|
Our Diocese, the Ordinariate is Growing and Thriving!
Fruitful things are taking place within the Ordinariate. Recently, Bishop Lopes ordained our second “class” of Deacons for service in our parishes, celebrated twelve Seminarians for the Priesthood, two men ordained into the Priesthood, received a Religious Sister’s profession of her Monastic Vows, and established a new community of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. Please continue to pray for vocations and the growth of the Diocese of Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter
Progress on the New Home for St. James: Permits Delayed, Other Work Moving ForwardPermits Kicked Back: Our General Contractor informed me that we were missing the Landlord sign off that is required for permit submission. This means that plan review to obtain permits is on hold until this is submitted. I am hoping to be able to complete this today or tomorrow.100 Chair Order: We have completed the down payment for 100 church chairs and sliding kneelers. These should manufactured and be completed by January.Sign Being Built: The sign design is now complete and I made the down payment to begin construction. It should be installed toward the end of October or early November.Found a Reasonable Plumber: Thanks to your help, the Lord has provided us with a reasonable plumber that we can afford. He will be installing the drain for the drinking fountain as well as removing unneeded plumbing.Nave Doors Delivered: The ornate 100 year old double doors that we purchased are now on the premise.
Unless things change and begin moving quickly, my best guess with this most recently delay is that we will be in our new space in January or February. These types of delays seem to be the norm for these projects.
Give or Learn More about the Project
Four Ways to Give at St. James:General Fund: takes care of my support and other expensesBuilding Fund: making room for more growthMass Intentions: provides for priest’s support when he offers the Mass for your special intentionSpecial Blessings: house, car, birthdays, baptisms, etc.
From the Preacher: Find Inspiration and Motivation for Growth in Holiness!
Listen to one of the latest homilies that I delivered at St. James and share them with a friend. Search “Fr. Mayer’s Preaching & Teaching” wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe.
How to Transform Menial, Revolting Work, into the DivineHealthiest way of Dealing with Loss and Getting through PainThe Way to Freedom from Comparing Yourself to OthersMotivation for Cultivating the Interior Life
Listen to these or other homilies here
|
|
Upcoming Events
Learn All About Our Building Adventure: Presentation This Sunday
On October 6, 2024 at about 9:15 AM I will be making a presentation on our plans and progress for our new building. You will be able to get your questions answered, see pictures and get a better idea of the extent of this encompassing project. The goal of these presentations is to assure that we are all in this together, since this is one of the most important physical projects that we will have completed to date and will set the groundwork for expansion of the mission. Thanks for coming on out and supporting and learning about this exciting project and all that is going into it.
Here are some practical items for the presentation. The plan it to meet under the pavilion. If you could grab a chair or two from the main building on your way out, that would be great. I’m hoping to be able to give this type of more in depth update about once a month, depending on how this first one goes. The presentation will be done by 10:00 AM or earlier.
Better Priest Coming Your Way: I’m heading to Clergy Convocation Next Week
Please say a prayer for me as I will be in Houston next week (October 7-10) for the annual gathering of priests from across our diocese. We will be meeting with Bishop Lopes and his staff for prayer, training, and fellowship. This gathering is a joyful time to reunite with my brother priests, to be inspired, and to return to you strengthened by the experience. We will be staying at Holy Name Retreat Center, which is run by the Passionist Fathers. Some of our time will also be spent at our beautiful Cathedral. I am able to go on this trip because of your financial support. Thank you.
Opportunity to Visit the Sick and Lonely | October 13, 3:15pm
Calling all warm and cheerful hearts! Join us for a fabulous visit to a nursing home on Sunday, October 13, from 3:15 to 4:30 PM. Bring your smiles and let’s spread some joy! Connect and provide companionship while creating door hangers with the residents and playing board games. Vivo University Healthcare (3648 University Blvd S). This is a church wide ministry for young and old, singles, married, and families. For more information talk with Michelle Geraci or contact the St. James office 904-999-1423 or secretary@stjamescc.org.
Christian Essentials Class Begins | October 14, 2024, 7:00 pm.
