Quinceañera
The Catholic Church is rich in the traditions of many cultures. Quinceañera, the ceremony marking a girl’s fifteenth birthday is treasured among some Latin American families and signifies the beginning of the girl’s womanhood and her new responsibilities as an adult in the world and before her Creator.
The placing of a bouquet of flowers by Our Lady of Guadalupe is a reminder to keep the life of Christ and example of the Blessed Mother as a guiding force in her life.
The celebration of a quinceañera takes place during a weekend Mass (4:30 Saturday, 8, 10:30, or 12:15 Sunday).
Blessing of an Engaged Couple
God’s grace is a constant need for everyone, t all times and no one can doubt that members of Christ’s faithful have special need of that grace when they are preparing to marry. Whether a young or mature couple, blessing provides guidance for their marriage and future life together.
Matrimony
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults )
At St. John’s please do not set a date for your marriage until you have spoken to our Marriage Coordinator.
“Renewing” Marriage Vows
This celebration takes place takes place during a weekend Mass (4:30 Saturday, 8, 10:30, or 12:15 Sunday).
Anniversaries are important dates in the life of married couples. Couples and their families celebrate milestones such as twentieth, fiftieth, etc.. as does the church community. A reaffirmation of vows can be celebrated at Mass, including weekend Masses.
Those who had their marriage at a Catholic church by the Sacrament of Marriage may receive an anniversary blessing. A copy of your marriage certificate is needed to insure that you were married in the Church. Contact us for more information or to schedule a blessing at Mass.
Blessing of Child in the Womb
“The ‘Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb’ was crafted to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage parish prayers for—and recognition of—the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society”
Mass to Honor Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12 is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.
A celebration that begins with Mass and then a festive social gathering helps those in attendance celebrate the occasion.
Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis of Assisi is known for his love of animals. In his honor, on his feast day, October 4, we celebrate the Blessing of the Animals.
The blessing takes place at the St. Francis Garden on the Northeastern side of the church.
Taizé Service
A service of light that developed in Taizé, France as an ecumenical service featuring repetitive chant, periods of long silence, and lit candles.
Tenebrae
Tenebrae (/ˈtɛnəbreɪ, -bri/[1]—Latin for “darkness”) is a religious service of Western Christianity held at St. John’s during Holy Week, and characterized by gradual extinguishing of candles, and by a “strepitus” or “loud noise” taking place in total darkness near the end of the service. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenebrae>
Stations of the Cross
During Lent, the parish participates in the Stations of the Cross every Friday at 6:00 PM (check the bulletin for time changes). Stations are available inside the church and, weather permitting, at the Walk with the Lord Prayer Garden.