Fr. Augustine OnuohaPastor · St. John the Baptist

Pastoral Message from Fr. Augustine

Fellow parishioners,

I would like to bring to your notice that on June 11, 2026, as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S Bishops will consecrate our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop Rhoades is a significant part of this sacred moment, and I think it is what we need at this moment. Please join the bishops in praying for the unity and healing of our nation. We will do this as a parish and school family in the fall at a time that will be announced later.

June 14th at 4pm is the sung vespers for the commissioning of Diocesan Synod Delegates at the cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne. Every parish has a delegate. Please pray for our parish delegates. Deacon James and I are involved in this process in the coming months. We will continue that God will spread the fire of his love in our parishes and diocese.

I am happy to announce that my Summer Assistant Priest is Fr. Patrick Ernst. Fr. Patrick was ordained to the catholic priesthood on Saturday June 6th alongside Frs. Jonathan Hickey, Noah Isch, Sam Martinez and Greenan Sullivan. He spent the past several years studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was ordained a transitional deacon on October 2, 2025, at St Peter's Basilica in Rome. He loved to be home and spend time with the people of our diocese. I know him very well, and I am glad he will be my Summer Assistant Priest while I am away. Please extend all the love and support to him as well. I had a great conversation with him, and he is excited to be here at St John the Baptist church and school. He will resume on June 15 with a 9am Mass. He is looking forward to resuming his duties with great zeal, love and joy for God and you.

Fr. Augustine Onuoha