“Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain.”
Revelation 5:12
A Campaign for the Renovation of the Church at St. John the Evangelist
Renovation Frequently Asked Questions (8/9/2024)
Our church renovation is about to begin! There will be many exciting updates, and some more mundane logistical information, we will need to share with you. Please check this page often for the latest renovation news. If you have a question and you don’t see the answer on this page, send us an email at church@stjohnsp.org.
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Masses in the PAC will begin on Saturday, August 31, with the 8:30 a.m. daily Mass. Our Mass schedule will not change, and all Daily and Sunday Masses will be celebrated at the regular times.
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The project is scheduled to be completed in 12 months, finishing by late August 2025. Please pray that everything goes according to schedule!
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We will be finding a new home for all of the sacred items currently in the church.
Some of the items will find new homes on our campus. For example, the Crucifix that hangs above the altar will be moved into the new school entrance, which was completed this past spring.
Other items will find new homes at other parishes. For example, we are working with parishioners to transfer the original Stations of the Cross to the church in Ghana where Fr. George Atanga serves as pastor. Given his relationship with our parish family and the needs of his parish, it is good for our original Stations to be used for prayer at his church.
Other items, such as the original Altar, will be entrusted to St. Jude Liturgical Studios who manage all the liturgical items for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. They work to find new homes for sacred items like our Altar and original Baptismal Font.
We will provide updates on all of these items as we find new homes for them in the coming months.
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Yes! Masses have been held in the Parish Activities Center for Easter and Christmas for many years. The PAC will be just as sacred and reverent, with Jesus present in the Eucharist, as in the church.
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Yes to both questions! The Parish Activities Center has a wheelchair ramp along the service road. Additionally, several new handicap parking space will be added both in the parking lot at the north end of the lot and along the service road.
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Yes. We will still kneel, sit, and stand, like we do at every Mass. A large number of foam kneeler cushions will be available for use during Mass and prayer times. Parishioners with medical issues that prevent them from kneeling safely may remain seated during those times of the Mass when the congregation is kneeling.
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Yes. Childcare during the 9a.m. and 11a.m. Sunday Masses will continue during the renovation. Parents should take children to Learning Cottage 24 behind the PAC for check-in. The children will be cared for in the secured Pre-K classroom.
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No. Our plan is to hold Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9a.m. Sunday Mass, with the goal of extending it to the 11a.m. The priest will call children to the altar as usual, and they will be escorted to secure school classroom for the duration of the Gospel and homily. CLOW will resume after the start of the new school year. Please watch the bulletin for an exact date.
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Fellowship Sundays, held the second Sunday of each month following the morning Masses, will be held in the school auditorium and/or courtyard area just a few steps away from the PAC.
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Yes. Our Mass schedule will remain the same during the renovation.
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Yes. All Liturgy Volunteers – such as choir, lectors, greeters, etc. – will receive correspondence from clergy and parish staff with refresher procedural information on Mass celebrated in the PAC. The PAC has been used for Mass for many years, and there are existing procedures for every aspect of the liturgy. If you have any questions, please contact your ministry coordinator.
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Yes. The 9a.m. Sunday Mass will continue to be livestreamed, as well as our 8:30a.m. daily Masses. The homily podcast will continue to be published as well.
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Yes, the livestream will continue during the renovation. Please note: our livestream equipment will be moved from the church to the PAC during the week of Aug. 26—30. Our Daily Mass livestream will most likely not be available at that time but will resume by Labor Day at 9a.m., Monday, Sept. 2.
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We were conservative in the $5 million project budget by including large maintenance items, such as the HVAC system, that could actually be paid for by our parish Capital Reserve fund. While the gifts pledged by parishioners cover the project's total cost, we can tap into our Capital Reserve funds if the total project cost exceeds the budget. We will share regular project costs updates to inform you of our progress.
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Any additional funds will be used for other items priced out by the general contractor but not originally included in the project budget. For example, we are looking at the possibility of creating an additional family restroom near the Gathering Space Meeting Room. While not currently in the project budget, additional funds would allow us to accomplish this part of the project.
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No. Eucharistic Adoration will continue as scheduled in the Oratory (located in the Gathering Space).
Jesus will remain present in the Blessed Sacrament in the oratory 24/7, and parishioners can make prayer visits at any time. (For after-hours visits between 9pm-6am, please complete the After-Hours Access Request form online here.)
