[Father Skloo - zah - check]

All parishioners should have received the "Assist-a-Student" mailing we sent out last week. Please consider a gift to a deserving child in our parish who otherwise might not be able to afford a Catholic education.  These funds go to assisting students from our parish who attend St. John the Baptist Catholic School.
When Archbishop Flynn assigned me to St. John the Baptist, I was very pleased to know that St. John's sponsors a school. Catholic education is so very important, and a Catholic school is one of the best ways that we can fulfill our mission to form our young people in their faith. A Catholic school is a mission of the parish, and St. John's Parish contributes a large subsidy to the school for its annual operating budget. Another large segment of support for the school comes from tuition. A third segment comes from fundraisers, such as the marathon, and other gifts to the school. 
Like everything else, the cost of Catholic education continues to rise. We are committed to paying our teachers a just salary, and the cost of supplies and educational materials also increases. Some families who choose to send their children to our Catholic school find the tuition overly burdensome. Many parents sacrifice significantly to send their children to a Catholic school, but for some, even after making sacrifices, they still cannot come up with the needed tuition.

Here is where you and I come in to make a difference:

Even though we might not have children in the school, they are still our children.

I am committed to never turning away a child from our school because of inability to pay the tuition fee. 

As long as families are active members of St. John's, our parish should be able to help them so their children can receive a Catholic education.   
Today we hear from the Book of Proverbs, "Wisdom has built her house." From Ephesians we hear, "Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise." Our mission in forming and educating our children in their Catholic faith is to help them to be wise, so they can live holy and fruitful lives. Please be generous in making a gift to our "Assist-a-Student" program.
If you did not receive information in the mail, please call the School Office to make a donation, (651) 633-1522, ext. 1118. Thank you!

Dear Father Skluzacek & St. John's Family,

"I write to offer my most sincere gratitude for the gracious welcome and generous support extended to the Claretian Missionaries on Mission Weekend, July 22/23, at St. John's. Your contributions will make a difference for the people of India, especially the orphaned leprosy patients. Wishing you blessings,

Fathers Thomas & Lukose
Claretian Missionaries

TAKE A PILGRIMAGE to the Shrines of France, September 26 - October 6, 2006, with Father Skluzacek! There are only 4 seats left, so please act quickly. The total fee package per person is $3,045. Lourdes, Paris, and Lisieux are cities included in the itinerary, including the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal and Notre Dame Cathedral. Call Judy & Don Robinson, 1-888-694-2554, and visit the Marian Tours website, www.marian-tours.com, for more information.

ARCHBISHOP HARRY FLYNN, all U.S. bishops, and Pope Benedict XVI have issued a statement calling for an immediate cease fire in Lebanon and Israel. Our Holy Father has also asked for continued prayers, fasting, and acts of penance for peace. Many innocent Maronite Catholics in Lebanon are getting hurt and killed, and many have relatives here in our Archdiocese. To help those  suffering in Lebanon, please send financial donations online through www.cnewa.org or mail to:

Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
Attention: Lebanese Relief Fund
1011 First Avenue
New York, NY 10022-4195