Happening Now!!!

 

Calendar of events for Social outreach

For more information, please contact: Mary Vlazny at the Parish Center, 288-7372 ext. 16.

 

Social Action News and
the Resurrection

 

We are renewed, new creations, in the power of the Resurrection!  Jesus mission to bring “Good news to the Poor…” is entrusted to us with new power and clarity after our time of fasting and prayer during Lent.  We go forth, knowing the necessity to be continually connected to our Source by prayer, to seek understanding through reflection, and to act for justice with a deepened sense of the gift of Love shown to us by our Risen Savior, Jesus the Christ!

Thanks be to God for your support and education with Catholic Relief Services “Operation Rice Bowl” This appreciation of our solidarity and common human desire helps us respond with love, even at a distance.

With new hope, we have prayed with our families and faith communities; fasted in solidarity with those who hunger; learned more about our global community and the challenges of poverty overseas; and give sacrificial contributions to those in need.
Twenty-five percent of your gifts remain in our diocese and support local hunger and poverty alleviation efforts.

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Earth Day

Global Climate change is an issue of concern only for those of us who live and breathe on this planet…It is a concern only for those who hope to see future generations inhabit a world capable of supporting human and other life…It is only a concern for those of us who take our stewardship of the gift of God’s creation seriously…Is it a concern for you?

As we approach Earth Day 2010, there are ways to address this issue on a personal local level as well as by being a voice for legislation that can help to reverse the effects of our way of life on the environment.  In addition to the other resources you may have, please consider looking at these websites:  National Catholic Rural Life Conference www.ncrlc.com ; Catholic Coalition on Climate Change www.catholicsandclimatechange.org and www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/globalclimate.shtml

What you can do…

This site provides over 25 easy steps you can take to not only reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, but also reduce air pollution, increase the nation's energy independence and save money… www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd

 

Caring for God's Creation,
Climate Change and Environmental
Concerns

 

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2010 Interfaith Build

St John the Evangelist and many other faith communities will partner with Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity on  the 2010 Interfaith Build.

Sara Botzek, of RAHH, spoke about the great opportunity to build community and understanding among diverse people of faith in this build. The land (Eastwood Dr.) and family (click here to meet the family) have been secured and chosen, so the parts that remain are funding and volunteers. The total for the home will be about $125,000. Each faith community is being asked to consider a contribution of $5000. It is important to get the word out about this partnership in building a home and a legacy of simple, decent, affordable housing for everyone. It will also be vital for you to provide your energy, skills, talents and time to helping with the home construction and all the small jobs and hospitality necessary to accomplish this build.

This is where you enter in with other members of our St. John faith community to partner with others in this project. As Jesus describes in the parable of the two foundations, together we will be building on the solid foundation of your faith, love and caring presence…not to speak of your talents!

There will be 4 ways you can get involved: Public Awareness under the direction of John Archbold; Building guided by the construction wisdom of Tim Scanlon and John DeStazio; Hospitality of goodies and presence at the build site and other events overseen by Carol Fitzgerald; and Fundraising currently the “Tour de Habitat” on April 10 at the Rochester Athletic Club.  Our next event for volunteers is the Taste of Faith - Interfaith Build Get-Together  Saturday May 1st from 1-2 pm, at the Minnesota School of Business, in the open foyer

Whether you were contacted already (having expressed some interest in Habitat or been suggested by someone as a “builder of home and community”) or just have an interest, come on board as we develop our plan to partner with Rochester Area Habitat and many other faith communities in 2010. For more information contact Mary at the Parish Center.

“What do you remember of the first home in which you lived?”

Meet the family that will receive this new home!

 

Groundbreaking Ceremony for RAHabitat Interfaith Build

When: Monday June 21st at 5:30 pm (First day of summer!)

Where: 1929 3rd Ave. SW, Rochester

We invite you to celebrate a new beginning for the Ahmed family as we break ground for their new home. The program will last around a half hour.

Their story ...(PDF File)

 

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You are encouraged to read and reflect on Pope Benedict’s encyclical Caritas In Veritate (Charity in Truth). Allow the Spirit to move in your heart and mind through this St. John Reads selection and the other resources to help understand this important teaching.

 

 

 

* Legislative advocacy is our way to participate in the building of the “City of God”. As citizens of the “Kingdom of God” we work, with love, for the common good.  To this end, we are called to voice the “Good News” as our elected representatives create and vote on legislation that impacts us all.  Most important is the question:  How will this affect the poorest and most vulnerable?

"Read about ways to engage with A Minnesota Without Poverty Statewide Movement."

 

 

Resurrection Reflections

Prayer for Easter

By: Jane Deren

Easter

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Our day of atonement has passed,
The great sacrifice given.

Seeds nurtured in the dark
Have grown upward, gloriously.

Hope bursts forth
like flowers from cold ground.

The potential of abundant life
Blossoms like visions of peace.

Mercy and justice
Seem possible prayers.

You enter our hearts, and
Easter in us, O Lord.

Renewed through Resurrection,
You grace our going forth.

-by Jane Deren
www.educationforjustice.org

If you have not had the time to reflect on these daily pieces, please do so even during the Easter Season:

 

 

Legislative Issues

For more detailed information and action alerts, please visit the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops website.

At the state of Minnesota level please find out more at www.jrlc.org (see JRLC Blog), or the Minnesota Catholic Conference www.mcc.org

 

Social Action

If one had taken what is necessary to cover one's needs and had left the rest to those who are in need, no one would be rich, no one would be poor, no one would be in need.
- Saint Basil, 4th
century theologian and monastic

Weekly Bulletins of the NCRLC

 

 

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Channel One Food shelf

How Channel One can use our food dollar. Please contribute today by placing a check(Pay to: St John Church) or cash designated for Channel One in any collection or bring food to the food barrel in the coat room anytime.

 

  Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob,
  whose hope is in the Lord his God,
  who made heaven and earth,
  the sea, and all that is in them;
  who executes justice for the oppressed;
  who gives food to the hungry.

  Psalms 146: 5-7