Location: Salem Centre 7235 Bentley Rd, Jacksonville, FLIf you are looking for the class that boils Christian teaching down the basics from beginning to end, this is it. You will learn about beliefs, worship, morals, and prayer in a captivating series of presentations that will put you on a rock-solid foundation no matter what life may bring your way. Get the essentials covered in thirteen sessions. This class is great for those interested in one or more of the following:Historic Christianity: Protestant Christians have found this to be a great opportunity to gain a historic look at the faith and its development over the centuriesAdvanced Religious Ed: Those who have taken this course have experienced a deepening faith that went far beyond the childhood religious education that they were stuck at for so many yearsCompleting Sacraments: Adult Catholics who are still in need of First Communion or Confirmation have taken this class to fulfill the educational requirements for these sacraments.Becoming Catholic: This class meets the educational requirements for someone who wants to officially become part of the Catholic Church
RSVP Soon. Call 904-999-1423 or email me office@stjamescc.org to sign up. This will help us to prepare materials and have enough refreshments available. Refreshments are usually, small sandwiches, chips and soft drinks. Space is limited. Once the spots are filled, there will be a waiting list.
Fun Day of Grounds Beautification at the New Building! | October 26, 8:30am
Join us in making our new building beautiful and welcoming by helping with the new landscape installation. If you can dig a hole, we want you there! Bring gloves, shovels, wheelbarrows, buckets, and a water bottle. We’ll begin the day with bagels, orange juice, coffee and pastries to kick off this day of fun with your favorite people! We will be digging plant holes and placing plants as well as mulching the new landscape. Please sign up with Brian at the hospitality table after Mass to be part of this event or contact office@stjamescc.org.
Memorialize Your Prayers & Hopes at the Building | October 26, 11am
This is your opportunity to join us at the building and to place your hopes and dreams into the walls that are being built! This is a limited opportunity to offer up your prayers to the Lord through the very building itself. These prayers, for all of the good things that God will be doing within the space and beyond, will remain within the walls of this space, being offered to the Lord, for years to come. Come and leave your memorial witness as a powerful remembrance of the part that you took in this important part of the St. James journey. Fr. Mayer will give a short tour of the building, then you will be invited to place your prayers within the space either through words or art using markers and paint. Please sign up with Brian at the hospitality table after Mass to be part of this event or contact office@stjamescc.org.
|
|
Around The Wider Church
Grace and Recovery from Addiction Retreats
Those recovering from addiction and family members impacted by addiction are invited to the Grace and Recovery Retreats. Each retreat offers fellowship, meals, witness talks, scriptural reflections, the 12 steps of recovery, Mass and confession. Registration is now open at graceandrecovery.org/ols/products. For more information, call (732) 425-7949. Retreats will take place at the following:
San Juan del Rio Parish: Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Young Adult Retreat)
Assumption Parish: Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
San Juan del Rio Parish: Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Retrouvaille Marriage Weekend Retreat | October 11-13
Reconnect and transform your marriage! Join the Retrouvaille weekend retreat at Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport. This retreat helps couples rebuild trust, improve communication and recommit to their relationship. Meals, accommodations and follow-up talks are included. Limited spots remain –register at HelpOurMarriage.org or call (904) 662-8604 for details.
How and Why We Need to Defeat Amendment 4 in FloridaCommentary by Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine Erik Pohlmeier regarding Amendment 4 in Florida
You are invited and highly encouraged to attend the upcoming training sessions on defeating Amendment 4. The goal of these sessions is to ensure the faithful understands the same unified message approved by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and reach as many people as possible. Our message must reach beyond the Catholic Church. Below is the current training and information schedule: October 7 – San Juan Del Rio Parish, St. Johns at 6 p.m.
Eucharistic Rosary Congress | Starting October 4
The National Eucharistic Rosary Congress will be celebrated throughout the Diocese of St. Augustine to defeat Amendment 4 from Oct. 4 to 11. It will feature a continuous sequence of Masses, followed by 24 hours of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and hourly recitation of the rosary. The congress will open and close with Masses and outdoor Eucharistic processions celebrated by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine on Oct. 4 and conclude at the Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in High Springs on Oct. 11. Download information and schedule HERE
|
