Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. John’s,

Did you catch the opening prayer from Mass this past weekend?

“Draw near to your servants, O Lord,

and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness,

that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide,

you may restore what you have created

and keep safe what you have restored.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, forever and ever. Amen”

This prayer is very fitting for our theme of being Restored to Life. Christ restores the world that has been broken by sin. We pray that He may restore us to live life in abundance!

This past week I have been blessed to live life in abundance at Extreme Faith Camp with about 70 youth and chaperones from SJB. There are over 40 parishes from our Archdiocese that have participated in EFC this summer, and I’m proud to say that SJB had the 2nd most participants of all the parishes! We have not only experienced joy from many fun activities, from tubing, to high ropes, to zip-line; we’ve encountered the love and goodness of Jesus Christ through daily Mass, adoration, confession, powerful talks, dramas, and personal prayer time. It has been beautiful to see all the participants grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. I encourage you to pray that opening prayer again from Mass for restoration in your own life!

As the Father loves me, so I also love you,