Announcements for May 11

Outreach Forum This Sunday: The Night Ministry
The Night Ministry compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty and loneliness, especially in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum this Sunday, May 11, to learn more about the work of the Night Ministry and different ways that we can help. The forum begins at 9:00 a.m. in Classroom 4. Aidan McCormack from the Night Ministry will be presenting.

St. John’s Food Garden
Plans are underway to develop a food garden on the grounds of St. John’s. The purpose is to grow fresh produce to be given to people who otherwise would not have access to nourishing food. Volunteers from throughout the parish are needed Saturday, May 24, to help fill the beds with soil and begin planting. To learn more about other ways to help, plan on attending the outreach forum next Sunday, May 18.

Youth Group Participate in Crop Walk
Walking to end hunger members of St. John's high school youth group raised $440 and participated in the Church World Service Crop Walk in Park Forest on May 4. Participants reflected on the great distances people all over the world walk (including here at home) hoping to obtain food, potable water and cooking fuel. With regional proceeds predicted to raise at least $1 million--a quarter of which will go to our region's services--organizations including South Suburban PADS, Rich Township Food Pantry, Respond Now, and several more pantries in Harvey, Hazel Crest, Chicago Heights and Lansing will gain much needed funds to aid their vital work. Thank you, St. John's, for your generous donations and support!

Seeking Summer PADS Volunteers
Are you interested in serving a hot breakfast for PADS clients over the summer? Jim Whitfield is looking for volunteers willing to cook a hot breakfast on the 4th Saturday of the month during the “summer season:” May – September, at Prince of Peace in Chicago Heights. The first Saturday is May 24, and it’s a two-hour commitment (5 am to 7 am). If you’ve never been involved with PADS before, this is your opportunity to try it out! Please contact Jim or the parish office if you’re interested.

Confirmation: May 31
Youth and adults from St. John’s will be Confirmed by Bishop Lee at the Diocesan Confirmation service at St. James Cathedral, Saturday, May 31, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Next Youth Group Meeting – May 18 (time to be announced)
Service work opportunity: Acts of compassion. Let’s go shopping for residents of McAllister Nursing Home! Their needs are many—everything from toiletries to clothing—and their resources are few. If it’s something you need, they do, too. Please contact Shirley Reilly or Dee McManamy with questions or suggestions. Meanwhile, youth are needed to help break ground on St. John’s food garden. Saturday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m.