MISSION STATEMENT

   We, the people of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community, are gathered together in Columbia, Maryland to enable ourselves and others to experience God's presence in this place and time and in the future. We are called in Baptism to be God's people. As a community centered around the Eucharist, we Joyfully proclaim Jesus Christ as Our Lord and accept His mission as our own.

   St. Johns was formed in 1967, within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, to bring a Roman Catholic presence to Columbia as a part of a vision of the interfaith religious life. As a parish uniquely formed within an interfaith community, we are challenged to give expression by our lives to the faith we have received and to discover the new areas in which to cooperate with other faith communities. As a member of the Columbia Cooperative Ministry, we are committed to ministering to the people in our city in a true interfaith and ecumenical spirit. We encourage mutual respect and cooperation among people of all faiths.

   We are a faith community of all ages. We span the spectrum of economic levels, cultural backgrounds, and different approaches to social, political and even religious concerns. Yet, the sum of our differences is small in comparison to the great sense of apostleship we share. Our differences are a blessing which challenges us and we commit ourselves to address those conditions which hinder us from becoming one.

   We acknowledge the special needs each one of us has, whether living in a family unit or alone. In Jesus name we accept and support one another throughout the stages of our lives. We commit ourselves to discover and nurture each one's talents and to enable each one through catechesis, witness, and worship to respond fully to Christ's call.
   We are committed to sharing our gifts with those around us. We pledge ourselves to serve those who are in need, both by our personal and our community's direct assistance and advocacy; to be instruments whereby our service and caring will enable people to be liberated from their burdens; and to witness to all people the values preached in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

   We treasure the gift of Our Lord in sign and sacrament. We gather as a community of believers to celebrate God's presence in our lives, to deepen our faith, and to renew our commitment to His service. In the breaking of the bread, we seek to be united and to reconcile with the Lord Jesus and with one another. We seek to become that which we celebrate.

   Filled with the strength of the spirit and with the love of the Father, we are sent forth to carry out His will in our words and deeds. In all we do, we pray unceasingly for the guidance and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we are St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community.