Mass Intentions

Monday, January 13

      7:00 a.m.                     Austin Petenbrink

      8:00 a.m.                     Alvina F. Doyle

Tuesday, January 14

      7:00 a.m.                     Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes

      8:00 a.m.                     Denise Clendaniel

Wednesday, January 15

      7:00 a.m.                     Linda Herring

      8:00 a.m.                     Maureen Brothers

Thursday, January 16

      7:00 a.m.                     John Byrne

      8:00 a.m.                     Sr. Margaret Geraghty

Friday, January 17

      7:00 a.m.                     Int. of Donna Bilbo & Family

      8:00 a.m.                     Anita Stendrini

Saturday, January 18

      8:00 a.m.                     Bernard Komasinski 

        4:30 p.m.                     Ronald DiBlasio

        6:30 p.m.                     George Schauermann

Sunday, January 19

      7:15 a.m.                     Edward W. & Robert C. Lister

      8:45 a.m.                     Parishioners of St. John Parish

    10:30 a.m.                     Phyllis Gannon

    12:00 noon                   Mae Gramlich

      6:00 p.m.                     Caroline Mullaney

 

From the Pastor

    I begin my first pastor’s notes of the new-year with a litany of thanksgiving. I want to thank our entire pastoral staff, liturgical ministers, music ministers and all the volunteers whose work and dedication helped make all our Christmas Liturgies prayerful and beautiful. I also thank you for your continued and generous financial support of our parish especially at Christmas.

    Bishop Malooly’s presence with us last Sunday at the noon Mass enabled us to begin our anniversary year in a spirit of prayerful appreciation for all the blessings of our past and joyful anticipation of the graces that God has in store for us. The theme of our anniversary year, “Come to the table of the Lord,” is an invitation to participation. The altar that is depicted in the center of the logo is a representation of our present altar, which was in the old church on Main Street, and will be in the new church. I encourage your continued prayers for our parish as we begin our 151^st year.

 

Liturgy & Worship

LITURGICAL MINI-RETREAT … Saturday, January 18

If you are an Usher, Lector or Eucharistic Minister, or are involved in Art & Environment, or the Music or Children’s Liturgies, and did not receive an invitation, please call Norma Perron in the parish office.

 

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 1, 4 & 5 p.m.; Tuesdays – 1 a.m.; Wednesdays – 1 a.m.; Thursdays – 5 p.m.; and Saturdays – 10 a.m., 12, 1, 6 p.m. If you are willing to spend 1 hour or ½ hour each week with the Lord, please call the parish center to give us your name, phone number and the day and time that we may schedule you for Adoration.

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … January 13-19

Mon.:   Heb 1:1-6;   Ps 97:1,2,6,7,9;   Mk 1:14-20

Tues.:  Heb 2:5-12;   Ps 8:2,5-9;   Mk 1:21-28

Wed.:  Heb 2:14-18;   Ps 105:1-4,6-9;   Mk 1:29-39

Thurs.: Heb 3:7-14;   Ps 95:6-11;   Mk 1:40-45

Fri.:      Heb 4:1-5,11;   Ps 78:3,4,6-8;  Mk 2:1-12

Sat.:      Heb 4:12-16;   Ps 19:8-10,15;   Mk 2:13-17

Sun.:     1 Sm 3:3-10,19;   1 Cor 6:13-15,17-20;   Jn 1:35-42

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday

Through baptism we have been joined to the Lord who calls us to be His disciples. How well do we listen to His voice? How willing are we to do His will? All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 22, 2002:

Envelopes:       $21,365.35                               Attendance:  3795

Loose:                   5,294.41                               Poor Box:   $2,139.61

TOTAL:         $26,659.76

 

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 29, 2002:

Envelopes:       $16,423.12                               Attendance:  3484

Loose:                   5,027.61                               Poor Box:   $1,369.73

TOTAL:         $21,450.73

 

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of January 5, 2003:

Envelopes:       $19,001.95                               Attendance:  3520

Loose:                   4,696.96                               Poor Box:   $1,176.28

TOTAL:         $23,698.91

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,756.90. Thank you.

 

THANK YOU for your generosity on Christmas. Total collected was $73,580.25.

 

THANK YOU for your generous donation on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Total collected was $6,711.10.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    5,944,704.         Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             4,722,163.         Pledged to date:         5,944,704.

Balance:               $  1,222,541.     Pledges needed:         $    2,111,896.

 

Thank you to all parishioners who have made a pledge. Many more are needed. Memorial opportunities are still available. Please call the parish office to make, renew or extend your pledge.

 

THE SPECIAL COLLECTION next weekend is the annual collection for the Special Care for Diocesan Priests. Thank you for your generosity.

