SAINT JEAN BAPTISTE
CATHOLIC CHURCH

Lexington Avenue at 76th Street, New York City

From the Pastor

In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers praise to the Father for the faith of those to whom the mysteries of the kingdom and the knowledge of God have been revealed.  Their openness and docility must have refreshed him, having been repelled in his Galilean mission by the intransigence of so many.

Life is often like that.  Unexpected blessings follow a disappointment.  A restored relationship renews the spirit.  A new opportunity arises from a failed initiative.  Happiness comes from surprising sources if we have eyes to see and appreciate them.

Some years ago, a noted theologian wrote a book about the "God of surprises."  The history of Israel’s dealings with Yahweh disclosed a God who was more faithful, forgiving, and patient than anyone had foreseen, a God of surprises.

Summer is the season of refreshment, a time to discover joy in our relationships, in leisure activities, in earth alive and growing, and in ourselves.

Independence Day
On this Independence Day weekend, and just a few months short of national elections in which we will choose a new President, Vice President, and Congress, it is certainly appropriate to pray for our country.  President George Washington, in his Prayer for the United States of America on April 30, 1789, provides an entrée into such prayer: "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that you will keep the United States in your protection; that you will incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to the government, and entertain a brotherly love and affection for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.  Grant our supplication, we beseech you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Prayer Vigil
The July nocturnal adoration vigil has been moved to Friday, July 11, at 9:00 p.m., due to the July 4 holiday.

Principal of the High School
Several months ago, Sister Mary Caplice, the Provincial Leader of the Congregation of Notre Dame, wrote to advise me that Sister Ona Bessette, who has served so generously and so capably at Saint Jean Baptiste High School for many years — first as the Campus Minister and then as the Principal for the last nine years — would be leaving at the end of the current school year to begin a well deserved sabbatical.  While truly sad that Sister Ona is departing, I am nonetheless delighted to appoint Sister Maria Cassano as the new Principal of Saint Jean Baptiste High School, effective July 1.

Sister Maria is no stranger to the high school or the parish.  She collaborated with Sister Ona in the past year as the Assistant Principal and is a member of the Parish Choir.  We welcome her with open hands and hearts, and ask God to bless her with great wisdom and love as she assumes her new charge.

Sister Ona has never been one to limit herself to school administration alone.  She served on the Pastoral and Finance Councils and in various liturgical ministries.  She shepherded the high school through the accreditation process, strengthened the curriculum, and implemented structures of consultation, all the while working closely with alumnae and staff.

The dedication of Sister Ona and the nomination of Sister Maria underscore the Congregation of Notre Dame’s commitment to Saint Jean’s.  It is in more than words, but in sisters, finances, and in the riches of the spirituality of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys.

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