Tuesday, February 26: The Christ–Centered Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar with Father Robert Imbelli
7:00 p.m. (time change), St. John Social Hall
Hans Urs von Balthasar was one of the giants of 20th century Catholic Theology. His massive production of books and articles fills a whole bookcase, and the architectural mass of his work resembles a great cathedral. But its basic lines are clear and straightforward. Fr. Imbelli’s presentation will seek to illuminate the basic patterns and perspectives of von Balthasar’s thought, mindful that for von Balthasar, theology is at the service of Christian living. He speaks of his theology as a “praying theology:” one that derives from prayer and leads to prayer. Fr. Robert Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, teaches theology at Boston College. He recently edited B.C.’s Church in the 21st Century’s Issue on “The Catholic Intellectual Tradition.”
Wednesday, February 27: Book Launch – New Voices in Catholic Theology
Boston College, Corcoran Commons, Heights Room, 5:00pm Presenters: Anna Bonata Moreland, Professor, Department of Humanities, Villanova University and Joseph Curran, Professor of Religious Studies,
Misericordia College
Saturday, March 2: Film Evening and Potluck Dinner
Of God and Men
St. John Social Hall, after 5:00 p.m. Mass
(See announcement for more details.)
Tuesday, March 5 * * * CANCELLATION * * * Evening for Women Unfortunately it is again necessary to cancel our next program scheduled for March 5. Sr. Evelyn has developed some unexpected medical issues but is hoping to return to the parish before too long. As always she deeply appreciates your prayers.
This Week: No Classes 
Attention young singers – children in grades 1-8 are invited to participate in St. John’s Easter Youth Choir! High School Assistants are welcome. Sign up and first rehearsal on Sunday, March 3. There are 4 rehearsals: 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 and 3/24 from 10:50-11:50 in the Chapel. The children will sing at the 9:00AM Family Mass on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. For more information email 
The storm originated in the Caribbean and for ten days gradually made its way through Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas before turning northward up the eastern U.S. seaboard. The storm grew to about 1,000 miles in diameter (twice the size of Hurricane Katrina) and earned the nickname of “Frankenstorm.”
On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit Staten Island, located at the mouth of New York harbor, with a combination of strength (winds of 80 mph), astrological high tides and an angle of approach that produced a record storm surge of 16 feet.
The storm surge wiped out homes on the water and flooded neighborhoods up to one mile inland with 8 feet of water. Trees and power lines were down and people were stranded in their homes until emergency personnel could rescue them in boats.
The storm resulted in over 100 deaths, $60 billion in damage, and over 100,000 people being displaced from their homes. New York City officials estimate that nearly 6,000 buildings sustained damage on Staten Island causing occupants to seek temporary lodging elsewhere. People are still recovering from the loss of property and home as they struggle to take care of their most basic needs and attempt to re-build for a future.
The Parish is located in the Midland Beach section on the east coast of Staten Island, originally a beach community with many one-story bungalow style homes. The parishioners suffered the full brunt of the storm as their homes were severely damaged by the storm surge and resulting flood due to their location on the island’s east coast, the storm’s thirteen inches of rain and the housing stock’s small size and low rise design. Hundreds of families are still struggling to put their lives back together with city officials estimating 300 homes are still without power or heat and another 200 homes classified as uninhabitable because they were destroyed or rendered structurally unsound. While all of this occurred over three months ago, hundreds of families continue to struggle to rebuild their shattered lives. They live in temporary housing, their children are bused to schools far away, and they have lost many of their prized possessions. The parish has established a relief fund which has been very successful but the proceeds go out as fast as they are raised due to the community’s great need. Our St. John’s 2013 Lenten Gift will go to this fund.
Words, Words, Words. Words have power. In the midst of the relentless bombardment of meaningless sound bites some really hit home. They hit us in our deepest core. They resonate with a deeper interior truth. Allowing the words of sacred Scripture to touch us this way at the center of our being is an ancient prayer method called Lectio Divina, literally “holy or sacred reading.” It’s simple and flexible for anybody with an over-stimulated mind seeking to stir the embers of faith and love of a relationship with God. It begins with a short passage—a verse or two of Scripture (lectio) until a word or phrase jumps out at you. Next, ask – What does this mean to me? What is God trying to tell me? (meditatio). This leads into a time of prayer—a conversation with God (oratio). Finally, you take a moment to silently rest in the presence of God (contemplatio). Sound interesting? Want to learn more? Lent is the perfect season to try it out. Sr. Evelyn Ronan and Deacon Tom Shuler invite you to re-ignite the embers of faith” this Lent with a four-session program, “Holy Reading.” Join them each Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the Parish Center Chapel beginning February 24th. You’re welcome to come to one or all sessions, and there’s no need to register for anything.
Hans Urs von Balthasar was one of the giants of 20th century Catholic Theology. His massive production of books and articles fills a whole bookcase, and the architectural mass of his work resembles a great cathedral. But its basic lines are clear and straightforward. 
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is suspended for the month of February. An announcement will be posted to let you know when Adoration will resume.
Morning and evening St. John’s Religious Ed classes are canceled for Sunday, February 10th. The Confirmation Retreat scheduled for Sunday, February 10th is postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. The Grade 2 Parent Meeting for Sunday, February 10th is rescheduled for Sunday, March 3rd at 10:15 am in Philbin Hall. A Grade 2 Parent Meeting is also scheduled for Wednesday, February 13th at 3:45 pm in Philbin Hall. Grade 2 parents are invited to attend the meeting of their choice.