The Garden Map
PASTOR PORTAL
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The Garden Map
Their life will be like a watered garden, they will sorrow no more. — Jer 31:12
MR
Daily Garden
Their life will be like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again.
— Jeremiah 31:12
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Today's Practices
1/7
Keep tending
1 of 7 practices complete. The garden grows with daily care.
14
DAY STREAK
Breviary
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LITURGY OF THE HOURS
Saints This Week
Confession
Last: Mar 2
THIS WEEK
Mon – Fri
8:00 – 8:20 AM
RSVP
Wednesday
5:00 – 5:20 PM
RSVP
Saturday
3:15 – 4:15 PM
RSVP
Sunday
5:00 PM
RSVP
By appointment
Fr. Shovelain or Fr. Gilde
RSVP
Next Pilgrimage
CP
Camino Portugués
Departing June 12, 2025
113 days away
Scripture
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
— Ps 119:105
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✦   Now write   ✦
— Your reflection —
Readings © Universalis / USCCB
Past Entries
Wed 18 Feb · Ash Wednesday
"Something shifted in the silence. The priest's thumb on my forehead and the words — Remember that you are dust…"
Joel 2:12–18 · Mt 6:1–6
Sun 16 Feb · 6th Sunday
"He stretched out his hand and touched him. Not from a distance. The Word became flesh and touched the untouchable…"
Lev 13:1–2 · Mk 1:40–45
Sat 14 Feb · Ss. Cyril & Methodius
"The garden is completely bare. But the roots are there, beneath the frost. I think that is me right now…"
1 Kgs 11:29–32 · Mk 7:31–37
Sun 9 Feb · 5th Sunday
"You are the salt of the earth. Not will be. Are. Present tense. Before I do anything. That undid me a little…"
Is 58:7–10 · Mt 5:13–16
This Week
Discover Pilgrimages
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
— Ps 84:5
FEATURED ROUTE · AMERICAN PILGRIMAGE
The Fire Road
Peshtigo → Champion, Wisconsin
FR
Walk the land that burned. Eighty-two miles through the forests and parishes of northeast Wisconsin — through the oldest mission ground, the Belgian settlements, nine Catholic parishes in a single procession — arriving on foot at the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States.
7 days ~82 miles Walking only Wisconsin
12 PILGRIMS + 1 PRIEST · JUN 2026
MORE AMERICAN ROUTES
The Potomac Way
Emmitsburg, Maryland → Georgetown, DC
7 days ~95 miles Walking only
From the Lourdes Grotto and Seton Shrine in the Catoctin hills, south through Antietam and Harpers Ferry, down the C&O Canal towpath to the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington. The arc of American Catholic history walked toward its greatest cathedral.
MAY 2026 SEP 2026
El Camino Real
Mission San Diego → Mission San Juan Capistrano
5 days ~75 miles 14–16 mi/day
Walk El Camino Real along the California coast from the Mother Mission in San Diego to the Jewel of the Missions at San Juan Capistrano. Five days, 14–16 miles each, through three active Franciscan missions. The Serra Chapel (1777) — oldest building in California — is where it ends.
AUG 2026 SEP 2026
EUROPEAN WALKING ROUTES · COMING SOON
Fully-walked routes only. 7–10 days. No buses. Every mile on foot.
COMING SOON
FA
Fatima Walking Route
Porto → Fatima, Portugal
8 days ~110 miles Walking only
Walk south from Porto through the wine country of the Douro, across the Serra d'Aire, to the Cova da Iria where Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.
COMING SOON
LO
Lourdes Pilgrimage Walk
Toulouse → Lourdes, France
7 days ~95 miles Walking only
Follow the old pilgrim road through the foothills of the Pyrenees to the Grotto of Massabielle, where Bernadette heard the Lady say: I am the Immaculate Conception.
COMING SOON
IR
Saint Patrick's Way
Dublin → Croagh Patrick, Ireland
10 days ~145 miles Walking only
Cross Ireland on foot from the ancient monastic city of Armagh to the holy mountain where Patrick fasted for forty days. Through bogland, stone walls, and the oldest Christian landscape in the North.
