Message From the Principal 

Keawa'one and family enjoy Grandparents' & Friends' Day today, along with many other families and students in grades two through five.

 

This edition of NewViews will cover two weeks as next week at this time we will be celebrating Thanksgiving!   The all-school Thanksgiving Liturgy will take place on Tuesday, November 22nd at 9:00.  Please, join us as we give thanks for our many blessings.

 

I feel truly blessed to be a member of this community.

• Thank you for your partnership.
• Thank you for your stewardship.
• Thank you for the many hours, some cold and wet, that you spend on recess duty.
• Thank you for the many school events and fundraisers that you organize, manage and assist with and attend.
• Thank you for volunteering in the classrooms.
• Thank you for teaching the co-curricular clubs.
• Thank you for your coaching skills, commitment and dedication.
• Thank you for your work on improving the technology and the website.
• Thank you for your dedication to maintaining the facilities.
• Thank you for the library remodel.
• Thank you, library ladies, for helping us with the new Destiny program.
• Thank you for the many lunches you provide us.
• Thank you for your help in the office.
• Thank you to all the members of our commissions, councils and Parent Association.
• Thank you, willing volunteers, for being there, when we need you.
• Thank you, Parishioners, Knights of Columbus, friends, for your prayers, gifts and loyal and faith-filled service to St. John.

I also thank the faculty and staff here, who join with you in making St. John a Christ- centered community.

 

Beannacht - God Bless,

Bernadette O'Leary

Pavo Trote (Turkey Trot) for Peru

• Gather pledges and run or walk as many laps as you can Sponsor a jogger per lap or by fixed donation
• Volunteer to help the day of the event
• Come out and cheer on the participants

Auction Dates and Theme Announced!

It is our pleasure to announce the theme of the 2012 auction, to be held April 27 & 28 in Egan Hall. 

"Carnaval! Party With A Purpose" was chosen as our theme because of Carnaval's roots in Catholic tradition and the festive mood it invokes.  As we know, Carnaval is a religious festival held 46 days before Easter.  In Rio, it is a week-long celebration that prepares participants for Christ's death and resurrection.  The party has a purpose, and so does our auction.  While our party only lasts for one weekend in April, the auction's purpose is to bring families together in a festive environment to raise money for St. John School.  The funds we raise allow our children to continue to receive a superior Catholic education and be prepared for life's journey.  Please mark your calendars now for what is sure to be an entertaining and successful auction.

Additionally, it takes many volunteers to ensure the auction runs smoothly.   While we are happy that many of the lead positions have been filled, there are still a few committees in need of people to give of their time and talents.  Those positions include:

• Friday Dinner Coordinator
• Saturday Dessert Auction Coordinator
• Publicity Coordinator
• Display Coordinator
• Auction Clerk
• Gift Certificates Coordinator

To volunteer or obtain additional information, please contact Auction Co-Chairs Marsha Fuesel or Jennifer Witeck.  And remember, the auction is a great way to meet new people and satisfy your volunteer hours! 

Marsha Fuesel                   Jennifer Witeck

mfuesel@yahoo.com       jennifer.witeck@gmail.com

Advent Giving Tree  

St. John Parish will once again have an Advent Giving Tree.  This year the project is coordinated by St. John graduates Carrie Long and Megan Hamilton, juniors at Bishop Blanchet High School.  This year's tree benefits the following three Catholic Community Services organizations:  

 University District Youth Center provides assistance for homeless and runaway youth between the ages of 13 and 22.  The UDYC drop in program offers youth on the street basic services like meals, clothing, laundry, and showers.  They also provide a safe and welcoming environment where youth can get drug and alcohol counseling, mental health services, and even help with getting their GED and job training, while learning other life skills.   UDYC helps these teenagers recover from the effects of violence and addiction in their lives.  All of the services work to give these teens the opportunity, tools, and support to eventually transition to a better life situation.   

Noel House provides safe and comfortable shelter for a diverse community of homeless women, particularly those most vulnerable. They strive to create an environment of dignity, respect, and compassion, while also recognizing the intrinsic value of every woman and honoring her unique experience. Noel House began as an emergency shelter for homeless women unaccompanied by children in response to the severe winter of 1990.  Today, Noel House continues to offer dignified and compassionate survival services to Seattle's most vulnerable homeless population.  Over the years, their services have grown to include coordinating available shelter across multiple providers and offering comprehensive case management resources at the main Noel House shelter.

 St. Martin de Porres Shelter provides safe and dignified night shelter for homeless men age 50 and older. This is to be done in the spirit of ministry of presence, which fosters attention to the individual and respect for each person's unique situation.  The shelter opened in October 1984 in response to the growing need for an emergency shelter for this special population of elderly men who are vulnerable to the weather, street predators, and illness.  They currently operate at a full capacity of 212 men a night.  The shelter is open 365 nights a year from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and during the day for medical convalescent care.  During the winter months, they have arrangements with eight local churches to provide space for an additional 34 men a night.

The Advent Giving Tree will be up and decorated for the First Sunday in Advent - the weekend of November 26th and 27th.  Please take an ornament from the Giving Tree and return that item unwrapped and place it under the tree by December 18th.  Thank you so much for your generosity in making this a wonderful Christmas for the homeless in our community.