Mass Intentions
Monday, February 17
7:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes
8:00 a.m. Jim McNamara
Tuesday, February 18
7:00 a.m. William Rasche
8:00 a.m. Philip Vaio
Wednesday, February 19
7:00 a.m. Agnes Bordes
8:00 a.m. Ronald Di Blasio
Thursday, February 20
7:00 a.m. Martin Mahon, Jr.
8:00 a.m. Anna M. Magee
Friday, February 21
7:00 a.m. Int. of Anne Smith
8:00 a.m. Don Wood
Saturday, February 22
8:00 a.m. Helen McAndrew
4:30 p.m. Paul Ruksha
6:30 p.m. Harcharufka & Mergo Families
Sunday, February 23
7:15 a.m. Peyton & Madaline Carr
8:45 a.m. Ron Frederick
10:30 a.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
12:00 noon Richard E. Phelps
6:00 p.m. Carlo Pepe
From the Pastor
In the midst of this long, cold and snowy winter, I think it is time to start thinking of spring. Although Lent gets off to a late start this year, March 5th, it is not too early to start thinking of what the season of Lent will mean for us. The parish Mission will be preached by Father John Murray, C.Ss.R. Father will preach at all the Masses the weekend of March 29th and 30th. The mission will begin at 7:30 Sunday evening and continue each evening at 7:30, concluding on Thursday, April 3rd. Hopefully you will be able to participate and invite a family member or neighbor to join us. Also this spring, there are several events commemorating our 150th anniversary, including the Gala on May 3rd. Thank you for your continued support and participation.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 1, 4, 5, 6, 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.
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. 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 17-23
Mon.: Gn 4:1-15,25; Ps 50:1,8,16-17,20-21; Mk 8:11-13
Tues.: Gn 6:5-8;7:1-5; Ps 29:1-4; Mk 8:14-21
Wed.: Gn 8:6-13,20-22; Ps 116:12-15,18-19; Mk 8:22-26
Thurs.: Gn 9:1-13; Ps 102:16-18,19-23,29; Mk 8:27-33
Fri.: Gn 11:1-9; Ps 33:10-15; Mk 8:34-9:1
Sat.: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-6; Mk 16:13-19
Sun.: Is 43:18-19,21-22,24-25; 2 Cor 1:18-22; Mk 2:1-12
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
In our repentance, the Lord remembers not our offenses. God, who is forever faithful, has sent us His Son. He is the sign of God’s never ending healing love and forgiveness. 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 9, 2003:
Envelopes: $17,923.90 Attendance: 3756
Loose: 4,665.25 Poor Box: $1,541.89
TOTAL: $22,589.15
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,799.26. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 6,039,469. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,793,717. Pledged to date: 6,039,469.
Balance: $ 1,245,752. Pledges needed: $ 2,017,131.
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 this weekend is for Catholic Relief Services including, Latin American. Thank you for your generosity.
Dear Members of St. John Parish,
Thank you for your generous contribution of $7,538.11 to the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection. Each year we are so touched by your generosity. Please continue to pray for young men and women in our Church today that they will recognize if they have a call to the religious life and respond generously. May God’s blessing surround you and your loved ones in the New Year!
Sr. Edithann Kane, RFR Coordinator
School News
School Calendar
Feb. 17 No School – President’s Day
Feb. 18 No School – Professional Day Feb. 19 & 20 Vision and Hearing Screening for K, 4, & 8 Feb. 20 School Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m.
Feb 21 PTF Family Fun Night -
GROCERY CERTIFICATES will be sold this weekend before and after Sunday morning Masses.
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, sponsors and candidates are expected to attend this important and required session. Snow date will be Sunday, February 23. Please, be on time!
NO RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES for students on Tuesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 20 due to teacher and assistant in-service days.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM: If parents did not receive a letter inviting you to the second Parent Eucharist Meeting and the Banner Workshop, please call the Religious Ed. Office.
