A Word From Our Associate&

     Frequently I am asked the question, "Father, is it ok for my Lutheran, Methodist, or Presbyterian friend to go to Communion?"  I must admit that I myself struggle with having to answer that question on the spot, as my heart longs for all to feel totally welcomed by the Catholic Church.  So I try to offer the Church's perspective lovingly.  Many people are confused about what the Church teaches in this regard, because there are at present, varied practices amongst individual Catholic churches (mostly due to the priest's vision in that parish).
     Catholics believe that the Eucharist is a miracle, i.e., that this bread and wine is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.  When we approach the sanctuary to   receive the sacred gift, we respond, "Amen," to the words, "Body of Christ."  This "Amen" means, "I believe it is so."  What a profound experience of joy in unity, that so many people would approach this miraculous reality and all profess the same conviction about it: it really is Jesus present!  This is the most climactic moment of unity in worship in the whole Catholic experience.  It is a symbolic love expression of our entire unity in all doctrines and practices of the Catholic faith, because in fact, the mystery of the Eucharist and the mystery of the Church are by nature indivisible.
     As most Protestants do not believe in this reality in the same way, the Catholic Church teaches that ordinarily, these brothers and sisters are not admitted to Holy Communion.  However, we are excited to welcome all to participate in other ways, in the liturgy, celebrating together: prayer, the Word of God, and our common  baptism.  There are special occasions when a Protestant in spiritual need, may obtain special permission from the bishop to receive Communion: e.g., when one is marrying a Catholic.  Even on this particular occasion, we ask that the Protestant be able to profess Catholic belief in the Eucharist.
     I/we long for Christian unity.  I/we long for the day when we can celebrate together the Eucharist with all peoples, as an expression of (outward and inward) unity.  Sometimes I look out over the congregation, recognizing a few Protestant brothers and sisters, who come faithfully every Sunday with their spouses, and I admire their  commitment.  This is beautiful to behold.  And secretly, yet respectfully, I hope and pray that each of them could also enjoy the fullness of the Catholic faith; it is so wonderful. 

Fr. Michael

Faith Formation&
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN (CIC) MEETING
Tuesday, February 13, 2001--6:30--7:30 p.m.
Parents Room 110
Children Room 111

FIRST EUCHARIST PARENT MEETING
Please attend one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, February 20--9:30 -10:30 a.m. (Parish Center)
Tuesday, February 20--6:30-7:30 p.m. (School Cafeteria)
Thursday, February 22--7:00-8:00 p.m. (School Cafeteria)
GROUP FIRST EUCHARIST
Practice:  Thursday, April 19 @ 6:00 p.m.
Group First Eucharist: Sunday, April 22 @ 1:30 p.m.
(Bring your child directly to the cafeteria)
FAMILY FIRST EUCHARIST
Practice:  Thursday, April 22 @7:30 p.m.
Family First Eucharist:  Saturday, April 21 or Sunday, April 22 at the 4:30, 7:30, 9:30 or 11:30 Mass.  (20 per Mass)
If you have questions please call the Faith Formation Office @ 651-633-1540.

SEEKERS:  ADULT THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB
There will be no meeting in March.  For our April 5 meeting, we have selected a novel:  The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.  The book is available at the Ramsey County library or at your favorite book store.  Explore your faith, expand your vision.  Read the selection for April and join us at our next meeting:  Thursday, April 5, 7:00--8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.  Questions?  Call Mary Ann Zervas at 651-633-1540.

Circle of Women&
The Circle of Women will host a Valentine Brunch on Thursday, February 15.  We invite you to join us and bring a brunch item to share with the circle. 
Circle of Women invites ALL women of ALL ages to join from 9:15--11:25 a.m. in the parish center, lower level. Childcare is available during the Circle of Women, register your child by calling our Children's Program  Coordinator, Kari Gill @763-785-6947.

Little Lights Preschool&
St. John's Little Lights preschool is currently taking registrations for the 2001-02 school year.  Parishioners will continue to have priority placement until February 20, at which time we will take outside registrations.  For more information or registration forms, please call the parish center 651-633-8333.