Faith Formation
Parish School of Religion (PSR)
St. John Parish provides religious education for children of preschool age through the eighth grade. There are several options with the School of Religion. All programs are staffed by volunteers-parents, high school students and other adults who teach, assist teachers, help with musical accompaniment and singing, assist with office duties and provide child care for the teachers.
Early Childhood
St. John offers Early Childhood Religious Education for preschool age and kindergarten children. Our program takes place on Sundays from September through April. The program is designed to promote a child's self-esteem while learning about God's gifts of creation. Our preschool programs present only the most basic ideas of our faith in the simplest possible language. Eligibility for the program is determined by the child's birthdate and enrollment in kindergarten. Children must pre-register with the program coordinator before September. There is a minimal fee to cover the cost of books and supplies.
Evening Sessions for Grades 1-8
Religious Education classes are offered weekly from September through April for children in grades 1-8. The children are grouped by grade level.
The curriculum used for grades 1-6 is the Faith First, published by Resources for Christian Living. Faith First is built on these three strands:
• Doctrine, built on the four pillars of faith found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is presented age-appropriately and developmentally each year. These beliefs have been passed down to us through the generations.
• Scripture is taught in a separate strand and is interwoven throughout the curriculum-the story that has been passed down from generation to generation. This is the story contained in the Bible and is taught along with the stories of saints and people of faith who have shown us how to live as Christians.
• The Liturgical Year is taught to its fullest. The celebration of a people is lived out in our liturgical year. We relive the story of our salvation as we pass through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time.
The Loreto Model:
A Year-Round Program of Religious Formation
Under this model, for Grades 1-8, students meet for two weeks in the Summer. The children are grouped in multi-grade levels: 1-3, 4-6 and 7-8. There are also 3-4 seasonal sessions throughout the school year. Activities include group prayer experiences, class, music, games, snacks and an occasional field trip. Registration takes place in February.
The curriculum is a repeated three year cycle of themes which goes more in-depth as the grade level changes.
Year I-The Creed
Year II-The Church
Year III-Scripture
Information packets describing the program in more detail are available from the Religious Education Office.
Home Study Religious Education
For various reasons, parents choose to provide the religious formation for their children at home rather than participating in the programs (grades 1-8) here at church. The Faith First series or the Loreto Model Program is offered for parents to use in teaching their children at home during the year. The coordinator keeps in contact with parents to provide support. The parish supplies materials.
Vacation Bible Camp
An exciting bible-based camp for 4 yr. olds through 4th graders, this week focuses on making religion fun. Activities include stories, games, crafts, music and prayer. Students age eleven and older, as well as adults, are needed as volunteers for this popular summer program!
St. Gabriel Consolidated School
Originally, St. John parish was part of St. Gabriel parish. Today, Catholic Elementary Education sustains the bond between our parishes. St. John parishioners have the opportunity to provide Catholic Elementary Education for their children at St. Gabriel Consolidated School in Glendale. The school, which was founded in 1867, is located on ten acres at 48 W. Sharon Rd. (corner of Sharon Rd. and SR 747 or Princeton-Glendale Rd.)
Five parishes have benefitted by utilizing St. Gabriel Consolidated School as their Catholic Elementary School. They are: St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Matthias, St. Martin de Porres, St. John and St. Gabriel. In 1993 these five parishes reached a consolidation agreement which officially made St. Gabriel Elementary School our parish school.
The school day begins with prayer. Religion is taught daily. The priests from all the participating parishes share in celebrating the weekly Eucharist with the students.
The school includes grades K through 8. Beside having a curriculum which is archdiocesan and state approved, there are many specialfeatures to St. Gabriel Consolidated's program. These include: full day kindergarten, weekly classes in the computer lab, enrichment classes for grades 2-8, field trips and a hot lunch program. In addition to an indoor recreation area, the outdoor facilities include a soccer field, ball diamond and a well-equipped playground. Extracurricular activities include band, youth choir, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, an annual junior high play, and Millcreek and CYO basketball, volleyball, and softball for girls and boys. For students with special learning needs, the school provides a reading specialist, school psychologist and a speech and hearing pathologist. There is a latch key program. This after school care program operates until 6:00 PM.