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES Don’t forget to purchase grocery certificates and Kohl’s gift cards before you go shopping. You can even pay off your Kohl’s charge account with gift cards. They will be available before and after the morning Masses next Sunday, January 19^th. There is no additional cost to you and the school receives 5% from all sales. Thanks to all who purchased certificates in December, sales were great! Thank you.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

ATTENTION 2^nd GRADE PARENTS:  A letter went out inviting parents to the 1^st Eucharist Parent Meeting being held on Tuesday, February 4^th and Thursday, February 6^th at 6:45 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Along with this letter was an invitation to the Mass of Initiation to the Eucharist Program scheduled for Saturday, February 8^th at 4:30 Mass (St. John School students) and the 6:30 p.m. Mass (Tuesday & Thursday Religious Education students).  If you did not receive this mailing, please call the Religious Education Office.

 

 

NO LIFE NIGHT this weekend, Sunday, January 12 due to the Confirmation Retreat. Please join with our entire parish in praying for our Confirmation Candidates.

 

ANNUAL SUPERBOWL SUB SALE: Life Teen will again be selling delicious subs prepared by Subway! Orders will be taken after Masses the weekend of January 18^th and 19^th. You may pick your order up Superbowl Sunday, January 26 after the 8:45, 10:30 and 12:00 noon Masses. Each 6 inch sub costs $4.00 and all proceeds benefit Life Teen. 6 foot party subs are also available (local delivery available). If interested in a party sub, please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office. 

 

TONY MELENDEZ at ST. JOHN … Sunday, January 19

Beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the church. You may remember when Tony came to our parish last year (he’s the very talented guitar player who plays guitar with his feet because he was born without arms). He is an amazing Pro-Life witness and will be joining us again. Admission is $3.00 at the door.

 

FR. STAN FORTUNA … Friday, January 31

Life Teen will be traveling to St. Joseph’s Church in York to spend an evening with Fr. Stan Fortuna as he shares God’s love through words, song, worship and prayer. If you’ve never heard of Fr. Stan, he’s a rapping, Franciscan priest from New York City. If enough people sign up, we will get a bus. Please call Paul for more details.

 

NEWSLETTERS: If you are in High School, you should have received a Life Teen Newsletter. If you didn’t, but want to be on the mailing list, please email Jordan at jtippitt@sjwest.org.

 

STEUBENVILLE: Each year, Life Teen travels to Franciscan University of Steubenville for their High School Youth conference. The options for the trip this year are June 20-22 or July 11-13. The cost is $195 (financial assistance is available). If you haven’t signed up already, please call Paul or Jordan in the Religious Ed. Office for more information.

FINANCIAL HELP NEEDED: Last year, people were incredibly generous in helping every teen who wanted to go to Steubenville make the trip. We always have teens who cannot afford to go. If you can help defray the $195 cost, please call or see Paul Gallagher. Thank you!

 

 

NEXT EDGE NIGHT … Sunday, January 19

From 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. This will be an awesome night helping us realize that “All Life is Sacred.”

 

 

BOWLING NIGHT … Friday, January 17

From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Green Mount Bowl in Hampstead. Space is limited so you must register! For more information, call Mrs. Chilcoat at 410-848-7455 ext. 326. 

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next Sunday, the third weekend of the month, we observe Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the white buckets by the door. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods, such as toilet tissue, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you so much for your continued help and generosity!

 

THE GABRIEL PROJECT of ST. JOHN is in need of daytime drivers to help girls get to doctor appointments, as well as other needs. We are also in need of housing for girls that are pregnant or have just had a baby. If you are interested in helping, please call 410-871-1181. Time in your home can be from 2 weeks to 6 months or longer. Training is available.

 

   Activities in Our Parish

 PROSPECTIVE KINDERGARTEN MEETING … Mon., Jan 13

At 7:30 in the church. This meeting will introduce parents to the St. John School Registration process, Admission Policy, and general information. Kindergarten teachers will explain the Kindergarten program and First Grade teachers will speak of the curriculum for primary grades. Registration packets will be available at this meeting.  

 

ADULT FORMATION … Beginning January 13

From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the St Theresa Room of the parish center. In celebration of our 150^th anniversary, we are beginning a monthly adult formation program. Each session will be held on the second Monday of every month. This month’s presentation topic will be “Lectio Divina”, a method of scripture study, presented by Seminarian Michael. Next month’s session will be held February 10^th. Presented by Monsignor Art on the “Art of Prayer.” For information, call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.  

 

MARCH for LIFE … Wednesday, January 22

Will you stand up for the least among us? Come with the Pro-Life Group to represent St. John parish at the Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. It is a peaceful, prayerful, joyful, inspiring day! We leave St. John by bus after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and return between 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. To sign-up or for further information, call Joanne Bohli at 410-876-7984 or e-mail stjohnprolife@aol.com.

 

WISDOM CLUB MEETING … Thursday, January 23

In the hall of Ascension Episcopal Church on Court Street. Mass will be celebrated in the hall at 12 Noon, followed by our lunch and meeting.  No speaker this month, but stay and join us in a rousing game of BINGO!  Remember to bring your brown bag lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided. New members are always welcome. Come check us out.!!! For more information call the membership chairman at 410-875-3336.

