Looking Back, Looking Ahead

 
December 10-11, 2016
 
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
             As a follow-up to the appointment of Father Walter Jagela as pastor of Saint John University Parish, beginning in January of 2017, the Diocese has also appointed Fr. Kumar Reddimasu as a priest in residence and chaplain for Ruby Hospital and Mon General Hospital beginning on February 1, 2017.  He will assist with Masses on the weekends. 
 
As we approach the end of the calendar year, it is a good time for us to be mindful of the many       blessings God has bestowed on our Mountaineer Catholic community. We are truly grateful for the guidance, gifts and talents you have shared in 2016.  We value your continued guidance and support as we look forward to growing closer in Christ with you in 2017.  Fr. Walter, Fr. Pio and I, as well as the staff, are all grateful for the many ways you have helped this community through your prayers, talents and participation in various events throughout the years.
 
Over the past year, our parish has come together for the celebration of the Eucharist, to welcome new members and to serve our local community. We have enjoyed several fun events like our Backyard BBQ, Parish Picnic and Pumpkin Palooza. We have grown in our Faith through our CRE, Confirmation prep and Youth Group, Campus Ministry and adult formation programs.  We are thankful for those who joined us in the parish service projects that began the week of Thanksgiving and those who went to the south to support those who were affected by the flooding this past summer.
 
We continue to work together to meet our financial challenges.  With the support of the Diocese, we have been able to replace the boiler in the Newman Hall and attend to the boiler in the Parish Center/Sophia Center building.  You will also notice that the Breaking Bread hymnals have not been replaced which has helped with our financial situation.   
 
Regarding ministry at the University, our FOCUS Missionaries continue to draw in more students through their efforts on the campus and their Bible study programs.  Our Campus Ministry programming has gone well for the students and we continue to see new faces.  We partnered with the WVU Libraries for Mindful Mountaineers Month in November.  Also, there are increased requests for marriage prep.  Finally, we have and we will continue to provide outreach to the sick, dying and hospitalized.
 
As we prepare to begin 2017, we look forward to working with you to bring Christ to the campus and the campus to Christ every day.
 
Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus – That in all things God may be glorified,
 
 
Fr. Isaac Haywiser, O.S.B., Administrator                    Fr. Walter Jagela, appointed Pastor
Fr. Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., Weekend Assistant