Starting shortly after the June Parish Dreaming meeting, a group of parishioners interested in parish organization began to meet at the home of Jim and Ann McEntee. The idea was to think about how to structure the parish so it could better represent the spirit of Jesus in our neighborhood, and so we could better serve each other. The group expanded to include people from various sub-groups in the parish. We wanted to hear the ideas and concerns of as many people as possible.

After several meetings with the large group, Fr. Tim asked a small group to spend some time studying parish councils. This sub-committee was instructed to come back to the larger group with two possible plans for a parish council for St. John Vianney Parish. The sub-committee consisted of Jim & Ann McEntee, Brendan Cunning, Jack McBrattney, and Ray & Ellen Turner. We met only twice before Jim's death, but continued to gather on schedule because we knew the project was important to Jim as well as the whole parish.

Wonder what goes on in Youth Ministry at SJV? If you are a high school student, in grades 9-12, come to a special meeting to find out what Youth Ministry is all about and how you might become involved. The meeting will be with the parish Youth Ministry Leadership Team, a dynamic group that will get you excited about things you can do with other kids from the parish.

Parents are invited to a separate meeting at the same time, with Mary Ann Andrade, the Coordinator of High School Youth Ministry for St. John Vianney Parish.

	Who:	Students, grades 9-12, and parents or other adults interested in Youth Ministry
	What:	Informal informational meeting
	Where:	SJV Main Hall, behind the church
	When:	Monday, January 17, 2005, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
	Why:	To discover how SJV Youth Ministry can fit into your life

For more information contact Mary Ann Andrade at 408-258-7832, ext. 21.

What kind of help can a young woman find if she becomes pregnant at a difficult time? We all agree that abortion is the wrong answer for an unplanned pregnancy, but what kind of support do we offer? The Juan Diego Women's Center, located on White Road at Alum Rock, offers a full array of support, both before and after the baby's birth. This ministry, located right here in our parish, offers cribs, baby clothing, blankets, and other childhood necessities to mothers in crisis. They also provide a nurturing environment, emotional and spiritual support, and a wealth of referrals to help a young mother in crisis. With this support, more often than not, she will make the choice to give her baby life.

You are invited to assist in this important ministry. Last Sunday after Mass, baby bottles were distributed. You are encouraged to insert a check, or fill the bottle with cash or coins. Return the bottle to the bassinet in the lobby of the school by January 14, or deliver it directly to the Juan Diego Center at 12 North White Road. Call 258-2008 to make an appointment. If you did not get a baby bottle, you can purchase your own, or just send a check to:

St. Juan Diego Society
12 North White Road #5
San Jose, CA 95127-1949

The Juan Diego Society would be happy to provide you with a tax-exempt receipt for your generous help. Just ask.

St. John Vianney Parish joins the rest of the world in praying for those hurt by the disaster and its aftermath. We will take up a special collection for tsunami relief at our Easter Sunday celebrations. Easter Sunday is the day when we typically have the largest attendance at Mass, so we should be able to generate a good size donation at that time. Perhaps during Lent your family will take some special action to remind yourselves of our unity with all people in the world, especially with those in need.

If you want to take action now, consider a donation of money to one of the well known Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have a history of spending funds wisely for the support of people in great need throughout the world. Be sure to indicate that you want your funds to go to the relief of Tsunami victims. (Avoid making donations to new organizations, set up just for this event. They may be just fine, but they also may be scams. Even if they are legitimate, it is better to work with an organization that has a good track record.)

Reputable organizations include these groups who serve all people without regard to race, religion, or nationality:

Applications for St. John Vianney School Grades K-8

Completed Application packets must be returned on February 15 or 16 between 5 PM and 7 AM in the school library. Application processing fee is $50.

The admission policy for St. John Vianney School states that we will accept siblings first, then children from families who have been registered, active members of St. John Vianney Parish, using the contribution envelopes, for at least one year. Then we accept children from families who are active in other parishes and churches.

St. John Vianney School does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the admission of students, the administration of educational policies, scholarship, and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

St. John Vianney School Open House

Open House will be held on January 18th and 20th from 8:30 AM until noon. During these times adults (no children) can observe classes in session and meet with school parents and the Co-Principals.

If you have any questions, or need additional information or tuition assistance, please contact the school at 258-7677, 8:00-4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

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