Mass Intentions
Monday, March 17
7:00 a.m. Int. of Ann Coster
8:00 a.m. Gordon H. Mallonee
Tuesday, March 18
7:00 a.m. Int of Poor Box Contributors
8:00 a.m. Peter Foley
Wednesday, March 19
7:00 a.m. Fr. Victor P. Warkulwiz
8:00 a.m. Maureen Brothers
Thursday, March 20
7:00 a.m. John Begor
8:00 a.m. Fern Yingling
Friday, March 21
7:00 a.m. Antanina Chesno
8:00 a.m. Teresa Trainor
Saturday, March 22
8:00 a.m. Charles Young
4:30 p.m. Edward Judge, Sr.
6:30 p.m. Mary Garner
Sunday, March 23
7:15 a.m. Paul M. Koontz, Jr.
8:45 a.m. Alexandria Denevan
10:30 a.m. Eleanor Cooke
12:00 noon Helen McCarthy
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
From the Pastor
Congratulations to those in our parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), who will be baptized or be received into full communion at the Easter Vigil. They received the Rite of Election last Sunday at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Basilica. Bishop Malooly presided at the ceremony. Please keep the candidates, their sponsors and our RCIA team in your prayers throughout the Lenten season.
Please mark your calendars to participate in our parish mission this year. Father John Murray, C.Ss.R. will preach the mission beginning on Sunday evening, March 30th and continuing until Thursday, April 3rd. All the services will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Letters inviting us to participate in the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal have been mailed to all registered parishioners. Prayerfully consider taking advantage of this excellent opportunity to give alms this Lent. Thank you for your continued prayers.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
PENITENTIAL FAST and ABSTINENCE All persons who have reached their 14th birthday are bound by the law of abstinence. All adults are bound by the law of fast up to their 60th birthday. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat and also days of fast. The Fridays of the season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.
STATIONS of the CROSS … Friday’s of Lent
9:15 a.m. (children format), and 7:30 p.m. in the Church.
DAILY MASSES DURING LENT will be at 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. in the church.
PARISH PENANCE SERVICE … Tuesday, March 25
In this time of preparation for the resurrection of our Savior, let us take advantage of this sacrament in order to purify our hearts.
PARISH LENTEN MISSION … March 30 – April 3
Each evening, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church. The Mission will be led by Fr. John Murray and continue for five evenings offered to inspire our daily lives and fill us with grace as we prepare to celebrate our Savior’s resurrection.
PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 2,3,4, & 5; Mondays –1 & 2 a.m. and 1 & 7 p.m.; Tuesdays – 1 & 3 a.m.; Wednesdays – 3,4 & 9 a.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 3 a.m.; Fridays – 3 a.m. & 4 p.m.; and Saturdays – 12,2,3 & 4 a.m. and 12,1,2,3,6,7,8, & 9 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 … March 17-23
Mon.: Dn 9:4-10; Ps 79:8-9,11,13; Lk 6:36-38
Tues.: Is 1:10,16-20; Ps 50:8-9,16-17,21,23; Mt 23:1-12
Wed.: 2 Sm 7:4-5,12-14,16; Rom 4:13,16-18,22; Mt 1:16,18-21,24
Thurs.: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 16:19-31
Fri.: Gn 37:3-4,12-13,17-28; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 21:33-43,45-46
Sat.: Mi 7:14-15,18-20; Ps 103:1-4,9-12; Lk 15:1-3,11-32
Sun.: Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8-11; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
The law liberates and leads us to freedom. It is to be trusted for it is a source of wisdom. Jesus speaks of the ultimate freedom to be won for us by His being raised up. He is the sign of the power and wisdom of God. All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 9, 2003:
Envelopes: $19,320.09 Attendance: 2649
Loose: 5,033.28 Poor Box: $2,201.63
TOTAL: $24,353.37
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,890.00. Thank you.
THANK YOU for your generosity on Ash Wednesday to the collection for Eastern Europe. Total collected was $4,956.78.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 6,107,778. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,811,725. Pledged to date: 6,107,778.
Balance: $ 1,296,053 Pledges needed: $ 1,948,822.
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.
ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS: If you are interested in trying our St. John Electronic Contributions Option, whereby the exact amount you specify is automatically deducted from your checking account each week for your offertory envelope contribution, please call George Hinkel, Business Manager in the Parish Center at 410-848-4744 ext. 249. More parishioners are seeking this quick, efficient and reliable option each year! Find out for yourself! Give a call today!
School News
School Calendar
Mar. 17 St. Patrick’s Day – Students may wear green & white
Mar. 19 Sacrament of Reconciliation grades 2 - 4
Mar. 20 School Board Mtg. – 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 20 Gr. 2 Parent Eucharist Mtg. – 6:45 p.m. in church
Mar. 21 Stations of the Cross – 9:15 a.m.
