LESSONS IN SURRENDER:
LEARN TO LET GOD LEAD YOU THIS LENT

Lent brings us to the Cross of Jesus Christ - the heart of our Faith. Starting Ash Wednesday, you'll learn to surrender to God through the adoption of four daily challenges:

1. Daily physical exercise

2. A dietary fast

3. Daily reading of Scripture

4. A nightly Examen of Conscience

Why:

God made us body and soul, and these practices are holistic, bringing these parts of us together. Encountering the weaknesses we all have and encountering God there. This is a program to facilitate a NEW encounter with God. Let’s make this Lent not just about giving up, but about being filled up in a new way!

When:

• Starts Wednesday, February 18 - Ash Wednesday

• Ends on Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunday

How:

• Devotional book with daily reflections offered FREE to you at Saint John’s (while supplies last). At the end of each week, there is a special reflection for entire families.

• Daily videos through the Ascension App

• Weekly small group meetings

  • After 8:00 am Mass - Leader: Sue Pieper - Meet in School Conference Room

  • After 10:00 am Mass - Leader: Loree Heinkel - Meet in the School Library (basement)

• Optional: purchase a journal to log your prayer and progress through the program.

The Official Action Plan for Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender with Fr. Columba Jordan

Welcome to the Crux action plan that follows along with Fr. Columba Jordan’s Lent Program, Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender!

In this plan, you’ll find:

• Scripture readings and a discipline tracker for every day of Lent

• A guide for the Daily Examen

• Ideas for Lenten Disciplines

Surrender to God allows his providence to work in our lives, leading us to holiness and love that we cannot achieve on our own. St. Paul does not describe his weaknesses as failures in 2nd Corinthians, but instead as an opportunity for God’s grace to work through and within him.

Inspired by a holistic view of the body and soul, Crux will lead you in a journey through Lent, balancing physical and spiritual disciplines that will require you to encounter weakness and surrender to God.

For our spiritual growth, each day we’ll read passages from the Gospel of Mark (or the Sunday Gospel on Sundays) and commit to a Daily Examen. Fr. Columba Jordan, CFR, will offer daily reflections on these readings and guidance on how to surrender to God, available with a Premium Subscription in the Ascension App.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.””

— 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

We’ll also practice two physical disciplines: daily exercise and a dietary fast. It is up to you to decide what form of these God is calling you to this Lenten season.

Crux is designed to challenge you, because in our weakness we reach out for God’s help and surrender to his incredible love. When you begin to encounter difficulty, that is the time to run to God and experience the power of surrender.

In surrender, you will receive an outpouring of his grace and strength, bringing you closer to the saint you are meant to be.

How to Pray the Daily Examen

Begin by drawing your attention to God’s presence and love for you. Pray the sign of the cross and any other prayers you normally start or end your day with.

• Step 1: Gratitude: First, thank God for his gifts of the day, large and small.

• Step 2: Petition: Petition God for any graces that you may need as you pray the Examen.

• Step 3: Review: Review your actions and feelings throughout the day. This entails more than a mere overview of each hour, but should focus on interior movements such as your desires, struggles, anxieties, and joys.

  • Where did you hear God’s promptings and draw close to him?

  • Where might you have turned away from God’s promptings?

• Step 4: Forgiveness: Ask God for his mercy and forgiveness for any wrongdoing. It is essential that we root this step in a deep trust in God’s love. God rejoices in our desire to return to him, and not only awaits us, but runs to meet us: “while [the prodigal son] was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him” (Luke 15:20).

• Step 5: Resolve: Finally, turn your attention to the next day, planning concretely how you’d like to grow closer to God.

Ideas for Exercise

God’s grace builds on nature: he gave us bodies and souls, and we can use both to bring us closer to him in cooperation with his grace. The physical disciplines may seem intimidating, so we encourage you to honestly evaluate your own state in life, your unique gifts and talents, and prayerfully consider how God might be asking you to grow this Lenten season.

As you reflect on what God may be inviting you to take up this Lent, remember that there is no single ‘right’ way to integrate physical discipline into your life. What matters is choosing an exercise that fits your circumstances and helps you offer your strength, however great or small, back to God. This is not medical advice, and anyone with medical conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns should consult professional guidance before beginning a new exercise routine.

