Annual Report Shows Knights Are "Strong and Vibrant"

Knights of Columbus in Texas were among those who gave the most in charitable giving in 2009! SJN is blessed to have a strong and vibrant Knights of Columbus chapter.

ZENIT - Annual Report Shows Knights Are "Strong and Vibrant"

Ministry leaders reveal what keeps them coming back for more

I recently asked the parish ministry leaders the top reason for being involved at SJN that keeps them coming back for more, and their responses have been beautiful!  What a blessed parish to have such humble, loving servant leaders.

• I have never felt so loved as I do in the St. John Neumann community. I thought my world had ended in 1997 when my husband died suddenly; however, this faith community of St. John Neumann has given me life by loving and accepting me in my time of need. The Christ Renews His Parish Retreat Program was just the beginning, followed by many and varied spiritual walks, which ultimately led me to the Lay Missionaries of Charity. Thank you, God, for this St. John Neumann Faith Community.  Jo Creath, Lay Missionaries of Charity
• Two things come to mind for me -- First, the wonderful community that my family is now a part of at St. John Neumann, largely because of the Christ Renews His Parish Retreat Program.  It is always wonderful to be at Mass and recognize a dozen or more CRHP brothers!  Also, my whole family loves the music at 5:30 p.m. Sunday mass, and there's no better way to worship than sitting in the front and singing loudly!  Steve Zika, Christ Renews His Parish Retreat Program
• I am so thankful to be part of the loving and faithful community here.  There is a great opportunity for me to grow personally, and I feel privileged to be part of the formation of our youth!  Barbie Schaefer, Challenge
• It's very encouraging to see how many individuals, families, young people step up (with enthusiasm) to help the less fortunate in Austin and other parts of the world. This willingness to help pulls us closer together to make a true community.  Anna Marie Phelps, SVDP
• When I walk into daily Mass at 8:45 in the morning and see a dozen high school teenagers at Mass, rather than sleeping in, I can't help but to come back for more! Who wouldn't when God is moving so powerfully in this community?  Andrew Schuelke, Youth Ministry
• I am amazed at our youth. How they are always eager to learn, and take what they have learned home. That's what has made me love SJN so much.  Rachel Vaughn, Religious Education and Godly Play
• I am greatly inspired by the generosity and caring of our SJN parishioners and their willingness to support schoolchildren of a different culture on the other side of the world in the communities that we serve. I am deeply inspired also by the open hearts, love and caring of the children and teens of our community. For several years, SJN children and youth have worked with us to collect school supplies and to create beautiful messages of peace and friendship through art to send to the students at the schools we support. We are continuously awed by the enthusiasm, love and creativity that our SJN youth pour into their artwork and cards and by the genuine caring that they express for children they will never meet on the other side of the world. Witnessing this loving and peaceful connection between our children and the children we serve has been a joy to the volunteers of our ministry.  Chris Hamilton, ASP
• From the first mass at Valley View with Fr. Vaughn to today with Fr. Bud, I have made SJN my family, my home.  Diane Gele, Christian Medical Missions
• I once saw a bumper sticker that said "Social Justice begins in the Womb." When Anna Steinbauer one Sunday asked for SJN parishioners to "get out of the pews" and join the SJN Culture of Life Committee and support Life issues -- This bumper sticker came to mind. We must all support and pray for greater respect and justice for ALL human life from conception till natural death, especially for those who have no voice.  Mary Saniuk, Culture of Life
• Always the warm, loving community spirit and wonderful friends that I share my faith with at SJN keep me coming back for more and this has been true for more than 25 years! I consider SJN a second home.  Pat Flathouse, Bereavement Committee, Older Women’s Legacy
• I am continually awed at our parishioners. So many good role models involved in different ministries at our church and in our community. Sandra Farrell, Flower Guild
• SJN is the first church where I have been a member and have felt a true sense of community.  Being involved helps me foster that sense of community and feel even more connected to my parish.  Cirenia Terrazas, Gift Shop Committee

The Care Communities ministers to AIDS, cancer patients

The Care Communities, a Partner Ministry of SJN, provides practical and compassionate support, through volunteer Care Teams, for people living with serious illnesses, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Listen to Outreach Coordinator Roger Temme as he introduces the organization's ministry to you and invites you to learn more! If you find you do want more information after the video, please contact me.