Dear Parishioners,

This weekend, we celebrate the dedication of St. John Lateran which is the Cathedral of Rome. It is therefore a place that has a very storied history. There have been church councils there. It has been an important basilica since it was constructed by Constantine in the early 4th Century. The current structure is not the original but dates back to major renovations in the 17th century. It used to be the residence of the Pope, but for many years it hasn’t served that purpose. However, it still holds the cathedra (official chair) of the pope, and therefore it is the mother church of the Catholic Church.

Why do we celebrate its dedication? Perhaps you don’t know, but we celebrate our own cathedral’s dedication every year too. It usually happens during the priest conference. Each parish can also celebrate the day of its dedication as well. So it isn’t so strange to celebrate the dedication of a church, though it doesn’t often fall on a Sunday.

We continue with the classes on Life after Death. Tuesday after the noon Mass at SJ in the church social hall. Lunch will be served and a presentation will follow. It was great to see so many in attendance this past week.

This Wednesday we have our Encounter Night. A night dedicated to encountering Jesus. We will have adoration, music, prayer ministry and a testimony. All are invited to attend. It’s from 6:15-7:30 PM. I encourage you to sing and participate as you feel comfortable. Currently we are working on a hard copy for the music list. However, for now, we are using a QR code to access a song list with the lyrics for people to follow along with. Therefore, if you are wan to have access to that, bring your phone.

In an effort to help communicate what is happening on each Wednesday for faith formation, we will be sending out a weekly email update that will tell you: What is happening for the next three weeks, and have some details about what each night is. Once again let me share with you the format for the three different Wednesdays we have.

• Formation Night, is focused on learning the faith. These nights we start with dinner at 5:30 PM, then class from 6:15-7:30 PM. 
• Encounter Night, is focused on encountering Jesus. These nights start at 6:15 and run until 7:30 PM. We have adoration, praise and worship music, prayer teams, a testimony and confessions as part of the night. 
• Group Night, is focused on allowing people to find a group which they are interested in joining (or starting) that will be about learning or experiencing some aspect of the faith. Currently we have 5 groups. To learn what each group is about you can go to our webpage or scan the QR code on the back page under the Faith Formation Corner. If you are interested in starting a group, feel free to reach out to us and share your idea. 

The 55+ Group met and had their first event. It went well, and we still trying to gauge interest. There will likely be another social event for this group in the near future. Ann and Dave Vaske are currently helping to organize, but they would like help if anyone has the ability assist with organizing and coordinating with groups. 

This coming Saturday (15th ), we will have the deer hunters Mass at 6 PM at SJ. It is open to anyone. 

We have our monthly Spanish Mass on Saturday, November 22nd at 8 AM at SJ. Feel free to come and bring a friend. If you know any Latinos in the area who you think might coming, please don’t hesitate to invite them. 

Again a thank you to all who assisted with the Pasty Project, and for the Council of Catholic Women who purchased the new black 

vestments for SJ. 

In Christ,

Fr. Eli