St. John the Baptist of New Brighton

From the Associate&

Letters of Love

It is amazing how popular a guy can get. I don't mean to puff up my reputation beyond any truth-value, but there are some people that love me so much that they send me letters regularly. Even when I don't reply, they remain so faithful to their interior commitment. Sometimes it's a little humbling, knowing that you are so popular. I'm not used to bragging much, or drawing attention to myself, but I guess it's okay to just share facts of life.
My admirers are from all over the country. Even places I have never visited: like Wilmington, Delaware. Carter Warren sent me another note just last week from Delaware. He writes regularly. That touches me deeply. Robert Alexander sent me a fine note from Richmond, Virginia, with a little gift enclosed. It's amazing to me how affluent these people are. They use real nice paper too, often glossy and colorful. And they are so creative, writing sometimes with bold letters, other times with very small print. Kind of mixes it up a little, and keeps you on your toes. They are real good with numbers also, and arrows point you in the right direction, all over the place. And if I ever get real bored, they always leave some blanks, where I can fill in my name and stuff like that. Wow, they are such caring and considerate people.
What is especially beautiful about their letters is that they all send me little cards with high compliments and awards that they want to give me. Carter's card said that I was First in the USA, and that if it was up to him I would get Extraordinary Rewards. Robert's card said that I was so precious, that I was like Platinum, and in case I would doubt his word for a moment, he insisted by further highlighting that the P is Capital, and that I'm number One in his book. Another admirer sent me a card, which said that I was like a Citi of Gold, and still another that he wanted to give me Perks from all over the World. Yes, it's wonderful and truly humbling to be so popular. I'm just so sorry that so many others get nothing but junk in their mail. Well, at least they can turn to the New Testament to receive letters of love.
Fr. Michael


	Music Notes& Fabulous musicians will be joining Wild Honey and the Locusts at our Cana Dinner and Dance this Saturday, February 9. Our trumpeter, Larry Foyen, tours with Ray Charles, and our bass, Jay Young, works with the top professionals in town. Singles OR couples, you may simply come to dance in St. Joseph Hall. Enjoy beer, wine & dancing from 8:30--11:00 p.m. for $10 at the door. You must pre-register with Mary Walus or Teresa Neuman at 651-633-1540. Singers, join the choir this Lenten Season! We are beginning rehearsals of timeless works of Mozart, Palestrina, Handel, Purcell and Gabrieli. No singer should leave this earth without having sung Mozart's Ave Verum! Rehearsals are Wednesday evening in the choir room and basses are especially welcome! We are now offering meditative instrumental music at the 6:15 p.m. Mass. While the liturgy continues to be spoken, not sung, and no hymns are included, some of St. John's instrumental talent will play at certain times of the liturgy. Today's musician is Steve Ecklund, french horn. Thanks to Paul Haack for guest conducting the adult choir today in Cheri's absence. Youth Newz& Junior high Odyssey (faith formation) meets Wednesday, February 6. All students are reminded to bring their bibles to class. Students are also reminded to be "thinking ahead" about their "Pay it Forward assignments due on February 27^th. Information about the assignment is available on the Youth Room website (www.theyouthroom.com) or you may call Sara Riehle if you have any questions 763-754-7666. JHL (Jr. High Live) meets Wednesday, February 6^th from 7:30-9:00 in the youth room. Play foosball, air hockey, or pool or just hang out! All 7^th and 8^th graders are invited. Bring a friend! All 7^th and 8^th graders and their friends are invited to attend the Valentine's Day Dance at Immaculate Conception school gym, on February 8^th, from 7:30-10:00pm. Immaculate Conception is located at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. in Columbia Heights. There is no charge for this event. Concessions will be offered for sale. Call Sara Riehle if you have any questions 763-754-7666. Senior high Service Club will be held on Wednesday, February 6 from 6:00-9:00pm . Call Sara Riehle with questions 763-754-7666. Wednesday, February 13^th is Ash Wednesday. There will be no Odyssey or JHL for junior high students. Service Club will not meet. Instead, all youth and their families are encouraged to attend the Ash Wednesday liturgy at 7:00pm.. Confirmation candidates will meet Sunday, February 3 from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room. Browsing the "web"? Be sure to check out www.theyouthroom.com!


	Weekly Collection Last Week CAPITAL ACTUAL GOAL CAMPAIGN 1/20 $22,432 $20,235 $8,516 1/27 $23,703 $23,718 $7,545 SINCE: July 1, 2001 To Date 1/20 $858,771 $845,237 $3,646,230 1/27 $882,474 $868,954 $3,653,775 Children 1/20 $43 1/27 $48 Thank you for your continued support.

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