Mass Intentions
Monday, February 24
7:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes
8:00 a.m. Kale Mathias
Tuesday, February 25
7:00 a.m. Edward & Lillian Swinderman
8:00 a.m. Rose & Frank De Cesare
Wednesday, February 26
7:00 a.m. Int. of Gail Buss
8:00 a.m. Carl W. Wagman
Thursday, February 27
7:00 a.m. Marjorie B. Case
8:00 a.m. Peyton & Madaline Carr
Friday, February 28
7:00 a.m. Int. of St. John Church & School Volunteers
8:00 a.m. Mary Angela Murphy
Saturday, March 1
8:00 a.m. Mary Taglieri
4:30 p.m. Int. of Poor Box Contributors
6:30 p.m. Gilbert T. Perron
Sunday, March 2
7:15 a.m. Herbert A. Kammer
8:45 a.m. Alex Kulbicki
10:30 a.m. Sabrina Majcharzak
12:00 noon George Schauermann
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
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
CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Saturday, March 1
The 4:30 p.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
FIRST FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ... March 7
Morning Masses will be at 7:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (attended by St. John School) in the church.
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. 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 24 - March 2
Mon.: Sir 1:1-10; Ps 93:1-2,5; Mk 9:14-29
Tues.: Sir 2:1-11; Ps 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40; Mk 9:30-37
Wed.: Sir 4:11-19; Ps 119:165,171-172,174-175; Mk 9:38-40
Thurs.: Sir 5:1-8; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mk 9:41-50
Fri.: Sir 6:5-17; Ps 119:12,16,18,27,34,35; Mk 10:1-12
Sat.: Sir 17:1-15; Ps 103:13-18; Mk 10:13-16
Sun.: Hos 2:16-17,21-22; 2 Cor 3:1-6; Mk 2:18-22
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
Bless the Lord who is full of love and compassion, who is espoused to us forever. Our bridegroom, Christ, has come, and will come again in glory. His Spirit gives us life. 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 16, 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.
School News
School Calendar
Feb. 24 – 28 Re-registration of Present Families
Mar. 4 School Closed
GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved but the school makes 5% from all sales. They are available through the school office and before and after school in the parking lot and on the third Sunday of each month. Thank you.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
CONFIRMATION SPONSOR SESSION … Sun., Feb. 23 From 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. in the Church, sponsors and candidates are expected to attend this important and required session. Please note this is the snow date. Please, be on time!
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.
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 … 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.
ADULT EDUCATION SESSION … Monday, March 10
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the parish center. This session will focus on Christian Morality and Medical Ethics. Fr. Brian will be the presenter. Clock hours will be given. For more information, please 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) —
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.
STEUBENVILLE: Everyone signed up to go to the High School youth Conference at Franciscan University June 20 –22 should have received a letter last week detailing the trip. If you signed up and made an initial deposit but did not receive a letter, please call Paul as soon as possible.
— 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, March 7
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. In the School cafeteria. All 5 – 6th graders are welcome. No need to sign up. Bring a friend.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
It could be as close as next door – people in need! Wherever you live, there are people and or families who need help of some kind. Your donation to the poor box helps the St. Vincent de Paul Society help you neighbors.
Activities in Our Parish
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.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION DISCUSSION … Tues., Feb. 25
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the parish center. All Sponsor Couples and Pre-Cana Training Couples are invited to this informative discussion about Marriage Preparation. Rev. Brian Christensen, STL, Candidate of the JP II Institute for Marriage & Family will offer a presentation of the “Top 10 issues for Marriage Preparation,” Clock Hours are available. For more information, call Fr. Leo at the parish center.
CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ... Thurs., Feb. 27
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. All interested are invited to attend. For more information, call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.
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.
WELCOMING SESSION/ REGISTRATION … Sun. March 2
If you are interested in becoming a member at St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved in the parish, you are invited to attend a Welcoming Session being held from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 – 12:00 noon.
K of C PANCAKE BREAKFAST … Sunday, March 2
From 8:00 – 12:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Pancakes, French toast, Eggs and more. Adults – $4 and children – $2. Proceeds to benefit St. John, Girl’s Basketball League.
ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, March 2
Sodality meets for the 8:45 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the Emmaus Room in the parish center. Ladies aged 16 and older are welcome. If you need a ride, call Deana at 410-876-1007.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING ... Monday, March 3
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. The Council welcomes your attendance and invites you to bring your concerns or comments to its attention by calling the parish office and leaving your name and phone number. A Council member will return your call.
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.
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY … Wednesday, March 5
The next monthly meeting will begin with quiet prayer in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m., followed by a meeting in the parish center. All parishioners are invited to join us.
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.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP) 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.
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.
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.
June 6: K. C. Charity Golf Tournament at The Links at Gettysburg. 1:30 p.m. Registration is $95/person until 5/3, and $105/person until 5/23. All proceeds to St. John Youth Ministry. Many prized, food & beverages. For information+, call John at 410-848-3722 or Dean at 410-848-5579.
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.
DEDICATION COMMITTEE … Thursday, March 6
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center.
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
MARRIED COUPLES RETREATS at Priestfield Retreat Center, West Virginia. ■ 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.
LARGE‑PRINT MISSALETTE are available for use at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass to pick up a copy.
We Pray…
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Irene Howe, William Hayes, Eugenia Jurak, Ella McCormick, Helen Eisenrouch, Shirley Pollard, and for their families and friends.