"Not a Creature was Stirring..."

AS I LOOKED OUT over the gym floor, I saw the men lying there on their mats, crowded together with barely enough room to walk between. I wondered from where they had all come. They were once little boys with hopes and dreams. How many years ago had they slept in their own beds? What quirks of fate had brought them here: sickness, loss of a job, addiction, loss of a loved one, who knew? But they are here and God still loves them. They need to know this! We can show that love. Ask your family members to bring socks, boxer shorts, and thermal underwear (men's & women's) to your house on Thanksgiving. Drop them in the blue containers at the church doors. Next weekend, November 26/27, is our last chance: "And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes each man would receive a new pair."

THANK YOU to all who contributed to our Clothing Drive in October. We received 450 coats for the Family Service Center, as well as hats, scarves, boots & mittens. Another 70 coats were taken to the CEAP Clothing Closet. One generous parishioner made 60 new hats for children in need! We are grateful for all your support.


sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Society

HOW TO CATCH A TURKEY
From the Mouths of Babes
 
  • "You catch it with a basket, and you need a fishing pole and ketchup. You need to take the hook off, or you could put a rope around the turkey."

  • "Get in a hot air balloon, get a net, and then get that turkey!"
  • "Take a net and a hook, put a turkey on the hook, and throw it in the water."

PRESIDENT BUSH recently nominated Samuel Alito, another Roman Catholic to the U.S. Supreme Court. Please pray for pro-life judges and a fair confirmation hearing. Call Senator Norm Coleman (1-202-224-5641) and Senator Mary Dayton (1-202-224-3244) and ask them to help us build a culture of life. God bless you!

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING from an abortion, experience the healing love of Jesus Christ on a Rachel's Vineyard Weekend Retreat on December 2 - 4 in the Twin Cities. For more information, please call Nancy at (952) 882-2072. Also, visit the website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

YOU ARE INVITED to Advent Tea by Candlelight on Tuesday, November 29, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Circle of Women is also looking for people who would be willing to host a table of eight. You would be in charge of decorating your table (dinnerware, candles, party favors - if you'd like, etc.) and supplying the dessert (can be bought or homemade). Circle of Women will supply the beverages. If you would like to host a table, please write your name on one of the blank hostess cards on the sign-up board in St. Paul Plaza;  you may also have a co-host. If you would prefer to just attend, sign up under the hostess name of your choice on the sign-up sheet. This event is free, but we will take up a freewill offering to help the needy this Christmas Season. If you have questions, call Shannon Mildenberger at (763) 780-4449. Thank you!

BIRTHRIGHT
Caring help for pregnant women

(651) 646-7033--Saint Paul
(763) 757-0715--Coon Rapids

EVANGELIZATION AWAKENING SERIES: "How do I know that Jesus is really working in my life?" A thank you to Father Tom for helping us answer this question! If you missed the Sunday Morning Awakening Talk hosted by Father Tom this morning, from 10:40 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., mark your calendars now for the remaining three talks:

December 11 What does Jesus really want from me in    my busy life?

January 15 Can I really trust Jesus to provide for all    my needs and my family's needs?

February 12  My relationship with Jesus is personal    and private, why do I need to share my    faith with others?

ALSO: Our Archdiocese has a calendar listing of priests to pray for everyday of the year. The priest featured on Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Day) is our very own Father Tom. Please join us in thanking God for him!

AND CENTERPIECES will be available from St. John's Boy Scout Troop 93 after all Masses this weekend. The scouts will also place wreaths at St. John's Cemetery for you at no additional cost. Please support the efforts of these fine young men. Thank you.

FATHER BILL is leading a tour to the Holy Land, March 19 - 28, 2006. Brochures in Plaza kiosks; only 12 seats left!

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