| Dear St. James Family, I have big news to share! This past week we passed our final inspection and we now have our occupancy permit! The next chapter in the life of St. James is beginning! This culminates a years long search for a building and a year and half long buildout. We will be having our first Sunday Mass in the new building on September 7, 2025. This will be our soft opening which means that we are still working out a few kinks and finishing up such things as our altar rail, kitchen area, and various pieces of art and decor. Once all is complete we will be having a grand opening, most likely toward the end of November. New Address beginning September 2, 20254427 Emerson St. Bldg 2-2, Jacksonville, FL Check out the sneak peek below of our seventeenth century doors (thanks to the restoration work of William Nash and James Christian) and super comfy extra wide chairs. These chairs come with nifty slide-out kneelers, which you can see in a few of the chairs (not all were set in place when the picture was taken).  |
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| Upcoming Events WORK DAYS: GET IN ON THE ACTION!SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 AND MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1 On Saturday, we need your help to get some last minute items in place such as signs in place, paint touchup, cleaning, and a few other items (check out the task list). Monday, September 1 is move-in day which means that we need to get everything unpacked the altar set up. We’re providing lunch, so please RSVP by at least two days before so that we know how much food to order: office@StJamesCC.org or 904-999-1423. Thanks. HOW THE BIBLE CAME TOGETHER WORKSHOP ESPECIALLY FOR CURIOUS CHRISTIANS, SEPTEMBER 15, 7:00PM When Christ founded his Church, he placed within the foundation a unique way of solving disagreements, something that many do not understand, but can provide a way forward for the division that is being currently experienced among Christians. A great example of this is how the Bible came together. Are you curious to dig into the roots of belief? This is a great opportunity to experience a highly praised, engaging presentation designed to bring us together around this holy book that is so loved yet understood differently by so many. This workshop fills up fast, so RSVP as soon as possible to assure your spot. Food & RSVP Deadline: Publix catering, chips, soft drinks. Space is limited so please let us know to reserve your spot. This also helps us to prepare enough materials and know how much food to order. Please RSVP no later than September 10th: office@stjamescc.org or 904-999-1423 CATHOLIC NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK FUN WITH ST. JAMES ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 Hamburger and Hotdog Buffet from 5:30-7:00pm (included with ticket) Fireworks following game! Get your tickets with Brian, after each Mass or contact office@StJamesCC.org Tickets $35.00 adult and $20.00 children 3-12 yrs, under 3 is free. Pay online by selecting Ballpark from the giving drop-down menu. The Burch family is generously offering matching funds for those who take part in Catholic Day at the Ballpark. For every dollar contributed toward tickets to the ballpark, the Burch family will donate an equal amount to the Capital Fund, for completion of our building. EVENSONG & CHARCUTERIE CELEBRATING OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 7:00PM Join us for a fun and dignified evening in in honor of our Patroness, Our Lady of Walsingham. This is a great opportunity learn more about the Blessed Mother and why we identify uniquely with her. This is also a classy opportunity to encounter those of the St. James community over a glass of wine. The evening will begin with Evensong with music led by our Schola and a the story of Our Lady of Walsingham. This will be followed by potluck style refreshments. Sign up at the refreshments table after Mass to bring wine, cheese, or charcutier. More formal attire is encouraged (not required) as this is a special evening.I will be sharing the story of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, which is an important part of our identity and unique way of being on mission as Catholics. There are many who have a devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham even outside of Roman Catholicism, including some of our Protestant brothers and sisters. What a great witness of our mission of unity, of bringing back together the scattered children of God.Learn more about this evening CHRISTIAN ESSENTIALS CLASS BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 (13 SESSIONS) If 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 Here are the details:Your Opinion Wanted: If we all agreed on and believed the same thing, these classes would be boring. Your voice, questions and perspectives are an important part of the class experience.Welcoming Hospitality: Classes begin with introductions by those attending to encourage connections. Each class also has simple refreshments.RSVP: Space is limited. Once the spots are filled this posting will be updated with a waiting list notification. RSVP office@stjamescc.org or phone/text 904-999-1423 |
