St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Where Stewardship is a Way of Life
January is now behind us. Thank you for your patience as we await Fr. Gilberto’s return so that we can resume our alternating Mass presider schedule; as I long to be with our St. John the Baptist parish family for Sunday Mass.
Here are some updates for you…
If you’re wondering what happened to the Pastor’s Corner, it is now replaced with a bulletin insert or link to Father Carlos’ homily. If posted on our website, you can find them at sjtbcc.org/ or Facebook.
We are working with Father Crispin on his preference for his corner and will let you know in future editions of the bulletin.
Thank you for your patience, as we adapt to changes and the new style of leadership
“That Christ’s Gospel truly would be preached, his parishioners devoutly would he teach.” This line, describing The Parson, comes from the prologue of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400).
Most priests, at the time of their ordination, choose a line of scripture for a prayer card that summarizes their path to ordination and their hopes for their ministry. As a literature major, I chose this line from Chaucer. Maybe it foreshadowed my propensity of doing things a bit differently. Over the past 41 years, I have kept coming back to this poetic line to focus on my priesthood.
Over the years, I have discovered a great joy in teaching and helping others gain insight into their faith and the lived tradition of our Church. I must admit I had more opportunity as a younger priest than as a pastor for that part of the ministry. Still many occasions present themselves to do a little teaching, including these little bulletin blurbs. Most recently, the word from this quote that stands out to me is “devoutly.” It calls me to be respectful of the unique journey of faith each of us walks, taking people where they are at presently, and helping them take the next step to a deeper faith.
For the times I have failed to do that, I am sorry. For the times I might have helped, I give thanks, “that Christ’s Gospel truly (was) preached”.
For the past 37 years of my 41 years of priesthood, I have been a pastor and have been writing these pastor’s columns. This is my last one. I hope that this would serve as a summary: “That Christ’s Gospel truly would be preached, his parishioners devoutly would he teach.”