St. John the Baptist of New Brighton - Bulletin


	Social Justice


	ST. JOHN'S TALKING "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." (Luke 8:21) A community-building effort dubbed "St. John's Talking" is underway in our parish. You are invited to attend two small group conversations in October/November as a leader, host, or participant. An informational meeting for all will be held, Monday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pastoral Center. The purpose of these two conversations is to inspire increased participation and leadership for ongoing parish activities that reach out to our community. We believe that by sharing our faith stories we will both strengthen our parish community and identify those areas in our larger community where we, as a Catholic Community, can bring Christ's compassion and justice to others. The first conversation will focus on us as individuals. How does God work in our lives? What brought us to St. John's? What keeps us here? The second conversation broadens this discussion to include the opportunities and challenges we face in living our faith day-to-day in our neighborhoods, local communities, and beyond. How do we respond daily to the call of Jesus Christ to act on the Word of God? In the evenings, please call Liz at 651-631-8067, Katie at 651-765-9999, or Tom at 612-508-1296. A short training session will be provided for leaders and hosts who will set their own meeting time and place. In the coming weeks, sign-up boards for participants will be available after Mass.

This effort is in cooperation with and supported by ISAIAH, a faith-based, ecumenical organization. A number of local congregations will be undertaking similar efforts this fall within their faith communities. Therefore, a long range opportunity also exists for St. John's to work with these congregations in broader community ministries through ISAIAH.

"Be doers of the word and not hearers only." (James 1:22)

COAT DRIVE continues for those in need in our own community. St. John's will be collecting coats until Saturday, October 25 (sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul Society).

RESPECT LIFE Birthright of Coon Rapids would like to thank the parishioners of St. John's for their overwhelming generosity of baby items from the Baby Bush. We were able to restock our shelves and then some! All of the items will certainly be put to good use. Thanks again for your support for the unborn children of God.

-Birthright of Coon Rapids

BIRTHRIGHT OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for two hours, 1 - 2 times per month, to help others experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Birthright offers free pregnancy testing and supports people in making alternative choices to abortion. Training is Saturday, Nov. 22, 8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, 11:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call Judy Quayle, 651-633-0459, for more information (or for an opportunity to just observe before training, if you wish.).

"A nation that kills its own children is a nation without hope."

(Pope John Paul II, 1995)


	Connections: October 12, 2003 28th Sunday of the Year

Jesus, looking at the rich young man, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

-Mark 10:17-30
'ONLY OKAY' ISN'T REALLY O.K.
In his book, Values of the Game, former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate and NBA Hall-of Famer, Bill Bradley, tells the story of a man who approached him at a post-game reception in Chicago.
The man asked, "Do you really like to play basketball?"
"Yeah more than anything else I could be doing now," Bradley replied.
"That's great," the man said. "You know, I once played the trumpet. I think I know how you feel. I played in a little band. We were good. We'd play on weekends at colleges. In my last year, we had an offer to tour and make many records. Everyone wanted to except me."
"Why didn't you?"
"My father thought it wasn't secure enough. Well, I didn't know. I guess I agreed. The life is so transient. You're always on the road. No sureness that you'll get your next job. It just doesn't fit into a life plan. So I went to law school and I quit playing the trumpet, except every once and a while. Now I don't have time."
"Do you like the law?" Bradley asked.
"It's okay. But it's nothing like playing the trumpet."

CONNECTION: In today's Gospel, Jesus asks us exactly what price we are willing to pay to realize the dreams and hopes we hold in the depths of our hearts, exactly what sacrifices we are willing to make, what hard work we are willing to take on in order to become the kind of person we want to be. To be a person of faith, to be a real disciple of Jesus, is not without cost. To "become the trumpet player," our dream of becoming demands hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. In this Gospel passage, Jesus is not condemning family and success; he is calling us to focus all of those things on the compassion and justice of God as the real call and purpose of our lives.