COMING SOON
CA
Camino Francés
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Santiago
10 days ~155 miles Walking only
The royal road. Cross the Pyrenees on foot and walk the ancient Way of St. James through Pamplona, Burgos, and León to the great cathedral where the apostle rests.
days
distance
About This Journey

Availability
Itinerary
Daily Rhythm
What's Included
Reserve Your Place
PRICE PER PERSON
all inclusive · meals, accommodation, daily Mass
DEPOSIT TODAY
$400
balance due 60 days before
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EMAIL ADDRESS
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My Journeys
There and back again
Upcoming
CP
Camino Portugués
Jun 12–26, 2025 · Lisbon to Santiago
Preparation — 40% complete
113
days away
Preparation Checklist
✓
Register & pay deposit
✓
Book flights to Lisbon
Break in walking boots (12+ hours)
Complete pre-pilgrimage reading list
Obtain pilgrim passport (credencial)
Purchase travel insurance
The Red Book
Your pilgrimage journal — notes, reflections, and graces from the road.
Camino Portugués · Pre-departure Notes
— Your intentions for this pilgrimage —
Saved to your Red Book
Past Pilgrimages
LN
Lourdes & Nevers
August 2023 · 8 days
12 journal entries
AL
Advent & Lent Circle
Moving through the liturgical seasons together
8
members
47
prayers offered
● Active
Thursdays 7pm
Thursday, Apr 10 · 7:00 PM
St. John the Baptist · Room 112 · 8 attending · 2 not responded
MARIA C.
2 hours ago
Fr. Paul's surgery next week — please keep him in prayer. He goes in on Tuesday.
🙏 Praying · 7
JAMES O.
Yesterday
For my son who is leaving for college in the fall. That the faith takes root and holds.
🙏 Praying · 12
SARAH K.
2 days ago
For the souls of all those who died in the Peshtigo Fire. That they are remembered by more than fire.
🙏 Praying · 9
Unlocks After Departure
This space opens on Apr 27, 2027 — the day you leave. Photos, reflections, and memories from the road will live here.
Current Reading
§
The Interior Castle
St. Teresa of Ávila
Currently on: Mansion IV
Shared Scripture
This Week's Focus
"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself."
John 15:4
Pilgrimage Details
CP
Camino Portugués
Jun 12–26, 2025 · Lisbon to Santiago
113 days away
Group Prep Checklist
✓
All deposits paid
✓
Group WhatsApp created
Shared reading list distributed
Boot-breaking walk scheduled
Pre-departure Mass booked
Route Notes
All Groups
Love one another as I have loved you.
— Jn 15:12
Prayer Wall
Carry one another's intentions
Recent Intentions
AN
ANNE N.
Please pray for my mother's surgery on Friday. She is afraid, but trusting. We are offering our Rosary for her.
1 hour ago
14 praying
LC
LUCIA C.
Offering my morning Rosary for your mother, Anne. Our Lady accompanies her into the theatre.
30 min ago
TK
THOMAS K.
Thanksgiving! After 3 years of discernment, I've been accepted to the diaconate formation program. Deo gratias.
3 hours ago
32 rejoicing
AN
ANNE N.
Thomas, this is such a gift for the Church. We will be praying for your formation years.
2 hours ago
MC
MARY C.
Deo gratias indeed! What a road it has been. So happy for you.
1 hour ago
LC
LUCIA C.
For my son who has left the faith. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him today on your feast day.
Today
28 praying
TK
THOMAS K.
Lucia, I pray for my brother the same way. We do not lose hope. The prodigal always has a father watching the road.
2 hours ago
Add Your Intention
Today's Collective Rosary
Offering today's Rosary for all sick and suffering members. Mysteries: Sorrowful.
