Become a parishioner
Becoming a member of St. John the Baptist Parish is simple! If you are new to our community or if have been attending St. John the Baptist for a while but have not yet become a member of our Parish, we invite and encourage you to register. Father Carlson, our Pastor, likes to meet personally with each family and register them himself, so that he can get to know you and your family as you become members of our parish family.
You can make an appointment to register by calling the Parish Office at 952-474-8868. If you’d like to download, print and fill out the registration form prior to your meeting, you can click HERE for the form. Our Pastor would love to speak to you!
Contact:
Parish Office
952.474.8868
stjohns@stjohns-excelsior.org
Offertory Procession
The Offertory Procession at St. John’s
We are encouraged in the Roman Missal to bring forward our gifts for the poor and for the Church during the offertory, and have been doing so at St. John the Baptist since 1994. During the procession, we ask you to please come forward, bow before the altar, and offer your intentions at Jesus’ feet. Ask yourself “What or who will I lay down before the Lord this Mass?” As you bow, you can pray “Lord, I lay this down before you.” There are also baskets to leave offerings or money for the following:
- St. John the Baptist: To keep our Parish and its many ministries running! Both Giving Envelopes and cash are accepted. Online giving is also encouraged.
- ICA Food Shelf: For those who need assistance buying food. Non-perishable food items and toiletries (shampoo, toilet paper, etc.) accepted.
- SouthWest Options for Women: A pro-life pregnancy center; items collected for couples/individuals in need such as diapers, wipes, pacifiers, onesies, blankets, and cash.
Children at Mass
Children of all ages are welcome to join the parish family of St. John’s for the celebration of Mass. The Sacred Heart Library (across from the Adoration Chapel) is available during Mass for parents with infants. For those with toddlers or active children who need to step out of church during Mass, a Children’s Area is available in the Gathering Place.
Getting to know your parish family
Joining a new parish is like coming into a brand new family! St. John’s offers many opportunities, aside from just saying “hello” at Mass, to get to know your new brothers and sisters in the parish.
After most Sunday morning Masses, everyone is invited to our Gathering Place to enjoy refreshments. Coffee and tasty treats are offered by the people who serve in different ministries at St. John’s. Families come to say hello to one another, to get to know new members or visitors, or to just spend some “family” time together enjoying a donut.
We also have our annual Gala Fundraiser, an elegant and fun event each year where we all come together for dinner and dancing, along with silent and live auctions – this is another GREAT way to get to know your new parish family.
Finally, we have our Annual Parish Picnic & Corn Roast in September. This is a pot-luck event, with entertainment and fun and games for kids of all ages. It’s a relaxed and casual time to see your parish family and friends, and really get to know each other!
What if I’m not Catholic?
Everyone who comes to St. John’s is welcome and invited to participate in the Mass, even if you are not Catholic.
If you are not Catholic and are joining us for Mass, you may be concerned that you won’t know what to do and when! To assist those in Mass that want to be able to respond with the rest of the congregation, there are books in the pew that give the reader a step-by-step guide to what’s happening during the Mass and what the expected response will be from the congregation at each part of the Mass (this section can be found in the front of the book). This small paperback volume also shows the Scripture readings that will be read during each Mass, both daily and Sunday Masses, and you may use this to follow along with the Scripture, just by looking up the date on which you are attending Mass.
Each person is invited to join in the Offertory Procession if they choose. This occurs at the time that the gifts (the wine and bread) are brought to the Altar for consecration to become the Body and Blood of Christ. This procession is St. John’s offering collection, and is a little different from most churches you may visit. Earlier on this page, there is a detailed description of this procession.
At the Eucharistic Procession (Holy Communion) everyone is invited to come forward. All practicing Catholics who are in the state of grace can receive the Holy Eucharist at this time. If you are not a practicing Catholic, out of respect for the Holy Eucharist, you are asked to cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing.
If you are Catholic and are returning to the Church, if you’d like to learn more about the Catholic faith, or if you’re interested in becoming Catholic, St. John’s offers OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults; formerly known as RCIA) sessions, usually starting in the Fall. You can also always stop and chat with Father Carlson after Mass, or email him at Fr.carlson@stjohns-excelsior.org.
For an interactive website that has more information about the Catholic faith, please click HERE.