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Every Catholic parish must constantly renew itself in order not to become stagnant and die. How do we keep St. John's ALIVE? It's rather simple: people must keep gathering to pray, to reflect on their faith, and determine ways to live out their faith in every day life. Jesus promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit after His resurrection. Since that first Pentecost in Jerusalem almost 2,000 years ago, which marks the beginning of the Church, the Holy Spirit is constantly working through ordinary Christians in parishes; people like you and me. The Holy Spirit works in us and through us to keep the mission and message of Jesus ALIVE and vibrant. What happens in parishes throughout the world is of more importance than what happens in Vatican offices or the bishop's office. Each local faith community is extremely important! But, as Roman Catholic Christians, we acknowledge that the Bishop of Rome (a.k.a. the Pope) and the local bishop keep us in communion with other Roman Catholics throughout the world. As we allow the Holy Spirit to be at work in us, we do not do our "own thing," but we remember that the Church is catholic, i.e., universal. But we also remember it is at the parish level that Catholics really experience God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
This past year, the Parish Pastoral Council worked extremely hard to develop a plan for St. John's--a plan that would keep us vibrant and alive and more committed to being disciples of Christ Jesus, to His Gospel, i.e., His way of living, and to living our Catholic faith to the fullest. The document you received in the mail a few months ago, "Building A Stronger Faith Community," is more than words on paper. It is a challenge to all of us to recommit ourselves to Jesus Christ in these days, to live His gospel, and to be EXCITED about being His people at St. John's in these northern suburbs. We are Christ's suburban body! We have a mission from none other than Jesus Christ!
The five goals: Worship, Education in our faith, Including everyone in the mission of Jesus, Service to our dear neighbor, and living as Stewards of God's creation; plus the addendums, Youth and Evangelization, are the best part of being a Catholic. Our goals, and the addendums, are the heart and soul of every parish. If we remain focused and excited about this plan, the Holy Spirit can take us places that we never dreamt possible. Something very powerful and positive is at work in St. John's parish. Are you open
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to the grace of the Spirit right here, right now? Do you want to see St. John's be all that it can be? Do you believe in a new Pentecost, a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these 'burbs of ours? Is Jesus calling us to be passionate and compassionate followers, disciples, servant people in our culture?
The October issue of The Forerunner will begin to focus on the parish's goals. If one of the goals really interests you, please contact a member of the staff assigned to the goal as noted below.
As pastor of St. John's, I try my best to serve this large faith community made up of many unique individuals. I want our liturgy to be something beautiful and fitting as we worship God together. I hope that our baptismal commitment to Christ and the Gospel will lead us to grow in our understanding of our faith; to be good stewards of God's creation; to be people of peace and justice; to practice hospitality and charity to all who come to us; to share who we are and what we have as a Christian community; to get involved in the ministries of the parish; to care about all human life; and to live more simple lives by our moderation in all the many areas of our lives.
As we begin a new century as St. John the Baptist Parish, it is a good time to renew ourselves as the Body of Christ, with the help of the Spirit.
God bless us!
Fr. Bill
Goals Staff Contact
Worship Both priests, Jay H., and Cheri S.
Faith Formation Sue Clausen, Sr. Clarinda, and Brad & Libby DuPont
Inclusion Pat Keyes and Maurice Prater
Service Anne Marie Bartlett and deacons
Stewardship Bob Mike
FYI: There is a new addition in the pastor's life. Since I believe two dogs are better than one, I went to Duluth and brought home another golden retriever. I named him after my two dogs who died, Ollie and Izzy -- OZZIE. He is seven weeks old. My three year old, Teddy, is extremely jealous. And, I'm not getting a full night's sleep. I can now identify more closely with parents of newborns!
Fr. Bill
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