REFUGE OF DREAMS READOPTION DINNER (REFUGIO DE LOS SUENOS) – SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
We invite you back to the Refugio Readoption Dinner on Saturday, January 17, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM returning to the St. John Paul II Center to learn more about the Refugio from a graduate of the Refugio de los Suenos and give you the opportunity to feed the children of the Refugio through adopting or readopting the poorest of the poor in Quito, Ecuador. We last held this informative and festive and tasty dinner in March of 2020!
If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14–17)
We are also looking for volunteers to bring the delicious treats and entrees from Central and South America for this dinner…like fried plantains, chicken and rice, hornado, ceviche, or maybe even cuy (if you know, you know!). RSVP for the evening to Jennifer Strash in the parish office and use this link to sign up for the dish you are bringing!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DAFAF2FA2FCCE9-61465220-refugio
MEN’S ACTS RETREAT – SAVE THE DATE!
SJA Men of all ages, come and experience the love of Jesus Christ and foster a desire for international discipleship at the 2026 SJA Men’s ACTS (Adoration-Community-Theology-Service) Retreat
– Thursday, February 19 – Sunday, February 22, 2026
The ACTS Retreat is a parish-based event given by parishioners for parishioners which serves to build the Christian community at the parish. The ACTS Retreat experience is rooted in the Paschal Mystery in that retreatants will reflect on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are limited to 25 retreatants. The cost of the retreat is $150.00 per person with all meals, snacks and blessings included.
For more information, contact Pete Romeo at pnpromeo@cox.net.
SJA Women On The Same Page Book Club
You are invited to come and join us on January 13th, Tuesday, in the JPII Center. The book is: THE WORLD’S LAST NIGHT AND OTHER ESSAYS by C.S. Lewis. There will be seven meetings, every other Tuesday of the week, to complete the discussions. Social time is at 9:30 and discussion starts at 10:00 a.m. Please call or text Arlene Bradley @ 757-310-9079.
Join the NEW Children’s Choir at SJA Parish!
We’re thrilled to announce the formation of a brand-new Children’s Choir at Saint Joan of Arc Parish — and we’re looking for young voices to join us!
If your child loves to sing and is eager to grow in faith, music, and fellowship, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to shine! Through uplifting music, your child can play a special role in serving our church and enriching our parish liturgies.
Interested? Please reach out to:
• Dr. Heekyung Lee, SJA Music Director – heeorgan@gmail.com
• Donna Prantl, SJA Music Coordinator – dprantl@cox.net
We can’t wait to hear from you — and to hear your child’s voice!
Sunday of Advent
The blessing of our parish nativity scene, the Creche, will take place. All are welcome to bring your home nativity sets, and to enjoy the outdoor blessing and caroling surrounding our beautiful homemade parish nativity set, the Creche. Join for fellowship, hope and Christmas joy opening the Advent season.
