Sowers of Justice&

HOUSING FORUM WITH LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES
Last week pastors of six area churches and members of each of their congregations met at St. John's to plan a forum to address the topic of affordable housing.  All legislative candidates from this area will be invited to attend the forum and participate.  The purpose is (1) in increase the general knowledge regarding critical issues with regard to housing, (2) learn of possible plans of action to address these issues, (3) to present a faith based perspective on the issues, and (4) enlist the support of legislative candidates regarding these issues.  The forum is sponsored jointly by several area churches and will be held at St. John the Baptist on the evening of Thursday, September 28.  Please mark your calendars now.  This is a chance for people of faith to take a stand by our presence to show our interest and concern for the moral objective of decent housing for all.  It is our intention to expand this discussion after the election to include other public officials and area business leaders.  If you share our concern about the housing crisis and are interested in becoming involved, or if you just want to explore the issue, call Deacon Joe Kenney, 651-633-8333.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING
The St. Vincent De Paul Society meeting is Tuesday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. All parishioners are welcome to become a part of this charitable organization.  If you are interested, but are unable to attend, please call Deacon Rod Palmer @651-639-0137.

Bible Study&
Question #1  Are you comfortable with a variety of people?
Question #2  Are you looking for ways to deepen your faith?
Question #3 Do you have a knack for bringing out the best in people?
Did you say YES to the above questions?  Is that your final answer?  You are on your way to becoming a millionaire!  Not in the economic sense, but in the million blessings you receive when you spend time with other's in God's name.  And&     because you would be a terrific small group facilitator.  Would you consider this opportunity?  There will be a 4 session facilitator training to give you the information you need.  Training begins September 11, the Bible Study begins October 9. 
What should you do next?  1) Consider participating in our small group Bible Study  2) Prayerfully consider being a small group facilitator 3)  Attend the training session to better determine if you are able to take on a facilitator role or be involved in another way.

So become a millionaire (spiritually) and sign up for the fall Bible Study by registering in the narthex or by calling Darlene Tucker @ 651-786-2754 or Joanne Smith 651-636-7736 .

Seniors News&

BRANSON TOUR
On December 4-8 the Silvertones will be sponsoring a tour to Branson, Missouri.  The trip will include bus transportation, five shows, several meals and other features.  Details of the trip are in a flyer in the "seniors" box on the bulletin board at the west entrance.  Cost of the trip is $499.  The trip is open to anyone.  We have limited space available so anyone considering the trip should follow up immediately.  Call Deacon Joe Kenney for more information, 651-633-8333.

CASINO TRIP!  Wednesday, September 6, 2000  You get a day between Labor Day and our next Casino trip.  $6, with $5 back at the   Casino.  Bingo on the bus.  Flyers are in the back of church or at the parish office.

Bulletin Board&
WOMEN'S RETREAT
Franciscan Retreat in Prior Lake, MN.  September 19-21.  Theme:  Jesus, Justice, Journey, Joy
Celebrating the Jubilee Year
Car pool leaving from St. John's. 
Call Mary Jane @651-633-6497/ Mary Ellen@763-795-8874

IMPORTANT READING
What does the future hold for Catholics and their parishes with the growth of our archdiocese and the fewer number of priests?  In an important article in the August 31 issue of The Catholic Spirit, Fr. Gregory Welch explains some of the factors that will come into play as our archdiocese moves to meet pastoring needs over the next 15 years.  We encourage you to read this commentary column in our archdiocesan newspaper.  To subscribe to the Catholic Spirit please call Deb @651-633-8333.

WEEKLY COLLECTION

Last Week                                                      CAPITAL                                  ACTUAL   GOAL      CAMPAIGN
8/13                         $21,813  $19,100          $10,939
8/20                        $19,343  $19,117          $6,255
8/27                         $20,775  $19,839          $8,228   
SINCE: July 1, 2000                                      To Date
8/13            $158,745             $158,873        $1,369,712
8/20            $178,088             $177,990        $1,375,967
8/27            $198,863             $197,829         $1,384,195
Children's   
8/13         $35.00
8/20         $53.00
8/27         $49.00

Thank you for your support! 

I would like as many parishioners as possible to take just one step with me this year.
Can you take one step?
Do you trust me to take one step with me?  Curious?

Fr. Bill

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