St. Gabriel Consolidated School is a quality Catholic elementary school. It is staffed by caring and qualified personnel and backed by loving and dedicated parents and parishes. For additional information, contact the school at 771-5220.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Junior High Youth Activities
Junior High Youth activities are open to all 7th and 8th graders of the parish. We meet several times a year for fun social activities, and we also help with some service projects. Several adult volunteers are needed to help plan and organize the activities and service projects. Additional adult supervision is always welcome. For more information call the Office of Youth Ministry.
High School Youth Activities
We provide the opportunity for high school youth to participate in many activities throughout the year. There are also chances to grow spiritually through youth masses, retreats, sponsoring RCIA Children and other teens, and the religious formation meetings. All the activities give high school students the chance to meet people and share good times, all in a Christian atmosphere. Drivers and chaperones as well as other volunteers are needed to help plan and coordinate activities.
Confirmation
High School students who desire to be confirmed begin the discernment and preparation process by attending an information meeting with their parents in the Fall. Then they attend a retreat for those candidates who wish to continue in the process. After the retreat, candidates form small faith groups and meet several times over the next few months with adult catechists and mentors to share and grow as they discern together. During the process there are also opportunities to become involved in parish life and community service, as well as activities that help to foster the relationship between the candidates and their sponsors.
High School Religious Formation
Our religious formation meetings for high school students, known as REALITY, meet once a week on Sunday evenings during the school year. These meetings encourage community, and focus on biblical lessons and faith building themes. REALITY provides an opportunity for teenagers to meet people and have fun while exploring their faith.
High School Youth Retreats
Twice a year, we offer weekend retreats for high school youth. Teams consisting of teens and adults meet to plan and lead the retreats. There is also a special three-day retreat for Seniors, called Kairos, which is held in late Winter.
Peer Ministry
We have many opportunities for high school youth to act as peer leaders, working on a number of teams that help organize and run the different youth ministry events and processes. These teams include service, REALITY, retreats and socials.
Adult Spiritual Enrichment
The Challenge of Change: Being Christian in the 21st Century is a series of varied programs covering topics which impact the lives of contemporary Christians. These are scheduled throughout the year and time, topics and speakers are advertised through the Sunday bulletin and On Eagle's Wings, the parish newsletter.
Lenten Series
Each year St. John joins with neighboring churches for a special ecumenical Lenten Series. Representatives of the various churches meet to plan the series which generally includes guest speakers, prayer services and soup suppers, planned around an overall theme.
Scripture Sharing
Let the Word of God enlighten your life as you join with others to become more acquainted with Scripture. This study involves personal daily study and reflection as well as weekly gathering with others to share reflections and listen to a lecture. There is a Fall and Spring Scripture Sharing. You can be a participant, a small group facilitator, or coordinator of the program.
Christ Renews His Parish
Christ Renews His Parish provides an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow parishioners for a weekend of spiritual renewal in a relaxed, unpressured setting. CRHP is a renewal process which allows each person to come to a deeper awareness of God's presence in his/her own life as well as providing interaction with a group of fellow parishioners. This has provided an awakening of faith, an opportunity for healing, an opening to return to the Church, a rediscovery of family and spousal relationships, a rebirth or just a time of needed solitude in a world that seems to be measured in appointments, commitments and rides. For more information contact the parish office.
Prayer Groups
We have three on-going prayer groups who welcome new members:
• Morning Prayer Group meets regularly on Friday morning to sing, pray and reflect on God's Word.
• The Charismatic Prayer Group meets on Wednesday evening in the Reconciliation Room.
• Men's Prayer Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evening in the Weekday Chapel. The program consists of prayer, reflection on Scripture for the upcoming Sunday and sharing on events of one's life.
Prayer Chain
Pray from the comfort of your home for the needs of individual parishioners and friends. You will be notified by phone for whom to pray, and you then pass the information you receive along to another prayer chain member. There is also a "Prayer Chain" page on the youthweb where we post prayer requests.
Small Faith Communities
Small Faith Communities, or mini churches, are bringing new life to our parish. People diversified in age, race and sex are coming together to reflect on the Gospel message in an environment of acceptance, support and love. Through prayer, scripture and each other, small faith communities seek ways to live our faith more fully in our families, the St. John community and beyond. Small Faith Communities may meet on a seasonal or on-going basis. Group members choose meeting schedules, days and times.
