Mass Intentions
Monday, January 20
7:00 a.m. Antonio & Antonia Zito
8:00 a.m. Helen McAndrew
Tuesday, January 21
7:00 a.m. Simonne Garceau
8:00 a.m. Peter Foley
Wednesday, January 22
7:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes
8:00 a.m. Sr. Margaret Geraghty
Thursday, January 23
7:00 a.m. Int. of Capital Campaign Volunteers
8:00 a.m. Agnes Bordes
Friday, January 24
7:00 a.m. Int. of Randy Rager
8:00 a.m. Gary Haines
Saturday, January 25
8:00 a.m. Marguerite Keoseian
4:30 p.m. Harcharufka & Mergo Families
6:30 p.m. Gary Haines
Sunday, January 26
7:15 a.m. Carl W. Wagman
8:45 a.m. Elizabeth Long
10:30 a.m. Joseph Naut
12:00 noon John Minchik
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
From the Pastor
I want to express a word of appreciation to Paul Gallagher, the Director of Religious Education for our parish, the Religious Education staff, the adult chaperones and young adult volunteers for their outstanding ministry and work. They conducted a retreat last weekend for the 180 young people of our parish who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation this spring. With the help of God’s grace through prayer, teachings, witness and fun, the confirmation retreat was a rewarding experience and an opportunity of blessing for everyone. Once again this year, the retreat included opportunities for personal prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation and Mass. I am also grateful to the many priests who helped with the confessions. Father Leo, Father Brian and Seminarian Michael kept the late night hours so the pastor could get back to the parish. Please continue to keep the youth of our parish in your prayers.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
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 & 11 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 20-26
Mon.: Heb 5:1-10; Ps 110:1-4; Mk 2:18-22
Tues.: Heb 6:10-20; Ps 111:1-2,4-5,9,10; Mk 2:23-28
Wed.: Heb 7:1-3,15-17; Ps 110:1-4; Mk 3:1-6
Thurs.: Heb 7:25-8:6; Ps 40:7-10,17; Mk 3:7-12
Fri.: Heb 8:6-13; Ps 85:8,10-14; Mk 3:13-19
Sat.: Acts 22:3-16; Ps 117:1-2; Mk 16:15-18
Sun.: Jon 3:1-5,10; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
The Ninevites heard the preaching of Jonah and repented of their evil ways, thus experiencing the Lord’s compassion. Do we repent when we hear the preaching of Jesus? Do we invest our lives in the world rather than in God’s kingdom? All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of January 12, 2003:
Envelopes: $17,002.36 Attendance: 2714
Loose: 3,744.54 Poor Box: $1,607.65
TOTAL: $20,746.90
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,720.82. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 5,979,254. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,743,931. Pledged to date: 5,979,254.
Balance: $ 1,235,323. Pledges needed: $ 2,077,346.
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 CARE COLLECTION for Archdiocesan Priests will be taken at Masses this weekend. Our retired priests have contributed many years of service to us. Please remember them now by contributing to this most essential collection.
School News
School Calendar
Jan. 20 School Closed – Martin Luther King Day
Jan. 21 Interims Distributed
GROCERY CERTIFICATES are available each school morning in front of the school and in the school office during the day.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
SECOND GRADE PARENTS should have received a letter inviting them to the 1st Eucharist parent meeting being held on Tuesday, February 4th and Thursday, February 6th at 6:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. Also an invitation to the Mass of Initiation to the Eucharist Program scheduled for Saturday, February 8th 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.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: If you would like to volunteer as a teacher, classroom assistant or a helper for snacks, crafts, music, babysitting or planning, please call the Religious Education Office as soon as possible. This year VBS will be the week of June 16 or June 23 depending on school dismissal for summer break.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
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.
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 18th and 19th. 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.
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.
LIFE TEEN NEWSLETTERS: If you are in High School, you should have received a 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 or need more information, please call Paul or Jordan in the Religious Ed. Office.
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 Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 - 8) —
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.”
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —
NEXT ACTIVITY NIGHT ... Friday, February 7
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria of the school. All 5 – 6 graders are welcome. No need to sign up, just come and bring a friend.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
Winter is here and the temperatures have dropped. At this time of year we are often asked to help provide shelter and warmth to those who might not be able to afford these necessities. Please remember the poor boxes at the doors of the church as you leave to go back to your warm homes.
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
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. Space still available on the bus. 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.
RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, January 25
Couples married in January are invited to renew their marriage vows at the 4:30 p.m. Mass. If you wish to participate, sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or call the parish office in advance.
MARRIED COUPLE’S NIGHT OUT … Saturday, January 25
From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room in the parish center.
ST. JOHN’S BOYS BASKETBALL DANCE … Sat., Feb. 1
For ticket information, call Tammy Bowers at 410-848-8397 or Donna Arnold at 410-857-5678.
NFP at ST. JOHN … Beginning Sunday, March 30
Natural Family Planning is the married couple’s choice for a safe, effective, and drug-free method to plan or postpone pregnancy. To register for the series, call NFP office at 410-368-2810.
KNIGHT’S GOLF TOURNAMENT … Friday, June 6
Held at The Links at Gettysburg. A 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Many prizes, including the chance of winning a Chrysler or Ford vehicle for a hole in one. Food and beverages are included. Save with early registration. For more information, contact John Stephens at 410-848-3722 or Dean Ditman at 410-848-5579.
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. 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 1st and 3rd 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.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDED: With your help we can improve the music program with better resources, instruments and equipment for St. John students. Please contact David Copperthite at 410-209-4805 if you have donations of musical instruments.
HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet form either the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which will be held every 1st Sunday of the month, from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 – 12:00 noon. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.
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 or May 30 – June 1, 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, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Couples wishing to receive special recognition from the Archdiocese for 25 and 50 years of marriage should 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: 150th 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 “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: 150th 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
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.
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION for Charles Carroll Recreation Council – boys and girls ages 5 – 18 will be held Saturday, January 18, 25 and February 1 at Charles Carroll Elementary School. For more info, call Rick at 410-848-5308.
COFFEE HOUSE BENEFIT … Sunday, February 2
From 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at “Pour House Café” on Main St. A free concert will feature the acoustic and electric music of David Copperthite. All members of the family are welcome. Proceeds will be donated to the Music Program at St. John School.
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.
We Pray…
BAPTISM... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church: Conor Michael Puente, son of Autumn Puente; Sara Salerno Stromberg, daughter of Scott & Christine Stromberg; and Sydney Lynn Blacksten, daughter of Mark & Tracie Blacksten.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Mary Barbin, Bruce Pasquelino, Fr. Stephen Haynes, and for their families and friends.
FLOWERS on the ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in loving memory of Edward & Robert Lister.
MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent. Anna Yent, Roberta Sitek, Chris Boberschmidt, Adaline DeFrancis, James Wallace, Peyton & Madaline Carr (23 Masses), Elizabeth Banzet, Howard Griffin, Albine Skiber, Daniel Casgary, Scott Marshall.