From the Associate&

     A physician visited a California mental institution and asked a patient, "How did you get here?  What is the nature of your illness?"
     He got this reply.  "It started when I got married and I guess I should never have done it.  I got hitched to a widow with a grown daughter who then became my stepdaughter.  My Daddy came to visit us, fell in love with my lovely stepdaughter, and married her.  And so my stepdaughter was now my stepmother.  Soon my wife had a son who was, of course, my daddy's brother-in-law, since he is the half-brother of my stepdaughter, who is now, of course, my daddy's wife.  So as I told you, when stepdaughter married my daddy, she was at once, my stepmother.  Now since my new son is brother to my stepmother, he also became my uncle.  As you know, my wife is my step grandmother since she is my stepmother's mother.  Don't forget that my stepmother is my stepdaughter.  Remember, too, that I am my wife's grandson.  But hold on just a few minutes more.  You see, since I am married to my step grandmother, I am not only the wife's grandson and her hubby, but I am also my own grandfather.  Now can you understand how I got put in this place?"
     This all just goes to show you how important marriage preparation is, in every parish.

Fr. Michael

Youth Newz&

Youth in 10-12th grade, who have completed Peer Ministry Core Training I, who wish to help with small groups and retreats are encouraged to attend Core Training IIB,      Sunday August 26.  The session is from 12:4:30 p.m.
See your Newzpaper or call Rick Craig for details at 763-754-7666.

Parents of 7-8th graders are reminded to register your sons and daughters for the Odyssey program to be held at  St. John's School.  Sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 4:45 and 6:30 p.m.  The programs "kicks off" on September 12 with a Parents only meeting at St. John's at 4:45 or 6:30 p.m. Student sessions begin September 19.  Please contact Rick Craig at 763-754-7666 or the St. John's Faith Formation office with any questions or concerns you may have.

The Fallfest is September 15 & 16 and TEEN TURF is back with Challenge games, Humongous inflatable obstacle course, a street dance and more!  Mark your calendars now!  Call Margi Kirk, 763-754-7666 or David Budzynski, 651-636-6279 to volunteer to help.

Faith Formation&
NEW FAITH FORMATION COORDINATOR
St. John's welcomes Teresa Neuman to the staff!  Teresa is our new Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator.  Teresa began her position on August 15, 2001 and will coordinate Faith Formation for grades 1-6 and Celebrate the Word for grades 1-3.  Welcome Teresa!

CLASS LISTS
Updated Faith Formation class lists are posted on the     bulletin boards at the west entrance.  Please verify the class day and time for your child and call Sandy at 651-633-1540 if you have any changes. 

SEEKERS:  ADULT THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB
Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 27.  The book to read is The Birth of Christianity by John Dominic Crossan, HarperSanFrancisco.  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.  SEEKERS meets from 7:00--8:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Questions?  Call Mary Ann   Zervas at 651-633-1540.

Circle of Women&
Mark your calendars!  Circle of Women will be back in full swing this fall with our first session beginning September 20.  After a short reflection on scripture and a few announcements our guest speaker will be Mary Pinney-Erickson who will speak on "Responding to the Poetry of Sacred Experience," followed by small group sharing.  Again, childcare is provided by Kari Gill (please pre-register your child).  For more information on Circle of Women please call Carrie Pomeroy at 763-780-5160.