St. John the Evangelist Capital Campaign

‘Rejoice in the Lord Always!’

news — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:25:51 +0000

At this most joyous time of year all of us on the Development Committee want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Campaign for St. John’s. Because of your generosity we have amassed 158 pledges totaling $475,237 of which we have already collected $135,437.71. In addition, we have received donations of $61,281.21. As a token of our appreciation, we have reserved a complimentary copy of Our Faith Filled Heritage, the bicentennial history of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, for each family that has donated to the campaign. You may pick up your book at the Parish Office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4. p.m.

As you know, we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $1,200,000, but we are encouraged by your continuing support. Please have a warm, peace-filled Christmas and in the new year “Remember St. John’s”!

A Special Thank-You for St. John’s Supporters

news — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:41:17 +0000

As a special “thank you,” we invite those who have contributed to the Campaign for St. John’s to pick up a complimentary copy of Our Faith Filled Heritage. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of 150 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Please pick up your book at the back of the church Dec. 5 or Dec. 6, or in the Parish Office during the week. It is not too late to make your contribution to the Campaign for St. John’s and receive your book! Our sincere thanks to all who have generously participated in the Campaign for St. John’s to date.

“Give thanks to the Lord.”

news — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:18:55 +0000

When we’re counting our blessings this season we should be grateful to all the parishioners (regular and weekday) who have contributed to the Campaign for St. John’s. Because of them we have 153 pledges totaling close to $450,000 and non pledged gifts of nearly $60,000. If you love St. John’s and want to express your appreciation in a meaningful way, please join the Campaign with a pledge or a gift. Remember, God is never outdone in generosity.

St. John’s Honor Roll

news — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:39:15 +0000

Please join us in congratulating the following parishioners who have pledged their commitment to the Campaign for St. John’s. If you would like to be added to the Honor Roll, please contact our Parish Office at 215-563-4145, ext. 23 to make your contribution today.

Campaign Update

news — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:11:46 +0000

REBUILD*RENEW*REJOICE. Since mid September we’ve increased our pledges to 146 (18.2% of the parish base) totaling $428,067. We continue to encourage your support. It is vital to the Campaign for as many parishioners as possible to either pledge or make a onetime donation.

St. John’s needs you!

A Note from Fr. Frank

news — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:23:02 +0000

Dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you peace!

This weekend is Pentecost Sunday; it is also “Commitment Weekend” for our Campaign for St. John’s. I pray that, like the first disciples of the risen Christ, each of us will experience a new liveliness in our faith and our awareness of the Holy Spirit.

God has brought us to this point in our parish’s history for a reason; the question for each of us now is “how will I respond”? I ask you to give this question and this important project some thought and prayer over these next few days. This coming weekend every person will be asked to make a financial pledge at Mass. We have the opportunity as good stewards of God’s gifts to help secure the future of our community for years to come through this campaign. It is not about raising funds for some far away place, or for people we don’t know. It’s not even about the Catholic Charities Appeal or the Archdiocesan Capital Campaign. This is about us: our community of faith, the community that is St. John the Evangelist parish.

For those who are registered at our parish: By now you should have received a campaign brochure in the mail. Please take the time to read through the materials and to prayerfully make a decision with regard to your participation. If you are in need of a brochure, please call the parish office at 215-563-4145.

For those who may not be registered at our parish but are friends of St. John’s: You are very important to the future of St. John’s too and we want you to have the opportunity to learn more about the campaign. Campaign materials are available at the Church and on this website.

In this Easter season the restoration of our church towers has truly been something to celebrate and to rejoice about, but it is only a beginning. Please pray for the success of our campaign “Rebuild. Renew. Rejoice,” and please bring your pledge cards to Mass this weekend.

Peace to you all,

Fr. Frank

You’re Invited

news — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:16:35 +0000

The Campaign for St. John’s will ensure that we safeguard our legacy. In 2007, a Building Code Review and Site Conditions Report identified nearly $7.5 million of needed repair and restoration as well as opportunities for facility improvements. We would like the opportunity to share with you our plans for this important project and our plans for the future. We will be holding three receptions. The receptions are listed below. Please call 215-563-4145 x 23 to RSVP for your reception of choice so that we may plan accordingly. Refreshments will be served. You may email the parish office at sjeoffice@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at McGillin’s Old Ale House,1310 Drury Lane, Philadelphia

Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. at McGillin’s Old Ale House,1310 Drury Lane, Philadelphia

Monday, May 4 at 12:30 p.m. following the 12:05 p.m. Mass in the Drexel Room

More than 100 Gather at St. John’s to Honor Firefighters

news — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:41:00 +0000

The second annual Firefighters’ Memorial Mass, attended by an estimated 125 people, was held at St. John’s on February 14th. Father Frank Yacobi, OFM Cap., presided and concelebrants were Msgr. Dan Sullivan and Msgr. Michael McCulken. The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums led the procession into the church. Enhancing the celebration was the world-class music performed by Dr. Annette DiMedio and Mr. Matthew Cloran.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers delivered heartfelt remarks about the vocation of firefighters, who answer the call in a special way. Even 110 years later, we remember the sacrifices of the four who gave their lives in 1899: Hugh Duffy, William Chance, George Steinle and James Shea.
Following the Mass, memorial plaques to each of the four firefighters who died were dedicated and will be placed on church grounds at a later date. Msgr. Sullivan blessed the plaques and remarks were made by Brian McBride and Dave Kearney, President and Recording Secretary, respectively, of Local 22 of the Firefighters’ Union.
Completing the day was a reception hosted by St. John’s Hospitality Committee.

Partners for Sacred Places Grant Update

news — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:39:01 +0000

Last November, St. John’s received the great news that we had been awarded an $80,000 grant from the Partners for Sacred Places to support “The Campaign for St. John’s”. Since that time, the Development Committee has been working to define the project scope to be included in the formal grant agreement. It was decided that replacement of the leaking skylights and other critical roofing and masonry repairs was the highest priority after the recent completion of the bell tower project. This work should eliminate the water infiltration which is the primary cause of the damage to our ceilings and walls becoming so unfortunately apparent.

The grant requires a 2-to-1 match with funds to be raised by St. John’s so the total scope of the project supported by the Partners for Sacred Places grant will be $240,000. In the next step, St. John’s will work with Levine & Company, our roofing and architectural conservation consultant, to obtain the detailed construction documents necessary to obtain bids from roofing and masonry contractors on the specified work. Once bids are awarded, the design and construction of the project should take about 9 to 10 months.

Scaffolding Removal Has Begun

news — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:58:17 +0000

For as long as anyone can remember, there has been scaffolding covering the façade and towers of St. John’s. Actually, it has been only a little over a year since the scaffolding was in place. But it does seem like a very long time. Well, here is some good news! Work on the north tower is completed and scaffolding there is now being removed. Work will soon be finished on the south tower and when that is done, the remaining scaffolding, and the bridge over the sidewalk will be removed. We are looking for all this to be finished by mid-March.

You may not notice any changes in the towers when you see them without their current covering, but much has been done. The top third of each tower was taken apart and re-assembled, stone by stone, with new masonry so that the towers are now straight and true; steel rods were added wherever necessary for additional support; tower roofing was replaced and a new drainage system was constructed. In addition, masonry on the lower portions of the towers was replaced or repaired where needed. And finally, to ensure the future safety of the church, new interior stairways have been installed in each tower so that regular inspections can be made.