Mass Intentions

Monday, February 10

      7:00 a.m.                     Peyton & Madaline Carr

      8:00 a.m.                     C. Edward Drechsler

Tuesday, February 11

      7:00 a.m.                     Betty Ryan

      8:00 a.m.                     Charles Young

Wednesday, February 12

      7:00 a.m.                     Int. of Randy Rager

      8:00 a.m.                     Int. of Nancy Nazelrod

Thursday, February 13

      7:00 a.m.                     Keith Murphy

      8:00 a.m.                     Ross Fiorani

Friday, February 14

      7:00 a.m.                     Berenice Batterden

      8:00 a.m.                     Int. of Alois & Albine Skiber

Saturday, February 15

      8:00 a.m.                     Int. of Mary Margaret Frederick 

        4:30 p.m.                     Sherry Kubala

        6:30 p.m.                     Paul Kline

Sunday, February 16

      7:15 a.m.                     The Parishioners of St. John Parish

      8:45 a.m.                     Cathy Harvey

    10:30 a.m.                     Maurice Bozel

    12:00 noon                   Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes

      6:00 p.m.                     Margaret Cooney

 

From the Pastor

    A couple of weeks ago, our parish school joined with thousands of Catholic Schools across the country to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Celebrating the experience of a quality education in a Catholic environment, our parish school enjoys the support and leadership of a dedicated faculty and staff, the cooperation of the parents and the prayers of our entire parish. As part of our 150th parish anniversary year, our school will host its first Alumni reception this spring.  I hope that many of our parish school graduates and families will be able to join us. 

    Congratulations to the scouts from Pack 420 on receiving the Children of God and Light of Christ awards last week.  The annual Blue Gold dinner was another example of the outstanding cooperation and volunteer spirit that characterizes our parish. Who would have thought that the menu would be spaghetti and meatballs? Our scout troop now begins it 47th year.

 

May God bless you,

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 1, 4, 5, 7 p.m.; Tuesdays – 1 a.m.; Wednesdays – 1 a.m.; Thursdays – 4 p.m.; and Saturdays – 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.

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY of the WORD is actively seeking volunteers to help during the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. For more information call Nancy Merrill at 410-876-2173.

USHERS are needed to assist at various Masses. Men, Women and older teens who attend a regular weekend Mass are invited to consider assisting the parish in this important ministry. We thank all of our ushers who serve now, but realize we need more (especially for the Saturday Masses and the Sunday 6:00 p.m. Mass). Please consider this invitation and call Fr. Leo at the parish center or Bill Sinnott at 410-848-6982.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … February 10-16

Mon.:   Gn 1:1-19;   Ps 104:1-2,5-6,10,12,24,35;   Mk 6:53-56

Tues.:  Gn 1:20-2:4;   Ps 8:4-9;   Mk 7:1-13

Wed.:  Gn 2:4-9,15-17;   Ps 104:1-2,27-30;   Mk 7:14-23

Thurs.: Gn 2:18-25;   Ps 128:1-5;   Mk 7:24-30

Fri.:      Gn 3:1-8;   Ps 32:1-2,5-7;  Mk 7:31-37

Sat.:      Gn 3:9-24;   Ps 90:2-6,12-13;   Mk 8:1-10

Sun.:     Lv 13:1-2,44-46;   1 Cor 10:31-11:1;   Mk 1:40-45

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday

Jesus manifests the powerful, healing love of God by curing the leper who was forced to live under severe restrictions by Jewish legislation. He turned to Jesus in his need and was filled with joy. We are called to imitate the healing and compassionate Jesus. All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of February 2, 2003:

Envelopes:       $18,751.81                               Attendance:  3926

Loose:                   3,779.34                               Poor Box:   $1,632.35

TOTAL:         $22,531.15

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,774.27. Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    6,030,911.         Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             4,781,325.         Pledged to date:         6,030,911.

Balance:               $  1,249,586.     Pledges needed:         $    2,025,689.

 

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 for Catholic Relief Services including, Latin American. Thank you for your generosity.

 

School News

 

School Calendar

   Feb. 10        No Classes for Kindergarten – Conference Day

   Feb. 12        Grade 7 Lions Club Flag Presentation           Feb. 14     St. Valentine’s Day – Students may wear Red & White

 

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES are sold before and after Sunday morning Masses every third Sunday of the month. Please support the school through purchasing gift certificates for Kohl’s and local grocery stores. There is no cost involved for you and the school makes 5% from the sales. Thank you.

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

CONFIRMATION SPONSOR SESSION … Sun., Feb. 16 From 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. in the Church. All sponsors and candidates are expected to attend this important and required session. Snow date will be Sunday, February 23. Please, be on time! 

