do so, but then comes the tragedy. Peter begins to sink, and fear grips his soul. He yells out for help, and Jesus reaches to lift him up. Fear has a way of finding all of us. The Christian life is not about never facing storms or never experiencing fear; rather, it is about keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, trusting that He is always near, even when the waves of life seem stronger than our faith. When we struggle and stumble, Jesus does not abandon us. He extends His hand with mercy, strength, and love. Let us step out in faith. His grace will always be sufficient. Please remember that we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother on Saturday, August 15. We will have a special Mass at 10 a.m. with the Rosary before Mass. We will also pray the Rosary at the Grotto at 6:30 p.m. in honor of our Mother Mary. We continue our journey through the first encyclical written by Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). I invite you to continue to reflect on this monumentally important topic for today. Have a blessed week! With love, Fr. John

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2026

July 31, 2026
Dear friends, Fr. Monk Malloy, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, blessed us with his presence last week, inviting us to cultivate our friendship with Jesus as the pearl of great price. I am so grateful to Carrie Seringer and Marie DeLuca for their assistance in planning his visit and the wonderful luncheon on Sunday. Thank you, Fr. Monk, for your prayers and blessings during this year of our parish’s Silver Jubilee celebration. (See page 10 for photo highlights) This weekend, we are privileged to welcome Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Agartala in northeast India. He will speak at all Masses, celebrating the 30th year of his episcopacy and the 30th year of the founding of the Diocese of Agartala. I remember well that day — May 26,1996, Pentecost Sunday — one of immense joy to all in the Congregation of Holy Cross as we celebrated one of our own called to serve as bishop. I have known Bishop Lumen since 1985 when I was professed in the Congregation of Holy Cross, and I was fortunate to represent the brothers for his celebration in the city of Agartala. He has visited us many times and will be sharing an update about the challenges his diocese faces — shortages of both personnel and financial resources. Please welcome Bishop Lumen, the jubilarian! I am grateful to Tom Dougherty and our SJE4Veterans ministry for providing cell phones for our veterans. A heartfelt thanks to those who have given so much in the faithful service of our nation. The SJE4Veterans ministry team will be available after all Masses to assist with this program. On this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, I am moved by the words of Jesus when he says in the Gospel of Matthew, “Bring them here to me.” People have been following Jesus on foot. They are tired and hungry, and Jesus’ heart is moved with pity for them. When He calls on his disciples to feed them, they respond with doubt over the scarcity of resources, saying, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Jesus sees in the crowd an opportunity for God's abundance and, hence, orders them to “bring them here to me.” This paves the way for Jesus to perform the great miracle of feeding the 5000. So many of us approach life in the same way as the disciples in this account, tending to focus on what we lack in life — time, strength, money, energy, or ability. Jesus asks each of us the same question today: “What do you have?" When we entrust our little to Him, He transforms it into more than enough. As a parish family, we are called to bring our gifts, however ordinary they may seem — a smile, a prayer, an hour of volunteer service, a generous donation, a visit to someone who is lonely — and allow God to multiply every act of love. Miracles can still happen when we place what we have into the hands of Christ. May we never underestimate what God can do through generous hearts. We will continue our journey through the first encyclical written by Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). I invite you to continue to reflect on this monumentally important topic for today. Have a blessed week! With love, Fr. John

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 26, 2026

July 26, 2026
Dear friends, We heartily welcome Fr. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., 16th President of the University of Notre Dame who served 18 years with exceptional leadership. A professor of theology and faculty member since 1974, Father Malloy was a rarity among university presidents. He continued to teach a first-year seminar class and lived among the students, making his home in a small room in Sorin Hall, the oldest residence hall on campus. As president emeritus, Father Malloy continues to teach, live, celebrate Mass in Sorin Hall, and write extensively. His books include “People First: Reflections on Leadership,” “Monk’s Notre Dame,” “Christian Ethics,” “Monk’s Musings,” and “Monk’s Travels.” His three-volume memoir, “Monk’s Tale,” was published by the University of Notre Dame Press between 2009 and 2016. Next weekend, we will have the privilege of hosting Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Agartala in northeast India. He will speak at all Masses, and his visit this year is even more special as he celebrates the 30th year of his episcopacy and the 30th year of the founding of the Diocese of Agartala. This weekend, as we continue with the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus’ teaching through parables, we are treated to three short comparisons of the kingdom of God: a treasure buried in a field, a merchant in search of fine pearls, and a net thrown into the sea. These should prompt us to ask the question, “What is the greatest treasure in my life, and what am I willing to do to attain it?” We know from experience that some things are simply worth more than anything else. Such are the things of the kingdom of heaven. If heaven is our goal, then we should do anything to reach it! As we journey through our silver jubilee year, may we ask God for the wisdom of Solomon — to recognize what truly matters and the courage to place Christ above all else. When Jesus becomes our greatest treasure, everything else in life finds its proper place. We continue our journey through the first encyclical written by Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). I invite you to reflect on this monumentally important topic for today. With love, Fr. John

