EAGLE’S WINGS

A Bi-Annual Newsletter Published by St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church Fall/Winter 2013

Our New Associate Pastor

Welcome Fr. Nestor Watin

Rev. Nestor Watin became an Associate Pastor here at St. John the Evangelist in June of this year, and we would like to take this opportunity to both welcome him to our parish and to tell you a bit about our newest priest. Father Nestor has been a priest for 31 years, having been ordained in the Philippines on May 10, 1982. He was born the second boy and seventh child in a family of ten children. His father was an accountant and Father Nestor Watin agriculturist and his mother was a licensed midwife. He grew up poor, but his parents reinforced the importance of education and struggled to make sure Nestor and his siblings all went to good schools. His family later moved to the United States in 1987. Father Nestor had simple ambitions growing up and thought about becoming a farmer or a carpenter. He assisted as an altar server in his parish and that led him to the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, where he completed four years of seminary training and two years of post-graduate studies in canon law. From 1983 to 1988, Father Nestor was Assistant Chancellor and Associate Pastor of a parish in his Diocese, where he further taught school. Father Nestor also graduated from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut with a degree in Educational Management and School Administration. He was at Yale from 1989 to 1991; the bishop from his Diocese back in the Philippines sent him there because they were opening a college/university that they wanted Father Nestor to take over. In the early 90s, Father Nestor served two parishes, and as Chancellor back home. It was his fundraising work from 1995 to 2004 that served as a “stepping stone,” bringing Father Nestor to (continued on Page 5)

Volume 17, Number 2

A Message From Our Pastor “Where To Check Your Parish’s Spiritual Health?” By Fr. Walter F. Kedjierski Mayor Koch used to walk around with a sign that read, “How’m I doin’?” He was certainly a very brave man. He showed that he cared enough about the people of New York City to want to know what was going on in their lives, and how his government was helping them or not helping them. As a pastor, I am sometimes tempted to walk around with a similar sign, but not with the question “How am I doing,” because a parish is far more than just the pastor. The question would be, however, “How are we doing?” I have not gathered up enough courage to do that yet. Maybe someday I will. However, maybe I really do not need to. to. A few months ago, I had to run over to a nearby supermarket to pick up some things. As I ran into the store, a few people gave me a smile of recognition, but several stopped me so that we could chat. In fifteen minutes, I must have chatted with at least four people while I ran down the aisles to get what I needed. One woman stopped me in order to say thank you. She said that for the longest time she was looking for a job and our Parish Outreach program helped her to keep some bill collectors off of her back while she looked. She told me that now she had finally found a job, the bills were being paid, and she would never have gotten anywhere if it was not for our Parish Outreach. Then, there was another lady who stopped me when I got into a different aisle. In this aisle, I heard some tales about a few conflicts this woman was having with members of her family. She was keeping me updated and asked for a little bit of advice on conflict resolution and the proper Christian thing to do when family members end up doing disappointing things. It was quite a conversation. Then, when I finally got into the frozen foods section, I happened upon another lady who was very joyful. She had asked me to pray for her a long time ago because she was struggling with very serious health issues. I had not seen her for a while and had kept her in my private prayers. She (continued on Page 7)

News From Our Lady Queen of Apostles School Each year our Lady Queen of Apostles holds a dedication to the Blessed Mother with a May Crowning. The Second grade class will be leading this year’s crowning. The dedication will take place on May 16 at 1:30PM on Friday afternoon. According to Principal Stacie Stueber, it is a tradition for the second grade class to wear their First Holy Communion dresses and suits during this celebration. In addition to Mary’s Crowning, the children lead the prayer and song. This year’s dedication will be both ceremonious and educational, as it is based on the Litany to Mary and the fifty states. “Each month the children focus on five different states for each of the ten Masses celebrated during the school year,” says Principal Stueber. The May Crowning of the Blessed Mother was created based on the 1976 bicentennial of Mary and the fifty states. “Each state patron is chosen with a spiritual focus” says Stueber. She continues, “Mary in the fifty states is somewhat academic. We talk about a different state each month and how each state was inducted into the union. We are currently discussing the state of South Carolina and our focus is, Our Mother and Lady of Joyful Hope. The growth of the Church is particularly evident in this state because the icon is new, created as recent as 2003 depicting Mary holding the Infant Jesus.” According to Principal Stueber, the May ceremony will focus on our state of New York with the spiritual focus on the help of Christian immigrants who came through New York. There will also be a surprise for this year’s May Crowning based on the World Mission Rosary. ~Raina Oats

