Faith Formation News
THANK YOU to all the people who helped make First Eucharist weekend a faith filled event:  Eileen Scott for sewing the banners, Mary Jasicki for the beautiful Mass booklets, Sandy Wadzink for the Certificates, Fr. Bill, Fr. Keating, Deacon Rod Palmer, Cheri Sykes and Earthen Vessels, and Jay Hunstiger, our liturgist.  With Gratitude, Teresa Neuman. 
ALL FAITH FORMATION PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Registration for all Faith Formation Programs (Sunday School, Elementary, Odyssey, Confirmation, "Celebrate The Word")  was mailed out last week.  Please return your registration form by the deadline of May 15th.    If you did not receive a registration form, please call Faith  Formation (651) 633-1540.

     Sister M. Gwendolin Koniar, OSF has announced her retirement form her 52 year education ministry.
     Sister taught at Immaculate Conception in Columbia Heights and Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood where she later became a principal.  She then went as principal to Regina Coeli in Toledo, Ohio.  She returned to Minnesota where she has served for the past 21 years as principal of St. John the Baptist School in New Brighton.
     Sister had dedicated her life to quality education and improving the curriculum to meet the needs of children.  She is well known for her philosophy of JOY (Jesus, Others, You) and for her trademark jolly ranchers.
     All are invited to an open house reception honoring  Sister on Sunday, June 8 from 2 - 4PM. 

Music Notes

Orders are now being taken for video copies of our Centennial Concert of last March, "100 Years of Music:  Parish Favorites and Catholic Classics."  Involving all our music ensembles, the concert subsequently has aired on local cable TV 15.  The edited, professionally-done video will be priced under $10.00.  Call the parish office to reserve your copy.
     KINDERMUSIK  camp is coming to St. John's!  This one week music enrichment camp is open to all 4-7 year olds, and will be held the week of June 9-13th at St. John's.  There will be both a morning and afternoon session.  Flyers will be available in the Parish Office and in the Thursday Folder from school the week after Easter.  Enrollment is limited to 12 students per session. If you need more information now, please call Mary Anne Bennek at (651) 633-8333 ext. 1220.     

Seekers

ADULT THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB  You are always welcome to join us, we ask only that you read the assignment-or at least a good part of it!  Our book selection for April and May is Who Killed Jesus?    By John Dominic Crossan.  Read from page 117 to the end of the book for May.  The meeting is Thursday, May 29, 7:00-8:30 pm. In the St. John Pastoral Center, St. Vincent de Paul (Room 210) We are seeking to develop an adult faith.  We invite you to join us and explore your faith and expand your vision.

School News…
Thank you for attending May Crowning.  The honor guard consisted of: 
Crowner: Charlie Sawyer
Cross Bearer: Tony McDonald
Readers: Abby McKeown and Colleen Kirk
Pillow:  Ryan Rehkamp
Candles: Sarah Becker, Erin Bennek, Chris Meehan,   and Molly Robertson
Congratulations to Tony Bennek and Adam Porter who sang the National Anthem at the Twins game on Thursday, May 1st.  Tony and Adam are members of the Minnesota Boys Choir.
Congratulations to St. John the Baptist student Andrew Schneider who received the Saint John Baptist de la Salle- Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger Scholarship.  This $200 scholarship is given to incoming freshmen that have shown exceptional leadership in faith formation, service and community building.
Youth Newz…
PEER MINISTERS planning to volunteer for summer camp TNT take note:  Peer Ministers must attend an orientation on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm in  St. John's youth room. Call Kate if you have any questions 763-754-7666.
CONFIRMATION RITE OF SENDING  All parishioners are invited to join the Confirmation candidates celebrating the Confirmation Rite of Sending, Sunday, May 18 at the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
     Please keep the Confirmation candidates and their families in your prayers as they make final preparations for Confirmation, Monday, May 19^th at the Basilica of St. Mary.
BROWSING THE "WEB"? Be sure to check out www.theyouthroom.com for photos of youth activities,  news of upcoming events, permission slips and more!  http://www.theyouthroom.com