Dear Parishioners,
It’s amazing that we’re five years into our new building and still seeing so many visitors. Every Sunday, and often on a daily basis, people stop by to visit. They are Catholics and friends from a variety of Christian churches or no church at all. With the completion of the new St. John Catholic Student Center, I expect more visitors to visit us when they come to town to see St. John’s. Part of the great hospitality we’ve been able to offer is from the Ambassador Ministry. These men and women know the story of our parish and share it with visitors formally and informally. I am grateful for their stewardship.
Speaking of hospitality, food is a big part of that and the parish kitchen is the epicenter of it all. Our Kitchen Angels Ministry does so much behind the scenes to make sure that the kitchen is clean and ready to go for upcoming events. This ministry is perfect for those who like to get their hands dirty!
Finally, we are so blessed to have Kira Ziola as our new Youth Minister. It’s been awesome to watch her faith grow and now to see that faith put to service with our middle and high school kids. Kira is a woman of faith and has something we need in the Church today, and that’s zeal! Kira’s zeal for the Catholic faith, the Eucharist, and for evangelization and exactly what we need at this time in our parish.
Let’s have a great July as we look ahead to a bright future for the Catholic Church in Payne County!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Brian O’Brien
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church