Notes from Charlie Brown 

As you know, Mrs. Capodanno is retiring as principal of St. John the Beloved School in June.  We thank her for her 14 years of service to our parish and school and wish her a happy and healthy retirement.  Following the 9:30am Mass next Sunday, you are invited to meet and greet her in the Conference Room and say “good-bye.” 

On Saturday, May 17^th at 11:00am at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 6^th and West Streets in Wilmington, Deacon Christopher Hanley will be ordained to the priesthood.  You are invited to attend the Ordination ceremony.

MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, ANNULMENTS: CHURCH TEACHING AND PROCEDURES

Deacon Francis Staab, a staff member of the Wilmington Diocesan Tribunal will speak on Sunday, May 18^th from 2:00 to 4:00pm at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Centerville Road, concerning the annulment process.  An opportunity to meet with a church Advocate will follow the presentation.

The parish continues to grow and the needs grow along with it. First of all, for those who are already Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and for those who want to serve the sick and shut-ins of our parish, we need your help. The 3rd Sunday of every month, a group of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion takes the Eucharist to the homebound of our parish after the 8:00, 9:30 or 11:00am Masses as an extension of community for those unable to get to Mass because of lack of transportation or illness.  This ministry was started about thirteen years ago and many of us have been active in the ministry since its inception.  Those assigned visit four to five people and it takes about an hour and a half.  Our schedules are set up as geographically expedient as possible so as to conserve our driving and energy.  Our hope is that we may enlist additional Ministers so that our schedule to visit the homebound will be less frequent for all of us and the homebound will get to know additional parishioners.  There is Diocesan training to be a Minister to the Sick. You will be advised how, where and what to say and do and someone will go with you on your first visit and be available for any additional assistance.  Please call Irene O'Brien at 302-234-2319 to learn more about Communion to the Homebound.

As Catholic Christians, part of our “job description” is to bring others to faith: our children, our spouse, our neighbors, and our co-workers.  We have been given the mission of evangelizing the world.  The Solemnity of Pentecost reminds us of this.  The mission was given to the whole Church – go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All of us are responsible to share the faith.  We usually do this through the witness of our lives.  As a community, we are to live the Gospel in our daily lives, celebrate  God’s love for us in our worship each week, and serve the needs of the poor.  For those who are not baptized or belong to another Christian church who decide to take a deeper look into the Catholic faith, the parish invites them to journey with us through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  This process involves four periods: inquiry, the catechumenate, the period of enlightenment and mystogogy,  (Great names, huh?) and three liturgical rites: the Rite of Welcoming, the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, and the Rites of Initiation.  We would like to invite interested parishioners to become involved in the process of walking with those interested in becoming Catholic.  We need people to lead in reflecting on the Sunday scriptures (the dismissal time after the Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass): this would be a good ministry for the Lectors of the parish.  We need people to teach in the catechumenate (the period of instruction).  We need people to oversee the process and be on the RCIA team.  We need people to come to the sessions and represent the parish community as the candidates journey through the process.  For those who would like to be on the RCIA team, there is a workshop in Richmond, VA  July 9 – 12^th that gives a overview of the whole process.  Please contact Fr. Charlie for more information.

2008 Annual Catholic Appeal:  Revealing Jesus through our Works of Mercy

Thank you to all who responded so generously to the 2008 Annual Catholic Appeal!  We are close to our goal of                  $ 171,300.  If you have not yet responded to this year’s campaign, please do so as soon as possible. Cards are in the vestibule.  We ask everyone to fill out a card, even if you are unable to participate in the Appeal. It is never too late to help someone in need.

SACRISTANS NEEDED:  Between the Masses there is a lot of work to do in the sacristy.  The vessels have to        be washed and sanitized, and the chalices, ciboria, purificators, bread and wine for the next Mass set up.  If you would like to take on this responsibility and help, please call Fr. Adrian at the rectory.  Thank you.

CHANGE OF MASS SCHEDULE 

On Saturday, June 7^th because of the Carnival, Masses will be celebrated 8:00am and 4:30pm only.  Confessions will be from 3:30pm to 4:15pm.  

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE

Our Summer Mass schedule will begin on June 22, 2008.  The 12:30pm Sunday Masses will be eliminated and resume on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

                               11:00        Ron Gambacorta

                               12:30        Parishioners

Parish Offertory                    05/04/08                 $     30,164.50

Children                                 05/04/08                 $            19.00    

YOUTH MINISTRY

CALLING ALL - RUNNERS/WALKERS

We are looking for participants and youth group volunteers to assist with the run!  2^nd Annual Kids Kickin’ Cancer 5K Run/Walk - To benefit cancer research & support (for background & vision, go to www.kidskickincancer.org)

If you are part of the youth group and would like to register, please email me at sjbyouth907@yahoo.com and I’ll forward the information!

THANK YOU FRIENDLY’S

On May 5^th, the Friendly’s located on Kirkwood Highway, filled with your smiling faces.  Thank you to those that attended the fundraiser and also to Friendly’s for their continued support of our Parish’s Youth Group.

BOWLING

Last week, the youth group took a post SAT retreat to Price Lanes where we bowled from 8pm-11pm.  Many frames later, we all realized that actual bowling is indeed more difficult than the popular Wii Bowling! Over 100 individual games bowled in the evening, we all went home to ice our arms!

