Bishop Rodriguez, Monsignor Cruz announce Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Lubbock

 
LUBBOCK-Christ once asked of his disciples, “Go out into the world and make all people my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And teach them all I have commanded you.”

These words, known as the “Great Commission,” reside at the heart of the recent decision by Bishop Plácido Rodríguez, CMF, to create a new parish in one of the fastest growing areas in Lubbock. For this purpose, the Diocese purchased twelve acres of land on 108th Street and Indiana Ave, and Bishop Rodríguez appointed Msgr. David Cruz to serve as its founding pastor.

As preparations for the new parish continue to unfold, Monsignor Cruz announced that the parish is named Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church.

“The selection of Saint John the Baptist as the patron saint of the parish will provide the new congregation a strong identity for many years to come,” Monsignor Cruz said.
He said that the parish community will work to imitate the four values and attributes of John the Baptist of joy, humility, courage, and an unwavering love of Christ.
He said each of these attributes offers a rich, spiritual foundation.

At two parish information sessions, Monsignor Cruz provided information about possible Mass and office schedules and the different ministries needed for the parish, such as liturgical ministries, home visitation, and evangelization.

The sessions also included information about temporary worship space, located in a shopping center on the southwest corner of 98th Street and Indiana Avenue, to serve as the parish’s church, fellowship hall, and office space.

The structure will provide time for the congregation to organize the new parish, to design and create plans for a permanent structure, and to do the necessary fundraising for the construction of the church to be permanently erected on the purchased land on 108th Street and Indiana Avenue.

The temporary site is undergoing renovations and is scheduled to open in August. Originally constructed to serve a commercial business, the building is being modified to include an altar area, a kitchen, public restrooms, office space, and a reception area.
Once modified, the space should be able to accommodate up to 400 people.

The first Mass at the temporary location is tenatively set to be celebrated on the weekend of August 2, provided that the interior renovations and city inspections are complete.
“As Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church begins,” Bishop Rodríguez said, “we pray for its pastor and parishioners as they make straight and prepare the way for our Lord Jesus Christ through this new parish. St. John the Baptist, pray for us!”

For information on joining or supporting the new parish, contact e-mail StJohnBaptistLBK@gmail.com or call (806) 763-4156.

Follow the Diocese of Lubbock on Facebook for updates on the progress of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church.