Eucharistic Adoration will continue in the Oratory Thursdays from 9a.m. until Saturdays at 8a.m. (Adoration will pause during Mass on Fridays between 8:30-9am) Please visit www.stjohnsp.org/adore for more information.
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Yes. Confessions will be heard in the temporary confessionals in the PAC Gallery. Our schedule will remain the same: Wednesdays 6—7p.m.; First Fridays 9:15—10a.m.; Fridays 4:30—6p.m.; Saturdays 3:30—5p.m.
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Yes. The Sacrament of Baptism will still be celebrated most Saturdays in the Parish Activities Center. Parents who wish to have their children baptized (newborn through age six) should contact us at baptism@stjohnsp.org to begin the baptism process.
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Yes. Wedding Masses can be celebrated in the Parish Activities Center. Couples planning to marry should contact one of the priests or deacons 9—12 months prior to the tentative date of marriage. This allows the couple time to complete the marriage preparation process in a prayerful, thoughtful manner. St. John the Evangelist parishioners planning to marry in another church can complete their required marriage preparation here.
Proposed Sanctuary Renovation
Introduction to Renovation Project from Fr. Erik :
Watch a complete presentation of the design and renovation elements here.
The YouTube video uses Video Chapters to help you navigate to specific topics. Hover over the scroll bar below the video to reveal the chapters.
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.”
Revelation 5:12
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Serving you as pastor for four years has been my joy and privilege. I love being part of our St. John family, whose roots go back to 1902 when we were just a tiny mission church founded by the Redemptorist Fathers from Annapolis. Since 1964, we have worshipped in our current church. Over the years, parishioners have desired to renovate and refurbish the church. Pastors have studied various plans before me, and capital campaigns have sought to raise money for this goal.
Now, building on what has come before, it is a blessing to share with you a comprehensive vision for the renovation of our church. More than just changes to the pews or the lighting, it is a design whose goal is to introduce beautiful sacred art and decorative elements into the church, bringing a greater focus to the Lord whom we worship and connecting us more deeply to our patron, St. John. In the new design, our connection to St. John becomes more visible through sacred art drawn from the Scriptures he was inspired to write. While the design introduces new elements, it respects the original architectural intent, maintaining our church’s prayerful and inviting warmth.
Central to the design and artwork will be a shallow dome installed above the main altar. It features a mural of Jesus, depicted as the victorious Lamb of God, worshipped by the angels and saints who cry out: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” The image is taken from the Book of Revelation Chapter 5, where St. John is given a vision of what is happening in heaven. Placed above the main altar, the muraled dome visibly reminds us that at every Mass, we participate in the worship of heaven through the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
As we look to make this beautiful renovation a reality, I invite you to consider the song of the angels and saints in Heaven: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” The Lord Jesus is truly worthy of our worship. He is worthy of the best we can offer Him. Our dramatic renovation plan reflects that truth, offering Jesus the best of sacred art, painting, marble, and woodwork in our house of worship.
I pray you will join me in boldly offering the best of our gifts to make this renovation a reality.
May God bless you,
Rev. Erik Arnold
Pastor
From Fr. Erik …
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Serving you as pastor for four years has been my joy and privilege. I love being part of our St. John family, whose roots go back to 1902 when we were just a tiny mission church founded by the Redemptorist Fathers from Annapolis. Since 1964, we have worshipped in our current church. Over the years, parishioners have desired to renovate and refurbish the church. Pastors have studied various plans before me, and capital campaigns have sought to raise money for this goal…
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Now, building on what has come before, it is my great honor to share with you a comprehensive vision for the renovation of our church. More than just changes to the pews or the lighting, it is a design whose goal is to introduce beautiful sacred art and decorative elements into the church, bringing a greater focus to the Lord whom we worship and connecting us more deeply to our patron, St. John. In the new design, our connection to St. John becomes more visible through sacred art drawn from the Scriptures he was inspired to write. While the design introduces new elements, it respects the original architectural intent, maintaining our church’s prayerful and inviting warmth.
Central to the design and artwork will be a shallow dome installed above the main altar. It features a mural of Jesus, depicted as the victorious Lamb of God, worshipped by the angels and saints who cry out: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” The image is taken from the Book of Revelation Chapter 5, where St. John is given a vision of what is happening in heaven. Placed above the main altar, the muraled dome visibly reminds us that at every Mass, we participate in the worship of heaven through the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
As we look to make this beautiful renovation a reality, I invite you to consider the song of the angels and saints in Heaven: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” The Lord Jesus is truly worthy of our worship. He is worthy of the best we can offer Him. Our dramatic renovation plan reflects that truth, offering Jesus the best of sacred art, painting, marble, and woodwork in our house of worship.
