“Audimus. Solus non debes esse.” 

The immediacy of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost enveloped the Apostles with a shroud of compassion, courage, comfort, and contemplated faith. Saint John Neumann Catholic Church is that spiritual cloth for its parishioners today, protective and a vessel for the soul, steady in turbulence and soothing to all aboard. We hope the questions posed in our first Gallup survey in 2023 and our second survey last October offered you a moment of reflection beyond the ordinary of church affairs. Caring for others is a fundamental testament to the capacity for love that we can share with one another. What then to make of the question: 

“Do the spiritual leaders of my parish care about me as a person?” 

Yes, they do. 

Men and women “of the cloth” devote their lives to divine service, no matter the burdens they carry and the personal sacrifices they endure. As Mother Theresa cited in “The Power of Prayer”, “…In the silence of the heart God will speak.” These resolute priests and nuns in every rectory and convent nurture their vows and our souls without embarrassment or judgment with their prayers and guidance. Shepherds and scouts for the Almighty, they imbed the spiritual path upon which we travel, ably assisted by deacons, lay ministers, and innumerable volunteers. 

Our spiritual leaders give their lives to us in many ways. 

Fr. Dean kneels and entreats Our Lord daily for our congregation, listening to Him in the soft quiet as the dawn brings daylight. His presence at church functions, meetings, and Bible studies is more than ceremonial as he supports and joins with his flock, reflected best by the sincerity of his greetings and welcome. This pastoral care extends beyond our churchyard - he carries the Eucharist to the sick in their homes and celebrates Mass at nursing homes. 

In their intimate devotions together during the preparation of his homilies, Deacon Michael Glenn and his wife Lisa pray that the Holy Spirit will caress his words to be eloquent and meaningful. Deacon Glenn’s message that “People in our lives are gifts presented to us” resonates with that proffer, so we understand that each of us is a heavenly compliment to be treasured, endowed with deep redemption. The spiritual leadership at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church is your dutiful servant. “Seek and ye shall find…”- yes? 

Only ask; they will welcome you aboard this holy vessel that buoys our souls. 

“We listen. You needn’t be alone.”