ST. JUDE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY    PAGE NINE   JULY 16, 2000

Last month we celebrated "Father's Day' and rightly so!      However, there were an awful lot boys and girls that do not know their dad.     "Father's Day" was not a thankful, joyous day for them.     These youngsters lost their dads through divorce, death, or just plain abandonment.    These youngsters earnestly are seeking a friendly relationship of their own with some adult male.

Catholic Big Brothers is trying to help solve this difficulty.     Catholic Big Brothers are desperately seeking men 18 years of age and older to help a child by spending 3-4 hours a week encouraging that child --- a boy or a girl --- in his/her studies, sports, and in dealing with everyday kid stuff.     Summer is here!    It is a horrible time for a young boy or girl to spend alone.

Now is a good time to become a Big Brother or Female Mentor to a child in our community through Catholic Big Brothers.     To find out what is involved or how to do this, call today: 800 - 463 - 4066.

Parish groups, RENEW groups, neighborhood groups can get involved by monthly group outings for unmatched kids.

Do you remember how your eyes sparkled and you heart throbbed during those early days of your marriage.    You can bring back much of that sparkle and romance and enrich your marriage for years to come, by making a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend.    This is a really great opportunity to set aside some time from your busy lifestyles and rekindle that spark in your spouse's eyes and heart.     Next weekend is scheduled for August 18^th, 19^th, and 20^th.

For more information, or better yet to register, call Ed and Jo today at 818 - 848 - 6729.

"Caring Hearts" support Villa Esperanza, a non-profit residential and day-program for the developmentally disabled.     "Caring Hearts" has many activities, but one of its most important is managing the "Hope Chest II Thrift Shop", 2410 Thousand Oaks Blvd.    Volunteers are needed:   man or woman who have caring hearts to help manage this store.   In addition, contributors to the store are also needed.    Contributors who can donate "Gently- Used" clothing, furniture, and household items.     (Contributors can receive a

Without attention and care, marriages wither.   Couples that once thought they could live on love, slowly and quietly drift apart or find themselves being torn apart by terrible words and actions.     Many are married in name only, or just stay together "for the sake of the kids."    If this sounds like your marriage, "RETROUVAILLE" can help.    This program, which was initiated at the request of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, is designed to provide the communication tools needed to put suffering, troubled marriages back together.   All it usually takes if the couple is willing, is this weekend with five scheduled follow-up talks.   

For confidential information or to register, please call 800 - 470 - 2230 as soon as possible to begin the registration process.     

The Sisters of Social Service have a wonderful Summer Camp for girls 7 to 14 at Camp Mariastella in Wrightwood.    Program includes swimming, crafts, nature, hiking, and lots of fun.    Session dates are July thru August.    The Sisters have been offering this unique opportunity to girls for over 50 years during these one week camping sessions in the San Gabriel Mountains.

For more information or to sign-up, please call 213 - 745 - 7870.