47
praying today
Parish Hub
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
— 1 Cor 12:27
This Week's Bulletin
1st Sunday of Lent
March 1, 2026 · St. John the Baptist
FROM THE PASTOR
Dear friends, as we enter the holy season of Lent, I invite each of you to embrace the three pillars — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — not as burdens, but as pathways deeper into the heart of God. This week our parish welcomes the RCIA candidates who will receive the sacraments at Easter. Please hold them in prayer.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Every Friday at 7pm through Good Friday. All are welcome. Childcare provided.
SOUP SUPPER
Join us after Stations for a simple soup supper prepared by parish volunteers. Sign up to bring a pot.
HOLY THURSDAY MASS
Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:30pm. Followed by Adoration until midnight.
SECOND COLLECTION
Next weekend for Catholic Relief Services. Your gift serves those suffering around the world.
Restoring the Fold
Participation
Recent Intentions
AN
ANNE N.
Please pray for my mother's surgery on Friday. She is afraid, but trusting. We are offering our Rosary for her.
1 hour ago
14 praying
LC
LUCIA C.
Offering my morning Rosary for your mother, Anne. Our Lady accompanies her.
30 min ago
TK
THOMAS K.
Thanksgiving! After 3 years of discernment, I've been accepted to the diaconate formation program. Deo gratias.
3 hours ago
32 rejoicing
LC
LUCIA C.
For my son who has left the faith. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him today on your feast day.
Today
28 praying
Add Your Intention
THE GARDEN MAP · TRAIL GUIDE
LOCATING
CAMINO PORTUGUÊS LISBON TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA 614 KM · 14 DAYS MAR OCEANO Rio Minho LISBON Start · Day 1 Setúbal Alcácer do Sal Santiago do Cacém PORTO Day 10 · Approx. Póvoa de Varzim Viana do Castelo Day 12 · 82km to go Caminha TUI España Border SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Goal · Day 14 N S W E 0 100 200 km LEGEND Completed Remaining Major Town Rest Stop You Are Here YOUR PROGRESS Day 12 of 14 · 532 of 614 km walked
CURRENT STAGE
Viana do Castelo → Caminha
TODAY'S WALK
28 km
TO SANTIAGO
82 km
Notifications
Updates from your parish & groups
📣
Stations of the Cross — Tonight 7pm
Join us for Stations followed by the Lenten Soup Supper in the parish hall. All are welcome.
2 hours ago · St. John the Baptist
✦
James M. completed all 7 practices
Your group member James hit a full week streak in the Advent & Lent Circle. Pray for him!
5 hours ago · Advent & Lent Circle
🙏
Anne's prayer intention: 28 now praying
Anne's prayer for her mother's surgery is being carried by the community. Add your prayer.
Today · Prayer Wall
📖
Today's Scripture is ready
Friday, 1st Week of Lent · Ez 18:21-28 · Ps 130 · Mt 5:20-26
6:00am · Daily Reading
📋
This week's bulletin is available
1st Sunday of Lent · March 1, 2026 · St. John the Baptist
Yesterday · Parish Bulletin
🎬
Sunday Mass recording available
Missed the 10am Mass? The recording is now available in the Parish Hub.
Sunday · Livestream
💛
Your gift of $50 was received
Thank you. Your generosity supports the mission of St. John the Baptist. Tax receipt on file.
Feb 22 · Parish Giving
Notification Settings
DAILY SCRIPTURE
6:00am each morning
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the parish office
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY
When group members post or pray
CONFESSION REMINDER
Saturday afternoon
GIVING RECEIPTS
After each donation
View As
day streak
confessions
communions
Confession
Holy Communion
Spiritual Intentions This Season
Daily Practices
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Choose 1–7 practices. These appear in your Daily Garden each morning.
Liturgical Season Preview
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THE GARDEN MAP
St. John the Baptist
Good morning, Father.
NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION
VOCATIONS WATCH
Private. Only you can see this.
PILGRIMAGE INTEREST
These parishioners have expressed interest. A personal word could change their life.
