From the Associate&

     When I shower in the morning I usually use this shampoo called "Suave," but when I swim at the pool for exercise, I use this "Flex, Normal to Dry Shampoo" with "Balsam & Protein," and "Triple Action."  I'm not sure what that last one means, but it sounds Trinitarian, so it must be pretty good.  The bottle itself fits really well on the shower handle, because it's really a half of a bottle, cut the long-way right down the middle.  Anyway, every time I look at it, it reminds me of the best beer I ever drank in the history of the universe, and that was about four years ago in Anchorage, Alaska.  This particular shampoo possesses a reddish, brownish color, and the beer it reminds me of was a home brew at a famous bar/restaurant in Anchorage, and the beer was called "Amber" something or other.  Boy, if they would bottle and ship it, they'd make a mint. 
     You know when you're young, you can go through that party phase, or at least many of us did, but then you grow up, and realize it's unhealthy and leads you to do and say stupid things.  And then maybe you learn from a Christian, that drunkenness is a sin, so now your conscience bugs you too, and rightly so.  Finally, as a   mature adult, you begin to appreciate a good beer for the taste, as is appropriate.  That's when the foreign dark beers grab your attention, because they make the wimpy American beers look and taste pathetic.  Well with a few exceptions I guess: this Anchorage home brew was fantastic, and Samuel Adams out of Boston does pretty well.  Anyway, if anyone is traveling to Anchorage this summer and can pick me up a six-pack, that would be great (smile).  But for all readers and beer lovers, remember that virtue lies in the middle: "everything in moderation" as they say.
  Fr. Michael

Faith Formation&
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.

CONFIRMATION
St. John's Confirmation will be Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Cathedral.  A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR ADULT CHOIR WHO WILL SING AT THIS CELEBRATION!  Please keep all our Confirmation candidates in your prayers.

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.  (The book for July 12th is: The Ironic Christian's Companion, by Patrick Henry, Riverhead Books, N.Y.)

Council of Catholic Women&

Just a reminder:  The St. John's Council of Catholic Women will have their last meeting of the year this Monday, May 21, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. 

Youth Newz&

Current 8th--12th graders are invited to sign up for    summer softball.  Games will be played on Sunday evenings beginning in late June.  The cost is $12 per player and you may register as an individual or as a team.  Registration deadline is June 4th.  Check your Newzpaper for further details and a permission slip.  Contact Rick with questions. (763) 754-7666.

TNT begins Thursday, June 14th.  Registrants should    notify Rick Craig if vacation plans or other schedule changes cause you to miss a session you originally planned to attend.  The leaders need the information to schedule service projects appropriately.  (763) 754-7666.

Liturgy News&

HISTORICAL CRUCIFIX FROM NAZARETH HALL has been removed and is in the process of being restored for the new St. John Centre.  Look for its arrival late    summer, early fall.

THANKS, RUTH LAPINSKI for your great work in keeping both our Christmas and Easter flowers looking so wonderful and for such a long period of time.  Be sure to thank Ruth, when you see her tending all of our plants, inside and out!