Guest Columnist&  

     In last week's bulletin I briefly described the situation regarding lack of affordable housing in the country, and right here!  Today I want to address a reasonable question regarding why this is an issue of such importance to Christian churches today.
     First, in Jeremiah in the Hebrew Scriptures we read:  "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." (Jer. 29,11)  We read the words of Jesus:  "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you& for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.  Just as you did it to one of the least of these& you did it to me." (John 25,34-36,40)  In that list of people who are poor and outcasts homelessness is not named, but it certainly fits in the category of conditions listed.
     The Church holds up human dignity and a share of god's bounty as a right of each person.  God's plan for all of us should be a source of hope.  And, the Church must lead the way in serving the needs of the poor, the disenfranchised, the outcasts, among us.  This is not a choice but a Gospel mandate if we are to live truly as people of faith.
     Popes and bishops consistently have challenged, implored, encouraged the faithful to be the presence of Christ in the midst of poverty and injustice.  The reality of the price of real estate in our time coupled with the growing disparity between the rich and the poor has created seemingly impossible problems, especially when it comes to affordable housing.  That is, unless, we choose to act as the chosen ones who are willing to work within our communities to bring about a share in human dignity for each person.
     There are things which can be done.  We can work together to alleviate this crisis.  Already many faith communities have come together to raise awareness of the issue.  Already some victories have been won through the legislative process and among non-profit corporations to address this problem.  We at St. John's will be working with churches of all denominations within our parish boundaries this fall to raise awareness of  the problem facing us all.  We will begin dialogues between church communities, public officials, and business leaders to search for ways in which we can, together, address the housing problem and find solutions.
     If this makes sense to you.  If you share our concerns.  If you are willing to help work at finding solutions, please give me a call at the parish office, 651-633-8333.  Your help is needed and welcome.

-- Deacon Joe Kenney

Dear Parishioners,
     With regret, I will say goodbye to St. John the Baptist this week to begin a new job in another parish.  This new position will allow me to expand my skills in development, stewardship and church growth.  It is a step I need to take to progress in my ministry.  Although it is hard to leave a church I love!
     Right away, I want to thank the volunteers with whom I have worked here.  I have enjoyed this network more than I can say. 
    Second, I thank the middle school teachers.  We had a challenging job and we have done it better every year!  My prayers are with the Middle School students and their families.
     This has been an excellent experience for me and I have the greatest affection for St. John the Baptist.  God Love You!
   -- Timothy Carter
    Middle School/Shared Ministry

Are You or Someone You Know Interested In Joining the Catholic Faith?
These are the months during which we try to extend a special invitation to people who we might know who would be interested in being Baptized as a adult, receive Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, renew and update themselves in understanding the Catholic Faith or join the Catholic Faith from another faith tradition.  If you know someone who is interested please invite them to give me a call or if you are interested call.  The group is getting formed for a new year.  RCIA which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is one of the most powerful experiences of God with a community of people growing, praying, encouraging, supporting and celebrating faith that you will ever have!  We always need sponsors too.  Give Mary Ann Zervas a call at 651-633-1540.