Outreach and Support
St. John Parish reaches out to meet the needs of others for food, clothing and shelter. Assistance extends to those in our parish, our community, the nation and the world. Activities include monthly food drives, clothing drives, Christmas Toy Drive, Christmas Baskets, support for Habitat for Humanity, Project ReSTORE, Share-A-Lunch and drives for situations involving natural disasters or crisis situations. St. John also assists the agencies listed here with financial contributions and donations to meet basic needs.
Catholics United for the Poor
C.U.P. is the umbrella for nine agencies who are aware of the problems of the poor and who respond to the needs of the community: Bethany House, Tender Mercies, Dominican Community Services, Mary Magdalene House, Our Daily Bread, Over-the-Rhine/Walnut Hills Kitchen, Practical Family Living Center, St. John Social Service Center and the St. Vincent dePaul Society.
Bethany House
Bethany House is a temporary shelter for homeless women and children. We help them by donating individual toiletries to be given to the women as they arrive. We have also purchased nightwear and sent money for special projects.
Mary Magdalene House
Mary Magdalene House is a bath facility for the homeless. We support them with monetary donations and gifts of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent and men's underwear and tube socks.
Our Daily Bread
This organization provides one good meal a day to shut-ins who would otherwise be without.
Tender Mercies
Tender Mercies provides permanent and transitional housing to those people who have special needs arising from homelessness and mental illness.
Catholic Worker Home
St. Francis/St. Joseph House of Spirituality provides spiritual nourishment for men in the form of temporary shelter, food, clothing, etc.
St. Raphael Center
St. Raphael is a social service center located in Hamilton, reaching out and helping to direct families in need toward a lifestyle of self-sufficiency.
Reach Out Lakota
Reach Out Lakota is a localized, ecumenical organization backed by many of our community churches, businesses and schools. It was founded in 1992 to provide families with the essentials and necessary guidance until they are capable of caring for themselves. Volunteers, food and clothing donations are always welcome. Reach Out Lakota is located just north of our parish property on Station Road and can be contacted at 779-7515.
Food Drives
On the first Sunday of the month each St. John family is asked to bring an item of non-perishable food, or a toiletry, cleaning or paper product to Mass. These items are distributed to Reach Out Lakota and St. Andrew's in Avondale.
Project RESTORE
Project RESTORE is a combined effort of four parishes: St. John, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Michael and St. Susanna to assist the needy, homeless and persons with drug and alcohol dependency by refurbishing and rehabbing buildings, primarily in the Over-the-Rhine and Lower Price Hill areas of Cincinnati.
Justice and Peace Commission
Our parish has a Justice and Peace Commission. Its purpose is to implement Catholic Social Teaching through the avenues of: charity, education and social action. The commission also serves as an advisory panel to the Pastor and Pastoral Staff on matters concerning "justice issues" impacting parish life and policies. The commission meets monthly. If you would like to participate in this vital ministry, contact the Parish Office.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with deserving, hardworking, low income families who are required to put 500 hours of ‘sweat equity' into building their own home. The home is sold to the partner family at cost, with the mortgage payments coming back to Habitat to be reinvested into building more homes. Habitat gives deserving families "a hand up, not a hand out."
Can-It
Aluminum cans are collected year-round in the containers next to the Center. Proceeds are given to the St. Francis/St. Joseph House of Hospitality.
St. Francis Soup Kitchen
The St. Francis Soup Kitchen in Over-the-Rhine is a facility that serves meals to the needy in that area. Young people and adults from St. John volunteer each month at the soup kitchen, serving meals and cleaning up.
Drivers, Special Needs
Periodically an elderly person or someone needing hospital treatments will need a ride to their appointment. At times, other needs will arise, such as bringing a meal in times of illness.
Missions
Our primary goal is to bring about a greater awareness and connection of our people with people in other parts of the world. To do this, the parish has chosen several missions for our financial support, with the hope that in the future more information and bonding between persons in these places and ourselves will occur. Special programs are held periodically to help provide greater understanding. Volunteers are needed as contact persons with the missions which we support.
