Guest Columnist&
     I am glad the liturgical Easter season is finally here.  The Easter season in my personal life began earlier this year.  After a crisis filled 2000, which included a life-threatening medical scare with my husband's heart, we received terrific news in January making it impossible to return to the introspection and solemnity of Lent.  I look to the miraculous evens I see every day and cry, "Alleluia!"
    The twinkle in my husband's eyes, the spontaneous hug from my child, a pleasant "good morning" from my normally surly teen... each of these reveal God's presence to me.  I didn't see them during my Lenten year.  I was too busy bemoaning my fate.  I spent many hours looking through tear-filled eyes at the dark tunnel ahead.  I waited and prayed.
     Now, the glorious spring days, the trees budding, the flowers blooming are befitting the Easter of my spiritual journey.  I know, just as the liturgical year has a cycle, my life will have more Lenten periods as well.  I hope in those dark hours, I will be able to search for the every day miracle and know the joy of Easter is ahead.

Faith Formation&
FIRST EUCHARIST CORRECTION Corrine McCallum was omitted from the list of those receiving their First Communion in 2001.

REGISTRATION FORMS for fall 2001 have been sent.  Please fill out one registration form per family for all   programs.  Early registration ends May 31.  If you have questions call Sandy at 651-633-1540.

SEEKERS:  ADULT THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB
Our next meeting will be Thursday, June 7.  The book to read is The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels.  You are always welcome to join us to discuss a book that captures your interest, or as a regular member.  Explore your faith, expand your vision.  Read the selection for June and join on Thursday, June 7, 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Questions?  Call Mary Ann Zervas at 651-633-1540.

Little Lights Preschool&

(According to the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) )
#10   Children and their parents look forward to school.  Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program.  Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.
At St. John's Little Lights Preschool....
We will strive to be sure every child and every family feels welcome and happy to be at our school.  We will do what we can to support every family.
St. John's new preschool still has openings.  Please call Mary Walus at 651-633-8333 for info./registration.

Circle of Women&
Circle of Women will meet on Thursday, May 3.  Betsy Lee will speak on "Prayer is a Welcome Place."  Betsy is the founder and president of "Prayer Ventures," a ministry that offers retreats and resources to help people grow in prayer.  Betsy has been involved in prayer ministry for 15 years, leading prayer retreats, training healing teams, and working one-on-one as a prayer   counselor with wounded men and women.  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 register your child by calling our Children's Program Coordinator, Kari Gill                    @763-785-6947.

Youth Newz&
The deadline for Camp TNT registrations is May 8.  All current 6-8th graders are invited to join us for an  explosive summer!  Call Rick for details (763) 754-7666.

The Jr. High Spring Dance is Wednesday, May 2, 6:30--9:00 p.m.  There will be a DJ and a sound and light show.  There is no charge.  Bring a friend!  The dance is open to 7-8th graders only.

Those wishing to be TNT leaders need to turn in schedule forms to Rick Craig by May 8.  Contact Rick if you have questions (763) 754-7666.

School News&

ICE CREAM SOCIAL-- Spring is a time to celebrate, and what better way to do it than the annual St. John's Ice Cream Social!  Bring a friend or two and join us for food, fun & excitement.  There will be polish sausage, hot dogs, nachos & cheese dip and of course, plenty of ice cream.  After you eat your snacks you can take a stroll on the cakewalk, try your hand at the fish pond in the gym.  There is plenty of fun, food, prizes & mounds of ice cream!  See you there, Tuesday, May 1--5:00--8:00 p.m. in the school.  Raffle takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Thanks.

ADAM QUADE REPRESENTS ST. JOHN'S AT               MINNESOTA STATE SCIENCE FAIR!
Adam did a wonderful job at the science fair.  He won two top awards and two special awards including:  "Best Project on a Health Related Subject" and the Minnesota State Discovery Young Scientist Challenge Award given to students in the top 10% of all projects submitted in Junior High Grade.  He will now be a nominee to submit his project to this organization and will be given the chance to win an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C.!  There were 300 students competing for the awards from all over the State of Minnesota.  You did just great Adam!
We are proud!