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News and Announcements CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION BEGINSSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 9:30 AM St. James is excited to offer Children’s Religious Formation classes, providing a nurturing environment for young minds to explore and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. These classes are designed to engage children through interactive lessons, storytelling, and activities that emphasize the core values and teachings of the Church. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the program aims to inspire a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and moral development. St. James welcomes children in Grades K-8. Required Parent Orientation has already taken place. Contact Susan Miller if you need to register your child(ren) and receive the Parent Orientation information. Meets second and fourth Sundays. More information and registration StJamesCC.org/Children JOIN OUR FIRST DAILY CONFESSION & MASS! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 Now that we have our own space, I am looking forward to hosting daily Confession and Mass, Monday – Saturday. Come join us for the first Saturday of the month kick-off on September 6, 2025: Confession 6:15 AM – 6:45 AM. Mass at 7:00 AM. MASS AND CONFESSION TIME CHANGEBEGINNING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 New Mass Times will change slightly: Weekday Mass 7:00 AM (Monday – Saturday) Sunday Mass 8:15 AM & 10:30 AM New Confession Times: Monday – Saturday 6:15 – 6:45 AM Sundays 7:40-8:00 | 9:45 – 10:15 AM Holy Days 5:25-5:45 PM HAVE ANY OF THESE ITEMS? HELP GET THE NEW BUILDING APPOINTED AND SITUATED Small dining table. Dining server cabinet. Upholstered chairs (ideally a set of two, wingback). Mahogany filing cabinets. Floor lamps. Desk Lamps. Persian rugs (one that is 8’ wide by 5’-14’ long, the other that is 10’ wide by 8’-10’ long). Picture frames or mirror that could be removed from the frame (one 3’ tall, the other 4’ tall). Roomba or similar vacuum. Regular vacuum. Any item that you have, please send a picture and any other details to Office@StJamesCC.org so that we can determine if the item you have will fit the needs for the building. Thanks. FINANCE UPDATE – THANK YOU FOR YOUR OPEN HEARTED GENEROSITY! July Giving: $9,393.84 ($5,435.84 general, $3,958.00 capital). This does not include smaller funds.July Expenses: $ $6,034.49 Covers quarter of priest’s support, half of pension, travel, liturgical supplies, music, building rent and liability insurance, advertising, bishop’s tax, almsgiving, hospitality. Expenses Increasing Significantly: Our costs are set to increase once we move into our new building. This month (August) our expenses were $8,646 because we were required to pay half a month’s rent based on the agreed lease start date. Next month (September) we will be paying the full rent which will increase our monthly expenses to $11,146. This should not be a problem based on our average giving for the past six months ($11,175), however, this is something to be aware of. Thank you for your faithfulness in building up the kingdom of God through your financial support of the mission of St. James. GROW AND BE CHALLENGED IN YOUR FAITH LISTEN TO A HOMILY If you have been away from St. James for a while or have yet to join us, get a little taste of the experience and receive some spiritual nourishment by listening to one of the homilies given during Mass. You can listen here or by searching for “Fr. Mayer’s Preaching & Teaching” wherever you get your podcasts. Discouraged? Meet this Helpful Saint. St. James, The Great is the Patron Saint of our Parish. He is well known for pilgrimage in Spain and Europe. While he is not officially recognized as the patron saint of the discouraged, his life and the journey associated with the Camino de Santiago have become symbols of perseverance, transformation, and hope — themes that resonate with people facing discouragement or spiritual fatigue. The Answer to Being Overwhelmed by Worlds Problems: What is The Order of Love and how can this help with preventing being so overwhelmed by the world’s problems |
Faithfully, your pastor,Father Mayer |
| Parochial Administrator St. James Catholic Church A Community of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter www.StJamesCC.org 904-999-1423 office@StJamesCC.org 4427 Emerson Street, Bldg. 2-2 | Jacksonville, FL 32207 |
September 2025 | St. James will Celebrate Mass in our permanent home starting September 2