St. John the Evangelist: Christmas 2013 Schedule Monday, December 23 Confessions 4:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 8:30 PM ~ 9:30 PM

Christmas Eve Masses Tuesday, December 24 4:00 PM Children’s *Overflow Mass in Auditorium

6:00 PM 9:00 PM Spanish 12 Midnight Christmas Day Masses Tuesday, December 25 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM 10:30 AM, 12 Noon NO 5:30 PM Mass

New Year’s Eve Masses Tuesday, December 31 7AM, 8AM 7:30 PM (Eve of Holy Day) New Year’s Day Masses Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God *Holy Day of ObligaƟon* 8:00 AM 12 Noon 5:00 PM

...those who hope in the Lord will renew their2 strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

A Journey of Faith

Parishioners Set Off On A Pilgrimage to Italy

On August 14, eighteen pilgrims embarked on a We toured ancient Rome enjoying the fascinating journey to Italy under the guidance of Father Walter. history of the Coliseum and forums. The Trevi Some travelers were parishioners, others were friends Fountain, an extraordinary masterpiece of Italian and family from neighboring parish communities. Little culture, holds the legend that if visitors throw a coin into did we know what spiritual riches awaited us as we fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome, and so we boarded the plane for our eight-hour ride. did. We marveled at Michelangelo’s David and his Typically, a pilgrimage is a Moses, which served to journey to a shrine or other confirm that our talents are location that is of importance to a God’s gift to man. The person’s beliefs and faith. This weather was always trip promised that spiritual quest, cooperative, the food was yet delivered much more. New enjoyable, and the insights to our faith were provided architecture -- so beautiful it and a deeper understanding was had to be divinely motivated attained each day. -- never ceased to leave us Father Walter celebrated breathless. Mass every day at a different After 10 days, we location. We received the said arrivederci to Italy, Eucharist just steps from the Pictured are the pilgrims from St. John the changed forever by the tomb of St. Peter in Rome, and Evangelist, who visited various Holy sites in warmth of its people and the at St. Mark’s resting place in Italy in August, including the Vatican. depth of its spiritual inspiration Venice. Inspired by the Basilica of St. Anthony of and traditions. We gained new friends and a lifetime of Padua, we celebrated the feast of the Assumption of the memories. It is said that upon Blessed Virgin Mary and the birthday of St. Anthony, return from a pilgrimage, life just steps from the relics of his tongue and is seen with different eyes lower jaw bone. and nothing will ever be High upon a serene mountain top, we worshipped at quite the same again. the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi and marveled while we We all agree. heard his life story. “Pace Bene,” as it is known in ~Christine Longo Assisi, became our group’s mantra; translated, means “peace and goodness.” We sang out in praise, in a hollowed out tunnel of a catacomb. In the Sancta Scala Shrine across from St. John Lateran, on our knees, A Semi-Annual Newsletter pilgrims navigated the very steps that Jesus walked on when He was brought to Pontius Pilate. The richly decorated stained glass in every Basilica relayed New Published twice a year under the supervision of Father John and Old Testament stories. The majestic artwork in Corcoran, Pastor Emeritus, and Father Walter Kedjierski, mosaics told narratives in the Churches of Ravenna, and Pastor, of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, the monumental frescoes 25 Ocean Avenue, Center Moriches, New York. Printed by painted by the J. S. Paluch Co., Inc., delivered through third class mail. most famous artists Editor: Elizabeth Harrington Dyer recounted several biblical stories. While gazing Staff: Suzan Fitzpatrick, Chris ne Longo, Ray Paren , upon each one, Michelle Pirraglia, Rhonda Riccio, Mary Rodriguez, Dennis we contemplated the Satriano, Terry Seng, Maria Sikora, Angela Werner, passages, as Father Maria Werner, Kelly Zenker and Carmine Zingarino. Walter inspired us.

