From Patient to Community
I can still remember the moment St. John's felt like home. It was a cold December in 2018, and my dad and I asked the Information Desk at the Mayo Clinic how to get to the chapel through the subway system. That walk from the Clinic to the chapel soon became familiar. It was our first of many daily Masses in that chapel, as we commuted from Illinois to find answers and finally manage diagnoses, and I found respite in my Catholic Faith.
Chapel at the Co-Cathedral where daily Mass is held.
Fast forward to 2020, and after participating in a month-long chronic pain rehabilitation program at Mayo, which quite literally changed my life, I was inspired, as a grateful patient, to embark on the journey of moving here and becoming an employee at Mayo. After living here for four months, I like to say that Mayo “saved my life” by intervening before my organs began to fail me.
All the while, St. John’s has remained a steady staple in my life. I have gone to Mass here with friends to share in community and that sense of belonging one feels when stepping foot in the gathering space, with hospitality folks ready to greet you!
As to the part where St. John’s officially became my home, I think back to the last time my sister was visiting. She has been the organist at her parish for many years, and we both were taking in the sounds of Sebastian and the talents he shares. After a short conversation after Mass, he invited me to join the choir ensemble. Later that week, I attended a choir practice, and thanks to a kind invitation from Laura, who is also one of the choir members in the ensemble, I was encouraged to join the parish. It only took me four years to officially become a member of this parish, which I’ve called home for all these years now. It has been a joy contributing to the church in this way and I would recommend it to anyone considering it!
I also want to thank Michelle for reaching out to me when I joined the parish. I have truly never had an individual take interest in my spiritual journey as she did when I was offered a meet and greet to help feel welcome. I am humbled by the emphasis this parish places on the well-being and development of its members' faith, and I am excited to continue participating more, especially as my graduation is on the horizon.
My story is certainly only beginning here at St. John’s and in the community, and I would not be the same person had it not been for the simple gestures of kind people, inviting me to community and belonging. If it can inspire someone to feel encouraged to engage, I will only encourage you to hopefully feel the same kind of fulfillment gained.
Rosemary Dust