“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.”
-St. Francis de Sales
Sunday readings for March 23, 2025- Third Sunday of Lent
First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1-4, 6-8, 11
Second Reading: 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
Announcements
Capital Campaign
Message from Father Tom:
I am overwhelmed by the generous donation from Holy Redeemer parishioners. Thank you.
So far Saint John’s has received $145,345 in donations and an additional $31,000 in pledges. We have nearly $175,000 total. More than one third of our donations come from Holy Redeemer parishioners. Holy Redeemer parishioners are being extraordinarily generous to their mother church.
As we said in our campaign brochure, we need $400,000 because we expect about $600,000 from other sources. Of that $600,000 we now have $425,000 collected and on hand. The rest of the anticipated early pledges are coming.
I am making sure that Saint John’s parishioners know how generous Holy Redeemer parishioners have been.
Go Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
There will be a powerful and practical training on the habits and skills of missionary discipleship. The three session course will help you to deepen your relationship with Jesus and learn how to accompany others into Christ’s love. The course will be held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 N 17th Street from 8:45-11:45 on these three Saturdays: April 26, May 3 and May 31. It is free for Saint John’s parishioners with this discount code SJE2025. Register at PHILLYEVANG.ORG/EVENTS.
Tomorrow, Saturday, March 15, beginning at 4 PM, we will have a Lenten evening of prayer, reflection and learning. We invite you to bring food to share with others and we will watch the movie, Cabrini, about the work and life of Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants.
The producer Angelfire created the movie in English with Chinese subtitles specially for our church community. Rich Van Fossen who was involved with the fundraising and promotion of the film will be there to present and answer questions.
Second Collection for the Church of Eastern Europe
This weekend, March 22-23, there will be a second collection to support the Catholic Church of Eastern Europe. In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and other needs in Eastern Europe, please be generous.
Saint Agnes High School Choir to perform at St. John’s
Saint Agnes high school students from Houston, Texas will visit Philadelphia and will offer a concert at several venues including Saint John Church. The performance will be on Thursday, April 27 at 1 PM. The choir consists of 70 students who will sing sacred and secular music with a specialty in classic Renaissance songs. If you are free on April 27, come to support these Catholic high school students.
Holy Redeemer School Spotlight
Students will be taking Terra Nova Tests all next week.
Seventh and eighth graders are rehearsing on the Living Stations Presentation for Good Friday.