I pray you will join me in boldly offering the best of our gifts to make this renovation a reality.
May God bless you,
Rev. Erik Arnold
Our Vision
The vision for our church renovation is to introduce beautiful sacred art inspired by the Scripture writings of St. John to lead us closer to God in prayer and worship and connect us more deeply with our patron saint.
Our renovation will also address a number of aging mechanical and electrical systems in the church that are in desperate need of replacement.
How will we achieve our vision?
Working with Conrad Schmitt Studios (New Berlin, WI) and St. Jude Liturgical Arts Studio (Philadelphia, PA), we are taking some of the most beloved and well-known Scripture verses from the writings of St. John and incorporating them into the sacred art and liturgical elements that will renew and transform the interior of our parish church.
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The reredos is a large altarpiece or decorative screen placed behind the altar in a church, often containing sacred art. The reredos visually anchors the sanctuary, bringing greater focus to the altar and tabernacle.
Through the medium of sacred painting, on three separate panels, our new reredos will bring to life the moving scene of Christ’s crucifixion from the Gospel of John:
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
The central panel of the reredos will be the image of Christ crucified. This beautiful hand-painted image will focus our eyes on the great work of salvation: Jesus offering his life in sacrifice for us. The image of Christ on the Cross will sit behind the altar, visually reminding us that the sacrifice of the Mass offered on the altar is the same sacrifice and offering of Jesus on the Cross.
The left panel of the reredos is a hand-painted image of the Blessed Virgin Mary standing in sorrow at the foot of the Cross, looking up at her Son. Jesus has just entrusted Mary to John, the Beloved Disciple, who is depicted in the right panel of the reredos.
Although physically separate from the panel depicting the Crucifixion, the panels form a whole through the consistent background, colors, and mood employed by the artist. Taken together, the panels bring to life John 19:26-27, a moving scene that is only found in the Gospel of John, our parish patron.
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The Prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18) is a magnificent hymn in praise of Christ. In these poetic verses, John declares the most essential truths about Jesus before opening up the whole story.
Three of these truths will be inscribed into the new liturgical elements found in the church sanctuary:
“In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1, inscribed on the ambo)“And the Word became Flesh” (John 1:14a, inscribed on the altar)“And dwelt among us” (John 1:14b, inscribed on the tabernacle table)
These three truths are still a reality for us at every Mass:
Jesus the Word speaks to us through the Scripture readings.
He takes on flesh as he changes bread and wine into his Body and Blood.
He continues to dwell with us in his Real Presence, remaining present in the tabernacle.
These three truths will be decoratively inscribed into the front of the ambo, altar, and tabernacle table to remind us and make visible at every Mass the reality that we are so blessed to experience.
-
The entire renovation will benefit from this approach that incorporates sacred art and Scripture. From the new Blessed Virgin Mary Shrine that will contain the words of Jesus: “Behold your Mother” (John 19:27) to the new baptismal font with St. John’s declaration: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1), we are working to make the vision a beautiful reality in our new church.
Upgrading and Replacing Our Aging Mechanical Systems
Our vision for the church renovation is not just cosmetic but includes a substantial investment in various mechanical and electrical systems to secure the long-term future of our church building.
As good stewards of what has been entrusted to us, we want to provide the next generation with a building that is not only beautiful, but equipped and ready to serve our parish for decades to come. The aging heating and air conditioning systems, the original lighting system and electrical panels, and the lack of insulation in the roofing will all be addressed as part of our vision to improve the often hidden but essential elements of our church.
Our Vision
The vision for our church renovation is to introduce beautiful sacred art inspired by the Scripture writings of St. John to lead us closer to God in prayer and worship and connect us more deeply with our patron saint.
Our renovation will also address a number of aging mechanical and electrical systems in the church that are in desperate need of replacement.
How will we achieve our vision?
Working with Conrad Schmitt Studios (New Berlin, WI) and St. Jude Liturgical Arts Studio (Philadelphia, PA), we are taking some of the most beloved and well-known Scripture verses from the writings of St. John and incorporating them into the sacred art and liturgical elements that will renew and transform the interior of our parish church.
