Celebrate Respect Life Month! You're invited to join Catholics nationwide in celebrating Respect Life Month this October with the message "to imitate Christ and follow in his footsteps." Learn more 
PARISH SPIRITUAL RETREAT ALL MEN AND WOMEN are welcome to attend this year's St. John the Baptist Spiritual Retreat virtually on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 10:00am to 2:00pm via ZOOM from Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. Enjoy morning prayer, three inspiring conferences, the recitation of the Rosary, and live-streamed Vigil Mass from the comfort of your home.
Turn your Clocks back before you go to sleep next Saturday, October 31st or you will be really, really early for mass on Sunday.
LIVE WEBCAST OF THE SUNDAY 9:00AM MASS WILL TAKE PLACE HERE
NEW WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1st
Happily, we notice an increase in weekend Mass attendance at St. John the Baptist. As the virus pandemic diminishes, and hopefully will continue to diminish, we anticipate our number of Mass attendees will increase.Our Religious Education classes are now underway and our winter returnees are also looking forward to joining us in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
To accommodate the attendance possibilities, it seems appropriate that we provide an additional Sunday Mass in the months ahead. The planned Mass schedule, beginning the weekend of November 1st, will be:
- Saturday
- 5:00pm (Vigil)
- Sunday
- 9:00am Family Mass (webcast live)
- 10:30am
- 12 Noon
- 5:00pm
The need for sanitizing between Masses will continue. If adjustment to this schedule is needed due to a change in the health climate, we will adjust accordingly. The health & safety of our worshippers is of paramount importance.
Thank you for your cooperation.
CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATER
Once, while driving with my father, who was doing his veterinary rounds in the countryside, he provided me with a memorable thought: "Cast your bread upon the water and it will return to you." At age nine, I tried to figure out what that meant. Why would anyone do something so dumb? One day, we stopped by the seashore, and my Dad threw some bread out into the waves and lo—it came back to him. He smiled and said, "This is really the spirit of the Gospel, give and it shall return to you in some form."
Many years later, I rephrased those original words of advice: we receive in the one hand and we give with the other. In reality we are simply transfer agents. God gave us all, including life, talent, and the opportunity to express our heart's desire. What we do and how we do it tells the story of who we really are.
Parents instinctively respond to the needs of their children. True friends will extend themselves to be there in times of need. As a community, we likewise have the privilege and obligation to take care of each other, especially those most desperate for help. The greatest fulfillment in life is not in consuming or indulging, but in sharing and helping.
God is testing us in so many ways. He gives, but he expects a return essentially of self and what we are and have. Remember the two greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor. May we continue to show our love for God as we show concern for our neighbor. Let us together "cast our bread upon the water."
Blessings,
Father Vincent T. Kelly
POPE FRANCIS: PRAY THE ROSARY IN OCTOBER
The Holy Father has decided to invite all the faithful, of all the world, to pray the Holy Rosary every day, during the entire Marian month of October, and thus to join in communion and in penitence, as the people of God, in asking the Holy Mother of God and Saint Michael Archangel to protect the Church.
RESPECT LIFE NEEDS YOUR DONATIONS!
Items that are most needed are:
• Diapers and Wipes
• Baby Towels
• 0-6 Months Onesies (body suits)
• 0-6 Months Sleep 'n Plays (short and long sleeve)
• Other gently worn baby clothes up to 2 years old
Please drop donations off at the Respect Life offices, 525 NE 13th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Please call (954) 565-0229 when you arrive and someone will meet you at your vehicle.
Your donations are greatly appreciated!
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Prayer for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.