More Upcoming Events
News & Announcements
Lease Update: Asbestos Removed, Signage, General Contractor Needed
All of last week the team from Jen Safe Environmental were in the building with their special equipment in order to remove the asbestos so it can be worked on safely from here on out. Their work was thorough and is now complete.
The next step is to get a general contractor (GC) in there in order to begin the work of completing our layout for the space. Unfortunately, nearly all of the GCs who I have been referred to and been in conversation with over the past few months have, one by one told me that the job is too small for them. I am meeting with more GCs this week and next week and I am hopeful that one of these will be a good fit. Please pray that we find the right GC soon so that we can begin the permitting process and move forward in a timely manner.
With the help of Rex Stetzer, we are also in touch with a few different signage companies. The goal is the have a beautiful and inviting sign crafted and built that will be located immediately in front of the building.
Learn more about the project of preparing our new home!
St. James Upcoming Plans: Learn what we are up to!
On Tuesday of last week, the St. James Parish Council met to discuss activities and finances at St. James. Check out the Posted Meeting Minutes
Missed Some of my Recent Homilies? Listen to them here.
Below are some of the homilies that I have delivered at St. James over the past few weeks. Click to listen.
Learn why division among Christians is contrary to the gospel and how the Holy Spirit is at work to bring the family of God back together.
Learn about, Arrow Prayers, one of the most effective means of obligating God, according to Padre Pio. This simple prayer is a great way of opening yourself up to the many graces, helps, and assistances that the Lord wants to shower upon you.
Are the people in your life resistant to hearing the gospel? Your focus may be wrong people. Expand your awareness and watch your effectiveness in sharing the gospel rise dramatically.
Best Explanation of the Holy Trinity – Great for Meditation and Reflection
In honor of Trinity Sunday, May 26, 2024, I would like to encourage your prayerfully contemplation of the Trinity using the historic Athanasian Creed. I know of no better, short explanation of the Blessed Trinity than this creed. It is clear, crisp, direct and solid Catholic Teaching. This creed has roots going back to the sixth century and earlier. It was traditionally said at certain times during the Liturgy of the Hours (required to be prayed by clergy and avowed religious) up until the liturgical reforms of the 1960s when this requirement was dropped. However, this treasure of the Church is being revived through the Ordinariate. Check it out:
“The catholic faith is this: that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal.
And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord.
For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the catholic religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped.”
Around the Diocese of St. Augustine
Msgr. Stephen Bosso will lead a retreat – “Psalms: Prayer of the Heart,” from May 31 (5 p.m.) to June 2 (noon).
The “Psalms: Prayer of the Heart” retreat will delve into the significance of the Psalms as a method of prayer within the Judeo-Christian tradition. It will explore how the Psalms are integrated into both liturgical services and personal spiritual practices, offering comfort, encouragement and a deepened connection with God, the church, the world and each other.
Msgr. Stephen Bosso, a native of Pensacola, Fla., has had a distinguished career in the Catholic Church. He has served as an educator, priest and leader, teaching sacred Scripture and homiletics at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. With a doctorate in preaching, he continues to share his expertise through ministry and speaking engagements.
Father Rob Kroll, SJ, will lead a retreat – “Source and Summit: The Eucharist and Catholic Spirituality,” from June 14 (5 p.m.) to June 16 (noon).
The retreat will include five sessions exploring various aspects of the Eucharist and Catholic spirituality, including its Scriptural roots, sacrificial nature, communal aspects, insights from Eucharistic saints and practical application in daily life. In light of the ongoing Eucharistic Revival in the United States, Father Rob Kroll will delve into the significance of the Eucharist for the lives of Catholics. This event offers a timely and valuable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding and connection to the central tenet of Catholic spirituality.
Father Rob Kroll, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wis., is a Jesuit priest with a diverse career. He holds degrees in philosophy, theology, divinity and clinical psychology and has served in various ministries, including teaching, coaching, as a pastor and director of spiritual formation.
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Location: Marywood Retreat & Conference Center, 235 Marywood Drive, St. Johns (32259)
The cost for each retreat is $140 for commuters, $210 for double, $290 for single occupancy. Call Brianna McCoy at (904) 436-6592 to make reservations and payments.
Healing the Pain of Abortion
A Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat is a beautiful opportunity for any man or woman who is struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of an abortion or miscarriage in their life. Come and receive peace, forgiveness of self and others and the compassion of God. These retreats are private, strictly confidential and for people of all faiths. Our next English retreat will be on June 21-23, 2024 and our Spanish retreat will be on September 13-15, 2024. For more information call 904-221-3232 or email rachelsvineyardjax@yahoo.com. All calls & inquiries are very confidential. Come and be restored!
Florida Heartbeat Protection Act and the upcoming Abortion Amendment
Diocese of St. Augustine Celebrates The Feast of St. James – July 25 6:00 p.m.
The event, commemorating the Camino Las Americas, begins with a procession from the Castillo de San Marcos (1 S. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine) at 6:00 p.m. followed by Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