-
The reredos is a large altarpiece or decorative screen placed behind the altar in a church, often containing sacred art. The reredos visually anchors the sanctuary, bringing greater focus to the altar and tabernacle.
Through the medium of sacred painting, on three separate panels, our new reredos will bring to life the moving scene of Christ’s crucifixion from the Gospel of John:
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
The central panel of the reredos will be the image of Christ crucified. This beautiful hand-painted image will focus our eyes on the great work of salvation: Jesus offering his life in sacrifice for us. The image of Christ on the Cross will sit behind the altar, visually reminding us that the sacrifice of the Mass offered on the altar is the same sacrifice and offering of Jesus on the Cross.
The left panel of the reredos is a hand-painted image of the Blessed Virgin Mary standing in sorrow at the foot of the Cross, looking up at her Son. Jesus has just entrusted Mary to John, the Beloved Disciple, who is depicted in the right panel of the reredos.
Although physically separate from the panel depicting the Crucifixion, the panels form a whole through the consistent background, colors, and mood employed by the artist. Taken together, the panels bring to life John 19:26-27, a moving scene that is only found in the Gospel of John, our parish patron.
-
The Prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18) is a magnificent hymn in praise of Christ. In these poetic verses, John declares the most essential truths about Jesus before opening up the whole story.
Three of these truths will be inscribed into the new liturgical elements found in the church sanctuary:
“In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1, inscribed on the ambo)“And the Word became Flesh” (John 1:14a, inscribed on the altar)“And dwelt among us” (John 1:14b, inscribed on the tabernacle table)
These three truths are still a reality for us at every Mass:
Jesus the Word speaks to us through the Scripture readings.
He takes on flesh as he changes bread and wine into his Body and Blood.
He continues to dwell with us in his Real Presence, remaining present in the tabernacle.
These three truths will be decoratively inscribed into the front of the ambo, altar, and tabernacle table to remind us and make visible at every Mass the reality that we are so blessed to experience.
-
The entire renovation will benefit from this approach that incorporates sacred art and Scripture. From the new Blessed Virgin Mary Shrine that will contain the words of Jesus: “Behold your Mother” (John 19:27) to the new baptismal font with St. John’s declaration: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1), we are working to make the vision a beautiful reality in our new church.
Upgrading and Replacing Our Aging Mechanical Systems
Our vision for the church renovation is not just cosmetic but includes a substantial investment in various mechanical and electrical systems to secure the long-term future of our church building.
As good stewards of what has been entrusted to us, we want to provide the next generation with a building that is not only beautiful, but equipped and ready to serve our parish for decades to come. The aging heating and air conditioning systems, the original lighting system and electrical panels, and the lack of insulation in the roofing will all be addressed as part of our vision to improve the often hidden but essential elements of our church.
The Design
Dome and Decorative Mural
A shallow decorative dome will be installed above the main altar to bring a new focus and emphasis to the sanctuary. The dome and its hand-painted mural will lift our eyes heavenward each time we gather to celebrate Mass. It will be one of the most central and visible elements of our renovation.
The hand-painted mural in the dome will depict St. John’s vision of heavenly worship, found in Chapter 5 of the Book of Revelation. John sees Jesus, the victorious Lamb, who alone can accomplish the work of our Redemption, which is symbolized by his opening of the book containing God’s plan of salvation.
Surrounding the Lamb are St. John and the saints and angels in worship crying out in song: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” (Revelation 5:12) The image, located directly above the main altar, will remind us that in every Mass we enter into the worship of Heaven through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Scripture verse from Revelation 5:12 will be painted into the interior of the dome molding, inviting us to share in their worship each time we participate in Mass.
The Design
Dome and Decorative Mural
A shallow decorative dome will be installed above the main altar to bring a new focus and emphasis to the sanctuary. The dome and its hand-painted mural will lift our eyes heavenward each time we gather to celebrate Mass. It will be one of the most central and visible elements of our renovation.
The hand-painted mural in the dome will depict St. John’s vision of heavenly worship, found in Chapter 5 of the Book of Revelation. John sees Jesus, the victorious Lamb, who alone can accomplish the work of our Redemption, which is symbolized by his opening of the book containing God’s plan of salvation.