To help, we’ve put together several approachable workout formats you can tailor to your unique God-given circumstances.

If you need…

• Short, simple options for busy seasons of life…

  • Pick a time each day for a short walk, or stroller walk if you’re a parent

  • Micro-workouts: pick a single exercise, like wall sits, stretches, or planks, and fit in one to three minutes of movement

  • Playtime with kids or grandkids is an often overlooked source of movement!

  • Habit stacking: connect a short 5 or 10 minute bodyweight moveset with another habit you do daily

• Gentle or adaptive movements for maintaining strength and stability…

  • Commit to daily balance training or a simple stretching routine

  • Explore chair-based exercises, which allow for gentle strength training

  • Try mobility exercises to stay active without stressful intensity

• Shared or community-friendly exercise…

  • Partner exercises with a spouse, friend, or a brother or sister in the community you live in.

  • Group walks can help to maintain daily accountability.

  • Explore classes in your area. Gyms or running aren’t for everyone, and that’s ok! Exploring options like dance cardio, water aerobics, free run clubs, or other groups can help you discover a new form of movement you love.

• Options for easily integrating movement…

  • Commit to a morning stretching routine, or an evening one before bed.

  • Find one extra movement you can add each day: taking the stairs at your workplace, add some extra steps to walking the dog, or setting a daily alarm for a quick movement break.

• New ideas because you already exercise each day…

  • Bring God into your current routine! Keep doing what you’re doing, but add a short prayer before or bring him to the focus.

  • Try something new that stretches your comfort zone. This could be a group or individual sport, or an active hobby like biking.

  • Invite a friend or family member to join you: sometimes we can get comfortable with our own habits and routines. This could be an opportunity to allow a strength of yours to uplift someone else!

Ideas for Dietary Fasting

Everyone’s dietary fast will look different depending on your age, health, and personal circumstances. According to Canon Law, those age 14 and up are required to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent and Ash Wednesday. Healthy adults from the ages of 18-59 must also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, allowing one full meal and up to two smaller meals that are together less than a full meal.

Our dietary fast in Crux is similar to the common Lenten practice of “giving something up,” whether it be desserts, snacks between meals, alcoholic beverages, or some other fast. While you should still adhere to the traditional one full meal and two smaller meals on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as required by the Church, Crux encourages you to pick a general food item to fast from, just as you’d normally “give something up” for Lent!

Several groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the elderly, are exempt from fasting by Canon Law due to health considerations. They are nonetheless encouraged to capture the essence of fasting in accordance with their condition. We encourage you to prayerfully consider your own circumstances when considering your dietary fast. This is not medical advice, and anyone with medical conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns should consult professional guidance.

To assist with your discernment, we’ve put together a selection of ideas to help you find the right fast for you.

If you need…

• Something simple, yet challenging…

  • Fast from desserts, or a specific dessert

  • A snack fast – eliminate snacking between meals

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Don’t drink alcohol? Try giving up soda or similar “special” drinks

  • “Junk food,” which could mean fast food, or maybe your favorite chips or snacks like pretzels ○ Simply pick a favorite food or snack, and commit to giving that one thing up this Lent!

• An out-of-the-box fast…

  • Try fasting from extra condiments: sauces, dressings, or other additional flavorings

  • Skip cream & sugar in your coffee or tea

  • Late-night eating fast: if you love your midnight snack, commit to finishing the day with dinner

  • Consider foregoing takeout foods or eating in the car

• Questions to help you pick a fast…

  • What foods might have the strongest emotional pull?

  • What would allow me to grow in discipline without destabilizing my health?

  • What could I realistically sustain throughout Lent?

  • Remember to invite God into your discernment and ask him what would be most beneficial for you!

As you discern your physical disciplines for Lent, remember: holiness is not measured by intensity. Choose something that is feasible, yet a stretch, that allows you to embrace God’s help and surrender to him.

• Friday, February 20, 2026

• Friday, February 27, 2026

• Friday, March 6, 2026

• Friday, March 13, 2026

• Friday, March 20, 2026

• Friday, March 27, 2026

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Mass at 10:00 am (School Mass)

Enter through the Gathering Space doors

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Mass at 10:00 am (School Mass)

Enter through the Gathering Space doors.

Multiple priests present each hour.

Enter through the Gathering Space doors.

