The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee released a new statement called “United for Religious Freedom.” In the statement they thank “all who have stood firmly with us in our vigorous opposition to this unjust & illegal mandate,” clarify what the mandate is & is not about, & call for a nationwide prayer campaign to restore conscience rights & religious freedom.

ACTION: Please contact your Congressional Representative & your Senators with the following message: “We urgently need legislation to correct the recent HHS mandate’s threats to religious liberty & rights of conscience.

Please support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act.” Visit: www.usccb.org/conscience or telephone US Rep. Bob Gibbs at 740-452-2279 or at 202-225-6265. Sign-up at: www.stophhs.com.

St John School News

Tuition for Grades 1-6 for academic year 2012/13: First child $2,358; Second child $2,190; Third child $1,999. If you wish to sponsor a child or contribute to the Tuition Assistance Program, please call the Parish Office. Any amount will be applied as you wish. Thank you to so many who have helped with school support over the years. Prayers are offered daily for benefactors.

St. John School PTA golf outing May 19, 2012, at Pumpkin Vine Golf Course. 9:00am Shotgun Start. To register contact: Heather Leadbetter 603-7543 or www.stjohn.cdeducation.org

Ladies Auxiliary will be serving the Community Dinner in the social hall on May 24 from 5-6:30pm. All are welcome to join us.

Put your faith in Action: Summer Lunch program will run from June 4 to August 13. Food will be given away every Monday evening from 6-7pm in Our Lady’s Hall.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE! St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is in need of the following: tuna, tuna helper, macaroni & cheese, soup, peanut butter, jelly & cereal. You may place donations in the basket at the doors of church. All donations are appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.

High School Seniors! You are invited to attend 10am Mass here on Sun., May 20, 2012-as a group. You may wear your cap & gown. Please call the parish office by May 17 so we may plan. There will be a light reception after Mass-combined with Third Sunday Coffee.

Squires: Boys ages 10-17 are invited to join. Learn leadership skills, deepen your faith, be of service to others and have lots of fun! Call Stephen Proctor 385-8939.

Families: Catholic Family Night at Columbus Clippers Tuesday, May 15, 6:35PM. Youth can parade into the stadium at 5:50PM. Only $15 total for reserved seats for 2 adults and up to 4 youth. Call Stephen Proctor ASAP if interested.

Plans for a Homeless Shelter in Hocking Co. continue with an enthusiastic group, meeting bi-weekly. Look for news in bulletin or daily paper. Think about how you might participate in the project and perhaps join Cathy Kerns to represent St. John Parish.

St. Gabriel Catholic Radio: Fr. Jerome Rodenfels will be the featured guest speaker on Answering the Call with Elizabeth Ficocelli. He is a talented singer & enjoys Irish step dancing. Radio AM 820 Sat., April 28, 10:30am, or Sunday, April 29, 4pm.

Visit www.stgabrielradio.com & click on the audio archives.

St. John Youth Group is now on Facebook.

Click HERE for this weeks Sunday Bulletin as a PDF.

Daily Offering intentions for May: General: the Family; Mission: the Blessed Virgin Mary, Guide of Missionaries.