St. John the Baptist of New Brighton


	Faith Formation News


	End of the Year Contributions

THANK YOU to all who participated in Operation Christmas Child. The outreach project collected over a 150 shoeboxes and $105.00 to cover the cost of shipping. Several children put in a picture or a brief note to share with the child who will receive the shoebox. We hope that some of the children will receive a response. Your efforts DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of children who are impoverished. Thank you for your generosity!

JUNIOR HIGH FAITH FORMATION:

We're looking for a few good men and women to lead small groups for Junior High Faith Formation. Classes meet at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Can't commit to the whole semester? "Time share" opportunities are available. Contact Libby DuPont for more information, 651-633-8333, ext. 1218.

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH WINTER SKI TRIP Keep an eye out for more information on our trip to Afton Alps. Call or e-mail Brad if you're interested, 651-633-8333, ext. 1218; johnthebaptistyouth@yahoo.com .
CIRCLE OF WOMEN There will be no meeting this week; we will meet again on January 8.


	Please remember that as we come to the close of another calendar year, all contributions toward your annual giving and/or campaign pledge must be placed in the Sunday collection by December 28 or delivered to the Parish Office by December 31 to count as a contribution for 2003. St. John's cannot accept checks dated December 31 if they are delivered to the parish after the first of the year. In addition, if you are doing a stock transaction as part of your annual giving, the shares must be delivered to our broker or to the Parish Office by December 31 to count as part of this year's annual contribution. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call Bob Mike at the Parish Office, 651-633-8333, ext. 1215. Thank You!


	Open Doors is...

a social group for divorced, widowed, and single men and women -- meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 210 for socializing and snacks. Come to the meetings or just the events. The door is open -- you're always welcome!! For additional information, call Anne Marie at 651-633-8333, ext. 1237.

Upcoming Events:

December 21 - Lorie Line Concert If you haven't already picked up your pre-ordered ticket, call Linda at 651-636-6713 to arrange to get your ticket. On date of concert, meet at St. John's parking lot at 2:00 PM to carpool to the Orpheum Theatre. Concert begins at 3:00 PM. Dinner afterwards for those interested -- place to be determined.

Restaurant of the Month will be cancelled this month, but we will resume the regular schedule on Thursday, January 22, 2004.

Caribbean Cruise It's not too late to sign up for the Open Doors 7-day South Caribbean Cruise March 14 - 21, 2004, visiting San Juan and five other islands! For more information, contact Mary Kay at 612-782-3872 or e-mail her at mkv.hilsgen@juno.com .

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If you, or someone you know, would like to be added to our mailing list, or if you would like to receive an invitation to visit our new web site, please call Jan at 651-780-2142.


	Music Notes

ROBE SPONSORSHIP UPDATE
We are now over halfway towards our fundraising goal of $9,000 for new choir robes. Much thanks to our contributors of the past month!

Each year, our choir continues to develop in sound and spirit. We are one of the hardest-working ministries here at St. John's, rehearsing every Wednesday evening, and enhancing the 9:30 a.m. liturgy every weekend.

$180 = one robe
$540 = three robes
$1,080 = six robes
$4,500 = 25 robes (our remaining goal)

Support your local choir! Sponsor a robe, even partially; no donation is too small, or too great.


	Seniors


	Bulletin Board


	SENIOR TO SENIOR HOLIDAY CONCERT on Tuesday, December 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Irondale High School; lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the Irondale Cafeteria for $3.50 per person. Make reservations today (Sun., Dec. 14); call 651-638-2145. SILVERTONES SENIOR MEETING Wednesday, December 17; lunch preceding the meeting at New Brighton Service Center at 12:00 noon. Make reservations with Joyce, 651-638-2145, before 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 16. Meeting starts at 1:00 p.m., lower level of Church. Plan activities for the year, including our Day of Recollection. BAKE SALE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! Thank you to everyone who worked, baked, or bought the delicious goods.


	There is a pilgrimage opportunity to see all that Poland has to offer. Join Father Don Schwalm and explore the cities of Warsaw, Zakopane, and Krakow. If interested, please contact Travel About at 612-377-8955.