Good News Travels…
ST. LUCIA:
A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WITH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.
     As members of the Good News group, we were privileged to spend two weeks in St. Lucia with people from many walks of life. In addition to building houses, the Good News members also serve in the community in a number of other ways. We sang (and danced!) with the elderly in the nursing homes; made crafts with children in school, girls in a home for the abused and in prison, and with boys in a   detention center. We also visited the poor with the Missionary of Charity Sisters and helped with their Soup Kitchen. It was a time of learning, a time of sharing, a time for working, sometimes a time of weariness, but also a time of fun and relaxation!
    There were many wonderful memories, but one that stands out was their overwhelming love of the Lord. We saw it every day - no matter life's circumstances.  It was evident in conversations, in how they dressed in their "Sunday Best" for church, in the "Jesus" songs sung at the public school, and in prayer. They had a joy in their heart that was contagious.
     It was a rewarding time and one we'll always cherish. As the Good News founder said when we arrived, "We aren't here to preach God's word but to show His love by our    actions." Hopefully, in some small way we were able to bring God's love and joy to those in need and bridge the gap between our worlds. They definitely touched our lives!
     Good News Volunteers 2003: Jean Koslowski, Patti Klein, Deacon Tom and Judy Quayle
     The Good News Volunteers for January & February 2004 will be going to four islands: St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Union Island and Dominica. If you would like information about Good News and volunteering call Judy Quayle - 633-8333 ext 1229.

Youth Newz…
PEER MINISTERS planning to volunteer for summer camp TNT take note:  Peer Ministers must attend an orientation on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm in  St. John's youth room. Call Kate if you have any questions 763-754-7666.
CONFIRMATION  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

School News…
Thanks to the following people who worked so hard to make our Ice Cream Social the great success it was:

Marcia Abel & Michelle Quade-   Chairpeople
Dennis Abel & Greg Quade -         Finances
Mary Skubal & Paula Strand-         Volunteers
Marian Briggs-                                   Prizes
Teresa Neuman-                               Sponsorships
Teri Shea & Karen Bona-             Kitchen & Food
Carol Else-                                     Ice Cream

To these activity chairs, the volunteers who worked the night of the Ice Cream Social, and all those businesses and individuals who contributed prizes for the raffle, thank you for your gifts of time and talent.

There are no classes Friday, May 23 and Monday, May 26 because of Memorial Holiday.

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.