In my book of Christian Prayer, I keep certain prayer cards of people who were an important part of my life.  One of them reads:   
                       In Loving Memory Of
    Daniel N. Murtaugh
    Born: April 26, 1964
    Died:  October 14, 1987
My nephew, Dan, died at the age of 23, alone, in the woods.  His body was found by a stranger.  The police had to inform my brother that his son died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound:  suicide.  Why?  All of us who loved Dan were looking for answers why a young man, who seemed to enjoy life and who had an easy-going   attitude, would do this.  Were there signs that we missed?  He had struggled with drugs; went through treatment; he seemed to be getting his life back on track.  No letter or notes were left by Dan as to why he would end his life. 
     Professionals who study suicide say that some      people are not fully equipped to handle life as it must be lived on this earth.  Something in the essential mechanism that one needs to greet (not just endure) each day is mission, and it gives some people             unbearable pain. The professionals call this "pysch-ache".  Some who take their own lives don't want to die, they want to live, but something is missing internally. 
     The Church has become much more compassionate for people like Dan.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes this clear:  "We should not despair of the eternal     salvation of persons who take their own lives.  By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the     opportunity for salutary repentance.  The Church prays for those who have taken their own lives...Grave       psychological disturbances,  anguish or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide." (#2282--83). By the way, the name Daniel means, "God is my judge". 
     When you or I see a kid, a teen, anyone, lets         encourage them with a smile, a few kind words, a prayer.  Let your kids know how much you love them. 
     And to everyone who reads this, you make a difference.
     Somebody is very proud of you.
     Somebody is thinking of you.
     Somebody is caring about you.
     Somebody misses you.
     Somebody wants to be with you.
     Somebody hopes you are not in trouble.
     Somebody wants to hold your hand.
     Somebody hopes everything turns out right.
     Somebody wants you to be happy.
     Somebody wants you to find him/her.
     Somebody trusts you.
     Somebody needs your strength.
     Somebody is alive because of you.
     Somebody would do anything for you.
     Somebody wants you to know they are there for           
     you.
     Somebody wants to get to know you better.
     Somebody loves you for who you are.
     Somebody wants to protect you.
     Somebody needs you to have faith in them.
     Somebody wants to hug you.

You never know what kind of difference a little encouragement can make to a person!

BEFRIENDER MINISTRY

Befriender Candidates:  Meeting this Wednesday,       October 13, 7:00pm in the parish center.  Training Topics:  "SMALL STEP APPROACH" and "CONFIDENTIALITY".  We are pleased to welcome     Barbara Compton to  candidate training, she joins Anne Riley, Diane Curley and Kathy Kapala.  Please pray for our candidates and all who serve St. John's in ministry.

GROWING THROUGH LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT
Tuesday, October 12, 7pm, St. Odilia Catholic Church, Shoreview.  "THE GRIEVING FAMILY".  In our third    session, founder of Growing Through Loss, Janice        Winchester-Nadeau, Ph. D., Licensed Psychologist,    Marriage and Family Therapist, describes how loss     affects family members in various ways.  You are invited to attend one or all of the sessions in our Fall series.  For more information call the Pastoral Ministry office or check the bulletin boards in church.