EAGLE’S WINGS

t h e y w i l l r u n a n d n o t g r o w w e a r y , t h e y w3i l l w a l k a n d n o t b e f a i n t . ~ I s a i a h 4 0 : 3 1

Bienvenido Padre Nestor WaƟn Rev. Nestor Watin se hizo pastor asociado aquí en San Juan, en junio de este año , y nos gustaría aprovechar esta oportunidad para darle la bienvenida tanto a nuestra parroquia y contarles un poco acerca de nuestro nuevo sacerdote. Padre Nestor ha sido sacerdote por 31 años, después de haber sido ordenado en las Filipinas el 10 de mayo de 1982. Nació el segundo hijo varón y el séptimo hijo de una familia de diez hijos. Su padre era contable y agricultor y su madre era una partera con licencia. Él se crió en la pobreza, pero sus padres reforzaron la importancia de la educación y luchó para asegurarse de que Nestor y sus hermanos todos fueron a buenas escuelas. Su familia se mudó a los Estados Unidos en 1987. Padre Nestor tenía ambiciones sencillas y pensaba en seguir una carrera de un agricultor o un carpintero. Asistió como monaguillo de su parroquia y con esa experiencia asistió a la Universidad Pontificia y Real de Santo Tomás, la Universidad Católica de las Filipinas, donde completó cuatro años de formación en el seminario y dos años de estudios de postgrado en la ley canónico. De 1983 a 1988, el Padre Nestor era Canciller Adjunto y el pastor asociado de una parroquia en su diócesis, donde también era profesor en la escuela. Padre Nestor también se graduó de la Universidad de Yale en New Haven, Connecticut, con una licenciatura en Suministración Educativa y Administración Escolar. Él estudiaba en Yale desde 1989 hasta 1991. El obispo de la Diócesis en las Filipinas le había enviado a Padre Nestor a Yale porque estaban abriendo un colegio /universidad y querían a Padre Nestor como administrador. A principios de los años 90, el padre Néstor sirvió dos parroquias, con el papel de Canciller en una de ellas, en las Filipinas. Fue su trabajo de recaudación de fondos desde 1995 hasta 2004, que llevo Padre Nestor a Canadá y otra vez a los Estados Unidos. Mientras en Canadá (entre los años 2000 a 2004 y sirviendo como canciller de una parroquia), el padre Nestor aplicó para trabajar en la diócesis de Rockville Centre. Obispo William Murphy le respondió y el 3 de noviembre de 2005, el Padre Nestor fue nombrado a la parroquia Virgen de Lourdes en West Islip. Al mismo tiempo, Padre prestó asistencia a la parroquia de Santa Ana en Brentwood. Seis meses después, fue enviado a la parroquia de Nuestro Santo Redentor en Freeport, donde decía la misa en español y ayudó a la comunidad hispana. En 2011, el Padre Nestor volvió a su trabajo de recaudación de fondos y mientras él disfrutaba de la oportunidad de viajar a nuevos lugares, le hizo falta su trabajo en una comunidad parroquial. En 2012, fue reasignado a la parroquia St. Louis de Montfort en Sound Beach. Él pasó tres meses allí y luego otro puesto temporario por tres meses en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia en West Babylon. Durante ocho meses, antes de venir a San Juan, el padre Nestor era pastor asociado de Nuestra Señora de Loreto en Hempstead. Padre Nestor dice que le encanta estar aquí en San Juan el Evangelista y encuentra que nuestra comunidad es muy unida y acogedora. Le gusta decir la misa en español cada segundo y cuarto domingo en la parroquia San Francisco de Sales en Patchogue, y dice que su parte favorita de estar aquí es llegar a trabajar con niños otra vez. Cuando estaba en Freeport y Hempstead, las escuelas católicas fueron cerradas. Para los feligreses más jóvenes, él quiere proyectar que "la vida religiosa es una cosa muy “cool”, y animar a las personas más jóvenes a abrazar participación en la iglesia y tal vez incluso aceptar una llamada al seminario o convento. (continued on Page 5)