 

SUNDAY NURSERY … During the 8:45 & 10:30 Masses Childcare will be provided for ages 1-5 in the St. Matthew Room of the school building. No need to sign up in advance!

 

MEN’S PRAYER GROUP … Every Sunday Evening

After the 6:00 p.m. Mass, in the St. Luke Room of the school. For more information, please call Paul Forst at 410-857-3542.

 

LEGION OF MARY ... Every Wednesday

Morning and evening meetings available. Contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 for more information.

 

JUNIOR LEGION OF MARY … Friday afternoon’s

At 3:00 All Catholics under the age of 18 are eligible to join. We make rosaries for missions, assist at Religious Ed., visit nursing homes, and distribute holy cards and medals. If you would like your child to grow closer to Jesus and Mary, please come to a meeting and consider joining us. For more information, call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.

 

CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL … Friday Evening’s

From 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the gym. Adults are invited to come, enjoy the fun, and exercise. For more information, please call Laura at 410-552-1572.

 

NEW BEGINNINGS is held in the parish center on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays each month from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to provide separated or divorced people a forum to exchange experiences, ideas and opinions on subjects of interest to singles. For information, call Karen F. at 410-871-7247 or 410-857-1010.

 

From the Archdiocese

MARRIAGE – A VOCATION TO HOLINESS: Married couples experiencing some difficulties in the marriage, but willing to put their best effort into living their vows, are encouraged to participate in a retreat called “Retrouvaille” on February 7 - 9, 2003. To receive more information, please call 410-647-0350.

 

DO YOU KNOW WHERE GOD IS CALLING YOU? If you have any questions about discerning a vocation to the priesthood or women’s religious life, contact Fr. Gerard Francik, the Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, at 410-547-5354.

 

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY … Sunday, February 9

All couples are invited to participate in a special Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, starting at 3:00 p.m. A wonderful opportunity for everyone to give witness to the beauty and dignity of marriage and family. A reception will follow. Couples wishing to receive special recognition from the Archdiocese for 25 and 50 years of marriage contact: Charlie & Joanne Haitmanek at 410-683-0288.

 

Our Sesquicentennial

DEDICATION COMMITTEE MEETING … Thurs., Jan. 23

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. Members plan to give report.

 

SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION CALENDAR

It is hoped that all parishioners will join in the festivities at these events celebrating our parish and our new church.

March: 30 – Apr. 3: Parish Lenten Mission in the church prepares us for the celebration of our Savior’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. All parishioners encouraged to share this experience.

 

April: “Passion According to St. Luke” presented by Leonardo Defilippis. At 8:00 p.m. in the gym. For information, call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

May 3: 150^th Anniversary Gala at Martin’s, Westminster, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Dining, dancing and special presentations. Tickets required. Call Karen at 410-857-1010.

 

July 20: St. John School Reunion for all alumni. Tickets required for reception at Martin’s, Westminster. Call Darlene at 410-876-7031.

 

August 9: Parish Family Picnic at the historic Shriver Homestead in Union Mills. For information, call Sue or Pat at 410-876-3745.

 

September 28: New Church Dedication Mass celebrated by Cardinal Keeler. A reception follows in the gym.

 

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13: Musical Production of “The Three Marys” presented by St. John parishioners at Winter’s Mill High School.

 

October. 1: “St. Therese, the Little Flower” presented by Leonardo Defilippis. At 7:30 in the gym. For information, call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

November: 150^th Anniversary Book & Video detailing the history of St. John parish scheduled for release. Available to all parishioners.

 

December 27: Sesquicentennial Year Closing Mass, on the feast day of our patron saint. At 6:30 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Malooly. A reception follows in the gym.

 

At Other Parishes

ALL MARRIED COUPLES are cordially invited to celebrate at the special World Marriage Day Mass and Reception at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, February 9, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. The Mass will be interpreted for the hearing-impaired.

 

IRISH LEGENDS TOUR … June 8-18, 2003

Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Spend 9 nights in first class hotels and enjoy 17 meals including taxes and tips for $2,205 per person. For information and reservations, call Deb Krebs at 800-955-2582.

In the Community

SPRING 2003 LACROSSE in WESTMINSTER: Boys and girls ages 5 – 14, experienced or beginners. For boys call Stew Love at 410-876-5066, for girls call Beth Nave at 410-857-9363.

 

Reminders

THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon on Monday. All announcements are requested in writing. You may submit bulletin notices via e-mail to: bulletin@sjwest.org, drop off or call parish office to fax. All notices need to be in writing. Thank you.

 

2003 WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES for CHILDREN are available in the School and Parish Center Offices.

 

ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Please call the parish office to schedule.

 

LARGE‑PRINT MISSALETTE are available for use at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass to pick up a copy.

 

HOLY COMMUNION will be brought to you during Mass, if you are unable to come to the altar. Please inform an usher.

 

TO HAVE SOMEONE REMEMBERED in the Prayer of the Faithful at weekend Masses, call the Parish Office by Friday morning.