75. St. John the Martyr (CLOSED)

NOTE: In 2015 this church closed down and was merged into the churches of St. John Nepomucene and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Roosevelt Island) as part of the Archdiocese of New York's great closings & mergers of 2015. Only St. John Nepomucene and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini will remain open for regular Masses and other events. This combined parish of East River Catholic churches is called the Church of St. John Nepomucene, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini & St. John the Martyr. (PS - I'm sad this church closed as I thought it was really beautiful and it was a very comfortable and safe sanctuary against the sometimes ugliness of the city. If, in fact, this church isn't closed, or you know more about whether it remains open or not, please leave a note in the comments section below.)

(church info last updated 04/08/2016)
Address: 250 E. 72nd St. (@ 2nd Ave.)
Phone: 212.744.4880
Church Constructed: 1888
Links:
"When was it built and who designed it?"
Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

SATURDAY DAILY MASS

I'm so distracted lately. I feel in the past that I visited these churches with zeal and intensity, and as of today, not as much. I think I just have a lot on my mind - basically all the job/employment hogwash I've been bitching about. It's as if I cannot really enjoy all the parts of my life, because one main part of my life, my job, isn't what I want. I was telling my friend last night that I've realized I'm not the type of person that tends to drink when sad or depressed, but actually only enjoys drinking when things are going mostly overall well - more of a celebratory drunk. So, as of now, I'm not enjoying any extracurricular activities as much recently because that other part of my life (employment!) just doesn't feel right any more, doesn't feel good, I'm not settled, not happy with it. I've got to become more focused on my job search, and thus my life.

All that being said, this church, St. John the Martyr on the east side, is an absolutely awesome little church, and it was a great church to attend Mass in - comfortable, cozy and just a good feeling. I think I was too caught up in the stupid business of my mind to enjoy it at the time, but looking back on the experience and these pictures it was great to be there. The building was constructed as the chapel of part of a larger Presbyterian church in 1888 and was taken over by a Catholic parish in 1904. There are some nice little artistic details to be found on the exterior, above the altar, on the door and other little places you look.


A thought, real quick, something my friend in L.A. asked me recently when we were discussing a a sick family member and all the many prayers being offered for their healing: "What about the people out there in the world who have no one to pray for them? Does God watch over them, does God help them, or are they destined to suffer because they either know no one or those they know do not pray?"

Perhaps someone out there can help offer a better response than I did, which was basically: God and the saints reserve a special place for these folks in their thoughts, gifts and graces since those people are, in a prayerful sense, alone down here. I also offered that there are whole congregations and holy orders that say special intentions for those that have no one to pray for them. And also that I, and we as spiritual people, should offer up prayers to those who have no one to pray for them.

I meant to work more on my resume and job search today than I have, but I eventually became too consumed in all the many escapes of life. It seems like this always happens to me. Distractions and disruptions and then I'm back to where I've begun.