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August 3, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
It is with immense pleasure that I share these words with you and thank the Lord for all the blessings I have received from Him. The one who comes after me is greater than I, and I am not worthy to untie his straps (Mt 3:11). He must increase (Jn 3: 30). These are the words of our patron saint, John the Baptist. Therefore, all that we do as members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is ‘for the greater glory of God’ by following the four virtues – Joy, humility, Courage, and love.
Let me give you a short introduction so I can become closer to you and your family. I am the 5th child of 7. My parents have gone for their eternal reward. May God, in His mercy, grant them eternal rest. My parents and their parents and grandparents have all been Catholics. I had my primary and middle school education in a Catholic school. I served as an altar server in my home parish for nearly seven years until I finished high school.
On July 18, 1982, my parents and siblings helped me listen to God’s call to become a missionary priest to serve God and His people by joining the Indian Missionary Society, an indigenous congregation in India. I was ordained a priest in my home parish on May 2, 1997. After my ordination to the priesthood, I was sent to specialize in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism so that I could teach in the Seminary. By God’s grace and hard work, I topped the University and was a gold medalist. To help my congregation and superiors, I also received my Master's in Business Administration.
In 2016, I was asked by my superiors to go to the Catholic Diocese of Lubbock, Texas, to work on the invitation of Bishop Emeritus Placido Rodriguez. On February 15, 2016, I arrived here in Lubbock, TX. After two months at Christ the King, I was appointed the Pastor of St. Pius X Church, O’Donnell, St. Jude Church, Tahoka, and Blessed Sacrament Church, Wilson. I have served these churches for the last seven years (four years in Wilson). To be the pastor here at St. John the Baptist Church is my second appointment in the Diocese. I realize that I have received more from God than I could give to Him. God has been kind to me and has shown me His hand in my life. Therefore, I consider all my life experiences as blessings from God to me, an unworthy servant in His vineyard. I seek your prayers so that I may remain grateful to God and dedicate myself to serving Him and His people.
The month of August for Catholics is one of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every day she teaches us to trust in her Son, Jesus, and obey God’s divine plan. May our Blessed Mother be with us and intercede for us and our family members. We thank Jesus for giving His mother to be our mother. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother, whose solemnity we celebrate on August 15 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, intercede for us.
HAPPY THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
Peace and Joy,
Fr. John S. Rathinam IM
