A Word From the Associate&

     Recently I attended a mini-seminar on the three  theological virtues, faith, hope and charity.  The presenter was actually a psychologist from Michigan, Jerry Rausch, who uses the virtues as his primary tool in counseling the weak.  He believes that Christian anthropology is a far better perspective than most modern day psychological theories, because it not only adequately describes human beings in our present state of being, effected by original sin, but it also accurately describes who and what we are to become: namely children of God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and perfected in all the virtues.
     As St. Paul tells us, faith, hope and charity are the greatest virtues; they are how we connect to God.  We see God and hear His voice in the Scriptures, through faith.  We hear    Jesus' promise to return at the end of history, to restore all creation and humanity to its original dignity, and in the process to empower us to be victorious in our fight against sin and the devil, and thus we are called to the virtue of hope.  Finally, we are invited into a divine-human love affair, and as our hearts become ever inflamed with spiritual love, we are compelled to share that with all God's children.  This is the supernatural virtue of charity.
     Jerry Rausch, theorizes that ever individual has a greater weakness towards one of the theological virtues, that is, more than the other two, and will spend most of his/her life battling the opposing vice.  Thus, for example, one man will struggle with doubts (the opposite of faith) throughout his life, doubts that God is with him, that he is in God's plan, that the Word of God is true, etc., and will need regular     reassurance from others, that God is with him.  He does not need people to say to him, "You can do it," because that puts the focus of attention on him, but he needs people to say, "God is with you," because that draws him out of himself, and assures him of the faith content he is struggling with.  Another person may struggle primarily with despair (the  opposite of hope), and she would need the constant encouragement of others, that "all things work for good, for those who love God," that the future is full of God's blessings, freedom and happiness.  And the one who struggles with pride (the opposite of charity) needs correction, to become humble, less self-reliant, and more God-reliant, and thus more open to the divine gift of charity.  As you consider ministering to people in your own life, you might ask, "Does this person mainly struggle with issues of doubt and faith, or despair and hope, or pride and charity?"  Then you could really help them by offering a wise remedy: the assurance that "God is with you" for the doubter, encouragement of a bright future, for the one despairing, and correction for the proud man (that's me).  I believe as Christians we are called to grow in each of these three theological virtues, but maybe the psychologist is right in saying that everyone has a greater weakness to one of the virtues.  Maybe it's also true to say that our greatest weakness can become our greatest strength.   
Fr. Michael Becker

Vacation Bible School

Children, ages 3-those completing 5^th Grade are invited to join us for Vacation Bible School the week of June 17-21 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.  The morning will include Bible stories, classroom lessons, playground, music, arts & crafts and snack.  Don't miss out - register by June 1^st.   Fee is $15.00 per child/$40.00 family maximum.  Stop by or call the Parish Office for a registration form. If you are interested in volunteering to help with VBS, please call Mary Walus 651-633-8333 x1227.

St. Vincent De Paul&
FOOD SHELF THANK YOU
"Thank you for your donation of 6002 pounds of food and $170 for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.  Gifts like yours make it possible for the food shelf to provide services to many members of our community."
Mounds View School Board
Please add the thanks of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. John's staff for your generosity toward the food shelves we support.  The need for non-perishable foods never seems to end.  We receive and distribute food throughout the year.  Containers are located at the church entrances for your donation.  Thanks for your generosity.

A BIG THANK YOU!
Back in January we asked for volunteers to help us build 92 wood lockers for the homeless shelter. Eight really great guys volunteered: Larry Brodle, Ray Le Clair, Jerry Elfert, Tom Boughner, Ken Schaufler, Don Szurek, Jim Schrier and John Middleton. They worked in basements and cold garages all these months. The lockers are a work of art! 24 lockers are at the women's shelter and 68 are at Simpson House. The people there really appreciate them! Also, Don Szurek, Don Kelly and Gene Zgutowicz not only helped to deliver the lockers but spent 3 days    building a 24 foot by 13 foot high wall in the new locker room at Simpson House. Rod Palmer, Don Kelly and Jim Schrier among    others contributed money for materials.
GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU GUYS!
Sponsored by St. Vincent De Paul