Mensaje del Pastor Padre Walter: “¿Dónde Compruebe Salud Espiritual de su Parroquia?” Por el Rev. Walter F. Kedjierski El alcalde Koch siempre salía a la calle con un letrero preguntando a los neoyorquinos: "¿Cómo lo estoy haciendo? " (“How’m I doin?”) El alcalde Koch era-- sin duda-- un hombre muy valiente. Demostró que para él, lo importante fue saber como la gente de la ciudad de Nueva York estimaba el trabajo que el estaba haciendo, y quería saber de la gente lo que estaba pasando en su vida, y cómo su gobierno estaba ayudando o no. Como pastor, estoy a veces tentado a caminar con un letrero similar, pero no con la pregunta "¿Cómo lo estoy haciendo? ", porque la parroquia es mucho más que sólo el pastor. La pregunta sería, sin embargo, " ¿Cómo vamos?” Creo que no tengo el valor suficiente para hacer eso todavía. Tal vez algún día lo haré. O, tal vez no necesito hacerlo. Hace unas semanas, tuve que ir corriendo a un supermercado cercano para recoger algunas cosas. Mientras corría a la tienda, unas cuantas personas me dieron una sonrisa de reconocimiento, pero varios me dejaron para que pudiéramos hablar. En quince minutos, yo debía haber conversado con por lo menos cuatro personas, mientras corría por los pasillos para conseguir lo que necesitaba. Una mujer me dejó con el fin de dar las gracias. Dijo quedurante mucho tiempo que estaba buscando un trabajo, y el programa de Alcance Parroquial (Parish Outreach) le ayudó a hacer que esperar algunos cobradores mientras que ella buscaba. Ella me dijo que ahora que finalmente había encontrado un trabajo, estaba pagando las cuentas, y que nunca habría llegado a ninguna parte si no fuera (continued on Page 7)

...those who hope in the Lord will renew their4 strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

Living on the Edge

Middle School Ministry Heather Arciero, previously known as Heather Whelan, is our Edge Coordinator here at St. John the Evangelist. Not only has this busy newlywed taken on the Edge position this past year in our Faith Formation Office, she has recently taken on a job as an administrator (the Director of Student Services) at McGann-Mercy High School, as well. Heather started at St. John's as a core member volunteer for our Life Teen program four years ago, where she still serves faithfully today. She started coordinating teen lectors in her second year here. The Edge Program was initiated last year for eighth graders, and ran once Heather & Dean Arciero every other month w e r e m a r r i e d o n during regularly scheduled October 26, 2013 at St. John’s. religion classes. This year, it has been expanded to include both seventh and eighth graders, and will be held during religion classes every three weeks. What is Edge? It is a special enrichment program geared towards middle school students, in order to give them a head start at understanding their Catholic faith more deeply. This "edge" helps to guide them in the realization that Catholic education and growing in faith does not stop with Confirmation, but continues throughout one's lifetime, especially during high school and college, when life decisions require spiritual direction and strength that only God can provide. Edge activities are focused on interactive games, skits, prayers, discussions and activities, which prepare middle school students for Confirmation. Edge nights are essentially "mini-retreats," meant to relate to their age groups, while relating the Catholic faith to the secular world. Edge nights from last year included a "knights and ladies" theme, which was linked teens' leadership roles to saintly lives as chivalrous and polite young adults. There was also a "parables night," where teens connected age-old fairy tales such as the "three little pigs" to the stories that Jesus told in the Bible to relate his followers' lives to God's spiritual kingdom. Edge is a great addition to the parish Faith Formation program, and serves as an essential link between elementary school religion classes and Life Teen. ~Maria Werner

