St. John of the Cross Parish

“To what shall we compare the kingdom of God? It is like a mustard seed...once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants.”           - Mark 4:30-32

With recent escalation of political turmoil in Nicaragua, we humbly ask for your generosity in supporting an emergency appeal to help our dear friend and partner, Padre Tomás, purchase medical supplies to treat the wounded who have taken refuge in his church. 
As you may recall, Padre Tomás was reassigned more than a year ago from Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Chacraseca to a parish in nearby Leon. Leon is one of several major cities where sporadic violence has occurred since April following peaceful protests of a controversial government proposal to increase contributions into the social security system while reducing pension benefits.
Padre Tomás and his new parish are in the middle of the violence, and his church is serving as a makeshift hospital and shelter.
We have been in regular communication with Padre Tomás. He reports that mornings are generally quiet, but by afternoon and throughout the night government troops drive into neighborhoods and start shooting at people from the back of trucks. The local citizens, who are unarmed, throw stones and have pulled up road pavers to make barricades to try to prevent the trucks from getting through. In addition, the church’s bell tower was damaged by recent mortar fire.
Those of you who met Padre Tomás during his visit to Northeast Ohio two years ago know what a wonderful, caring servant of God he is. We know that the violence on his doorstep is deeply troubling and that he is putting himself in personal danger by helping young people who are wounded.
Funds raised through this emergency appeal will go directly to help Padre Tomás purchase desperately needed medical supplies. If you can help in any way with any amount, please write a check to St. John of the Cross and write “Padre Tomás Emergency Appeal” in the memo line. You may also donate online, please click here.   If you have any questions or would like more information about our partnership, please contact Dale or Marie George at maridalegeo@msn.com.
On behalf of Padre Tomás and the people of Nicaragua, MUCHAS GRACIAS.

   
On June 5, the Diocese of Cleveland hosted a presentation at our church about the “Shared Pastorate” model planned for St. John of the Cross and Ss. Robert and William. Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, Secretary for Parish Life and Development, reviewed the history and growth of the Catholic Church in Euclid after WWII, noting that there are currently three strong Catholic communities in Euclid that serve an expansive region; but the population has been shrinking by 9.2% since 2010. Although SJC is the smallest with 707 households compared to SRW with 1,601, the goal of the diocese is not to close or merge parishes, but to share some of each others resources.
The main goal is to maintain our presence and make us more efficient to best serve the people. So, for the first time, the diocese is evaluating a “pastoral group” model to address the growing shortage of clergy and rapidly changing demographics. To view the slide presentation from Sister Rita and comments from some of the 90 attendees please click here. 

About 35 parishioners with the St. Fiacre and Social Justice Ministries came out this past Saturday morning to beautify the grounds at SJC. The cleanup including washing down the Outdoor Shrine area, refurbishing and relocating the Outdoor Stations of the Cross, cleaning up Celebration Plaza, and planting the Lenten Garden. Click here for photos.

Every Sunday, from June 3 through September 2, we will celebrate Mass at our Outdoor Shrine at 7:30 am. If the weather is inclement, this Mass will be held in the Church. The Sunday 9 am and 11 am Masses will be held in the Church as usual.

Hear the beauty of God’s Word while surrounded by the beauty of His World.

Jesus gives us two Commandments: ​You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength; And: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. But what does this mean and how do you actually do these things? Join Pastoral Associate Tara Mowery on Tuesdays at 9 am in Meeting Room 2 to explore these questions through the letters of St Paul to the Romans and to the Corinthians. Bring your favorite Bible.

Our Spiritual Wellness Center is up and running. The materials include literature and talks on scripture, prayer life, the Church and more. These are resources that are available FREE to you. All we ask is that when you are finished with the book, pamphlet or CD, that you pass it on to someone else.

Be an active part of the 10th Anniversary celebration planned for St. John of the Cross Parish! Beginning in June, you will have an opportunity to share your memories of St. Felicitas and St. Paul as well as stories about your experiences at St. John of the Cross. Search your albums and bring in your best photos for the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Book to be released in November. An entire year-long celebration is being planned beginning on Dec. 1, 2018 and concluding with a visit from Bishop Nelson Perez on Nov. 30, 2019.

Welcome to the ​    Catholic Community ​of St. John of the Cross

We are the Body of Christ, nourished by the Eucharist, joyfully committed to living the Gospel message, and working together to share our gifts. We are called to humbly serve our Lord, one another and our community as disciples of Jesus.  

Click here to learn more

Activities & Events Calendar

2019 Is Our Parish’s 10th Anniversary!
In the coming months, you will hear more details about the year-long 10th Anniversary Celebration planned for St. John of the Cross Parish beginning on Nov. 29, 2018 and concluding with a visit from Bishop Nelson Perez on Nov. 30, 2019. A Celebration Committee has been formed to coordinate some new events, to revive some activities we haven't done in a while, and to put an "anniversary spin" on our more popular events throughout the year. Some of the plans in 2019 include a summer picnic, a Eucharistic Procession at the Outdoor Shrine, Alpha in the fall, a Parish Day of Service, some great family events, and, of course, opportunities to learn about and celebrate our patron Saint John of the Cross. We will also feature some well-known speakers and musicians! If would like to contribute your talents, ideas or suggestions to the celebration, please let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy inspirational music from Fr. Sal's cd, "Blessed Beyond Measure," Songs include some of your favorite hymns like How Great Thou Art and contemporary hits like Lord of Eternity. Give one to a neighbor, friend, or family member for only $20 each. You can purchase CDs by clicking here. The cd benefits parish ministries.