We are a sovereign Catholic Church independent from Rome that offers to all people and Christians a way to worship God that is nonjudgmental.  The parish seeks to be true to Christ and the creed by accepting all people regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, culture, or status in life and who desire to know Jesus Christ without feeling they are being pulled into a cult.

Fr. Jack grew up in a very religious Roman Catholic (RC) family in Philadelphia and pursued ordination to the priesthood for the diocese of Camden.  While in priestly ministry, he realized that many parishioners felt alienated, betrayed, and/or confused with the institutionalized church.  Most RC’s do not attend church, nor do they feel a connection.  Working in hospice Fr. Jack dealt with many former RCs who have now have their own spirituality/beliefs or have joined other faiths.  Many of them felt renewed and blessed in their new way of worship or private spirituality.  He started the Order of Companions to help those who are lonely and isolated with family living too far away to visit.  After establishing this group he realized that he needed to start a parish for those people who feel alienated from the RC church.  Now the Order of Companions falls under this  new Independent Catholic Church.  Mother Elizabeth is running it.  Anyone can join since it has three branches of membership.

A salient feature of the Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church is to offer the freedom of worship and the sacraments without the pressure of commitment or denial. 

Proclamation without subjugation.  Freedom is emphasized as you are free to participate in whatever degree you deem fitting in your heart.  Although, we are catholic, the evangelization of the Gospel is proclaimed in a spirit of love and truth.  We leave membership up to you and the Holy Spirit.  

We believe in Jesus Christ and the sacraments of the Church, yet we believe the Gospel is not only a sacred deposit, but that it is living and continues to be written within the very fabric of present day lives.

Admittedly, there are confusing doctrines and teachings that seem more manmade in the institutionalized Church than coming directly from God.  We are evolving in the sense of working to make progress in God’s truth, so that the gospel which is invaluable continues to be relevant to the challenges of modern-day life.  At Saint John the Evangelist we firmly believe that the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is a beautiful and generous gift from God is not to offered as a reward for the perfect, but as food for the journey of life to all who long for this spiritual gift. 

A person’s sexual identity and love interests are between them and God.  The sacrament of Confession which is a beautiful gift when done properly with a priest is not a requirement, but an option, since every person has a natural right and intuitive understanding to confess directly to God.  Annulments are not a doctrine in this church.  We understand that marriage is sacred and that unfortunately love can fail due to individual free will, betrayal, incompatibility etc.  God loves and understands when sincere efforts are thwarted.

We offer the Holy Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation) and Sacraments for the sick for those who desire it.

Currently, this new parish is only virtual until we establish the ability to get a structure to use for services.  We are currently serving the South Jersey area particularly the Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties.

Services are online starting at 1 PM on Sundays.  Fr. Jack will be praying mass but will only air the homily to share the message since a full virtual mass is less interactive for most people today.  Anyone wishing to receive holy communion directly are asked to contact the Church.