NEXT YOUTH GROUP MEETING - May 18^th 6:30pm Hall Conference Room and Noon-3pm need help with Face Painting if anyone is interested!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

“You taught me everything and everything you've given me I always keep it inside. Whenever I was down you were always there to comfort me and no one else can be what you have been to me.
You'll always be, you always will be, the girl in my life for all times.” – Boyz II Men lyrics to MAMA

FOOD CLOSET

The Food Closet is in need of the following: Cereal, soup, tuna, baked beans, peas, green beans, whole grain corn, canned meat, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, pasta, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly, fruit, juice, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers sizes 2, 4 and 5.

BABIES IN NEED

Spring is here.  Newborn babies are in their way!  Please look for clean gently used baby clothing and blankets.  Infant clothing is needed as well.  Perhaps you have baby chairs, cribs, potty chairs or clean crib mattresses and padded bumpers for the crib.  If so, please drop it by at Deacon’s Haley’s office.  

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY

The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality will meet on Monday, May 19^th in the Gerres Building after the Novena and Rosary.  Fr. Adrian will be speaking at this month’s meeting.

On Saturday, June 21^st, we will be sponsoring a Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Emmetsburg, MD. We are celebrating 150 years since our Lady appeared at Lourdes, France.  Bus leaves SJB parking lot at 8am and arrives in Emmetsburg around 11am.  Mass will be celebrated in the Grotto Chapel at 12pm.  A brown bag lunch will be on the Grotto grounds.  After touring the Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the bus will leave and arrive back at SJB at approximately 6:30pm.  Cost is $32/person.  Deadline is June 1^st.  For reservations, please call Suzanne at 438-2688 or Johannah at 998-3057.

Chrism

“Christening” is a wonderful, old word for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist. These are the three sacraments that initiate us into the church. To be christened is to be made a Christianos, a “new Christ.”

When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, God anointed him with the Holy Spirit. The word “christ” means “anointed.” The church anoints the baptized with chrism, which is oil mixed with perfume, as a sacramental sign of the outpouring of the Spirit.

Saint Paul tells us that “we are the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). It is no wonder then that the church uses the sense of smell in the worship of God. Fragrance can be invisible evidence.

In spring we often are surrounded with christening aromas wafting through our windows, of sweet lilacs and crab apples, of iris and peonies, of all the grace‑filled scents and sights of the awakening land. Perhaps each morning in the shower, with simple water and scented soap, you can renew your christening.

In whatever you do, uncover evidence of Easter. Search for the signs of the Spirit, who has been sent to renew the face of the earth.

Copyright © 2001 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622‑1101; 1‑800‑933‑1800; www.ltp.org. Text by Peter Mazar. Art by Vicki Shuck. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

FAITH FORMATION NOTES

RESPECT LIFE

The mother of Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, was advised to abort the unborn Tim because of a drug she needed to survive.  She said “no” to death and “yes” to life, despite the anxiety and uncertainty involved.  Had she exercised her “right to choose,” Tim would have been just another abortion statistic instead of a young man whose talent has brought joy to many.  LifeSite News.com 

VOCATION REFLECTION

When the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, they were filled with courage, generosity, and every grace they needed to carry out God’s plan for them.  Sometimes we think we might have a priestly or religious vocation, but we’re anxious about responding because we don’t know if we could carry it out well.  The good news is that if God calls us, He always offers the graces we need to live out the implications of His call.  Is God quietly beckoning to you, inviting you to serve the Church as a priest, a deacon, a religious sister or a religious brother? Call or write Fr. Joe Cocucci, Diocesan Director of Priestly & Religious Vocations 573-3113, jcocucci@cdow.org.

PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY

The feast of Pentecost reminds us that we are not ever alone for Jesus has fulfilled his promise and sent the Holy Spirit.  In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that we are all one in the Spirit and that all of us, though we have different gifts, are to work for the same God.  For more information on Catholic social teaching, or to arrange for a speaker at a parish function, contact Mary An Love at Catholic Charities at 655-9624 or mlove@ccwilm.org.

ST. JOHN THE BELOVED CARNIVAL

The Athletic Association will be holding its annual carnival from June 2 - June 7 this year.  Advanced ride tickets will be on sale outside of the church before and after Masses starting May 17^th and continue until the carnival.  Each strip of 20 tickets is only $12 - a 25% savings.  Rides vary from 3 tickets (kiddy rides) to 4 tickets (large rides).  Come help support the parish and get your tickets early. Please make all checks payable to SJB A.A. 

This year, we will be offering family night bracelets for $15 on the weekends of May 24^th and May 31^st.  Family night will be Tuesday, June 3^rd with a scheduled rain date of Wednesday, June 4^th.   As always, the annual carnival offers a great opportunity for families and friends to get together and help out by becoming carnival workers.  A great variety of volunteers are needed to assist in the various activities before, during and after the carnival. No experience is necessary.  If you can spare a few hours please call Jim Walls at (302) 737-9016 or email at PAMAWALLS@comcast.net.

SPORTS NEWS

SJB Soccer Registration, Fall 2008 Season

All boys and girls in the SJB parish who will be enrolled in 3^rd-8^th grade next year are invited to register for the Fall 2008 Season in the Gerres Building after 9:30am Mass on May 11^th & May 18^th.  Any player who still has uniforms from the Fall 2007 season may return them during registration.  We are in need of coaches for the Grade 3-4, JV & Varsity teams.  Interested parents or anyone with questions can contact Rob Grey at 999-7671 or email sjb_soccer@yahoo.com. 

Soccer coach Wanted

St. John’s is looking for a head coach for the Varsity Soccer Team.  Any interested candidates should contact Rob Grey at 999-7671.