Gina will help us reflect on how our identity and true worth can only be realized in our personal “yes” to believing and belonging to God. You cannot earn your worth, it has already been given to you! Saying “Yes” means that we are willing to fight the daily battle that love demands. 

AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 28TH AT SAINT JOHN’S:
(Come for the whole day or part of it)

8:30am: Optional Coffee + Light Pastries

9am: Opening Session

10am: Break

10:30am: First Session, In Mary, Every Eve a New Beginning

11:30am: Lunch

12pm: Adoration & Confession

1pm: Second Session, Jesus Christ is Talking to You

2pm: Break

2:30pm: Large Group Discussion

3:30pm: Third Session, Prayer

5pm: Optional Anticipatory Vigil Mass

6pm: Optional social hour and dinner with parmesan-crusted chicken, green bean almondine, and creamed potatoes. 

RSVP

There is no cost to attend this Retreat. A free-will donation is requested the day of the Retreat. Bring your friends and coworkers! Please RSVP by clicking on the button below:

Gina Bauer is a dynamic and entertaining speaker, trainer, and author of “Undivided Love, You Are Worth the Fight”. Gina captivates and engages her audience and readers with lively stories and humor. She can convey Catholic teachings in a compassionate, down-to-earth style that reaches the heart and equips you with practical tools to live a holy life in today’s culture.

Please contact Saint John’s Parish Office if you have any questions: 952-492-2640 or office@sjbjordan.org.

10:00 AM - School Mass. Enter through the Gathering Space doors. Doors are locked and you will need to be buzzed in. No incense.

7:000 PM - Mass with the SJB choir. Enter through any door. No incense.

Reminder: this is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation.

Bill Busch, of Jordan, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 86. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a Time of Gathering from 9:00 – 10:45 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 Second Street East) in Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside, and Aaron Busch will act as urn bearer. Bill will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan. Military Honors will be provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard, and Firefighter Honors will be provided by the Jordan Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Bill’s family in his honor.

William George Busch was born to Mathias and Eleanor (Lambrecht) Busch on August 25, 1939, in Jordan. He lived his entire life in Jordan. Bill grew up one of four brothers and made a good life for himself in his beloved hometown. Growing up, Bill enjoyed playing baseball as a catcher and participated in wrestling and football during high school. He also helped out his family by delivering milk before school each day. After graduating from Jordan High School in 1958, Bill joined the Air Force and served honorably as a fireman on base in the Pacific Northwest.

When he returned from his military service, Bill dedicated 47 years to the Jordan Fire Department, including more than 20 years as Fire Chief, a legacy he shared with his father. He first experienced firefighting when he accompanied his dad on a call and jumped in to help, solidifying his commitment and dedication to serving his community.

Bill worked in carpentry for the majority of his career. He worked for the Kochlin family in their cabinet shop. Later on, he drove buses for the school as well.

Some time after his return from military service, through mutual friends, Bill met Marie Brennan, and they were united in marriage on December 18, 1971, settling into the family home in Jordan. He and Marie loved to travel together, taking road and bus trips all over the United States. They also visited Europe five times, including England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Ireland. Bill enjoyed going on cruises with friends. He also loved making sausages and horseradish in bulk and cherished spending time with his "Garage Squad" friends, many of whom he met through the fire department. Bill played softball, bowled alongside Marie, and remained a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Belle Plaine Lutheran Home for their care and support of Bill.

Bill will be missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Marie; brother, Bob Busch; and several nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Eleanor Busch, and his brothers, Michael and Buddy Busch.

Catherine A. Menke, age 96, of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on December 31, 2025, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, MN.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Catherine on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11 am, with a time of gathering from 9-10:45 am, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 Second Street East, Jordan, MN. Father Neil Bakker will preside. She will be laid to rest at St. John Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed to the church building fund.

Catherine Anne Bendzick was born on January 13, 1929, on the family farm on the hill in Jordan. She was the third of seven children born to Henry and Anna (Walker) Bendzick. In the early years, Catherine and her siblings enjoyed sledding down the “Hill” and picking countless raspberries for dad to sell at the St. Paul Market. She attended St. John’s Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Jordan High School in 1947.