Christmas Toy Drive
At the liturgies on the weekend closest to St. Nicholas Day, we ask the children to bring a gift-wrapped toy to share with a needy child. These are distributed primarily to the mission in Campton, KY and to Reach Out Lakota.
Christmas Food Baskets
Every November, families, groups and individuals from St. John sign up to provide Christmas Food Baskets for needy families. In 1999 alone we helped over 300 families from Reach Out Lakota, Avondale Food Pantry and St. Michael Center (Lower Price Hill) have a better Christmas. These boxes are collected and delivered in December. Parish members help with the sign-ups, delivery and buying/packaging of food items.
Clothing Drives
St. John Parish holds Spring and Fall clothing drives each year. These drives primarily support our mission in Campton, Kentucky.
Share-A-Lunch
Share-a-Lunch was created to offer the patrons of St. Francis Soup Kitchen in Over the Rhine one extra meal per month to take with them as they leave the facility. The kitchen serves one meal on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week to the needy in the area. It is our hope to give them a little something to tide them over at a time of the month when funds for food may be running low. We also supply lunches to the after school program at St. Michael Center in Lower Price Hill.
Parishioners may bring food, beverage and/or paper good donations to church on the fourth Sunday of each month. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare, pack and deliver the lunches.
Program information will be published in the bulletin. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate.
Support Ministries
Ministry to Returning Catholics
This process is for persons who have been away from the Church, alienated or hurt by the Church or have simply drifted away. The process is flexible and hopes to meet the needs of the individuals who come. Also welcome are those who have never physically left the Church, but still feel apathetic or alienated.
Sessions are held during Lent as a follow-up to the Archdiocesan Come Home program. Men and women who have experienced alienation from the Church and who have come back to full participation are needed to help with this process.
Stephens Ministry
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person-a friend to walk with us in times of crisis or change. Stephen Ministers are laypersons who have undergone an extensive training program to provide one-to-one Christian care to those experiencing all kinds of life needs. This is a confidential ministry. Those receiving care can be assured that their identity will remain private. Training sessions for new ministers are held each year from September-February.
Bereavement
Bereavement ministers assist families at the time of the death of a family member. Assistance is given in planning the funeral liturgy and follow-up calls made to the family. Parish members also help by providing lunch for the family and their guests at the parish on the day of the funeral, if the family so desires. Help is needed both to set up and serve these lunches and to provide food.
Companions on the Journey, a grief support group, meets twice a month to offer support to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. We welcome help from anyone who feels called to this ministry.
Employment Transition Group
The Employment Transition Group meets every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Undercroft. The group is open to the unemployed or individuals who are unhappy with their current employment situation. Specialized training and techniques are offered from the beginning and throughout to the conclusion of your employment search. The group is open to the public. For more information call Dave Poeppelmeier at 777-2015 or 755-3600, ext. 111.
Divorced and Separated
A support group for those who are in the process of or have experienced divorce meets twice a month. Anyone is welcome. No registration is necessary. For more information contact the Parish Office.
The parish of St. John the Evangelist in West Chester was founded in 1880. The building which housed the first church was constructed as a school in 1847 on a lot adjoining and belonging to the local Presbyterian Congregation. It became known as Grange Hall in 1875 when it was purchased by the Grangers, an organization of farmers. In 1887, it was sold to the Catholics in the community for the celebration of Mass. This building remained the parish church until 1960, when the old church structure was dedicated. As small as the church was, it had a choir loft and a hand pumped organ. Each family had its own pew which rented for $5.00 a year. The first priest listed in the official publication for the clergy of the Archdiocese was Rev. James O’Donnell, 1881—1883. There is a nine year gap before the name of the next priest, Rev. Michael Ahearn, 1892-1893. From 1893 there was a succession of several priests of the Holy Cross Order until 1912 when Rev. George Meyer, a priest of the Archdiocese, was appointed. Sometime around 1920 the people of St. John bought the house located at 8913 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, across from the original church as a residence for the priest. The house was on four acres of land and the grounds were used for the first parish festivals.
