Author: Parish Accounting

St. Francis of Assisi Mission

Parish Office:
361-384-2795
Parish Office Fax:
361-384-0056
Pastor:
Rev. Patrick K. Donohoe
Mission Office Email:
Saintjohn0003@gmail.com
Bulletin Email
saintjohn0006 @gmail.com
Mission Website:
www.st-johnog.org/sfoa

Mailing Address—P.O. Box 329, Orange Grove, TX 78372

Physical Address—303 County Road 185, Sandia, TX 78373

Mass Schedule
Reconciliation
Parish Office Hours

Sunday: 9:15 AM
St. John of the Cross
Saturday: 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM, 11:00 AM ~ English
6:00 PM ~ Spanish
Daily Mass:
Mon. , Tues., & Fri. ~ 8:00 AM
Thurs. (Sp.) ~ 6:00 PM ~
Adoration ~
Thurs. (Sp.) - 6:30PM
1st Saturday Mass: 8:00 AM

Thursday: 5:30 PM
Saturday: 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30PM
Please contact Fr. Patrick by phone or email if you need to make an appointment for Confession or Anointing of the Sick.

St. John of the Cross
Mon., Tues., Wed., and Thurs.
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Closed for Lunch
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Office is closed
Fri., Sat., & Sun.

Worship & Prayer

MASS INTENTIONS

Praying for our Military

Sun.-June 14 9:15 AM	† Eliza Robles (Heavenly birthday) / by Pam Cardona / † Phyllis Toler by Charles Toler / People of the Parish
Sun.-June 21 9:15 AM	† Sonny Medrano by David & Terrie Silva / People of the Parish

We remember these service personnel in each
‘Mass for the Families of the Parish’
Air Force: Vincent Gordon, Preston Holliday,
Christopher Lauer II, Alayah Moore,
Deborah Thomas, Audry Winstead
Army: Father Jim Craig, Magdeleena Delaney,
Celine De Los Santos, Allen McDonald,
Jacob Madrid, Eduardo Enrique Perales, Robert Ponce, Fernando Ramos III,
Anthony Rios, Tyree Winstead
Coast Guard: Corey Bunton and Joshua Salinas
Marines: Aurora Alarcon, Hunter Frees, and Andre Rodriguez
Navy: Cory Elyasevich, Diane Martinez, Aubrey McCown,
Andrew Saenz, Robert Silva, and Noah Vasquez
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY!
Please call the parish office or use the online form to submit names & branch of service.
Go to www.st-johnog.org
2. hover mouse on ABOUT tab
3. click on ‘Active Military Prayer Request’

PRAYER LIST

May He bless all who are in need of His strength, especially:
Ana Culpepper, Henry Garrett, Kenton Heider, Paula Heider, Gerald Lindsey, Melba Malik, Cheryl Marshall, Adrian Nunez, Daniel Nunez, Phillip Torres, Paige Trevino, Adolfo Trevino, and Bo Weaver
Praying for expecting mothers and their babies:
Mama Cecilia, Ricki Rodriquez Choat, and Celina Garcia
Please contact the parish office for any additions or deletions.

Stewardship of Treasure

PREVIOUS WEEK	05/31/2026	CURRENT WEEK	06/07/2026
Collection	$687.00	Collection	$330.00
May online giving	$976.00	Our Living Church Bldg. Fund	$150.00

The second collection is for our summer electric fund.
Your generosity in keeping our buildings cool during the summer heat is truly appreciated!

2026 Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal ~ The SFoA BSA goal is $2,811 of which $2,075 has been pledged. With a projected $1130 recurring gift, SFoA has a total of $3,205 expected pledge & recurring gifts. That is 114% of the diocesan goal with 10% of the parish participating in the 2026 BSA.

Parish Organizations

Altar & Rosary Society Next meeting: October 5 @ 2PM

Knights of Columbus # 8335 next meeting: July 7

Rosary: 6:40 PM at the KOC Building Men 18 yrs. & older are welcome

Casa de lucy meets on Tuesdays @ 9AM.

Casa de Lucy Helping Hands Quilting Ministry sews Prayer Quilts for the terminally / critically ill persons needing prayers. Please contact the office if you know anyone in need of a quilt.

Works of Mercy

Loom Kitting ~ Parishioners are invited to meet in the SJoC parish hall on Mondays at 9AM to knit hats for patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital Oncology Department. Contact the parish office or Bertha Forbes for more information.
The looming ladies will have Father Patrick bless their knitted hats this weekend before donating them to Driscoll.

The next bread and pastries distributions will be at 9AM
at SJoC on Wednesday, June 24, and at
St. Francis on Saturday, July 11.