Father Nestor... (continued from Page 1)

Canada and back again to the United States. While in Canada from 2000 to 2004, and serving as a judge of the matrimonial tribunal of the Archdiocese of Edmonton in Alberta, Father Nestor applied to work in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Bishop William Murphy wrote him back and on November 3, 2005, Father Nestor was appointed to Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip; at the same time, he provided assistance to St. Anne’s in Brentwood. Six months later, he was sent to Our Holy Redeemer in Freeport, where he said the Spanish Mass and assisted the Hispanic community. In 2011, Father Nestor returned to his fundraising work and while he enjoyed the opportunity to travel to new places, he missed his work within a parish community. In 2012, he was reassigned to St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Sound Beach. He spent three months there and then had another temporary position for three months at Our Lady of Grace in West Babylon. For eight months, before coming to St. John’s, Father Nestor was Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto in Hempstead. Father Nestor says he loves being here at St. John the Evangelist Church and finds our community to be close-knit and welcoming. He enjoys saying the Spanish Mass every second and fourth Sunday at St. Francis de Sales in Patchogue, and says his favorite part of being here is getting to work with children again. When he was in Freeport and Hempstead, the Catholic schools were both closed. To our youngest parishioners, he wants to project that “religious life is a cool thing,” and encourage more young people to embrace church participation and perhaps even a call to the seminary or convent. He hopes our parish community and, having grown up poor himself, specifically those less fortunate, will be inspired by Pope Francis and the new direction, “the new dawning,” the Church is heading in. He wants to see the church pews as full as possible. Overall, Father Nestor is very happy to be here at St. John’s and thanks everyone for their kindness and warm welcome. ~Kelly Zenker

Bienvenido Padre Nestor WaƟn… (continued from Page 4)

Él espera que nuestra comunidad parroquial en general y, como se crió en la pobreza a sí mismo, especialmente a los menos afortunados, se sentirán inspirados por el Papa Francisco y la nueva dirección, “el nuevo amanecer”, de la Iglesia. Él quiere ver a los bancos de la iglesia llena de gente. En general, el padre Nestor está muy contento de estar aquí en San Juan y gracias a todos por su amabilidad y bienvenida tan sincera. ~Kelly Zenker (Translated by Mary Rodriguez)

t h e y w i l l r u n a n d n o t g r o w w e a r y , t h e y w5i l l w a l k a n d n o t b e f a i n t . ~ I s a i a h 4 0 : 3 1

The Tradition of Saint Valentine Could our Valentine be someone we never knew? This February 14th marks the one thousand, five hundred, and eighteenth annual Feast of Saint Valentine. Christians embrace him as the Saint of courtly love. His feast day is anticipated and marketed by florists, chocolate manufacturers and greeting card companies. However, the actual identity of Saint "Valentinus" remains obscure. Church tradition holds that there are three martyrs by the name of Valentinus, who were executed February 14, circa AD 269-273. One is a saintly Christian from Africa, of whom little is known. The two other Valentinuses lived in close proximity to one another in Italy. One was a priest at Rome and the other a bishop at Terni. It is commonly understood that the histories of these two Saints are, in fact, the story of one Saint—Father Valentinus, told from two different perspectives. Father Valentinus was a third century Roman Priest who faithfully ministered under the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. Until the 4th century reign of Constantine, the Roman government was hostile toward Christianity. Thus, Claudius II had little tolerance for a Christian world view. He sought to strengthen Roman authority over colonial provinces. To accomplish this, he needed a fearless army willing to crush resistance. Claudius reasoned that single soldiers excel in bravery, having no wife and family to care for. He prohibited Roman soldiers from marrying and raising families. Being true to our God, Father Valentinus disobeyed Claudius's decree and continued to marry Roman soldiers to their betrothed. In time, he was discovered, jailed, and sentenced to death. While in prison, he befriended his jailer and brought him into the Christian faith. The jailer had a blind daughter who's sight was restored by the prayers of the good priest. Father Valentinus and the young woman became friends. Shortly before his execution, he wrote words of encouragement to her and signed off, your Valentinus. The priest's farewell signature has become legendary. Pope Gelasius I established the Feast of Saint Valentine in AD 496. He is the patron saint of marriages, engaged couples, bee keepers, and is a bulwark against plague and epilepsy. The feast is also recognized by the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and individual Baptist Churches. ~Ray Parenti

