Lay ministers provide weekly word/communion services to residents.  Mass is celebrated once a month at all the care centers with ministers who assist the clergy. Twice a year we celebrate the sacrament of the sick at the care centers and as needed, we go to minister on individual basis. 

Lay ministers bring friendship, love, presence, and a living reminder of God’s love to those who can no longer get to church for worship and community.

“Old age is the crown of the steps of life.” As in the finale of a great symphony, all the great themes of life combine to a mighty harmony.

Befriender Ministry

The role of a Befriender is to be a companion on the journey, through listening, presence, and compassion. Befriender ministers bring with them the caring presence of God and the community.  We currently have 25 active Befrienders.  A training is offered in the fall of the year as needed.  We meet every other month from September through May for ongoing support, and continuing education and personal growth.

Befrienders are matched with individuals who have asked for companionship for a variety of reasons. We minister to people who are walking with grief, with those facing end of life and with some who are lonely.  The Befrienders faithfully meet and cultivate a relationship that for many of them last years.  This is truly a ministry of presence and listening well.  Some of our Befrienders are hospital ministers as well.  The Befriender ministry fosters community within the Befrienders themselves which then gets extended to the greater community.  It continues to flourish at St. John’s and welcomes new members each year.

Hospital Eucharistic Ministry

St. John’s parishioners bring Eucharist to all the Catholics at Unity hospital every Wednesday and Friday and to all the Catholics at St. John’s hospital every Thursday. This is graced time for Eucharistic ministers to reach out beyond our church walls and bring the gift of Eucharist to those who are sick.  We have 20 parishioners who serve in this ministry.

Grief Ministry

St. John’s is part of the Growing Through Loss program, which is held twice a year at various churches in the area.  Our parishioner, Sue Amos Palmer is co-coordinator of this program and we have parishioners who serve on the steering committee and also facilitate small groups during the course of the program.

Prayer Letter

Donna Craig, a St. John’s parishioner has written the monthly prayer letter for many years now.  This prayer letter gets sent to anyone who wishes to receive it and serves as a connection for parishioners and another way to pray together.

Prayer Line

We also have a prayer line, which is available for prayer requests that are passed on three times during the day.  Our bulletin has a prayer list for anyone requesting prayers for themselves.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

835 2nd Avenue NW

New Brighton MN 55112

651-633-8333