A Word From Our Associate . . .

A fantastic event will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Saturday, January 1, 2000 from 1 p.m.-- 6 p.m.It is called "Jubilee Jam," an event co-sponsored by the Archdiocese and NET ministries.  Lino Rulli, host of the popular youth-oriented cable television series, "Generation Cross," will MC this event featuring speakers Kally King-Yanta, as well as members of the Minnesota Vikings (e.g., Coach Dennis Green) and Minnesota Twins.  A concert by Christian recording artist Tammy Trent and a Mass with Archbishop Harry J. Flynn are also part of the day.  The entire event is FREE of charge, and each participant will have the opportunity to win a trip to Rome for World Youth Day 2000.  I encourage you to invite your kids, or others you know, to attend the event.  I think it will be exceptional, and probably far more exciting than even the college bowl games.  Advanced reservations could be obtained by calling the NET Ministries (651) 450-6833 by December 17 (brochures also available).  It may also be possible to show at the last minute, if the Cathedral is not totally full.  Calling the number above would help you know.
Archbishop Flynn writes, "I would appreciate your prayers.  Something very good is happening with our young people.  They are demonstrating a renewed interest in their faith and active involvement in the Church.  Their vitality and idealism is a gift to us all.  It is my personal hope to see the Cathedral filled with young people beginning the new millennium pointed in the right direction -- towards Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate to the broader community the faith and goodness of our Catholic young people.
Again, I highly recommend this event.  Let's pray, pray, pray for our young people.  My experience is that when young people today come back to the church and get involved, they become very excited about and committed to their faith.  One Preface to the Eucharistic prayer reads, "O Lord you renew the Church in every age, by raising up men and women outstanding in holiness, living witnesses of your unchanging love."  I firmly believe that even at this very moment, God's grace is falling upon the youngest generations; eight, twelve, and sixteen year olds, positioning, preparing, and inviting them into an ever-deepening love affair with the divine.  God has wonderful plans for the future.

School News&
ST. JOHN'S STUDENTS COMPETE IN QUIZ BOWL
Four eighth grade students will represent St. John the Baptist School at the annual Catholic Grade School Quiz Bowl on December 13.  Robb Soukup, Rachel Carson, Justin Lee and Brianna Goad will join contestants from Twin Cities area schools in competition at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium on the campus of the University of St. Thomas.  The quiz bowl is sponsored by the ten Twin Cities Catholic High Schools.
On Thursday, December 16, you are invited to attend our Christmas Program, "A Child for all Time" at 7:00pm in Church.  We encourage all of you to participate and enjoy our gift of love to you.
Christmas vacation begins Thursday, December 23 with dismissal at 12:25.  There are NO CLASSES for kindergarten on December 23.

Youth Newz&
YOUTH NEWZPAPER MAILED LAST WEEK
Watch your mail for our December issue!  It has a registration brochure for our Lutsen trip and tons of pictures from our first Jr. High retreat.  Don't miss it!

JR. HIGH HOLIDAY DANCE
December 22, 6:30--9:00pm
All 7-8th graders are invited!  No charge.  We will have a DJ with a sound and light show.  Free snacks and beverages.

     
If you would like to remember someone during the Christmas season, we invite you to donate, in their name, to the Christmas plant, wreath & tree fund.  To do so, please complete the form below & send it with $15 to the parish center or drop in the Sunday collection.

In memory of: _________________________________

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From_________________________________________


Amount Enclosed____________