THE GARDEN MAP
Parish Admin
1,847 parishioners
Diocese of Springfield
Bishop's Dashboard
47 parishes · 31 priests · Lent 2026
Avg Health Score
68
↑ 3 pts YoY
Total Attendance
28.4k
— est. weekly
Parishes at Risk
6
score below 40
Annual Giving
$18.2M
↑ 5% vs 2025
Parish Health Map
All parishes →
82
St. John the Baptist
79
St. Patrick's
71
Holy Family
68
St. Joseph's
64
Our Lady
61
St. Brendan
58
St. Anne's
43
St. Michael
38
St. Francis
Showing 9 of 47 parishes · tap for detail
Early Warning · Parishes in Decline
St. Francis of Assisi · Millbrook
Score 38 · headcount down 24% · app engagement near zero · priest at 140% capacity
Consolidation review recommended
St. Michael's · Riverside
Score 43 · giving down 3 consecutive quarters
Stewardship intervention needed
Our Lady of Sorrows · East Glen
Score 51 · new pastor transition · monitoring
Watch · new assignment March 1
Clergy Capacity
Full view →
Fr. James Sullivan · St. Brendan / Holy Family
2 parishes · ~1,200 families · above capacity
Overloaded
3 retirements projected · 2026–2027
Frs. O'Brien, Walsh, Kowalski · succession needed
Planning
Seminary pipeline · 4 in formation
Ordination projections: 2027, 2028, 2029
Pipeline
All Parishes
47 parishes · sorted by health score
82
St. John the Baptist
Attendance ↑6% · Giving ↑9% · Groups active
Thriving
79
St. Patrick's · Midtown
Large urban parish · strong young adult cohort
Thriving
71
Holy Family · Westside
Growing Hispanic community · Spanish Mass added
Growing
64
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Strong cultural devotion · Quinceañera ministry
Stable
58
St. Brendan's · Northside
Clustered · Fr. Sullivan · needs support
Stable
43
St. Michael's · Riverside
Giving decline · headcount flat · low app engagement · intervention
At Risk
38
St. Francis of Assisi · Millbrook
Severe decline · consolidation under review
Critical
Clergy Management
31 priests · 12 deacons · Diocese of Springfield
Active Priests
31
— 3 vacancies
Deacons
12
↑ 2 ordained '25
Overloaded
4
above capacity
Seminary
4
in formation
Capacity Overview
Fr. Paul Shovelain · St. John the Baptist
1 parish · 612 families · balanced
Healthy
Fr. James Sullivan · 2 parishes
~1,200 families · overextended · wellness flag
Overloaded
Fr. Michael O'Brien · Holy Family
Retirement projected Dec 2026
Retiring
Deacon Eduardo Martinez
St. Brendan · liturgy of the word + outreach
Active
Succession Planning
3 retirements in 18 months
O'Brien (Dec 2026), Walsh (Mar 2027), Kowalski (Jun 2027). Current seminary pipeline has 2 ordinations before end of 2027. Gap of 1–2 priests. Consider cluster expansion or extern priest arrangements.
Consolidated Financials
Diocesan financial overview · 2026
Total Giving YTD
$4.2M
↑ 5% vs 2025
Assessment Collected
94%
↑ from 91%
Capital Campaigns
3
active diocese-wide
Assessment Arrears
$142k
5 parishes behind
Parish Giving Trends
2021
$15.8M
2022
$16.9M
2023
$17.4M
2024
$17.9M
2025
$17.3M
2026
$18.2M ↗
Safe Environment Compliance
Background Checks
96%
Virtus Training
91%
Youth Ministry Cert.
78%
Annual Renewal
73%
Strategic Planning
Parish Consolidation Modeling
3 potential clusters identified in Millbrook, Riverside, and East Glen corridors. Projected savings: $340k/yr. Requires episcopal decision by Q3 2026.
Hispanic Community Growth
Hispanic Catholic population in diocese grew 18% since 2020. 4 parishes with >30% Hispanic households lack Spanish-language programming. Westside corridor is highest priority.