The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

December 31, 2006

Dear Parishioners,

           Although this is a difficult letter to write, I want to be the one to tell you that I will be leaving

St. John’s at the end of the school year.  I have

accepted the President position at St. Elizabeth Seton School in North Minneapolis.  St. Elizabeth’s school provides a Catholic education to the families of 5 parishes on the north side.  The goal of the Archdiocese is that this school will become a larger regional school for the people in that area.

           I grew up in a poor family. My parents valued Catholic education but could barely afford it.  Had it not been for the Sisters of St. Benedict, who taught in the Catholic grade school in my home town, my life and the lives of my 6 brothers and sisters would have turned out very differently.  It is my turn to give back to people with limited financial resources to ensure that they have the same quality of education for their children that you want for yours.

           There will be time for good-byes in the spring.  For now, I plan to continue to work hard to make St. John’s the best school it can be for all of the families in Hopkins.

           This decision required a great deal of prayer and soul searching on my part, but I felt called by God to respond when the offer came to me.

—Mona Faulkner
Text Box: It is very difficult to accept the resignation of Mona Faulkner as Principal of our school.  She worked with us from the time of the decision to dissolve the John Ireland School.  It was then that parents from our area asked that St. John's School be started up again.  She was an inspired facilitator helping us and me discern a decision.  With confidence we determined we would do so because we could do so.  Mona excited us all when she accepted the principal position three years ago, and has been a faithful and qualified principal, gathering a top-notch faculty to bring to reality the goals we set together of a quality, Catholic education.  Her decision now is to serve the very real needs of another community seeking the goals we set together.   She has drawn out the best of our parents, students and parishioners.  I applaud her decision to continue using her skills and gifts in the north side community of parishes seeking what we search for and found beginning four years ago.  And I assure you that our search for a new principal for the fall of 2007 will bring us another quality and faith-filled principal.  "What we have begun in God's name, God will bring to a successful conclusion".—Father Ralph Text Box: Hopkins Catholic Youth Ministry Robyn Magalska, Director Youth Office Contact Information: 952-935-5536 ext. 6 or robyn_magalska@yahoo.com . There will be no Sunday Youth Gathering on Dec. 31st. 10th Graders and Older Sign up this week! All 10th graders and older (including adults), mark your calendars for January 5th and 6th for our FIL Retreat! FIL stands for Faith Impacts Life and this is a great opportunity to see how faith and fun collide! The retreat will begin on Friday at 7 pm and conclude on Saturday at 9 pm. We will have great discussions, great food, great games and great fellowship! Permission slips and Code of Conduct forms are required. The cost for the event is $12. Contact the Youth Office if you are interested or if you have questions. If you want to participate, but you cannot attend the entire time, that is fine but you must give prior notification. All 7th–12th Graders and Older Join us on Sunday, January 7th for Game Night, Open Gym and an end-of-Christmas-break celebration! There will be cake, snacks, music, and fun. Bring your energy for Mushroom Ball, Lightening and more! Stop down to Leo’s Den at St. John’s from 7:15-8:30 pm for lots of fun and fellowship! Friends are welcome and no RSVP is necessary. On Sunday, January 14th there will be a service project opportunity. We will be spending time preparing for our annual “Baby Shower” drive. Join us to pray for life issues and serve your community as well from 7:15–8:30 pm in Leo’s Den at St. John’s. Snacks will be provided. Contact the Youth Office for questions. All are welcome.

Catholic Charities Seton Services

Catholic Charities assists women and their partners at a time of an unplanned pregnancy in considering the best path for their future, and that of their child. A full range of services is available including counseling, prenatal and delivery and various approaches to adoption. Take a brochure from the kiosk, or for more info call 651-641-1180.

Outreach Opportunity

The Little Sisters of the Poor will be visiting our parish the weekend of Jan. 14, giving us the opportunity to share in their ministry to the elderly poor. They conduct the Holy Family Residence in St. Paul. Their financial support comes from the generosity of people like ourselves. Your help will be greatly appreciated.