Music Notes

TODAY'S POLKA MASS   Our 11:30 Combo, Wild Honey and the Locusts, is pleased to present today's Polka Mass, a St. John's tradition,  as we include Johnny Kujda, a professional accordionist of our parish.  Many of the hymns have been written especially for this parish by Music Director Cheri Sykes and former Director of Faith Formation, Mary Ann Zervas.

CALLING ALL VOCALISTS    Earthen Vessels, our acoustic folk group, needs more vocalists.   Earthen Vessels leads the Saturday 4:30 p.m. liturgy twice monthly, with rehearsals the previous Monday.  This is a lighter commitment than our parish choir, and perfect for parents with young families.  We could even assist with childcare. Contact Cheri Sykes at 651-633-8333, ext. 1231.

The SJB Adult Choir has begun rehearsing, and again sings for the 9:30 liturgies starting next week.  If you can carry a tune, you are invited to join us as we grow in musicianship and camaraderie while creating musical prayer.  We will work with your busy schedule.  Seasonal singers welcome!  Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. Contact Cheri Sykes, 651-633-8333, ext. 1231.

Liturgy News

NEW TREE PLAQUES Look for the new plaques to be   installed at each tree by the end of the week.  Fr. Bill, Fr. Michael B., and Sr. Gwendolin garden plaques will be in stalled later this fall. Thanks to all of our generous donors and to Chuck Stampfle for his plaque expertise! 

Connections: September 21, 2003  25th Sunday of the Year

†  "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last and the servant of all…
      "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me…" (Mark 9: 30-37)

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

California politics have been a circus of late, but recent a gaffe by a group of California legislators reached a new high or low in political cynicism.
This summer, the State of California wrestled with one of the worst budget crises in its history. Programs in education and child care, services to the poor and needy, trial courts, and some highway construction projects were at risk. Democrats and Republicans could not agree on a plan to raise necessary revenues.
On this particular July afternoon, a group of State assemblymen and women met in a conference room for what they thought would be a private discussion of the political consequences of the budget crisis - but one of the participants unknowingly hit the "on" button to a microphone in the room. Their "private" caucus was broadcast throughout the state capital. Legislators and lobbyists heard members of the group say how it would be in their reelection interests to let the budget crisis continue for the rest of the year, that letting opponents make severe cuts now would be  better for their members facing competitive races next year and for members planning to run for Senate seats. The unintentional broadcast was interrupted when an aide informed the group that a microphone was on.            [The San Francisco Chronicle, 22 July 2003]
CONNECTION   Regardless of the "spin" the caucus tried to put on their intemperate remarks, it's hard to escape the fact that these ten legislators were putting political concerns ahead of the concerns of the poor, children, and those in crisis. An embarrassing as this episode was, such an approach is more the norm than the exception:  We are often more than willing to sacrifice the common good for our own self-interest; we measure the severity of a problem by its impact on us; we seek how to manipulate the misfortune of others to our advantage. In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to seek the greatness of being last, the authority of being the servant to others, the power of advocating for justice and the common good.