Works of Mercy Bingo for Faith Formation Families

Holy Family Ministry Fair Day: Sept 12&13—Call to Stewardship

As l begin my SIXTH YEAR among you, I am thankful to you all for the role that you have played in those years to make Holy Family Catholic Community our Home, a place of friendship and the space where we come to find and search for God, a place of blessing and celebration, a place of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. In short, am happy to be your priest and you are the best parishioners that the Lord could have given me at this time of my life—thanks for your prayers and friendship. One important step in our stewardship journey will be our Ministry Fair Day! This day offer us chance to ask ourselves how we prioritize the way we use God’s gifts in the Church. We will make written commitments to ourselves and to God concerning how we will be more devoted with our use of time and talent, our God-given gifts to strengthen the Church through service to parish ministries and other activities. “Our journey toward a lively and dynamic parish is in its top gear and l cannot wait to see what will happen in today and tomorrow during our Ministry Fair day. I expect a radical and breath-taking day! We made major progress in identifying the five areas of concern that we shall embark on and put all our spiritual, pastoral, administrative, and planning efforts on the Ministry Fair Day to make our parish vibrant and Dynamic. We need your services, ministries, and outreach in these areas: (1) Holy Family Catholic Community Faith Formation Program; (we had given this ministry our 2026/27 topmost pastoral priority) we need teachers for our religious education program and the ministry to the youth. In our program, students are encouraged to learn in an environment where they experience a sense of community, celebrate the sacraments, and learn the truths of their Catholic Faith to help them become living disciples of Christ. In our program, our faith journey continues as we explore the richness of our Catholic faith, grow in our understanding of prayer, deepen our appreciation of the sacraments, and strive to live our lives fully in Christ. Our goal is to invite, encourage, and equip parents to actively support their children in the Catholic faith. This program is designed to provide families with the knowledge and practical tools needed to bring the love of God front and center in your home and daily life. Our teacher is here to support you in your role as the primary teachers of your children.  (2) Liturgy and Worship;(we have an active Liturgy Committee and Art and Environment Team–each parish is a worshipping and a praying community, and above all, a Eucharistic community. The quality of the parish Eucharistic celebration and worship is indicative of parish vitality and effectiveness. A basic expectation is that parishioners recognize worship as their center and the focal point from which everything else follows—we need Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, altar server, greeters and ushers, sacristans and those who clean the linen of the church (3) Community building and Evangelization; (All who enter the Churches of Holy Family Catholic Community should feel accepted, welcomed, touch our friendship and hospitality. The deacon and l at least visit twice a year our parishioners who are Homebound, in Nursing Home, under compassionate and hospice care, and any other times they need the Sacraments; we need a bereavement committee to socially and spiritually reach out to those grieving and mourning; we support St, Vincent de Paul and our Food Pantries as we minister to the poor and needy. Imagine the joy we share with the Golden Ager. Our Social Event Committee is doing an outstanding ministry in bringing our parish together under the umbrella of a good meal and social engagement(4) Financial Stability and  Stewardship( renewed awareness of our financial situation by the finance committee and their off-shoots—active Building and Ground Committee and the Fundraising Team) and (5) Youth Care and Young Adult Life–reach out to them in Faith-Formation, Social Gathering and Integration, volunteering in Community event, and visiting  Steubenville with a spiritual purpose.—this need an urgent re-evaluation and renewal to our course of action) and above all, building a more inclusive and welcoming community: To the best of our knowledge and discernment, we are confident that growth in these areas will make us a more vibrant community that takes ownership and responsibility of its local churches.

Again, I wish to thank all Holy Family Catholic Community Committees: Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Liturgy Committee, Faith Formation Team for Religious Education and Celebration of Sacraments, Faith Formation for Adult, Building and Grounds, Fundraising Team for helping me to bring about a clear, practical and pastoral vision and l am sure that you our parishioners will be faithful and committed partners in realizing the goals that will be presented. This vision provides insight, reflection, and challenges in each of these five fundamental areas mentioned above. It will also assist in the development of the capable staff and parishioners to carry out the mission of a healthy Holy Family Church. Many parishioners, though politely, ask how they can truly help me as their pastor! I know what they mean but the BIG question is not about Helping the Pastor but helping our PARISH–we all CALLED to share as equal partners in the mission of Jesus Christ by virtue of our baptism, though exercising it in different roles. Thank you for the good stewardship of your time, talent, and treasure. Let me say, as your pastor, that there is no place that I would rather be in my life and in my priesthood, than here with you. You are not only my flock but also my family. And I hope that you are as thankful as I am to be a part of this community. From your support, your words of encouragement and your participation, I know you are. God bless and l love you all, Fr. John

Mission Statement

To live the Great Commandment
Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  And
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22: 37-38