Can You Help? In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ~Acts 20:35

Volunteers from our parish food pantry help to serve hundreds of parishioners and area residents in need.

St. John the Evangelist’s Parish Outreach program always is looking for volunteers to assist with the food pantry, thrift shop and office work. For more information, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Sr. Ann Berendes, at 874-3617.

...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; 6

A Message From Our Pastor...

Mensaje del Pastor Padre Walter...

proceeded, practically jumping up and down, to tell me that the doctors were saying the worst was over and her prognosis was very good. I was so happy to share in her joy at that moment. I think that visit to the supermarket was a wonderful affirmation to me that we are doing wonderful things here at St. John the Evangelist in Center Moriches. People feel comfortable enough to share with their pastor their deepest joys and their most painful sorrows. I am sure the same applies for our truly heroic staff and dedicated volunteers. Together, we make up a family rooted in Jesus Christ. I am extremely pleased that some people have found something very special by being a part of our parish family. Over the past few months, our parish reached a registered population of over 6,700 families. That is a huge milestone! I would not be surprised if we are now the third or fourth largest parish on Long Island. All of those individual families, once registered, have a choice to make. By registering with us, each family has chosen to become a part of the larger parish family. Some families have members who organize family functions, bring people together, and do special things like remember each other’s birthdays or visit family members who are sick in the hospital. Sometimes there are family members who decide not to make it to family gatherings too often – maybe just for the holidays. Some do not even make it to the holidays. They are seen just at weddings or funerals. Some do not even make it for those pivotal events in the lives of their family members. I pray for all of the members of our parish family – those who come everyday and those who come almost never. As a pastor who loves his people, I must admit I am sometimes disappointed at how many choose not to be an active part of our Church family. This is not because I am legalistic or think that people need to be blindly obedient and do what the Pope tells them to do. The real reason why I am disappointed is because I am able to witness how much our parish blesses people each and every day. I am able to witness all the goodness and love here. I am humbled every day at the generous and loving hearts that are a part of this parish community. I am disappointed that more do not play an active role in the family of the parish because they are missing out on so much. I believe that we each long for Christian community. I believe we yearn for an experience that is safe, moral, and uplifting. I believe we can find all of those things here because Jesus is proclaimed as alive and active in our midst. The good news is that our doors are always open to people in our family. We will welcome you with open arms and love. All you need to do is come and be a part of the family. God bless you!