The congregation apparently did not grow very much up until World War II. Sunday collections averaged about $30.00. In 1945 there were still only about 40 families in the parish. In 1950, when signs of growth became evident, the Archdiocese saw that a larger site would be needed. The Landmark Baptist Church put its property up for sale. This was formerly the E. Scripps estate which the Baptists had acquired in 1945. It consisted of 43 acres with a large residence, the home of the Scripps family, which is the present rectory. In 1952 this property was purchased for $35, 000 and the house at 8913 Cincinnati-Dayton Road was sold. The Pavilion was one of the first projects for the new site and was used for bingo, dances, receptions and various fundraisers.
The Old Church Building
In 1955 Fr. Lawrence Jaekle became pastor of St. John. The church was no longer adequate since the parish had grown to 94 families. A building fund was started, and plans for a new church got under way. In 1958, the architectural firm of Gartner, Burdick, Bauer-Nielson, of Cincinnati, won first prize for modern church art in a national competition at Notre Dame University for the innovative design of the new church. In August of that year, a scale model of the new church was exhibited in a liturgical arts display at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. This church, which seated 450 and was considered innovative at the time, was dedicated in 1961 by the late Archbishop Karl J. Alter. By 1968, due to the liturgical renewal following the Second Vatican Council, the sanctuary was remodeled to conform to revised liturgical recommendations. When the church was built, its undercroft became the center of parish activities, replacing the Pavilion for bingo, religious education and other functions. The parish population continued to rise, going from 94 families in 1955 to 286 by the end of 1965.In 1966, Fr. Jaekle was replaced by Fr. Elmer Brennan, whose first task was to provide adequate space for religious education. After paying off the debt incurred from building the church, the parish "Education-Activities Center" was begun. It was formally dedicated by Archbishop Paul F. Leibold on June 21, 1970. The Center’s primary function is religious education, but it is also used for bingo, dances, wedding receptions and many social functions. The large center area can accommodate groups of 300. The floor is marked for basketball and volleyball and is in use constantly during the fall and winter months.
The parish continued to grow, and the Building Committee selected the architectural firm of F. W. Pressler and Associates to find a creative way to expand a church which was not designed to be expanded. They were asked to design an expansion that did not appear to be an add-on, but would look as though it was designed that way from the beginning. The sanctuary space needed to be in accord with current liturgical principles, and there was a serious acoustical problem which needed to be solved. The principal architects were Mike Finn, Arnold Zimmerman and Ron Weber. Dr. Dan Martin was hired as a consultant to correct the acoustical problem. David Camele, who had designed the ambo and baptismal font, was chosen to design an altar, and the Riordin Stained Glass Windows, Co. designed and installed stained glass windows to match the existing ones which they had designed. The organ, a Rodgers electronic three manual, was paid for by the Women's Guild and individual donations. In 1970, the population of Union Township was 12,000.
Along with an improved sound system, video cameras were installed to make it possible to record special liturgies without disturbance. This system was donated by several parishioners. On September 12, 1986, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk dedicated the new altar, organ and worship space. The seating capacity of the church was increased from 410 to 640, with chairs replacing the pews for more flexible seating.
The marble statue of the Last Supper, which was a gift from the people of Versailles to Fr. Jaekle, was moved from inside the church to the entrance of the lower level. The total cost of the expansion was around $500,000.
By 1988, Union Township had grown to 35,000 and officials predicted it would grow to 54,000 by the turn of the century. St. John now had over 1800 families and was growing at a rate of 40 new families per month. The seating capacity of the church was only 640 and there was standing room only at two of the four Sunday masses. A Parish Growth Committee was formed by Father Phil Seher to study the problem. Fr. Seher said it was architecturally impossible to remodel the present church which had been expanded in 1986. Parishioners were asked to decide between two options in order to make a recommendation to the Archbishop.
One proposal was to build a new church on the grounds of St. John Parish. The other was to split the parish and begin a new one which would be built on Van Gordon Road on property already owned by the archdiocese. This site was later determined unsuitable and new property was purchased on Hamilton-Mason Road.
The parish voted in favor of the split, and on September 3, 1989, a special liturgy was celebrated in St. John Church in which those who were starting the new parish received a special blessing and a rite of sending in which the Baptismal Water, the Word and the Bread and Wine were presented to and accepted by members of the new parish, Saint Maximilian Kolbe.