Surrounding the Lamb are St. John and the saints and angels in worship crying out in song: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” (Revelation 5:12) The image, located directly above the main altar, will remind us that in every Mass we enter into the worship of Heaven through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Scripture verse from Revelation 5:12 will be painted into the interior of the dome molding, inviting us to share in their worship each time we participate in Mass.
The Crucifixion Scene
The reredos is a large altarpiece or decorative screen placed behind the altar in a church, often containing sacred art. The reredos visually anchors the sanctuary, bringing greater focus to the altar and tabernacle.
Through the medium of sacred painting, on three separate panels, our new reredos will bring to life the moving scene of Christ’s crucifixion from the Gospel of John:
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
The central panel of the reredos will be the image of Christ crucified. This beautiful hand-painted image will focus our eyes on the great work of salvation: Jesus offering his life in sacrifice for us. The image of Christ on the Cross will sit behind the altar, visually reminding us that the sacrifice of the Mass offered on the altar is the same sacrifice and offering of Jesus on the Cross.
The Crucifixion Scene
The reredos is a large altarpiece or decorative screen placed behind the altar in a church, often containing sacred art. The reredos visually anchors the sanctuary, bringing greater focus to the altar and tabernacle.
Through the medium of sacred painting, on three separate panels, our new reredos will bring to life the moving scene of Christ’s crucifixion from the Gospel of John:
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
The central panel of the reredos will be the image of Christ crucified. This beautiful hand-painted image will focus our eyes on the great work of salvation: Jesus offering his life in sacrifice for us. The image of Christ on the Cross will sit behind the altar, visually reminding us that the sacrifice of the Mass offered on the altar is the same sacrifice and offering of Jesus on the Cross.
Mary and John at the Foot of the Cross
The left panel of the reredos is a hand-painted image of the Blessed Virgin Mary standing in sorrow at the foot of the Cross, looking up at her Son. Jesus has just entrusted Mary to John, the Beloved Disciple, who is depicted in the right panel of the reredos.
The right panel of the reredos is a hand-painted image of St. John, the Beloved Disciple, standing at the foot of the Cross, looking up at Jesus. Jesus has just entrusted Mary and John to one another as Mother and Son.
Although physically separate from the panel depicting the Crucifixion, the panels form a whole through the consistent background, colors, and mood employed by the artist. Taken together, the panels bring to life John 19:26-27, a moving scene that is only found in the Gospel of John, our parish patron.
Mary and John at the Foot of the Cross
The left panel of the reredos is a hand-painted image of the Blessed Virgin Mary standing in sorrow at the foot of the Cross, looking up at her Son. Jesus has just entrusted Mary to John, the Beloved Disciple, who is depicted in the right panel of the reredos.
The right panel of the reredos is a hand-painted image of St. John, the Beloved Disciple, standing at the foot of the Cross, looking up at Jesus. Jesus has just entrusted Mary and John to one another as Mother and Son.
Although physically separate from the panel depicting the Crucifixion, the panels form a whole through the consistent background, colors, and mood employed by the artist. Taken together, the panels bring to life John 19:26-27, a moving scene that is only found in the Gospel of John, our parish patron.
Altar, Ambo, and Tabernacle Table
The altar is the focal point for the church sanctuary and the celebration of the Mass, occupying the most central position. The beautiful design of our new altar will match the new reredos behind it. It will be handcrafted out of Botticino marble, truly worthy of the celebration of the Mass.
The altar will be inset with simple mosaics depicting the Cross and the Chi Rho. The Chi Rho is an ancient symbol formed from the Greek letters X (chi) and P (rho), the first two letters of the word “Christ” in Greek.
Above the mosaic insets, the altar will be inscribed with a verse from the Prologue of the Gospel of John: And The Word Was Made Flesh / Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. (John 1:14) Here on the altar, at every Mass, the Word becomes flesh as Jesus changes bread and wine into his Body and Blood.
The ambo is the noble place from which God’s Word is proclaimed at every Mass. The new ambo will be constructed out of Botticino marble to match the design of the new reredos and the altar of sacrifice. A simple inset mosaic Cross will adorn the center. The ambo will bear an inscription containing the opening verse of St. John’s Gospel: In Principio Erat Verbum / In The Beginning Was The Word (John 1:1). The inscription reminds us that God speaks to us even now at every Mass, and it connects us with the first inspired words written by our patron St. John.