Coastal Bend Food Bank distributions at 9AM at St. John of the Cross on Thursday, July 7, and
at St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, June 27.

A Note From Our Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
It has been a couple of weeks since I have submitted a letter for the bulletin between a quick vacation to Florida (with a two day stay in the hospital for a kidney stone) and then the three-day annual Fraternity Days with our new Bishop Mario, the reopening of the Cathedral (a five-hour ceremony) and beginning the packing for retirement, I haven’t had time. But this week, I took all of my family photos, artwork, and crosses/crucifixes off of the walls of my rectory, and the reality that I am retiring really hit me hard. The walls filled with memories of family and friends, the different pieces of art that I have picked up from around the world brought back memories and stories of travel with my Dad and my siblings. And now there was just empty wall space for the next pastor to fill with his photos and art. And then it struck me that I need to share with you my dear fellow parishioners, that my retiring is not an end, but a moment of renewal and rebirth.
Our church building is currently being surrounded by “ugly” scaffolding, but it is in anticipation of the new stucco and protection of our church building. There are several openings with plywood that are covering the spaces where the stained-glass windows were removed for repair. But they will be back in the near future, and the colored light will shine through again soon to brighten our sanctuary. The new sound system is being prepared for installment in the next couple of weeks! And I see these first three of the seven projects of our Parish Master Plan as envisioned growth toward the future! All of this has come about because of you the faithful parishioners of St. John of the Cross Church in Orange Grove! While I have been the pastor-shepherd for the last eight years, I always try to remind myself, that I received this 93-year-old community from a previous pastor and now I am handing it forward to the next pastor-shepherd. But you the men, women, and children ARE St. John of the Cross Church have been here for over 113 years! And you will be the ones who will be accepting of your new pastor to carry you forward!
Our Living Church Capital Campaign Building Fund is the scaffolding around the church, the new windows, and the new sound system AND your PLEDGES and CONTRIBUTIONS to that Building Fund. Please be aware that you need most assuredly to keep up with the campaign so that the work that you have started may be completed and paid for. Your continued giving to the campaign will result in a successful campaign and a beautified church.
This year has also been extremely expensive with some major unexpected repairs that have placed us in a serious cash short problem for the regular ongoing care and support of YOUR parish. The religious education building lost SEVEN air conditioning units at the cost of $12,457.00. The repeated and seemliness ongoing church bathroom repairs and the associated Air Conditioning problems have currently cost us $7,872.00. This has caused a cash deficit for our budget of over $20,329.00. These were absolutely necessary repairs that we could not avoid, but that has placed a severe strain on the cash flow of the parish. So, your ongoing regular Sunday Contributions and donations are vital to the ongoing care and support of your parish facilities. If you have an extra $20,000.00 lying around, the parish could use it. But I implore you to keep giving to your parish church (and maybe a little bit more) so that your new pastor may smoothly transition into this new chapter of our parish.
You and I received this parish community from the generations before us, and we are being challenged to one day pass our parish on to a future generation! Let our faithful commitments to today make for an even brighter church tomorrow.
Love and Prayers,
Fr. Patrick

Community

Join us in saying, “farewell,” to Father Patrick as he gains his
FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE
in retiring after 50 years of service to the Diocese of Corpus Christi
with a potluck luncheon on Sunday, June 28, after the 11AM Mass, in the SJoC parish hall.
The Knights of Columbus will provide sliced brisket, and each parish organization will contribute to the celebration.
Parishioners are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share with our parish family.
Please see the sign-up sheets in the church foyer.

America will celebrate her 250th birthday this summer! ~ St. John of the Cross would like to extend sincere thanks to military service members actively serving as well as those veterans who have served. Care packages will be organized and delivered to our parishioners serving in the military.
Items requested include travel-size body wash, shampoo and deodorant, as well as chocolate-FREE snacks, reading material, puzzle books, and prayer cards. Please bring donated items to the parish office by June18 so the packages can be delivered by July 4, 2026. We will have Mass celebrated for our veterans and active service members on July 4, at 8AM, at St. John of the Cross. Please contact the parish office to provide a mailing address for your service member or veteran.

The Coastal Bend Blood Center Mobile Bank will be at St. John on Sunday, June 21, from 8AM—1PM.
All donors will receive a t-shirt and a Blue Bell Ice Cream voucher, and all donors between June 1—21, could be a winner of a $1000 Southwest Airlines Gift card fand a $500 AirBnB Gift card or a $500 Southwest Gift card.
Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Scan the QR code to schedule your life-saving donation today!
Donors must use the link to complete the QuickPass process on the day of your donation ONLY: bit.ly/cbbcPASS.