por nuestro programa de Parish Outreach. Entonces, había otra señora que me detuvo cuando me metí en un pasillo diferente. En este pasillo, escuché algunos cuentos sobre algunos conflictos que esta mujer tenía con los miembros de su familia. Ella me mantenía informado y me pidió un poco de información sobre la resolución de conflictos y la actitud cristiana apropiada de hacerlo cuando los familiares terminan haciendo cosas decepcionantes. Fue una conversación intensiva. Luego, cuando finalmente me metí en la sección de alimentos congelados, me encontré con otra señora que era muy alegre. Hace tiempo ella me había pedido que orara por ella, porque ella estaba luchando con problemas de salud muy graves. Yo no la había visto desde hacía un tiempo y la había guardado en mis oraciones privadas. Se procedió, prácticamente saltando arriba y abajo, para decirme que los médicos decían lo peor había pasado y su pronóstico era muy bueno. Yo estaba tan feliz de compartir su alegría en ese momento. Creo que la visita al supermercado era una afirmación maravillosa para mí que estamos haciendo las cosas maravillosas aquí en San Juan el Evangelista en Center Moriches. La gente se siente cómoda para compartir con su pastor sus alegrías más profundas y sus penas más dolorosas. Estoy seguro de que lo mismo se aplica a nuestros empleos verdaderamente heroicos y voluntarios dedicados. Juntos formamos una familia enraizada en Jesucristo. Estoy muy contento de que algunas personas han encontrado algo muy especial por ser parte de nuestra familia parroquial. En los últimos meses, nuestra parroquia alcanzó una población de más de 6.500 familias registradas. Esto es un gran hito! No me sorprendería que ahora seamos la tercera o cuarta parroquia más grande en Long Island. Todas las familias individuales, una vez registrado, tiene que tomar una decisión. Al registrarse con nosotros, cada familia ha elegido ser parte de la familia parroquial. Algunas familias tienen miembros que organizan reuniones familiares, unir a la gente, y hacer cosas especiales, como recuerdan los cumpleaños de cada uno, o visitar a sus familiares que están enfermos en el hospital. A veces hay familiares que deciden no llegar a las reuniones familiares con demasiada frecuencia - quizás sólo para las fiestas. Algunos ni siquiera llegan a las fiestas. Se ven sólo en las bodas o funerales. Algunos ni siquiera lo hacen para esos eventos cruciales en la vida de sus familiares. Rezo por todos los miembros de nuestra familia parroquial - los que vienen todos los días y los que vienen casi nunca. Como un pastor que ama a su pueblo, debo admitir que a veces me siento decepcionado por la cantidad de optar por no ser parte activa de nuestra familia de la Iglesia. Esto no es porque soy legalista o creo que la gente debe ser ciegamente obedientes y hacer lo que el Papa les dice que hagan. La verdadera razón por la que estoy decepcionado es porque soy testigo a la manera de que nuestra parroquia bendice a la gente todos los días. Puedo dar testimonio al de la bondad y el amor aquí. Me siento muy honrado todos los días por los generosos y amorosos corazones que forman parte de esta comunidad parroquial. Estoy decepcionado de que más no participan en un papel activo en la familia de la parroquia, ya que se están perdiendo de mucho. Creo que cada uno de nosotros anhelamos comunidad cristiana. Creo que anhelan una experiencia que es seguro, moral y edificante. Creo que podemos encontrar todas estas cosas aquí porque Jesús es proclamado como viva y activa en medio de nosotros. La buena noticia es que nuestras puertas están siempre abiertas a la gente en nuestra familia. Le daremos la bienvenida con los brazos abiertos y el amor. Todo lo que necesitas hacer es venir y ser parte de la familia. Que Dios los bendiga! ~Translated by Mary Rodriguez

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t h e y w i l l r u n a n d n o t g r o w w e a r y , t h e y w7 i l l w a l k a n d n o t b e f a i n t . ~ I s a i a h 4 0 : 3 1

See What We’ve Been Up To!

Teens learned how to get through the “jungle of life” at the 2011 Lock-In.

It’s been a busy time for St. John the Evangelist Life Teen! In July, our teens joined thousands of youth for the Steubenville East Retreat. Our Bowl-AThon fundraiser was a big success—thank you to all who participated! Our Kick-Off BBQ & Life Nights have offered teens a fun and safe place to grow in their faith and form solid Catholic friendships. For the new year, we are planning our third annual weekend retreat at Kellenberg High School for the end of March, as well as a trip to the Diocese’s Holy Hour/ Dodgeball event. For more info, call Youth Minister Mike Clauberg at 874-4910.