"All are Welcome…"
All are Welcome…"Growth continued for the St. John Community and during the early 1990’s a Growth Study Committee was formed with the charge to examine all available data concerning the projected growth of West Chester/Union Township. It was the recommendation of this committee to move forward with a building project. After several years of delicate planning and evaluation, nearly 1,000 members of the parish gathered on Palm Sunday, April 5, 1998, to break ground for our new worship space. Bishop Carl Moeddel, Auxilliary Bishop of Cincinnati, along with the members of the parish (all armed with shovels and spades) turned the earth to begin the actual building process.A year and a half later, on October 10, 1999, the new church of St. John the Evangelist, West Chester, was dedicated with great celebration by Archibishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk and some 2000+ members of the parish. It was a glorious day—the crowning of the efforts of hundreds of members of the parish who had been involved in the project since its inception. This magnificent work of art is truly a reflection of the community it houses!
Sacraments
Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during the Saturday evening and Sunday morning liturgies on a rotating basis. All parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Program offered once a month. The preparation programs give parents the opportunity to consider the meaning of their own faith, the Church's understanding of Baptism, and the elements of the Rite of Baptism. Volunteers are needed to help with the preparation meetings as well as assist at Baptism liturgies.
Marriage Preparation
Married couples act as ‘Sponsor Couples' who share their marriage experiences with engaged couples of our parish. Sponsor couples use preparation materials to guide their ministry and meet three times each year for discussions and guest speakers. Being a sponsor couple not only helps the engaged couple, but strengthens your own marriage.
Confirmation
See ‘Youth Ministry Programs' (page 22-23) for a full description of the Confirmation process. Adults who wish to be confirmed, especially those preparing for marriage, should contact the Parish Office.
First Eucharist
Children in the second grade are invited to prepare for the celebration of the Eucharist. Parents are involved in the entire process. Parents are invited to an informational session in January and receive materials to work with their child/ren at home. A parent-child retreat is part of the preparation process. The children celebrate First Eucharist at the parish liturgies during the Easter Season.
Reconciliation
Children in the fourth grade are invited to prepare for the celebration of First Reconciliation. Parents are involved in the entire process. Parents are invited to an informational meeting in September and receive materials to use at home with their child/ren. The children celebrate the sacrament with the parish community at the Advent Reconciliation Service. An additional parish reconciliation service is held during the season of Lent.
Baptism
Preparation sessions are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 PM.
Confirmation (High school or above)
Contact the Youth Minister 755-4972.
First Eucharist (2nd Graders)
Call the Director of Religious Education at 755-4974.
First Reconciliation (4th graders)
Call the Director of Religious Education at 755-4974.
Marriage
Weddings must be scheduled at least six months in advance. Call the office for further information.
Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing)
Call the parish office.
Evangelization Team
At the direct command of Jesus, we have become more aware that "Evangelization is the essential mission of the Church." The Church has made evangelization a specific focus of our future Church.
The Evangelization Team is working to make our parish a family of Catholic Christians who truly understand and embrace the Church's essential mission to evangelize-a parish laden with community involvement where every member's presence can be experienced as "light bearing" in our homes, neighborhoods, our workplaces and beyond.
In collaboration with other parishes, the team has taken an active role in the Come Home program. Our goal is to reach the individual Catholic member, the alienated Catholic and the unchurched.
The team meets with the Associate Pastor and welcomes all those interested in learning more about this evangelization process. The team strives to implement the document of the U.S. Bishops entitled, Go And Make Disciples.
Social Activites
Athletic Boosters
This organization provides athletic activities for parishioners. Booster meetings are held on a regular basis and are announced in the bulletin. The Boosters support a youth program which includes intramural basketball and C.Y.O. sports teams. Our C.Y.O. basketball programs for boys and girls have been very successful and our C.Y.O. girls volleyball teams generally are among the best in the city. Our spring C.Y.O. boys volleyball program is relatively new, but it is already showing signs of success.
Adult programs include men's softball, couples volleyball and men's ‘over 30' basketball.
Other programs and activities can be sponsored if there is sufficient interest.
A winter sports banquet, held at the end of the winter season, normally attracts 300-400 family members.