AGAPE RANCH—Dream Big Bed Build– June 27, 2026, 8AM—1PM, Corpus Christi
Many children in foster care have been wounded by trauma of their past. Agape Ranch reflects the heart of Christ by surrounding children and aged-out young adults from foster care with unconditional love, steady support, and intentional community. Through lasting relationships and a dedicated network of support, a space is created for deep healing and builds a legacy of hope that changes generations.
Agape Ranch has taken the initiative to provide a bed, a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs.
Through the Agape Ranch Bed Build events, we are able to build beds that support vulnerable children and their families with a safe sleeping space.
Our 2026 goal is to build one hundred twin and twenty-five toddler size beds that will serve our community through requests from our partnering child serving agencies. Agape Ranch will provide all lumber and supplies while our volunteers bring their willingness to help and valuable time. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.agaperanch.org/bedbuild.

Religious Education

Catechists and classroom aides are needed! ~ As the office staff prepare for the 2026-2027 year of religious education, they are faced with the possibility that some grades of religious education cannot be offered next year since there are not enough teachers for every grade level, as TWO adults are required for EVERY classroom (one teacher to prepare and present weekly lessons and one classroom aide to assist the teacher in classroom management)
Committed Catholics who have received all of their sacraments and are living out these sacraments daily are needed to teach our youth the traditions of the Catholic Church. All volunteers MUST be Safe Environment certified through the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
If you feel God’s call to serve in this ministry, please call the parish office to find out more about how you can hep our religious education program. (361-384-2795).
The future of our religious education program really depends upon YOU!.
Save the dates: Registration for the 2026-27 religious education program will take place on August 26and August 30.

St. John of the Cross VBS

Pick up a registration form in the church foyer or parish office

July 20—24,
5:30PM—8:00 PM

Grades:
kinder –fifth

Diocesan News

Journey to Damascus (JTD) is a 3-day Christian weekend for those who want to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their faith, and experience true Christian brother/sisterhood. It is open to all denominations and centers on renewal through prayer, reflection, and community. JTD is for those seeking a stronger foundation in Christ and deeper unity with other believers.
It is for those who: want to grow spiritually, need time away from distractions to reconnect with God, value community, faith, and encouragement. The weekend is full physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so pilgrims should set aside outside responsibilities and come ready to be present.
The upcoming 2026 Weekend Schedule is
Men’s: Women’s:
June 18-21 July 30—August 2
September 17-20 October 15-18
Weekends are held at OLCC Campus on Lantana and the Weekend Fees are $225 (assistance is available for those with need).
More information can be found at ww.journeytodamascus.org or contact Bud Coldwell @ (361) 779-1971.

World Youth Day—Seoul, South Korea—All young adults (18-39 years old) are invited to join the Diocese of Corpus Christi on pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea for World Youth Day with Pope Leo XIV! There will be an Info Night on Saturday, June 27th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Parish Hall (7522 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi). Full package, cost, and pilgrimage leaders will be presented. Please check diocesan social media for updates coming soon!
To help sponsor a young adult pilgrim from your parish, please contact the Office of Young Adult Ministry:
soconnor@diocesecc.org.

EMBRACING THE COMMISSION A DAY OF FORMATION FOR PARISH SCHOOL, CATECHETICAL, AND MINISTRY LEADERS
Pastors, deacons, parish staff, catechetical leaders, faith formation leaders, and all ministry leaders are invited to join us for a day of formation and renewal focused on the Church’s call to evangelization and missionary discipleship.
Topics will include:
The Great Commission and the Evangelical Sequence, Sent: Engaging Inactive Parishioners, G.O.S.P.E.L.: An Introduction to the Kerygma, and Resources for Embracing the Great Commission
This free seminar will be hosted by the Augustine Institute in partnership with the Diocese of Corpus Christi and will take place on Tuesday, June 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.

SAVE THE DATE ~ CAMP ROOTED, Diocesan camp, will be held July 9th through July 11th at the Spirit Center.
The cost to participate is $75. Registration details are coming soon.
This will be an amazing experience and parish youth leaders are encouraged to bring their groups of teens to be a part of this gathering that will focus on leadership, fellowship, and faith.

Save the Date: Celebration of Charity Give from the Heart Guest speaker: Bishop Mario Avilés
Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi invites you to Celebration of Charity - an inspiring evening celebrating compassion in action and the strength of our community.
The event will take place on Thursday, September 24, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hilliard Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi. Guests will enjoy a beautiful evening of fellowship, stories of impact, and a renewed call to serve with love and purpose.