Catherine met and married John Streiff, with whom she was blessed with three children: Carolyn, Marlene, and John. Her husband, John, died from a work accident, and she later met and married Roland Menke in November 1957. They had five additional children: William, Tom, Joe, Ann, and Allen. Eventually, the family settled its roots on her father’s farm in Jordan, and Catherine continued to embrace farm life. After Al started kindergarten, she chose to raise 6500 chickens rather than get a job in town, just to be near her family.

Catherine devoted herself to volunteering, leading blood drives, and co-chairing funeral lunches at St. John’s for years. She also extended her time to the St. John’s Quilters, making quilts sold at the annual Fall Festival and buying some back for her children. Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild received a quilt made with her care and love.

Catherine remained active throughout her life. She loved playing cards, golfing, sewing, and painting ceramics. At the age of 60, Catherine learned to swim. She was an exceptional baker, a skill she learned from her mother.

Catherine’s faith and family meant everything to her. She was always loving, forgiving, and never judgmental. She and Roland were active members at church and prayed the rosary daily. Anyone who came to the farm was greeted by her saying, “C’mon in!” We will forever miss hearing her invite us in.

Catherine will be forever remembered by her husband, Roland; children, Carolyn (Terry) Sullivan, Marlene (Tom) Parkis, John (Lorene) Streiff, William (Juanita) Menke, Tom Menke, Joe (Lisa) Menke, Ann (Mark) Holzer, Allen (Sharon) Menke; grandchildren, Terry (Maureen) Sullivan, Kate (Bob) Morgan, John (Morgan) Bowen, MaryPat (Jonathan) Osborne, Michael (Terri) McCarthy; Sarah (Steve) DeJournett, Michael Streiff, David (Cayla) Menke, Jill (Joey) Kaiyalethe, Rachel (Buck) & Calvin, Ryan (Val) Holzer, Justine (Ryan) Hagness, James Menke, Alissa (Ben) Fischer; great grandchildren, Ray Sullivan, Abby, Nathan & Emma Morgan, Maura Osborne, Aubrey McCarthy, Hailey (Marcus) Norris, Hannah (Mark) Dalman, Allyson Streiff, Tessa, Taylor & Tyson Menke, Ben, Sienna & Hazel Kaiyalethe, Cam & Delaney Holzer, Lanny & Dylan Hagness, Luka Fischer; sister, Marian Breeggemann; other loving relatives and friends.

Is she preceded in death by her first husband, John Streiff; parents, Henry and Anna Bendzick; siblings, Marcella (Joe) Koenig, Jerry (Catherine) Bendzick, Ervin (Audrey) Bendzick, Irene (Elgar) Busch, Delphine Bendzick; and brother-in-law, Don Breeggemann.

Kenneth A. Hartman, age 79, of Jordan, MN, passed away on December 7, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM with a time of Gathering from 9:30 - 10:45 AM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd St E, Jordan, MN. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Ken will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will all be donated in honor of Ken.

Kenneth Alphonse was born on July 19, 1946 to John and Helen (Jelen) Hartman in Sand Creek Township, MN. The youngest of four siblings, Ken lived an active life on the family farm while he grew up. He loved being in the country and playing with his siblings and neighbors down by the creek and cruised around town on his scooter whenever he could. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School and went on to graduate from Jordan High School.

Following his graduation, Ken enlisted in the Army Reserves and began his career, working for a number of different employers over the years. In May of 1972, Ken met Dianne Will while she was working at the bank, and a little over a year later, they were united in marriage on October 26, 1973 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Together, they started a family and were blessed with two children, Craig and Melissa, and later in life, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ken cherished his family more than anything and always centered his life around his loved ones. He was consistently involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives, coaching sports, taking them fishing and camping, and bringing them on memorable vacations to places like the Black Hills and Yellowstone.

One of Ken’s passions was fishing. One of his first big purchases out of high school was his iconic Green Boat, which served him well his entire life. He knew all of the local lakes and fished year-round. Every year, Ken and his family embarked on the annual fishing trip to Remer, MN, which led to a dream of owning a cabin one day. That dream became a reality in 2008, when Ken and Dianne purchased a cabin in Cumberland, WI. The cabin quickly became the gathering space for the entire family and Ken’s favorite place to be.

Ken’s other main passion in life was his love for gardening. He was proud of his flower gardens and showed them off whenever asked. Ken’s house was included in the local Jordan garden tour, and his display was always immaculate.

