In just a couple of months the men and women of the 1-63 CAB will be returning to Fr. Riley from their 12 month deployment in Iraq.  These moments of return, though undeniably joyful, are also the occasion for the very considerable stress of major transitions which affect human beings on numerous levels - physical, psychological, and spiritual.  Families, who have endured months of separation and uncertainty must begin the work of becoming family again.  Some are not able to do so.  Single soldiers, especially because they often lack the support of nearby family,  experience the stress of having to make significant readjustments as they return from an atmosphere of constant danger and violence, to  one of peace and, in comparison, tranquility.  It sounds like an easy transition, but it is not necessarily so.

During this time of transition, I ask the members of St. John's to be especially diligent in your prayers of intercession for  these good people and their families who serve on our behalf. We are, at the invitation of the USO, collecting items which will be assemble into Welcome Home kits which will be delivered to the single soldiers of the 1-63 CAB. We will need toiletries of all kinds, towels, washcloths, and pillowcases.  BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, notes and cards of welcome home, thanks, and gratitude are most assuredly needed.  We will collect items until September 1st.  They will then be delivered to USO for distribution.  I look forward to seeing the depth of our generosity.

Peace,

Fr. Jerry