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“Arise and Eat, Else the Journey Will Be Too Great for You.” (I Kings 19:7) |
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A WARM WELCOME TO ALL AS WE WORSHIP TOGETHER
Have you heard this?: "Wow! The 4th of July is over already, and that means summer is almost over." Well, it's not. Enjoy these beautiful days of July and August, and some of the many events that happen this time of year. Especially, watch for the ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL FLOAT in the Hopkins RASPBERRY DAYS PARADE, Sunday, July 16, and wave to some of the familiar people you will see on it and around it. This weekend, JULY 8–9, we welcome PIME Missionary Father Giancario Ghezzi (I can't wait to try and introduce him by name!). The Opportunity Outreach collection will be in response to his appeal for support of his community, the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, whose 550 or so members minister in 14 countries around the world, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, providing education and helping people deal with other needs. If you wish to donate and cannot do so on the 8–9 in the Opportunity Outreach Collection, please use the special missionary envelope or include your donation in an envelope marked "Missionary" and put it in the collection next weekend or return it to the parish office by mail. I am always aware that the people of our parish respond to the work of the church, whether it is here in the parish or one of our "outreach" efforts. Your generosity to the missionary will be evidence of that "stewardship" (accepting God's gifts to each of us, and returning thanks by giving of ourselves and our resources to God's work and world). Your very significant generosity to the Hopkins Catholic Youth Ministry summer mission trip in June’s Opportunity Outreach collection is also evidence of that generous response. As you have supported the youth of St. Joseph and St. John's parishes with your financial gift, continue to support them in prayer. They begin their 10 day mission work on Friday, July 21. Your continuing support to the pledges of the parish's Capital Campaign is more evidence of your generosity and love of our parish. Phase II projects continue: we will be in the midst of more dust and some inconvenience for a short time soon as double sets of glass doors are installed in the four remaining doors of the church; also, the lower parts of the gym windows and the windows at the west end of the gym will be replaced. These upgrades will save on heat and a/c expenses, as well as keeping the blowing snow, leaves, etc., out of the foyer; the windows in the gym will do the same. At the same time, the cement steps and platforms outside the St. Francis shrine entrance and the southwest church entrance will be replaced—badly needed because of weather and skate-board damages. Safety and appearance obviously are a wonderful and attractive benefit as well. Some of you will jump on this: yes, you can still get aboard the parish's Capital Campaign: Share in the Vision. Soon there will be a letter of invitation to new parishioners of the last year (and there are a number of them). They will be invited to join us who share the vision of a parish plant (church, school and community gathering space) that is welcoming and serves the needs of a growing and vibrant faith community. But you can accelerate this process by calling me now and becoming part of what we will be—right now. School windows for eight of the classrooms, the church roof, the main church entrance steps and retaining wall are some of the projects that need attention and funding from the Campaign. Enjoy God's goodness and beauty this summer, stay off the neighbors' grass when you park for Mass (use the school playground for parking!), and don't leave Mass early—that violates a long-standing and very good tradition here.
—Father Ralph
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Prayer Corner liaison Please remember the sick of our parish in your prayers: Roland Bangsund Elizabeth Hanley Marge Motzko Jan Blod Rose Hennen Deacon Jim Murphy Elise Christianson Rose Holland Gen Sheats Mary Cipolla Donna Johanns Irene Turmes Nancy Dussol Dorene Johnson Bob & Barb Velner Dennis Faulkner Joseph Mannelly Jim Walker Katharine Gamble Ray Martineau Debbie Griggs John McGowan
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Sick Call Procedure Because of Right to Privacy Laws, churches are not notified of parishioners who are hospitalized or in nursing homes unless the person asks specifically that we are called. If you, a family member, or friend would like a visit from the parish, call the office at 952-935-5536. |
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Highway Hymns ~45mph.......................... God Will Take Care of You |