— ADULT FAITH FORMATION —
RCIA II … Orientation Monday, February 24
This program will be open to any baptized person who, for whatever reason, never received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. This program 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. For info, call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.
CLOCK HOUR REQUEST for those who attended Seminarian Michael’s presentation in January, Catechist Certification records are now available. Please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
LIFE TEEN LIFE NIGHT this week will be just what you asked for…A Rap Session to talk about current issues that affect the teens of our parish. You won’t want to miss this Life Night, which will take place right after the Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Mass.
LENTEN RETREAT … March 14 – 16
At Summit Lake. The theme for our annual Lenten Retreat is “Trading My Sorrows.” The cost will be $85.00 and we have a limited number of spots, so please register now! Registration forms may be picked up after the Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Mass or in the Religious Ed. Office.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 - 8) —
EDGE & LIFE TEEN FAMILY SKI TRIP … Friday, Feb. 28
The Edge & Life Teen families are hittin’ the slopes! Find your permission slip at the rear of the church and get it to the Religious Ed. Office quick! All the info is on the form, but for additional questions call 410-848-8443 or 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 – 6th graders are welcome. No need to sign up. Bring a friend.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD! When we pray the Our Father, we ask God to provide our food. The majority of us receive sufficient food. Others have very little. Your contributions to the poor boxes help the St. Vincent de Paul Society keep food on hand for emergency situations. Without your generosity, many people would be uncared for, cold and hungry.
Activities in Our Parish
150th COMMEMORATIVE SWEATSHIRTS … February 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 GIRL SCOUT THINKING DAY … Mon., Feb. 17
From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Girl Scouts in the St. John cluster, plan to attend our first annual thinking Day Celebration where Girl Scouts worldwide join together to celebrate international friendship and world peace. For information, call Krista Kniesler at 410-346-6541.
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.
RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, February 22
Couples married in February are invited to renew their marriage vows at the 4:30 p.m. Mass. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or call the parish office in advance of the weekend.
MARRIED COUPLE’S DATE NIGHT OUT … Sat., Feb. 22
From 6– 9 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room in the parish center.
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. 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
From 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the parish center. We will meet to assist 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. For information, 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. 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. For info, call Karen F. at 410-871-7247.
ATTENTION “THREE MARY” PRODUCTION VOLUNTEERS
Meetings for committees are: Set Design – Monday, Feb. 24; Costumes – Tuesday, Feb. 25; Marketing & Tech – Wednesday, Feb 26. All meetings are held at Jeanne’s house. If you wish to volunteer, e-mail Kelly at Kgzde5@aol.com or Jeanne at Jlink@jeannesgourment.com. Auditions will be in May.
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.
June 6: Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament at The Links at Gettysburg. Many prizes and doorprizes, with the possibility of winning a Chrysler or Ford vehicle for a hole-in-one. Food and beverages included and served at the end of the day. 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Save with early registration. No registration accepted after May 24th. All proceeds benefit St. John Youth Ministry. For more information, call John Stephens at 410-848-3722 or Dean Ditman at 410-848-5579 or Sal Coco at 888-793-9498.
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. At 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 forms for the 4 x 8 bricks ($75) are available at the parish center. To request forms, for the 8 x 8 bricks ($150) call Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469. Proceeds will be used for furnishings in the new church. Deadline for all bricks will be Tuesday, April 1.
At Other Parishes
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.
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 May 30 – June 1, To receive more information, please call 410-647-0350.
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.
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 the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Trinity Lynne Beatty, daughter of Michael & Rachel Beatty; Jacob Brian Laws, son of Carol & Lara Laws; Gavin Christopher Rhoads, son of Scott & Mary Rhoads; and Sarah Elizabeth Tinkler, daughter of Jeffery & Elizabeth Tinkler.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Linda M. DeFeo, Evelyn Tydings, Katherine Fisher, for their families and friends.