Dear St. John's Parishioners,

I apologize for the neo-Nazi reference in the Sunday bulletin of July 10. This was not, in any way, a reference to members of this parish community. It was, however, a direct reference to our political leaders who support abortion, and this, in itself, was also wrong because it was critical and severe without being constructive or educational. Please forgive me. This was not the appropriate way to represent St. John's. I was writing out of frustration over the lack of regard for life among many who are serving our country in political office. Thank you to Father Bill and others for calling this to my attention. I will now try to be more specific and direct in my future communications, without reference to my personal feelings, especially in regard to those who do not hold opinions compatible with the truths of our  faith found in the Roman Catholic Church. May God bless you and your loved ones. Sincerely,

  Maurice Prater
  St. John's Communications Director

Tuesday, August 2
Mass  11:45 AM Presbyterian Homes
Word/Comm.   2:15 PM New Brighton Care Ctr.

Thursday, August 4
Word/Comm. 11:45 AM Benedictine Health Ctr.
Word/Comm.   2:00 PM St. Anthony
Mass    2:15 PM Trevilla

SJB FOOD SHELF: M-W-F, 10-12, St. Joseph Hall.

THE SUMMER MONTHS find us needing more food for our food shelf. With kids out of school, the cupboards at home become empty much quicker. We are bringing very little to Ralph Reeder Food Shelf this summer because we are getting lots of families coming to us for food. Any help with groceries is appreciated and needed. Thank you for your continued generosity!

MINNESOTA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Crisis Hotline is  1-866-223-1111 (toll free).

POST ABORTION HEALING: Rachel's Vineyard is offering a confidential retreat in the Twin Cities during the weekend of August 12-14 for parents hurting from an abortion. While Confession is the most important step to healing, this retreat offers a variety of steps to recovery and wholeness. Please call (612) 508-2184 for more details.

ARE YOU ADOPTED? Have you placed a child for adoption? Has your family adopted a child?  You are invited to the 1^st Annual Mass in Celebration of Adoption on Tuesday, August 2, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony. For details, please call (651) 291-4488.

JUSTFAITH INVOLVES A SUBSTANTIAL COMMITMENT. The process includes 30 weekly sessions, two retreats, four border-crossing experiences (contact with those who have experienced poverty and oppression), and a Saturday "Journey to Justice" program sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Participants are expected to do two or more hours of reading each week. The program asks a lot, just like the Gospel. Participants have the privilege of developing community among themselves as they journey through the program. You should come ready for the possibility of change! For more information, call Sharon Hansen at (651) 631-0617.

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THE BLOODMOBILE is coming to St. John's on Tuesday, August 16. Sign-ups for appointment times will take place after all Masses on the weekend of August 6/7.
If you would like an appointment, but will not be at St. John's on the sign-up weekend, please call Rita at (651) 636-9124.