School News…
Monday, January 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday-NO CLASSES
Thursday, January 23, R2 early dismissal at 12:25, PM Kindergarten class attends in the AM
Friday, January 24, R1 early dismissal at 12:25, no classes for PM Kindergarten.
     Catholic Schools week is coming--January 26th through 31st 2003.   "Catholic Schools-Making a World of Difference"

     On January 22 we are conducting our kindergarten round up at 7:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Hall .  This is the time to discover information about St. John's School and Kindergarten in particular.  You will have an opportunity to learn about the programs available to you as parents.  The use of Power Point will introduce you to our kindergarteners in action.  You will learn about St. John's Mission and Philosophy.
     In addition we are providing registration papers to all who attend.  You may take them home to fill out.  Please join us on January 26 for 11:30 a.m. Mass followed by open house in the school from 12:30-1:30 p.m.  Return registration forms to the school office on January 26.
1.  Please bring the following with the registration form:
2.  Birth Certificate
3.  Baptismal Certificate unless baptized at St. John 's
A fee of $100 paid at time of registration.  No student is considered registered unless the fee accompanies the form.
Come join us and we will answer your questions.
SPAC UPDATE  The School Principal's Advisory Committee met January 8.  Sr. Gwendolin reported a successful Christmas program.  Students are back in school after vacation and working hard.  Preparations are underway for Catholic Schools Week, and registration is underway for the 2003-2004 school year.
Please plan to attend the Catholic Schools Week Mass and open house on January 26th.
Parents with questions or concerns about the day-to-day operations of the school are asked to call Sr. Gwendolin at (651) 633-1522.

Youth Newz…

ODYSSEY (JR HIGH FAITH FORMATION)  will meet January 22nd at 5:00 and 6:30 pm.
JHL will also meet   January 22 from 7:30-9:00 All 7th and 8th graders and their friends are invited to attend.
VOLUNTEERS    There is an ongoing need for adults and  peer ministers with IIB training to facilitate small groups in the Jr. High Odyssey (faith formation ) program. Volunteers need only commit to one unit, 5-7 sessions, at a time.  The next session begins January 15.  Substitutes are also needed.  All materials and support are provided.  Our 7^th and 8^th graders appreciate your participation.  Please call Kate Roush if you can share your time and talents!  763-754-7666.
SERVICE CLUB III  begins January 23^rd and will meet on five Thursdays, 4:30-7:30 pm.  Students will perform service in the community for the first 4 weeks and will participate in a social activity on the 5^th Thursday.  This is a great way to earn service hours for school or Confirmation. You may call Sara Riehle for more information 763-754-7666.
ALL 7^TH -12^TH GRADERS and their friends,  planning to join us at Afton Alps on Monday, January 20:  Please meet in the Youth Room by 10:00 am.  Plan to be picked up at 7:00 pm at the entrance between the church and school.  Be sure to bring Money for equipment rental and food (or bring a bag lunch).  If you have questions call Sara Riehle (763) 754-7666,
CONFIRMATION  The next Confirmation session will be  held  Sunday, February 2, 7:15-8:30 pm. 

Music Notes...

11:30 MASS ATTENDEES:  Wild Honey and the Locusts will be doing without our trumpeter, Harry Reiner, while he snowbirds in Florida until April.  We'll all miss him!

CALLING ALL FORMER CHOIR MEMBERS (AND NEWCOMERS):  Sing with us for our upcoming event, 100 Years of Music at St. John's, Sunday, March 3!  We will be resurrecting favorite anthems from past decades, as well as classic and memorable hymns and liturgical pieces.  Renew fond memories of music and friends as you rehearse with us through January and February, Wednesdays at 7:15 in the choir room.  Contact Cheri Sykes at 651-633-8333.

Liturgy...
ALL LECTORS PLEASE PICK UP YOUR WORKBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UPPER SACRISTY.

A CHRISTMAS THANK YOU!
The Arts and Environment Committee would like to thank everyone who donated money towards the flowers and trees. Your continued generosity makes possible such a beautiful setting for worship. Many thanks also to the legions of folks who helped Green the Church and Pastoral Center and a special thanks to all those who helped un-decorate this past Sunday evening!

    January 2003
Dear Friends,

This communication is to let you know that I am retiring from education in June, 2003, and plan to enjoy a sabbatical year as granted by my religious community.  Since 1982, I have been with you to share the dreams you have for your children and their future.  It does not seem that long and the time is filled with happy memories for me.  I have met wonderful people during this time and enjoyed working along with the faculty to make St. John's a learning and growing center for your family.

   Sincerely in Christ,

   Sister Mary Gwendolin