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 19, 2026

July 20, 2026
Dear friends, Our Silver Jubilee photo directories have finally arrived, and I am ever grateful to Mike and Kathy Mos for working to make this a reality. Their expert coordination of all photo appointments for the second time in our parish history helped to create a treasure that is the faces and names of those who embody our St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community. What a blessing, and I thank God for this precious gift. A Marian pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, Montserrat, Madrid, and Barcelona has been scheduled for April 2027. Stay tuned for more details. Next weekend, we will have the privilege of a visit with Fr. Edward “Monk” Malloy, the 16th President of the University of Notre Dame. He will celebrate the 11 a.m. Mass and offer a reflection afterwards in the Holy Cross Hall for the Notre Dame Club. Although it is a free event, tickets for non-club members are required to ensure enough food and drink for those in attendance. Tickets will be available outside after all Masses this weekend July 18-19. On this 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are given a beautiful parable of the wheat and the weeds, offering us comfort in knowing that even as evil exists alongside good, God is infinitely patient. While we often want quick judgments and immediate solutions, God allows us time to repent, grow, and change. Rather than becoming discouraged, we are invited to keep choosing what is good. As we continue our journey together through this jubilee year, may we become a community where the good wheat of faith, hope, charity, and kindness continue to grow. Let us entrust the weeds of resentment, impatience, and division to the Lord, confident that His grace is always at work. Last weekend, I had the privilege of introducing to you the First Encyclical written by Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). I invite you to continue to reflect on this monumentally important topic for today. Have a relaxed summer! With love, Fr. John

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 12, 2026

July 13, 2026
Dear friends, Our 250th anniversary celebration in honor of the founding of this great nation on Saturday, the 4th of July, was filled with prayer, festive food, fireworks, and fun. I’d like to offer my sincerest thanks to Justin and Amanda Libak for coordinating the day’s events and to the many volunteers who helped to make it a grand celebration. Our amazing kitchen crew deserves a special thank you for serving over 1,000 parishioners and guests! As we conclude our year-long celebration of the silver jubilee of our parish’s founding, our hearts overflow with thanks and gratitude to God for the graces poured out on this community. Congratulations to Ron and Barbara Yanko, recipients of the Family of the Month award for July 2026. Ron and Barbara have been longtime parishioners engaged in various ministries, most notably “Coffee and Donuts.” Thank you, Ron and Barbara, for enlivening our community with your active presence. This weekend, we celebrate the 15th Sunday in Year A, and Scripture invites us to reflect on the power of God’s Word. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of a farmer who generously scatters seed on every kind of ground; the sower does not hold back. In fact, he is extravagant in his generosity. This is an image of our God who loves us abundantly and offers His Word to all. The questions we should ask ourselves are: What kind of soil are we? Are our hearts hardened and closed to God's Word? Do worries, distractions, or worldly concerns choke its growth within us? Or are we like the fertile soil that receives the seed, allows it to take root, and bears abundant fruit? During these remaining summer weekends, I’d like to introduce you to the first encyclical written by Pope Leo XIV: MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS (Magnificent Humanity: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence). In this encyclical, Pope Leo focuses on the digital revolution with its promises as well as its inherent dangers. He calls for the disarming of AI, urging “clarity about responsibilities and accountability at every stage of the development process, focusing on adequate AI policies and legal frameworks, independent oversight, and user education.” Let us take a look at this monumentally important encyclical. Have a restful and relaxing week! With love, Fr. John

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 6, 2026

July 4, 2026
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

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 28, 2026

June 27, 2026
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

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 21, 2026

June 19, 2026
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

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 14, 2026

June 13, 2026
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
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