A Word from Our Associate&

     One of the principals of the spiritual life is that in order to grow in holiness and spiritual love, we must become free from unhealthy attachments to worldly things.  I've been realizing that not only is detachment painful, but it occurs in a kind of darkness, or way of nothingness, so that our hearts can be more and more set on God.
     It is easy to become overly attached, for example, to what others think about us.  And out of weakness, individuals sometimes pursue an unhealthy intimate relationship.  Codependence for all of us can be subtle: striving to please and humor a coworker or neighbor over and over again, so they like us.  Maybe we're starving for attention and love? 
     It is so easy to become attached to riches.  Scripture says, "Do not set your heart on riches, even when they increase" (Psalm 62:10) - that's hard.  It's easy to fantasize about stocks/mutual funds going through the sky.  What is our flesh really craving in such a fantasy?
     The sexual passionate nature, the food appetite, cravings to buy new things, gambling, curiosity for knowledge about people, there are so many ways our flesh cries out for satisfaction.
     "Do not gratify the desires of the flesh, . . . [but] live by the Spirit," says St. Paul.  The flesh and the Spirit are opposed.  "The works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing . . . By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:16, 19-20, 22-23).  One reason we practice acts of penance in Lent, is to strengthen our will, to overcome the cravings of the flesh.  We need the help of Jesus.
      Fr. Michael

Faith Formation&
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
NOTE CORRECTION: Practice: Thursday, April 19 @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.

Adult Faith Formation&
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.  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&
Ann Marie Curtin will be our guest speaker on Thursday, March 8.  At one point in her life, she quit her corporate job to follow a dream.  Ann Marie will speak with us on the topic, "Following a Dream:  Climbing the Himalayas."  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.

Sowers of Jusice&
Do you want to work for social justice but hate  meetings?  Come to an informational session with the   St. John's Social Justice Committee and we'll show you how.  Just need dessert for Monday night?  That's a good reason to come, too.  We'll have great treats.    Monday, March 5 from 7pm to 8pm in the Parish Center.  Leave a message at the Parish Office if you're interested but can't make the session.

Parish Pastoral Council&
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL APPLICATIONS INVITED
The St. John the Baptist Parish Council (PPC) is a prayerful visionary group of parishioners responsible for identifying the needs and wants of our faith community; for discerning how those ideas fit into our goal, and for prioritizing and providing leadership for action programs.  We advise our Pastor, and work in collaboration with all parish committees and staff.  Some membership terms expire this summer, so we are accepting applications.  Qualifications are: (1) membership in the parish, (2) 18 years of age or older, (3) willingness to prayerfully and energetically provide servant leadership to our faith community.  The PPC normally meets once a month as a large group, and sub-committee meetings are scheduled as needed.  PPC members are assigned as liaison to one or more parish committees, and will attend those committee meetings as well.  We invite those who are interested to call the Parish Center and ask for an application.  Please consider weather you may be called to help lead us in our collective faith journey.