Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

FRUIT OF THE WORD

The seed is the word of God. The agricultural metaphors in all of today’s readings give richness to the message that the word of God, cultivated in our hearts, bears much fruit in our lives. Creation itself awaits the redemption of all, even as our bodies await the resurrection. Just as we will rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s word, so will all of creation sing for joy in the Reign of God. The word of God is effective and holy; it brings about exactly what it says. It is not futile or empty, but rich in meaning for those who hear and are healed. Those who hear the word of God and keep it will, with all creation, bear much fruit and sing for joy.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Masses for the Week

Announcements

In Memoriam

God has called former parishioner, Pat Roncskevitz, to himself. Let us pray that she may experience the joy and peace of eternal life. We offer our deepest sympathy and assurance of prayer for her family and friends.

Welcome / New Parishioners

Welcome to all our new parishioners! Please fill out a registration form found in the hall or vestibule, and put it in the collection basket. You can also register online. If you would like to receive Sunday envelopes and/or the Tennessee Register, please contact the office.

Mother’s Guild — Donuts for Donations

The Mother’s Guild will be serving Donuts for Donations after the 9am and 12pm Mass on July 19.

Mass Intention Forms

Mass Intention forms can be found in the vestibule and hall. If you fill one out, please put it in the collection basket.

Live Today

Live today the way you will wish you had lived when you stand in judgment before God. —Anonymous

St. John’s Enrichment Co-op

We are excited to announce St. John’s Enrichment Co-op, a homeschool community for K-8 (nursery included for younger siblings). At St. John’s Enrichment Co-op we exist to create a community of saints through enrichment by forming our children in faith and virtue. We will meet on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month starting August 2026 for morning Mass and enrichment classes (including art, science, Liturgy/Saints, and life skills). Registration is open until July 1, 2026. We are looking for more families to join, as well as adult volunteers for the school year. To register, volunteer, or for more info email: stjohnenrichmentcoop@gmail.com or speak with Raqueli DeWitt.

Kroger Community Rewards Program

The Kroger Community Rewards Program is an opportunity to raise funds for St. John by shopping at Kroger and swiping your Shopper’s card or entering your phone number. To begin this process go to https://www.Kroger.com/ and sign in or create a digital account. If you already have a digital account or Shopper’s card, simply link your shopper’s card to your account. If you have any questions call 1-800-576-4377.

Kroger Gift Cards

Our parish continues to give out gift cards each week to help those in our community with food and gas. If you would like to help, pick up a Kroger gift card the next time you grocery shop and drop it in the collection basket.

Online Giving

Here is the established QR code for the parish if you would like to make your donation online.

Financial Report

Bishop’s Annual Appeal: $235

Ministry Schedule

July 12, 2026

Lector: Viazcan

Eucharistic Ministers: Allison Revetta, Mike Jones, Tyler Moorehead

Altar Servers: Casper Astrologo & Harrison Warf

July 19, 2026

Lector: Peter Wilson

Eucharistic Ministers: Richard Johnson, Dustie Trahan, Wesley Trahan

Altar Servers: James Wilson & Anthony Brindle

Today’s Readings

First Reading — My word will achieve the end for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Psalm — The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest (Psalm 65).

Second Reading — We, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves awaiting the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:18-23).

Gospel — Some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit (Matthew 13:1-23 [1-9]).

Readings for the Week

Reflecting on the Word

While reflecting on the parable of the sower with seven-year-old children, they thought that the seeds were really God’s love and the soil represented all of humanity. And because we all have free will, they said, we can choose to accept God’s love or to reject it. Ultimately, it does not matter to God if we accept or reject, because God’s love is so abundant and unlimited.

Since this parable has an explanation in Jesus’ voice, I have never tried to think beyond the given analogy that the seeds are the word of God. As I pondered the children’s reflection, I realized that they didn’t really stray from scripture al all when they said that the seeds are the love of God instead of the word of God. God as Love and God as Word are the same. It was deeply moving to me to hear the children say that God would never reject anyone even if they did so themselves. God would keep reaching out until they accepted God’s invitation.

