We can only do all we do with your help...
In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. - Luke 1: 78-79
November 15, 2021
Greetings and God Bless in this Holy Season,
One of our readings on Christmas Eve is this reading from the Canticle of Zechariah. What a testament to hope! Of course, hope is what we celebrate during the Advent and Christmas seasons, and in the New Year. The hope of the baby Jesus. The hope of His mother, Mary. Hope is always present for us even in the midst of difficulty.
The issues we have all faced since early 2020 have made for a challenging time, but they have also been times of hope. This is not to deny the tragic losses suffered. We understand that there are many who are still in the midst of grief. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, meaning can be found.
One thing that was thrilling to see was the way our social services at Holy Rosary-St. John found a way to continue to provide needed food, supplies, and education throughout the pandemic. The St. John Food Pantry moved its operations outside. The St. John Learning Center moved its classes to Zoom. Both continued to operate with only a brief break.
Other organizations in the St. John Community Center also adapted. The Community Kitchen also moved its meals outside, offering packed lunches, and the Order of Malta Center of Care brought medical services and supplies to pantry visitors.
Now, the St. John Community Center is gradually reopening. The elevator is working again (and thank you so much to all those who donated to that). Many of the services are now back inside in time for the colder weather.
It was also inspirational to see the number of parishioners who stepped up to keep the community gardens going, even when youth programs we collaborated with were cancelled for a time. Food was then offered to any in the community who needed it and wished to pick it.
Mass attendance is up again. Events are planned again. Hope is in the air. But, it is still a challenge for our small parish to do it all ourselves, so we are asking for your help. Please take the time to learn more about all that our parish offers to the surrounding neighborhood and the broader community. Please go to hrsjchurch.org/service for links to all our programs and partner organizations. You can also sign up for our email newsletter and follow our social media.
Please consider a donation. We do so much with so little. Every donation is a huge blessing to us and helps us to serve our Lord and our community.
- To donate by check, simply send a check made out to “Holy Rosary-St. John” to: Holy Rosary-St. John Church, 648 S. Ohio Ave., Columbus, OH 43205;
- To donate online, go to hrsjchurch.org/donate for information about how to donate through our secure online donation service or through PayPal.
We also have a “related organization” that grew out of the church and is now a separate nonprofit, the Community Kitchen. You may also donate to the Community Kitchen by making your check payable to “Community Kitchen, Inc.” and mailing it to the 648 S. Ohio Ave. address.
With God’s help, we will move forward in hope. With your help, we will continue our ministry in the neighborhood we are called to serve. Thank you for all you do. Your support makes such a difference. If you have any questions, please call 614-252-5926, x. 7.
In Christ,
Rev. Ramon Owera
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. - Luke 1: 78-79
November 15, 2021
Greetings and God Bless in this Holy Season,
One of our readings on Christmas Eve is this reading from the Canticle of Zechariah. What a testament to hope! Of course, hope is what we celebrate during the Advent and Christmas seasons, and in the New Year. The hope of the baby Jesus. The hope of His mother, Mary. Hope is always present for us even in the midst of difficulty.
The issues we have all faced since early 2020 have made for a challenging time, but they have also been times of hope. This is not to deny the tragic losses suffered. We understand that there are many who are still in the midst of grief. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, meaning can be found.
One thing that was thrilling to see was the way our social services at Holy Rosary-St. John found a way to continue to provide needed food, supplies, and education throughout the pandemic. The St. John Food Pantry moved its operations outside. The St. John Learning Center moved its classes to Zoom. Both continued to operate with only a brief break.
Other organizations in the St. John Community Center also adapted. The Community Kitchen also moved its meals outside, offering packed lunches, and the Order of Malta Center of Care brought medical services and supplies to pantry visitors.
Now, the St. John Community Center is gradually reopening. The elevator is working again (and thank you so much to all those who donated to that). Many of the services are now back inside in time for the colder weather.
It was also inspirational to see the number of parishioners who stepped up to keep the community gardens going, even when youth programs we collaborated with were cancelled for a time. Food was then offered to any in the community who needed it and wished to pick it.
Mass attendance is up again. Events are planned again. Hope is in the air. But, it is still a challenge for our small parish to do it all ourselves, so we are asking for your help. Please take the time to learn more about all that our parish offers to the surrounding neighborhood and the broader community. Please go to hrsjchurch.org/service for links to all our programs and partner organizations. You can also sign up for our email newsletter and follow our social media.
Please consider a donation. We do so much with so little. Every donation is a huge blessing to us and helps us to serve our Lord and our community.
- To donate by check, simply send a check made out to “Holy Rosary-St. John” to: Holy Rosary-St. John Church, 648 S. Ohio Ave., Columbus, OH 43205;
- To donate online, go to hrsjchurch.org/donate for information about how to donate through our secure online donation service or through PayPal.
We also have a “related organization” that grew out of the church and is now a separate nonprofit, the Community Kitchen. You may also donate to the Community Kitchen by making your check payable to “Community Kitchen, Inc.” and mailing it to the 648 S. Ohio Ave. address.
With God’s help, we will move forward in hope. With your help, we will continue our ministry in the neighborhood we are called to serve. Thank you for all you do. Your support makes such a difference. If you have any questions, please call 614-252-5926, x. 7.
In Christ,
Rev. Ramon Owera
Our mailing address is:
Holy Rosary-St. John Church
648 S. Ohio Ave.
Columbus, OH 43205
Or donate online at:
hrsjchurch.org/donate
Holy Rosary-St. John Church
648 S. Ohio Ave.
Columbus, OH 43205
Or donate online at:
hrsjchurch.org/donate