The tabernacle will rest atop a new marble pedestal whose design will complement the new altar. The marble pedestal will be inscribed with a verse from the Prologue of John’s Gospel that completes the inscriptions found on the new ambo and altar. On the ambo and altar, respectively, are the verses In The Beginning Was The Word / And The Word Was Made Flesh. And on the tabernacle pedestal will be inscribed Et Habitavit In Nobis / And Dwelt Among Us (John 1:14). The inscription makes visible, through the writings of St. John, our belief in Jesus’ Real Presence, that he truly makes his dwelling among us and remains with us in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Altar, Ambo, and Tabernacle Table
The altar is the focal point for the church sanctuary and the celebration of the Mass, occupying the most central position. The beautiful design of our new altar will match the new reredos behind it. It will be handcrafted out of Botticino marble, truly worthy of the celebration of the Mass.
The altar will be inset with simple mosaics depicting the Cross and the Chi Rho. The Chi Rho is an ancient symbol formed from the Greek letters X (chi) and P (rho), the first two letters of the word “Christ” in Greek.
Above the mosaic insets, the altar will be inscribed with a verse from the Prologue of the Gospel of John: And The Word Was Made Flesh / Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. (John 1:14) Here on the altar, at every Mass, the Word becomes flesh as Jesus changes bread and wine into his Body and Blood.
The ambo is the noble place from which God’s Word is proclaimed at every Mass. The new ambo will be constructed out of Botticino marble to match the design of the new reredos and the altar of sacrifice. A simple inset mosaic Cross will adorn the center. The ambo will bear an inscription containing the opening verse of St. John’s Gospel: In The Beginning Was The Word / In Principio Erat Verbum (John 1:1). The inscription reminds us that God speaks to us even now at every Mass, and it connects us with the first inspired words written by our patron St. John.
The tabernacle will rest atop a new marble pedestal whose design will complement the new altar. The marble pedestal will be inscribed with a Latin verse from the Prologue of John’s Gospel that completes the inscriptions found on the new ambo and altar. On the ambo and altar, respectively, are the verses In The Beginning Was The Word / And The Word Was Made Flesh. And on the tabernacle pedestal will be inscribed And Dwelt Among Us / Et Habitavit In Nobis (John 1:14). The inscription makes visible, through the writings of St. John, our belief in Jesus’ Real Presence, that he truly makes his dwelling among us and remains with us in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Decorative Coffered Ceiling
Coffered ceilings are a classic architectural detail consisting of a series of rectangular or square grids in three-dimensional recessed panels. The blue-colored ceiling with stenciled crossbeams invites the eyes upward, bringing a heavenly element into the design that complements the new dome and the mural, whose image is taken from the Book of Revelation.
The coffered ceiling will replace the original asbestos ceiling that is being removed as part of our renovation work.
Decorative Coffered Ceiling
Coffered ceilings are a classic architectural detail consisting of a series of rectangular or square grids in three-dimensional recessed panels. The blue-colored ceiling with stenciled crossbeams invites the eyes upward, bringing a heavenly element into the design that complements the new dome and the mural, whose image is taken from the Book of Revelation.
The coffered ceiling will replace the original asbestos ceiling that is being removed as part of our renovation work.
Renovated Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary will receive a newly renovated shrine to house it, remaining the focal point of our devotion to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
The statue of Our Lady will receive new prominence as it is placed atop a pedestal resting on a new marble altar, which will be crafted to echo the design of the new main altar. A three-panel reredos will be installed behind the statue to bring greater focus to the image as the faithful express their devotion to our Blessed Mother.
Continuing our theme of introducing Scripture verses drawn from our patron, St. John, a painted inscription above the reredos will declare the words of Jesus from the Gospel of John: “Behold Your Mother.” (John 19:27)
Renovated Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary will receive a newly renovated shrine to house it, remaining the focal point of our devotion to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
The statue of Our Lady will receive new prominence as it is placed atop a pedestal resting on a new marble altar, which will be crafted to echo the design of the new main altar. A three-panel reredos will be installed behind the statue to bring greater focus to the image as the faithful express their devotion to our Blessed Mother.
Continuing our theme of introducing Scripture verses drawn from our patron, St. John, a painted inscription above the reredos will declare the words of Jesus from the Gospel of John: “Behold Your Mother.” (John 19:27)
Our Need
In a spirit of boldness and faith, we are embarking on a transformative project that will enhance the sanctity and beauty of our beloved church. And by upgrading key mechanical systems, we are preparing our church building to serve our parish family for decades to come.