Our Boosters organization is a parish volunteer program that is always looking for more parishioners to get involved. How about you? Give something back to the kids like some special coach in your life gave to you.
Festival
A parish festival is held on the first weekend of August. The purpose of the festival is to provide an opportunity for parishioners to become acquainted with one another and to provide additional funds for capital improvements and debt reduction. The festival is a social event involving many parishioners.
Bingo
St. John's bingo is held every Thursday night at 7:00 PM in the Center. The bingo is a major source of income for the parish. Profits are used for capital improvements and the future needs of our new church. The bingo is in constant need of volunteers.
Christmas Craft Show
The Annual Holiday Boutique is held on the first Saturday of December. Seventy-five crafters display handmade items in the Center and Pavilion. All profits from booth rental, baked goods and lunch room are donated to a designated charity. (Kay Ruth and Jessie Osner, Chairpersons.)
Parish Organizations
Parish Pastoral Council
The mission of St. John the Evangelist Parish Pastoral Council is to represent the whole parish to the pastor and to the pastoral team. We provide counsel and direction after hearing the needs and desires of the parish and making them known. We offer suggestions as to the means of meeting those needs and desires and evaluate how well they are being met.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee exists to provide advice and consultation to the pastor and the business manager regarding the fiscal matters of the parish. The committee reports directly to the Parish Pastoral Council and reviews periodically the detailed expenses incurred by the parish and compares these expenses to the annual budget. The committee also reviews in detail the annual budget as presented by the business manager and recommends the adoption of the budget by the Pastor.
St. John Ladies Ministry
The Ladies Ministry meets one evening each month. The group provides an opportunity for prayer, spiritual enrichment and social activities for the women of the parish. Some of the activities include a yearly retreat, serving funeral receptions and making Baptismal garments. The ministry is active in the Olde West Chester Christmas Walk. All women of St. John Parish are welcome.
Welcoming Committee
Welcoming new parishioners is an important part of parish hospitality. After-Mass receptions and other activities are planned throughout the year to welcome those who are new to St. John Parish.
Boy Scout Troop 940
The Boy Scout Troop is sponsored by the parish and is an active group of approximately 50 scouts and an adult committee. The objective is to develop skills useful to these youth, ages 11 to 18. These skills are taught through enjoyable but challenging situations. Leadership and personal confidence are developed through this process.
The Troop meets weekly from September-June. Monthly outings are planned along with projects to support the parish and the community. Help is always appreciated through direct involvement with the troop or as a counselor for one of the more than 100 merit badges covering a variety of hobbies and vocations.
Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts' mission is to help girls grow up to be caring, competent, confident women. Through a wide range of activities girls will develop self-worth, personal values, an active concern for the community, and lasting relationships. Girl Scouts serve girls ages 5-17 in grades K-12.
Currently, St. John sponsors two Brownie troops for grades 2-3. Additional troops will be formed as there is interest and willing adult volunteers. The troops meet bi-monthly at the church, September-May, and are also involved in area-wide activities throughout the year.
Help from adult volunteers is always appreciated. Volunteers are needed as new troops form for direct leadership and for support of all troops in the areas of age-level recognitions, fund-raising, service projects and religious awards.
Stewardship
Stewardship is our joyful, grateful response to God for all we have been given. The life of the parish depends upon to what extent the members are willing to make the necessary commitment to serve and to financially support it. Once a year, the parishioners of St. John commit their Time, Talent and Treasure. The Stewardship Committee educates people about stewardship, arouses a conscious awareness of their gifts and gets people involved in the parish. The Committee organizes and prepares for each year's Stewardship Sunday, publishes the Parish Handbook, creates a ‘Time and Talent Form' as well as a ‘Treasure Intent Card' and measures the success of the program on a yearly basis.
Special Skills
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. At St. John we recognize that each parishioner has their own individual gift to contribute to the life of the parish. Help is always needed in the following special areas: Landscaping, Art, Video, Photography, Office Help, Assembling Mailings, Painting, Calligraphy, Library, Crafts, Carpentry, Small Engine Repairs, Baking, Sewing, Public Relations, Computer Skills, Handyman, Community Bread Bakers, Recycling, Child Care, Sign Language or any other area in which you have a special skill to share.
