The Prayer Tree

 

"In everything by prayer and petitions
let  your request be known to God." 

Philippians  4:6

 

The Prayer Tree is a quiet ministry of prayer for the needs of parishioners who request it, and to support each other spiritually, especially in time of need. The commitment of this group is to pray privately on a daily basis for the prayer requests received. The process consists of a telephone protocol that informs each member of the Prayer Tree about prayer requests, followed by private prayer. There are no formal meetings. Call if you would like to participate in this ministry.

 

Contact: Rosemary Shimer (540) 949-8433
Carolyn Lacy (540) 949-7611

 

Parish Lending Library

The library is a resource for adults and children that focuses on materials that will enhance the individual's Catholic faith. The library contains books on saints, popes, inspiration, angels, theology, ethics, the Bible, prayer and parenting. Tapes and movies are also available. The library is located in the Office Annex and volunteers are needed to staff the library on the following schedule:

Tuesday & Thursday 9:45—10:45 AM
Saturday 3:45—4:45 PM
Sunday 9:45—10:45 AM
Noon—1:00 PM

Contacts: Lois Castle (540) 337-0779
Jeanne Branch (Parish Office)

 

LINKS

 

Our Sunday Visitor
Commonweal
American Catholic Newsletter
National Catholic Reporter
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Adoremus
Whispers in the Loggia (BLOG)
The American Catholic
New Advent- The Catholic Encyclopedia

 

 

VIRTUS Training and Safe Environment Initiatives

 

The mission of Saint John's VIRTUS Training Program and its Safe Environment Initiatives is to provide a safe environment for children and youth, and to enhance awareness of safety issues among all the people of our parish. The "VIRTUS: Protecting God's Children" program is a required training for any person in our parish, whether volunteer, visitor or staff, who has contact with the youth of the parish. In addition, background screening for all adults who work with children in any way is mandated by the Richmond Diocese. The Pastor and parish staff oversees issues of safety for children and youth, and ensure that the parish is in compliance with mandated policies.

 

Contacts: Janet Keicher, Michele Kresge, Lorraine Whitley (Parish Office)

 

LINKS

 

Virtus Training
Safe Environment Initiatives

 

 

College Scholarship Program

 

During the spring of 2003, at the inspired suggestion of a parishioner, the Finance Council recommended to the Pastor that St. John the Evangelist Parish establish a College Scholarship Program for the youth of our community. The Scholarship provides financial assistance, in the form of payment for tuition and textbooks, in the amount of $1,000 per semester. The Scholarship is awarded annually to one deserving student who demonstrates both academic achievement and an ongoing commitment/involvement with his/her faith and faith community. Applications become available in March-April of each year, and can be obtained from the Parish Office.

 

Contact: Lorraine Whitley (Parish Office)

 

Pastoral Care for the Sick

The Pastoral Care ministry provides the Eucharist as well as the opportunity for prayer and fellowship to those who are unable to attend Mass. Eucharistic Ministers visit people in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes to provide the comfort and blessings of the Eucharist to the infirm and the homebound.

 

Contact: Bruce Fenton (540) 456-6063

 

 

Bereavement Hospitality

At the time of a death in our parish, the family of the deceased is offered a reception after the funeral service. The meals are prepared and served by members of the committee. Those willing to assist with this ministry are called upon to prepare a dish to contribute for the occasion. Volunteers welcome.

 

Contacts: Marilyn Keegan (540) 932-7626
Mary Ann Stehlik (540) 942-1778

 

 

Prison Ministry

In cooperation with St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Staunton, the volunteers of St. John's Prison Ministry serve the Augusta Correctional Center of Thursday with a Mass/Communion Service. Mike Leo joins St. Francis in serving the Juvenile Detention Center in Verona, and Jose Rodriguez assists with translation services for Hispanic inmates. Those with experience and/or interest in this ministry are currently being sought.

 

Contact: Chuck Brown (434) 361-0296
Rosie Haverkamp (540) 942-5758
Jose Rodriguez (Parish Office)

 

LINKS

 

Diocese of Richmond Criminal Justice Ministry

 

 

Parish Advocacy

The mission of the Parish Advocate is to assist anyone who is challenged in a physical, sensory, or mental capacity; as well as to support their families. The goal of the Advocate is to eliminate obstacles that keep members of our parish from full and active participation in liturgical, social, and committee activities. The Parish Advocate is available by phone during the hours of 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

 

Contact: Marie Overstreet (540) 942-2028

 

LINKS

 

US Conference of Catholic Bishops Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond Office for Persons with Disabilities

 

Outreach to Hispanic Immigrants

 

The goal of Outreach to Hispanic Immigrants is to assist recent immigrants in their effort to become an integral part of parish life. Through this outreach ministry, staff and volunteers attempt to identify and meet the needs of individuals and families. Of particular concern are those families who may need additional assistance due to a language or cultural barrier.

 

Activities of the Outreach to Hispanic Immigrants ministry include the following:

Registration in the parish
Sacramental preparation
Multi-cultural liturgies and events
Social service networking
Translation of written materials

Those with interest in this ministry are welcome to assist, and new ministry ideas and initiatives are always welcome.

 

Contact: Jose Rodriguez (Parish Office)

 

LINKS

 

Refugee and Immigration Services
Cultural Diversity in the Church
Office for the Hispanic Apostolate

 

Disciples Kitchen

Volunteers from the parish serve a hot luncheon meal at Second Presbyterian Church as scheduled for the needy of the community. Volunteers are always welcome.

 

Contact: Thea Jordan (540) 241-9898

 

 

L.A.R.C.U.M.

(Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic-United Methodist in Covenant) Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. John Episcopal Church, Main Street United Methodist Church, and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church participate in this ecumenical outreach program. Joint services are held during the Week of Christian Unity, on Ash Wednesday, and on Palm Sunday. The four churches also get together for a picnic in the Easter season. Discussion and Educational Forums are held quarterly. Steering committee meetings are held on the third Sunday of the month. All are welcome.

 

Contact: Linda Gage (540) 456-8145

 

LINKS

 

US Conference of Catholic Bishops: LARCUM
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond: LARCUM