 

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.

 

 

—  ADULT FAITH FORMATION  —

 

RCIA II: Because of the growing need to help people enter the Catholic Church, we are planning to begin a new RCIA program that will run from late February to the Feast of Christ the King this November. We will meet on Monday nights from 7-9 p.m. in the parish center. This program will be open to any baptized person who, for whatever reason, never received the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Our regular RCIA will continue to run from September to the Easter Vigil. For info, please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office. Also, if you know of anyone who might like to attend, please pass on this information.

 

ADULT EDUCATION SESSIONS … Monday, February 10

From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the parish center. The adult Education session for February will focus on “The Art of Prayer” and will be presented by Msgr. Art. In celebration of our 150th anniversary, we have begun a monthly Adult Faith Formation Program held on the second Monday of each month. Join us in March with Fr. Brian, with the topic of Christian Morality and Medical Ethics. Clock hours will be given for these presentations. For more information, please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

—  LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12)  —

 

STEUBENVILLE: We have been selected to attend the High School Youth Conference June 20th – 22nd. There are still a few spots left, so, if you haven’t already signed up and want to come, please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office. The cost of the trip is $195.00, but financial assistance is available. Just a reminder, this awesome weekend is open to anyone presently in 8th - 12th grade.

 

 

—  THE EDGE (Grades 7 - 8)  —

 

EDGE SKI TRIP … Friday, February 28

The Edge would like to go on a Family Ski Trip, if there is enough interest. If you would like to come, please email Ms. Andrea Brown at abrown@sjwest.org. 

 

 

— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —

 

NEXT ACTIVITY NIGHT ... Friday, February 21

From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Meeting in the Art and Music room of the school Youth Alive will join the School PTF Bingo Night. All 5 – 6 graders are welcome. No need to sign up. Bring a friend.

 

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 extends a loving welcome to any woman and unborn child in need. Any woman, challenged by a pregnancy, may call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-533-0093.

 

   Activities in Our Parish

150th  COMMEMORATIVE  SWEATSHIRTS … Feb. 8, 9 & 15

From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the front doors of the gym. The Wisdom Club will be selling sweatshirts commemorating our 150th Anniversary. All sizes are available. Prices from  $20 to $22. Proudly display your allegiance to the Parish. 

 

ST. JOHN OUTREACH MEETING … Monday, February 10

At 3:30 p.m. in the parish center. For info, call 410-876-1027.

 

LECTOR TRAINING … Tuesday, February 11

At 7:30 p.m. in the church. If you are interested in being a Lector, contact Chuck Minchik at 410-259-5157.

 

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP) … Beginning Feb. 19

This Catholic approach to planning a family is important for engaged couples, newlyweds, and already married couples. NFP does NOT rely on artificial forms of contraception, which is physically and emotionally harmful, not always effective and potentially destructive to married life, communication, and the spouses’ understanding of physical love. Instead, NFP is a safe, healthy, natural and effective way to plan your family according to God’s will. This has also been proven to help couples communicate and improve their sense of love with each other. For information, call Christine & Mike Wallace at 410-833-9287.

 

LARGE CASH RAFFLE … Tickets on sale Feb. 22 & 23

Cash Raffle - $5,000. Life Teen and the Knights of Columbus will sell raffle tickets after all Masses next weekend. Proceeds will go to the restoration of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also the support the Life Teen Youth Conference in Steubenville. For information, call Bill at 410-848-5494 or Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT … Beginning February 27

Together we can make it is a support group that assists people working through the painful issues and processes involved with separation or divorce. The group, led by trained facilitators, will meet Thursday evenings for ten weeks with specific materials to address the issues involved in the grieving process. The next session will begin on February 27 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the parish center. For information or to attend, please contact Karen at 410-871-7247 or Janelyn at 410-848-8741.

WISDOM CLUB MONTHLY MEETING … Thurs., Feb. 27

In the hall of the Ascension Episcopal Church on Court St. Mass will be celebrated in the hall at 12 Noon, followed by our luncheon. The theme is “Hearts and Flowers.” The tables will be decorated in Valentine colors of Red and White. We hope to have a lesson in flower arranging to compliment our ‘Theme.’ Meeting will follow. Remember to bring your brown bag lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided. Inclement weather policy: If Carroll County schools are delayed, or closed our meeting will be canceled.

 

THE NEXT BLOODMOBILE … Monday, March 3

From 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the school building. We collected 93 pints in December, thanks to all donors. Additional phone callers are needed. To make an appointment or to help with phone calls, please call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107.