Ken enjoyed being involved and active, playing in several softball leagues for over 20 years of his adult life, all the while making lifelong friends. He was also dedicated to his church and his Catholic faith. He said his prayers each morning, requiring Dianne to repair his rosary many times over.

Authentic, faithful, and always devoted to his family and friends, Ken will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Dianne; children, Craig (Carrie) Hartman and Melissa (Nick) Gehrig; grandchildren, Sophia (Omar) Meky, Abigail Hartman, Jack Hartman, Ian Hartman, Sam Gehrig, and Naomi Gehrig; great-grandchildren, Tahlia Younis, Abdulrahman Meky, Maryam Meky, and Asyah Meky; brother, Eugene Hartman; and other loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandson, Benjamin John Hartman; parents, John and Helen Hartman; siblings, Patricia (Eugene) Smith, Vernon (Rose) Hartman; sister-in-law, Jeanne Hartman.

The Jordan area Lions Club and the Jordan Fire Department help those less fortunate in our community by organizing their annual Christmas Basket for the needy program. If your family can give a donation to benefit the program, it would be greatly appreciated. Simply place an envelope or check in the collection basket and label “Christmas Basket” or call Tony Oldenburg at (952) 492-6050. Thank you for your support.

If you or someone you know would like a basket, please contact the Parish office for assistance by 12/1/25

Peter F. Pink, 89, of Jordan, passed away on November 19, 2025. His Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan (313 2nd St E) at 11 am. Prior to Mass, there will be a time of gathering at the church from 9:30-10:45 am. Peter will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan following Mass. Father Neil Bakker will be presiding over services.

Born the oldest of twelve siblings, Peter grew up on a farm along O’Dowd Lake in Shakopee, MN where he developed a sense of hard work and a love for the outdoors. He loved recalling the days of riding the farm’s draft horses into town and fishing along the lake.

A 1954 graduate of Shakopee High School, Peter proudly joined the U.S. Navy. His service brought him to the Philippines and Japan aboard the USS Kearsarge.

After returning home, fate stepped in one night at a dance hall when he met Monica. He thought she looked cute, offered her a drink, and the rest was history. They were married on June 10, 1961, at St. Wenceslaus and soon found themselves working side by side at Munsingwear before he began his long career with the Highway Department. He secured the position he’d long hoped for in Jordan, where he worked from 1965 until retiring in 2000.

Family was the heart of his world. He cherished fishing trips with his children, county fairs, and the Scott County Threshing Festival and cheering for his favorite teams—especially the Vikings, the Twins, and the Jordan Brewers.

There were family vacations to the Black Hills of South Dakota and memorable road trips—like the drive to Albuquerque in the Ford station wagon with all the kids lined up in the back. Holidays brought some of his favorite gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, filled with tradition, laughter, and togetherness.

His last big adventure was a special trip to Seattle for his grandson Carter’s wedding—a family celebration he was so proud to attend.

In his later years, he learned to cook, bake, and can after Monica’s passing, becoming especially known for his jellies and jams. Although he claimed not to be a cat person, he became a reluctant cat lover, nonetheless. Sundays often meant old-time polka music and roast beef dinners, simple pleasures he adored.

A generous supporter of the Salvation Army and Sharing and Caring Hands, he gave quietly but faithfully. Above all, he was a people person—personable, social, warm-hearted, and always ready for a conversation. He showed love not through grand gestures but through the small, steady acts of kindness that defined his character.

He will be remembered for the way he made others feel seen, welcomed, and loved. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Peter is survived by his children, Margaret Pink, Donna Pink, Jeanne (Brandon) Hawthorne, Joseph (Linda) Pink; grandchildren, Caitlin Hawthorne, Arianna Hawthorne, Helen Hawthorne, Carter Hawthorne, Willow Pastard, Sabrina Pastard, Caden Pink, Lexi Pink; siblings, Barb Fettig, Ray Pink, Val Pink, Mary Skluczacek, Dorothy Phelps, Sue Gregory, Patty Pink; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Peter is preceded in death by his loving wife, Monica, grandson, Logan Hawthorne, and parents, Frank and Gertrude Pink.

