St. John Paul II Catholic Mission

Our Mission

We aim to be a place of welcome and service to all. All are a part of our family. We greet many dear friends and visitors—from all denominations, and of no denomination—to celebrate the love and healing power of Christ with them.

As Mother Teresa said: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Who We Are

St. John Paul II Catholic Mission is a faith-filled parish serving the Rutledge community and surrounding areas, united by the love of Christ. We are a multicultural Catholic community, enriched by diverse cultures, backgrounds, and languages, joyfully celebrating Mass in English and Spanish.

Some of us have been Catholic our whole lives. Others are returning after time away. Many are exploring the Catholic faith for the first time. Wherever you find yourself on the journey, you are welcome here.

What We Believe

At the heart of our parish—and of the Catholic faith—is a simple and beautiful truth:

God loves you.

We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who entered our world, walked with us, suffered, died, and rose again so that we might have life and hope.

At Mass, we gather not merely to attend a service, but to encounter Christ, especially in the Eucharist, where Catholics believe Jesus is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity. The Mass is ancient yet alive, sacred yet welcoming, a place where God meets us just as we are.

A Parish Journey

Faith is not a destination—it is a journey. And we look forward to journeying with you. You do not need to have everything figured out to belong here. Questions are welcome, and growth takes time.

Our parish life extends beyond Sunday Mass. Through ministries, outreach, study, prayer, and fellowship, we strive to live the Gospel in practical and loving ways—serving one another and reaching out to those in need.

We warmly invite you to join us.

If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and wish to explore OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)—please reach out to us.

Our Hope for You

That you would feel welcomed. That you would encounter God’s mercy and love. That you would find a place to grow, serve, and belong. And that your heart will find rest in God.

As Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

We are grateful you are here. And we are honored to walk with you.

Welcome home.

Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

—St. Augustine