International Mass returns to St. John the Baptist Parish

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DRAPER – St. John the Baptist Parish’s annual International Mass, which traditionally was held in January, was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While considering the matter, the parish staff decided the International Mass was being celebrated too close to Christmas, said Jennifer Kane, the parish’s office manager.

“January tends to be a rushed and hectic time after Christmas and the office staff was searching for a new date for the Mass,” she explained. While discussing it, her daughter, then a senior at Juan Diego Catholic High School, suggested the Mass be celebrated the weekend of Pentecost.

Because the description of the first Pentecost tells of the disciples speaking in different tongues, “everyone thought it was a great idea,” Kane said.

So this Pentecost Sunday, which falls on May 23, at the 11 a.m. Mass the tradition of the St. John the Baptist Parish International Mass will be back, with the readings and Prayers of the Faithful recited in multiple languages. An international potluck will follow the Mass.

“One of the readings will be read in Spanish, then one of the readings will be read in English and the Gospel in English,” said Kane. The Prayers of the Faithful will be read in multiple languages, including Korean and Filipino.

In the past, many of those attending the Mass have dressed in traditional clothing from their various countries of origin, and process into the church as the Mass begins.

“People from different cultures bring a great deal of diversity and beauty to the parish and to the Universal Church,” said Monsignor Joseph Mayo, a retired priest of the diocese who was pastor of St. John the Baptist from 2013 to 2017. Msgr. Mayo was one of the  pioneers for the idea of the International Mass being celebrated at the parish.

Among the many countries that have been represented at the parish’s International Mass are Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Scotland, Wales and the United States.

Kane invited everyone to attend this special celebration, and urged them to bring a dish for the potluck that will be held after the Mass. The parish will grill hot dogs and hamburgers for the potluck.