The Isaiah verse assures us that God’s love will never be wasted and will accomplish its intended purpose.

Excerpted from Living the Word

Birthdays

Birthdays: Katie Fender 7-12 · Angelia Collins 7-17

Prayer Requests

Agustin Fernandez, Ray Neiner, Gordon McKay, Jim Elliott, John Rawe, Darey Galindo, Susan & David Brindle, Jan Knox, Alice White, Mike Hull, Chris Rupp, Gina Rupp, Peggy Turvey, Valerie Villafane, Jim Davis, Zippy Ribeiro, Mary Childress, Patricia Davis, Ian Roncskevitz, Diana Pomatto, Adriana Stoltz, Elaine Johnson, John Lademan, Nan Leonard, Kansas Veron, Lynda Skillington, Howard & Joan Eddins, Mike Saites, Julia Schklar, Harry Brandon, Dorothy Walsh

Parents of Stephen Wilson: Richard & Francis Wilson

Daughter of John & Miriam Lademan: Elizabeth Lademan

Family & friend of Fr. Regi: Augustine & Aleykutty, Anaa Paul, Thomas Matthew, Dr. Josh Taylor

Family of Enid Fernandez: Frank Salinsky

Daughter of Cathy Handford: Alison Bryant

Friend of Theresa Bailey: Billy Davis

Family of Remie Yumul: Candy Yumul

Friend of Katie Viazcan: Ruby Hardemon

Family of Jan Knox: Sydney, Emma & Rob Cribley

Family of Chit Hernando: Lucena Balino, Julie Dawson

Family of Ally Saites: Ben Mills, Mae Gardner-Mills

Family of Don & Betty Barker: Richard Lakvold

Family & Friend of Paula Lykins: Bill & Sue Aufermann, Sandra Wilson, Lisa & Roger Ellis

Friends of Angelia Collins: Alissa Joslin, Nia Greer & C. Davenport

Cole Family & Friends: Joy Kilpatrick, Gina Wiser, Cody Murdock, Bryce Haney

McKay Family & Friends: Lisa Cross, Gwen Gillium, Dwayne Adams, Michael & Lindy McGuire, Richard Curtis, Capehart Kennedy, John & Peggy Pitcher, Emily Ross, Stacey Cothran, Jessica Stinnett, John Walker

Family & friends of Joe & Kim Stoltz: Todd Cashion, Liz Mealer, Anna Lassiter, Mike Hinson, Rebecca Russell, Jeff Cooper, Jessie Vasquez

Friends of Nan Leonard: Infant Thomas Lee Tice, Rhonda Ray, Geary & Elizabeth Land

Family & Friends of Lisa Jackson: Louisa, Wade, Lauri Hadley, Lois Conroy, Wade Wix, Kim Holder, Ben McCaslin, Bailey Allen, Evelyn Jefferson

Family & friends of Pat & Brenda Davis: Ryan & Alexandria Volk, Betsy Fox, Joseph Family, Mary Joyce Alms, Brent Davis, Larry Meyer

Family & Friends of the Eddins: Justin Jones, Mitzi Mangrum-Braun, Johnny Harrison, Terry Ring, Dwayne Sadler, Bill & Tony Eddins, Betsy & Mel Lane

Family of the Dearmans: Diana Hardey, Margaret Strobel, Sue Gossage, Linda, Terri & Mark Langdon, Bill Wiseman

Friends of Sandra Hull: Amanda & Mickey Adcox, John & Kayla Doble, Donald, Mason & Lorron Hobby, Tammy & Paul Hicks

Brother-in-law of Patty Beckman: Marvin Beckman

Friend of Mary Holton: Brad Burrow

Mission Statement

We, the members of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, recognize and respect our diverse and multicultural character. By the grace of God, we will nurture our spiritual community through prayer, service, and example to become one family in Christ.

Adoration

8:00 AM — 1st Saturday of the month

7:00 PM — 1st & 3rd Friday (Spanish)