Dear Parishioners,

This past weekend, the Catholic United Financial organization held its annual Fraternal Celebration conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  As part of that conference, a video was shown from Archbishop Hebda thanking the CUF group at Saint John's for their support of our "Walk Through the Holy Week," developed and achieved through the heroic efforts of our own Loree Heinkel!  Many of you have experienced her dedicated work firsthand, and I can tell you it is an inspiration to witness the Holy Spirit working so POWERFULLY through her ministry here at Saint John's.

Thank you so much, Loree, for your outstanding dedication to bringing the faith to our children.  You do an exceptional job of being open to God's inspiration, and I know your hard work will have a tremendous ripple effect throughout the generations.

Please watch the video below of the Archbishop thanking our amazing people at Saint John's for their efforts.

In Christ,

Father Neil

Ruth M. Shotliff, age 96, of Jordan, MN died on September 14, 2025 in Belle Plaine, MN. 

Visitation 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 1st St W, Jordan, MN. A Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM with additional Visitation from 10:00 - 10:45 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd St E, Jordan, MN. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Ruth will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Jordan.

Ruth was born on February 8, 1929. She was the 3rd child of six born to Albert and Margaret Smith, on a farm in Mower County, MN. Cyril and Gladys before her and Ralph, Louise, and Jerry after. She grew up speaking German and English. Sadly, she lost her father when she was only seven years old. She went through 8th grade in Johnsburg, MN. Ruth met the love of her life, Bob Shotliff while in high school. They both graduated in 1947 from Visitation High School in Stacyville, IA. She was a good student. Even though she was shy, she enjoyed participating in all the school activities.

After graduation, she worked for Dr. Staudt in Stacyville as a dental assistant while Bob played baseball for the White Sox farm clubs.

June 7, 1950 Ruth and Bob were united in marriage and spent 39 years together before Bob's passing. They moved and made their home in Jordan because of a baseball offer to play for the Brewers. In 1955, they bought a house on south Broadway Street. It had a big yard with plenty of space for the kids to run, to host many family reunions and of course it has the best place in town to watch the fireworks during Heimetfest.

Ruth worked in a care center for many years. She enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens, and loved African violets, which were her favorite house flowers. She was very involved with the kid's activities, being a leader in Scouts, and 4-H. She was also active in St. John's Catholic Church and community activities. She played in the same card club for over 50 years! She loved to travel and visited many wonderful places both foreign and domestic.

Ruth proudly wore her red hat!

Most of all she loved her family, friends, pets, Lawrence Welk, Nut Goodie bars, and an occasional whiskey sour.

Ruth will be greatly missed by daughters, Mary Ann (Joe) Mittelstadt, Peggy Shotliff, Paula (Todd) Williams, Bonnie Shotliff, Gina Shotliff; sons, Tony (Mary) Shotliff, Joe (Robin Crosby) Shotliff, Nick Shotliff; 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph (Beverly) Smith; brother-in-law, Clarke Shotliff; sisters-in-law, Joan Smith, Barb Shotliff, Carole Shotliff; and other loving relatives and friends.

Those who went before Ruth: her husband, Robert; daughter, Susan Shotliff; infant son, Steven; grandson, Bobby Shotliff; son-in-law, Joe Mittelstadt; parents; siblings, Cyril Smith, Jerry Smith, Gladys (Othmar) Blake, and Louise (Virgil) Juenger; brothers-in-law, Chuck and George Shotliff; and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn Joyce (Hoffman) James, age 83, of Shakopee, formerly of Belle Plaine, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at her residence. A Funeral Mass for Marilyn will be held Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Neil Bakker presiding. A visitation will occur one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be immediately following the service at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Belle Plaine.

Marilyn was born to Harold and Donna (Carlson) Hoffman on June 18, 1942, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. She spent her childhood in Robbinsdale and graduated from Robbinsdale High School. She met and fell in love with Bill James at a horse ranch in Robbinsdale. They were wed on October 8, 1960, in Brooklyn Center and started their family of two children and then moved to Bloomington. Marilyn stayed home to raise her young children but re-entered the workforce in home health care once they were older. Once Bill retired from the police force, they moved to Belle Plaine. She then began work at the Lutheran Home Hope Residence.

Marilyn is survived by daughter, Terri James of Shakopee and her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; and her son, Mark James.