 

ST. JOHN’S 8th BASKET BINGO … Saturday, March 22

At 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria to benefit the Church Building Fund. Proceeds have totaled over $20,000! Prizes will be filled Longaberger baskets. Mark your calendars now. More information will follow. YOU CAN HELP by sponsoring a door prize or basket, or fill a basket to decrease our expenses and increase the profits. Please call Anna at 410-876-2652 if you can help.

 

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE … May 30 – June 1

At Steubenville, Ohio. Women interested in attending this conference may call Teresa Richardson at 410-840-4265.

 

CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE … June 6 – 8

At Steubenville, Ohio. Men’s Fellowship Group will again attend this conference. For information, call Paul Forst at 410-857-3542.

 

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.

 

From the Archdiocese

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.

 

Our Sesquicentennial

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 Easter Sunday. All parishioners encouraged to share in this experience.

 

April 12: “Passion According to St. Luke” presented by Leonardo Defilippis. At 8:00 p.m. in the church. Cost is $4/person at the door. For more information, call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

May 3: 150th Anniversary Gala at Martin’s, Westminster, 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Dining, dancing and special presentations. Tables of ten available. $75/person. For tickets, call Debbie Middleton at 410-848-2558. Checks payable to St. John Catholic Church/Gala.

 

July 20: St. John School Reunion for all alumni. Gather for Mass at 12:00 followed by tour of the school and reception at Martin’s, Westminster. Tickets required. Call Darlene at 410-876-7031.

 

August 9: Parish Family Picnic at the historic Shriver Homestead in Union Mills from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring your own picnic lunch or purchase a boxed lunch, sodas and snacks. Old-fashioned picnic with bingo, hayrides, contests, country bands and more. $2/person or $8/family. For more info, call Sue or Pat at 410-876-3745.

 

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13: Musical Production of “Three Marys” presented by St. John parishioners at Winter’s Mill High School. All performances at 7:30 p.m., with exception of Sept. 7 matinee at 2:00 p.m. Fictional script based on the life of Christ. Good for all ages. Tickets required. For more info, call Jeanne at 876-3784.

 

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

 

October 1: “St. Therese, the Little Flower” presented by Leonardo Defilippis. At 7:30 in the gym. Cost is $4/person at the door. For more information, call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

November 7-17: Parish Pilgrimage to Italy.  Visit Rome, Assisi, Florence and Orvieto. Cost $1874/person. For information, call Fr. Leo in the parish 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.

 

GALA COMMITTEE … Tuesday, February 18

In the parish center.

 

DEDICATION COMMITTEE … Thursday, March 6

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center.

 

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, call John Stephens at 410-848-3722 or Dean at 410-848-5579 or Sal at 888-793-9498.

 

MEMORIAL BRICK PAVERS: Thank you to those who purchased bricks already. Forms for the 4 x 8 bricks are available at the parish center. To request forms, for the 8 x 8 bricks call Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469. Forms and payments may be dropped off at the parish center or mailed to the address on the form. All proceeds from the memorial bricks will be used for furnishings in the new church. Deadline for all bricks will be, Tuesday, April 1. Cost for 4 x 8 are $75 and 8 x 8 are $150.

At Other Parishes

PRO-LIFE TALK … Wednesday, February 12

At 7:30 p.m. at Cohn Hall on the Loyola College campus. Michael Schwartz, the Capitol Hill lobbyist for Concerned Women for America, will speak on the subject, “The Road to a Human Life Amendment, A step-by-step strategy.” For information, call 410-666-9411.

 

ALL SPECIALS BINGO at DELONE … Sunday, February 23

Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Turkey platters served. Over $2,000 to be given away.

 

MARRIED COUPLES RETREATS at Priestfield Retreat Center, West Virginia. ■ February 21,22,23 ■ Feb. 28 – March 1,2 ■ March 7,8,9 ■ March 14,15,16 ■ March 28,29,30 ■ April 4,5,6. For information, call Elaine at 410-252-5355.

 

PILGRIMAGE to OUR LADY of GUADALUPE … Apr. 21 – 27 For more information call Annette McFadden at 410-876-2560.

 

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PARISH is planning a reunion in January 2004 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. If you are a graduate please call 410-687-8513.

 

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. Send to: bulletin@sjwest.org, drop off or call parish office to fax. All notices need to be in writing. Thank you.

 

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.

 

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 by Friday morning.

 

We Pray…

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to Annabelle Inez Beacham, daughter of Kevin Beacham and Amy Johnson.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Richard F. Reggie, Jr., Anna M. Magee, Ronald Frederick, Paul Selepack, Lillian Ambrusko, the victims of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and for their families and friends.

 

FLOWERS on the ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are donated by Walter Hackett, in thanksgiving for St. Lucy in the healing of his right eye.