Our vision is to create a space that is not only a testament to our faith but also an enduring legacy of our parish family’s commitment to prayer and worship.
Campaign Fundraising Goal is $3,300,000
Total Project Cost is $5,000,000
Our Needs:
Abatement & Removal of the Original Black Ceiling
Brighter, More Efficient & More Beautiful LED Lighting
New Roof Insulation
Energy Efficient Heating, Air Conditioning, and Air Handling System
Decorative Coffered Ceiling
Dome and Mural
Reredos and Crucifixion Mural
New Altar and Ambo
Renovated Shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary
New Shrine to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
New Stations of the Cross
New Baptismal Font
New Pews
Thank you for helping us reach our goal!
Our Need
In a spirit of boldness and faith, we are embarking on a transformative project that will enhance the sanctity and beauty of our beloved church. And by upgrading key mechanical systems, we are preparing our church building to serve our parish family for decades to come.
Our vision is to create a space that is not only a testament to our faith but also an enduring legacy of our parish family’s commitment to prayer and worship.
Campaign Fundraising Goal is $3,300,000
Total Project Cost is $5,000,000
Our Needs:
Abatement & Removal of the Original Black Ceiling
Brighter, More Efficient & More Beautiful LED Lighting
New Roof Insulation
Energy Efficient Heating, Air Conditioning, and Air Handling System
Decorative Coffered Ceiling
Dome and Mural
Reredos and Crucifixion Mural
New Marble Altar and Ambo
Renovated Shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary
New Shrine to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
New Stations of the Cross
New Marble Baptismal Font
New Wood Pews
Thank you for helping us reach our goal!
Memorials
A number of special memorial opportunities are available in our church renovation.
Memorials can be made in memory or in honor of loved ones (living or deceased), of an entire family, or a special event such as a wedding anniversary.
Memorials are a beautiful way of offering lasting tributes to those we hold dear while helping make our church renovation possible.
Memorials
A number of special memorial opportunities are available in our church renovation.
Memorials can be made in memory or in honor of loved ones (living or deceased), of an entire family, or a special event such as a wedding anniversary.
Memorials are a beautiful way of offering lasting tributes to those we hold dear while helping make our church renovation possible.
Make A Gift
Thank you for making a gift or pledge to support the campaign for the renovation of our parish church!
To make a pledge or a one-time gift, you may click the link below to be taken to our donation site (GiveCentral) to complete an online pledge form. You can also download a copy of the pledge form here.
If you would like to meet with Fr. Erik to discuss your pledge/gift or a specific memorial, please email earnold@stjohnsp.org or call the Parish Office at (410) 647-4884.
Information Regarding Gifts of Stock or IRA Disbursements
We have partnered with the Archdiocese of Baltimore to accept gifts of stock. The Archdiocese has arrangements with two firms, Alex Brown and Morgan Stanley, to accept gifts without any additional fees.
For details about how to contribute to the campaign by means of stock, including Account Number and DTC Number, please visit this link: www.archbalt.org/stock-transfers
IRA disbursements can be made directly to St. John the Evangelist/Worthy is the Lamb Campaign.
For assistance, please email our Parish Controller, Trisha Corbi, at tcorbi@stjohnsp.org or call 410-647-4884.
Make A Gift
Thank you for making a gift or pledge to support the campaign for the renovation of our parish church!
To make a pledge or a one-time gift, please click the link below. You will be taken to our donation site (GiveCentral) to complete an online pledge form. You may also download a PDF copy of the pledge form here.
If you would like to meet with Fr. Erik to discuss your pledge/gift or a specific memorial, please email earnold@stjohnsp.org or call the Parish Office at (410) 647-4884.
Information Regarding Gifts of Stock or IRA Disbursements
We have partnered with the Archdiocese of Baltimore to accept gifts of stock. The Archdiocese has arrangements with two firms, Alex Brown and Morgan Stanley, to accept gifts without any additional fees.
For details about how to contribute to the campaign by means of stock, including Account Number and DTC Number, please visit this link: www.archbalt.org/stock-transfers
IRA disbursements can be made directly to St. John the Evangelist/Worthy is the Lamb Campaign.
For assistance, please email our Parish Controller, Trisha Corbi, at tcorbi@stjohnsp.org or call 410-647-4884.