Flocknote
Social Media
Live Streaming

Keep in touch with us via email & text!
Text SJCOG to 84576
Or Connect with us online at: www.stjohnog.flocknote.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/
Stjohnogtx

Corpus christi CATHEDRAL:
Sunday 9:30AM (ENG)
and 11:00 AM (SPA)
Available at: KDF-TV Ch 47 (9:30AM only), KLUX 89.5HD, or Diocese of CC Website

Father Patrick is retiring!

Pick up a registration form in the church foyer or parish office

Please contact the parish office if you can help with our VBS program.
Group leaders are needed for each grade level.

St. John of the Cross Centennial

We are planning for next year’s religious education program and need at least five teachers to cover all grade levels.
If you feel called to help grow our youth’s faith, please contact the parish office. Your help is needed!
Save the Date ~ Vacation Bible School—July 20—24, 5:30PM—8:00PM
Let’s go on a Road Trip—on the go with God. Registration begins June 1.
Grades kinder thru fifth.

Religious Education

Community

Upcoming Parish Event

Mass Intentions ~ Mass intentions may be made “in honor of..”, “ in memory of…”, or for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Mass intentions are $5. Forms are available in the parish office.
Reminder: There is a limit of three intentions per Mass. Please schedule your Mass intentions well in advance to guarantee availability.

Save the Date ~ Vacation Bible School July 20—24, 5:30PM—8:00PM
Let’s go on a Roat Trip—on the go with God.

Ministry Schedule for Mass

Mission Office & Bookkeeping: Terrie Silva, SJOC Staff
Lectors: Jill Albert, Steve Craig, Chad Evans, Liza Ochoa,
Donna VanWay
Music Ministry: Terrie Silva and Caylie Ybanez
Ushers: Stephen Delany, Hector Martinez, Michael A. Pantoja
Extraordinary Ministers: Jill Albert, Susan Dotson, Clifton Dotson, Chad Evans, Patricia Pantoja, Steve Swetlick, Donna VanWay
There will be a lector / Eucharistic Minister training with Father Patrick on Saturday, May 10, at 9AM for anyone who has not been trained by Father Patrick. All ministers should be Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment compliant and should submit a volunteer application and a criminal background check online or to the parish office.

Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal 2026—Through the Bishop's Stewardship Appeal, you sustain the programs, pastoral services, schools, vocations, outreach, and care for retired clergy that serve every parish community across our Diocese of Corpus Christi. With your gift you are: Forming young minds and hearts, Forming disciples on campus, Preparing tomorrow's shepherds, Caring for retired priests, Growing in faith and formation.
SFoA 2026 BSA GOAL—$2,811 Current pledge — $895 % Participation — 5% of parish (4 families of 86 registered families pledge)

Parish Council meeting

Liturgy & Sacraments

Anointing of the Sick: Upon request – please call the office. Any person who is sick (either homebound or in the hospital) or about to have surgery, is encouraged to receive Anointing of the Sick. As current Federal Law prohibits hospitals from the release of any patient’s name. Father will not know you are in the hospital unless you call the office.
Baptisms of Infants: (0 to 5 yrs.): Please bring the child’s civil birth certificate to the parish office to register the child, their parents & the Godparents for the one-hour Pre-Baptismal Preparation Class. Godparents must be able to provide Certificates for Catholic Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation, & if married, Marriage Certificate in the Catholic Church. Donation for the class and Baptism is $30.00, for the class only is $15.00. Date & time for the Baptism is scheduled after attending the Baptismal Class.
Confessions: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confessions) is available on Thursday from 5:30 PM—6:00 PM and on Saturdays from 5:00 PM—5:30 PM and at any time by appointment with the Priest.
Quinceañeras: The honoree and their family must be registered and participating in the parish for two years prior to the year of the Quinceañera (or Quinceañero). The young person must have Baptism & Communion in the Catholic Church, & be attending the parish Religious Education Program. The family is strongly encouraged to contact the Church for 2 years before the intended date.
Marriage: Arrangements must be made with the priest or deacon, preferably one year before the intended date, (minimum of six months in advance) to complete the necessary requirements. At least one person must be an active and registered member of this parish. No wedding date is guaranteed until ALL diocesan requirements have been fulfilled.
Blessing of Civil Marriages – If you were married before a judge, or a non-Catholic minister, and wish to be readmitted to Holy Communion, there needs to be a Blessing of your Civil Marriage. Please call the parish office and set up an appointment with Father Patrick so he can hear your particular situation and can guide you through the process. Father Patrick is always saying “Don’t wait! Start the process NOW!”

SJOC Cemetery association
SJOC Cemetery Association Meeting
THIS Sunday, Nov. 6th, 2022 at 2:30 PM