NEW DIRECTOR OF SACRED MUSIC
and
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHER

Dear parishioners of Saint John's,

I am so thrilled to share with you some VERY GOOD NEWS!  After an extensive search, numerous interviews, and a lengthy discernment process, we have a new Director of Sacred Music!  Abraham (Abe) Leach has accepted the position and will start with us the weekend of November 1st, 2025!!  He will also be teaching in our school as our Elementary School Music Teacher two days a week!

Abe has extensive education and experience both in teaching and leading Church music.  He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Music Education, and has been involved in Church music for over two decades.  He is a terrific organist with a great voice.  Originally from Wisconsin, he and his family (wife and son) want to move back to the area to be closer to family.  He came on-site and visited our campus and choir members 3 weeks ago, and we all very much enjoyed his visit.

A wonderful way to welcome Abe to the parish would be to donate to our new Guild of Sacred Music program, which he will be overseeing!  This program, as you know, supports the following efforts every year:

• Liturgical musicians for Rorate Caeli Mass, First Communion, Christmas, Easter, etc.

• Regular tuning and maintenance for the newly-restored organ and pianos throughout the building, used for rehearsal and concerts

• Choral sheet music, especially from modern composers of sacred music

• Missals and/or future hymnals

• Copyright compliance

• A robust sacred music concert series, including: 

  • 8/3/25 (2 pm) Summer Sacred Music Concert featuring the SJB Choir

  • 10/12/25 (2 pm) Organ recital featuring Mr. Brian Carson, Dr. Sam Backman, and Mrs. Cathy Rodland

  • 12/24/25 (9:30 pm) Motets and Carols featuring the SJB Choir

  • 3/15 (2 pm) Pergolesi Stabat Mater Concert for Laetare Sunday

  • 4/1 (7 pm) Tenebrae Service

  • More offerings if funded!

In Christ,

Father Neil Bakker
Pastor - Saint John the Baptist in Jordan

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ABRAHAM LEACH BIO

Abe Leach, a native of Beloit Wisconsin, comes to us having most recently served as the parish music director at St. John the Evangelist in Oxford Ms. This is the parish that serves the University of Mississippi. Abe is looking forward to serving here and getting to know folks. He has a particular interest in teaching children and adults, as such he will be joining the faculty at the school as well as serving the parish as Director of Sacred Music. Abe has been teaching and serving professionally in sacred music since the age of 12, nearly 30 years. He will be accompanied by his wife Anna, a secondary science teacher, and his precocious six-year-old son William who loves music!
 
Abe has a keen interest in the development of sacred music liturgies, the renewal of liturgy and sacred music, and the training of choirs of all ages. He is deeply committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the implementation of its teachings on sacred music. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education, a Master of Music Education, and a Specialist Degree in Education Administration. He has recently done graduate study at St Patrick’s Seminary, in Menlo Park, and St Meinrad in the area sacred music and liturgy. Additionally, Mr. Leach has completed three years of graduate study at ‘Ole Miss’ in music education. While there, his area of research was focused on the pre-English Reformation rite, called the Sarum Rite, and its intersectionality with the music of Thomas Tallis. He has also twice studied at the University of Oxford in the UK. As an undergraduate, he read church music history, studied voice and organ, and was a choral intern at New College under Dr. Higginbottom. Later as a graduate student he participated in summer study on choral conducting that was jointly hosted by St. Stephan’s house Oxford and Westminster Choir College. These and other experiences provide Abe a diverse and strongly Anglo-Catholic approach to liturgy.
 
Abe is excited to come to St. John the Baptist and is particularly interested to meet parishioners and develop strong lasting relationships. He deeply appreciates the robust commitment that has been made here to education and the development of a sacred music program dedicated to ‘best practices’. In his spare time Abe cooks, gardens, and enjoys learning. Lastly, Abe will be available to teach piano, voice, organ, and music theory/composition for private lessons, and is always willing to come speak to church groups about sacred music and church teachings on liturgy. He understands that the Catholic church calls on all the faithful to utilize music in their spiritual life to the best of their ability; this comes with an imperative for all the faithful to develop their voices, learn to read music, develop a basic understanding of Latin, and to fully prepare and participate in the liturgy. Abe will often sign off using the phrase “Soli Deo Gloria” -only God’s glory- this is our primary calling, together,  as  apart of the His creation, to offer thanks and praise to God. St. Agustine reminds us , “Cantare amantis est” -He who love [God] sings!