Dear Friends in Christ,
Have you ever wondered if Jesus took a vacation? The gospels tell us that Jesus visited friends like Martha and Mary. He also went on boat trips on the Sea of Galilee. He was on one of those trips when the storm blew up and he calmed the waves of the sea. He also ate dinner with Simon the Pharisee and Matthew the tax collector. Once He invited his disciples “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6, 31). Then we know that He provided a wonderful “picnic” at least two or three times for thousands of people by multiplying the bread and fish. What can we learn from these events that can help us understand how vacation time can profit us?
First, we see that whenever Jesus took time off from preaching, teaching and working miracles he was together with others. The company of His disciples and friends was an integral part of his recreational time. Our vacations are enriched by the presence of family and friends, whether we travel together or spend time visiting them. Our experience of new places and sights is more rewarding because others help us to appreciate them.
Jesus also took advantage of “deserted places” when he wanted to get away. Now He didn’t necessarily take them to the desert; a deserted place could also refer to a country location, away from the bustle of the city. We might think of going to the mountains, to a lake or to a National Park or Forest. Natural settings seem to enhance our ability to relax and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Because they led a simple life Jesus and the disciples were not burdened by all the things that are supposed to make our life easier but really tend to complicate life. Many people try to take with them on vacation almost everything but the kitchen sink. It seems like vacation just provides a different location for doing the same things we do at home, TV, video games, iPods, cell phones, etc. Why not leave behind all the things that clutter up our life and experience a new sense of well-being and freedom.
Whether our vacation takes us across town or across the globe we should try to imitate Jesus and the disciples. Share the joy of recreation with others and take time to relax in God’s creation. Finally, don’t forget prayer and Mass. One of the joys of vacation time is the opportunity to experience the Catholic Church in another location. Since St. John’s is only minutes from John Wayne Airport I often meet people visiting us from different parts of the country. They always say how much they like our church and the liturgy here. If you’re looking for a church in the area where you are vacationing, check out Masstimes.org
Enjoy your vacation, drive safely, and don’t forget to support us while you’re away.
United in Prayer,
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
SJB New Fiscal Year
Dear Friends in Christ,
“If you have no money, be polite” – Danish proverb
It’s that time of year again, the time we report to you our financial status. With the end of June we come to the end of a fiscal year, and you’ll find our financial report on an insert in today’s bulletin. As you can see we don’t have a very fat bank account. That’s because we have been making payments on our parish debt this year. Debt! What debt? Perhaps you forgot but the debt of our church renovation still hangs over us. However, we are making some progress on paying it off.
This year’s PSA was better than last year (and last year we were recognized by the Diocese for making 2.5 times over our goal). Since last month we have been receiving rebate checks from PSA because we have already reached our goal. As you continue to complete your pledges all the money now returns to our parish to help pay the debt and other important improvements like the re-paving of the parking lot.
More good news is the fact that our newly envisioned parish festival netted over $49,000. This compares very favorably to $30,000 and $31,000 for 2005 and 2006. Not having to pay a large rental fee for carnival rides made it possible for us to realize a greater profit on other aspects of the festival. People really enjoyed themselves, there was more parking, and we didn’t have to change the Sunday Mass schedule. I look forward to our next festival which I’m sure will be
another great celebration of the St. John’s family.
As we complete one fiscal year and begin another I want to recognize all the members of St. John’s parish family who have supported our ministries so faithfully. You have shown yourselves true stewards of God’s generous gifts. At this time I would like to challenge all of us
to renew our commitment to the parish and its apostolate to the Catholics of Costa Mesa and surrounding areas. All of us are disciples of the Lord; He asks us to be good servants and stewards of his many gifts. Our reward for this cannot be measured by silver or gold.
It is the reward of the good and faithful servant who enters into the joy of the Lord.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
“If you have no money, be polite” – Danish proverb
It’s that time of year again, the time we report to you our financial status. With the end of June we come to the end of a fiscal year, and you’ll find our financial report on an insert in today’s bulletin. As you can see we don’t have a very fat bank account. That’s because we have been making payments on our parish debt this year. Debt! What debt? Perhaps you forgot but the debt of our church renovation still hangs over us. However, we are making some progress on paying it off.
This year’s PSA was better than last year (and last year we were recognized by the Diocese for making 2.5 times over our goal). Since last month we have been receiving rebate checks from PSA because we have already reached our goal. As you continue to complete your pledges all the money now returns to our parish to help pay the debt and other important improvements like the re-paving of the parking lot.
More good news is the fact that our newly envisioned parish festival netted over $49,000. This compares very favorably to $30,000 and $31,000 for 2005 and 2006. Not having to pay a large rental fee for carnival rides made it possible for us to realize a greater profit on other aspects of the festival. People really enjoyed themselves, there was more parking, and we didn’t have to change the Sunday Mass schedule. I look forward to our next festival which I’m sure will be
another great celebration of the St. John’s family.
As we complete one fiscal year and begin another I want to recognize all the members of St. John’s parish family who have supported our ministries so faithfully. You have shown yourselves true stewards of God’s generous gifts. At this time I would like to challenge all of us
to renew our commitment to the parish and its apostolate to the Catholics of Costa Mesa and surrounding areas. All of us are disciples of the Lord; He asks us to be good servants and stewards of his many gifts. Our reward for this cannot be measured by silver or gold.
It is the reward of the good and faithful servant who enters into the joy of the Lord.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
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