Spiritual Life and Worship
R.C.I.A.
Adults & Teens
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is open to all persons interested in learning more about Christ and the Church, or who are interested in becoming a member of the Church. A person can enter the process at any time throughout the year. Members of the parish are involved by being individual sponsors for the candidates, making presentations and in the service of hospitality.
Children
Children in the second grade or above who have not been baptized or have been baptized but have had no formal religious formation are invited to participate with their parents in a process of preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation- Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. These sacraments are celebrated with both adults, teens and children who are in the RCIA process at the Easter Vigil.
WORSHIP
Worship Commission
The Worship Commission evaluates the way we worship at St. John and makes recommendations for the common prayer of the assembly. Members observe what is happening at parish liturgies and then meet once a month to reflect on these liturgical practices, talk about ways to improve what needs attention and decide on specific steps to make those improvements.
Liturgical Ministers
Our primary ministry when we gather as a praying and worshipping Church is that of the ASSEMBLY. We minister to one another. To do this well, many are called to a variety of liturgical ministries within the assembly:Sacristan, Extraordinatory Captains, proclaiming the Word of God, distributing the Eucharist, assisting with hospitality and seating and attending to the needs of the altar area. Altar Attendants are boys and girls, grade 6 and older.
MUSIC MINISTRY
There are a number of opportunities for service in the music ministry of St. John: Adult Choir, Children's Choir, Contemporary Ensembles and Cantors. We observe an open door policy with regard to participation in the various musical ministries, recognizing the changing needs of individuals and their families.
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir, as a part of the Assembly, leads the congregation in its sung prayer, sometimes reinforcing the song of the people and sometimes enhancing it with harmony. The Choir meets for rehearsal weekly usually in Church. They minister at the 9:30 AM Liturgy on Sundays and on major feast days throughout the year, especially the Easter Triduum. They also offer sacred music concerts for the parish and community. Members of the choir have participated in various local and regional events including, the Rite of Election in Dayton, Diocesan Choir Festival, West Chester Home for the Holidays and carolling at local hospitals. The Choir has also been part of the Diocese's TV Ministry by providing music for televised liturgies. The Choir is open to all adults in the parish (high school and above.)
Contemporary Ensembles
There are three active ensembles at St. John. All provide opportunities for singers and for a wide range of instrumentalists: guitar, woodwinds, percussion, brass, etc. The 5:00 PM and 11:30 AM Groups rehearse just prior to the Mass time to prepare for that day's liturgy. The members of the 8:00 AM group rehearse prior to the Choir's regular rehearsal.
Cantors
St. John has a vibrant and active Cantor program. A trained cantor leads the Assembly in song at all of our Sunday liturgies, weddings, and other special occasions as well. More cantors are always needed and welcome. The cantors currently meet for about an hour each week prior to the Adult Choir rehearsal to prepare for the coming Sunday or season.
Children's Choir
The Children's Choir ministers from September through May, singing at the 11:30 AM Liturgy about once a month, including Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday. The group's rehearsal schedule is published at the beginning of the year. All the children of the parish who are in the 2nd-8th grades are welcome to be a part of this ministry.
Nursery
Our co-op nursery is open during the 9:30 and 11:30 AM liturgies on Sunday.
Presentation of the Gifts
If you and/or your family would like to present the gifts of bread and wine at weekend liturgies, please inform the Hospitality Ministers.
Liturgy of the Word with Children
At the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Liturgy the children of grades 1, 2 & 3 have the option of celebrating the Liturgy of the Word in a way that is developmentally appropriate for their age level. After the opening prayer, the Presider calls the children of the primary grades forward. They are then dismissed from the Assembly, "...to go forth and reflect upon the Word of God and respond in faith". A Lay Presider leads them to the Chapel where they hear the Word proclaimed and reflected upon in terms understandable to them. After the General Intercessions they rejoin their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Volunteers with a gift for relating to young children are needed to keep this very important ministry alive.
Communion to Shut-Ins
Eucharistic Ministers take communion to those who are unable to worship with us during Sunday liturgies. This can be done by an individual or as a family on a weekly basis at a time convenient to both the individual and the Eucharistic Minister. If you would like communion brought to a shut-in, please contact the Parish Office.