Pentecost Sunday
June 8, 2025
Confessions are held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at the northwest entrance (opposite the Adoration entrance) of the church.
For live Adoration or live Mass, click here to view our YouTube channel.
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Perpetual Adoration
Office Hours Parish (414) 321-1965 (414) 321-8540 School
Friday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
After Hours by Appointment Only
Our Staff
Father Michael Merkt, Pastor Email: mmerkt@stjohns-grfd.org
Steve Pemper, Deacon Email: spemper@aol.com
Denise Kasulke, Dir. of Administrative Services Email: dkasulke@stjohns-grfd.org
Karen Schulteis, Dir. of Liturgy & Music Email: kschulteis@stjohns-grfd.org
John Paul Shimek, Dir. of Lifelong Faith Formation Email: jpshimek@stjohns-grfd.org
George Pitman, Jr., Bookkeeper, Building & Grounds Email: gpitman@stjohns-grfd.org
Jan Sadlon, Parish Secretary Email: rectory@stjohns-grfd.org or jsadlon@stjohns-grfd.org
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Gospel Reflection
June 8, 2025
Pentecost Sunday
A bank vice president taught us etiquette classes when I was a seminarian almost 20 years ago. She said, “Gentlemen, please make sure your breath isn’t bad. Take some breath mints before you hear confessions, okay?” We nervously laughed because the proximity that makes breath noticeable (whether pleasant or not) can be awkward.
When Jesus breathed on his Apostles (John 20:22), he must have been within inches of at least some of them. This closeness of his breath has a purpose: the purpose of the forgiveness of sins. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23). Why in the world would the almost uncomfortable closeness of his breath forgive sins?
In the Bible, breath is spirit or wind. It comes from above and makes that which is below have an identity. To not have a single identity is to be multiple, divided. The word “sin” comes from an ancient word that means “to split” or “render asunder.” Sin separates us sinners, and the world around us; our spiritual “breath” leaves us, and our identity splinters - only breath from above restores. For example, a shattered vase is rendered whole because the craftsman breathes the spirit of the vase back into it when he repairs it. A human being shattered by sin is made whole by the breath of God, breathed by Jesus through his priests. His breath alone forgives sins. It's always done with his gentle, loving closeness.
Publications
Love One Another Catholic Campaign
In the Summer of 2021, we entered the pilot wave of the Archdiocesan campaign, "Love One Another." Below is a video we produced to present some of our case elements. For a more detailed description of our case elements, or if you want to donate, please click here.
Welcome
St. John the Evangelist is a Roman Catholic Eucharistic community faithful to the values and traditions of the Church. We strive to live our faith every day, to embrace stewardship, and to be nurtured by continuous Christian Formation.