GROCERY CERTIFICATES: Kohl’s gift cards and grocery certificates will be sold before and after Sunday morning Masses this weekend. There is no additional cost to you and the school makes 5% on the total sales. Please support our parish school by supporting this program.
BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Scholastic Book Fair … Mar. 29-30
Held by St. John School in the school cafeteria. Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more info, call Joanne Nealon at 410-446-3633.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
PARENT EUCHARIST MEETING: If you were unable to attend this meeting last Tuesday, be sure to attend the next meeting on Thursday, March 20th at 6:45 p.m. in church.
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) —
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.
LIFE TEEN/EDGE/YOUTH ALIVE FAMILY SKI TRIP …
Saturday, March 22 We’re invited back at ½ price rates. Be sure to get your flyer from the back of church.
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —
NEXT ACTIVITY NIGHT ... Friday, March 21
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 *
In an effort to provide children with an Easter Message that reflects the true meaning of the Resurrection, we are collecting the following items so that Shepherd’s Staff can assemble “Spiritual Easter Baskets.” These will be distributed to area children whose families use the services of Shepherd’s Staff during Holy Week. Items requested are: Christian coloring books, crayons, story books, bookmarks, puzzles, prayer books, prayer cards, small toys, bubbles, play-dough, school supplies, non candy snacks, socks, personal care items. Please leave these items in the food buckets by the doors of the church. You can donate a finished basket directly to Shepherd’s Staff at 30 Carroll Street between April 7th and 15th.
Activities in Our Parish
WISDOM CLUB MEETING … Thursday, March 20
Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon in the hall of the Ascension Episcopal Church, followed by our luncheon. Due to the snow cancellation, we will combine our theme of “Hearts and Flowers” with our annual St. Patrick’s Day Pot Luck Lunch. Listen for your telephone to ring… no brown bag this month. Note, if Carroll County schools are delayed or closed, meeting will be canceled.
LONGABERGER® BASKET BINGO … Saturday, March 22
At 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) $10.00 Advance tickets now available for in the parish and school offices. Tickets are $12.00 at the door. Prizes will be filled current and retired baskets. YOU CAN HELP by sponsoring a basket, door prize, or fill a basket to decrease our expenses and increase the profits. Please call Anna at 410-876-2652 if you can help.
MARRIED COUPLE’S DATE NIGHT OUT … Sat., Mar. 22
From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room in the parish center.
RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, March 22
Couples married in March 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.
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.
SUNDAY NURSERY for children ages 1-5 during the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses. Nursery is located in the St. Matthew room of the school. For more info, call Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT is a support group that assists people working through the painful issues of separation or divorce. The group led by trained facilitators will meet Thursday evenings for 10 weeks. For information or to register, please contact Karen F. at 410-871-7247 or Janelyn M. at 410-848-8741.
WANTED…MARRIED COUPLES wishing to share their love of marriage with those preparing for marriage. We have recently revived the Pre-Cana program in our parish and are seeking couples to work with our new team. Limited time commitment…sessions run only twice a year. Topics presented at the sessions include: communication, prayer for couples, intimacy/sexuality, money matters, and ecclesiology of family. If you have been married 5 or more years and would like to become part of our team to offer insights to engaged couples on any of these topics, please contact Fr. Leo at the parish center.
ST. JOHN SPONSORED LOAVES & FISHES Soup Kitchen at Ascension Episcopal Church is updating schedules and listings for the period April through September 2003. If anyone new would like information about participating or any current volunteers will be unable to participate, please call Mike Radov at 410-857-9528.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING 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.
GIRL’S INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL: All 5th & 6th grade girls interested in playing basketball this spring are asked to contact Greg Trapani at 410-751-7554.
ATTENTION PARISH MUSICIANS First Communion Dates are Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m.; Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The REQUIRED rehearsal for any and all of these Liturgies is Monday, April 21 and April 28, from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
BAKER-YINGLING ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are being accepted for two scholarships offered by The Community Foundation of Carroll County Inc. in honor of Larry Baker and Donald “Bo” Yingling for 30 years of service in the St. John’s Basketball Program. 1 – $250 scholarship awarded to a student graduating from St. John Parish School, who played in St. John athletic programs and has been accepted at a Catholic High School. And 1 – $500 scholarship awarded for a student who is graduating from high school, who played in St. John’s athletic programs and has been accepted at a college or university. Full criteria and applications are available at the parish office and school office or by calling 410-876-5505.
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.
LENTEN EVENINGS of DISCERNMENT for juniors in high school to 35-year old men and women to ask questions about Priesthood and Consecrated Life. Held at The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen Parish Center from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
§ March 17 –“I love it! The witness of Priests, Deacons and Sisters”
§ March 20 – “Celibacy, Sexuality and Friendship”
Presented by the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. For more info, contact Fr. Kevin at 410-547-5426.
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 prizes, 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.
COMMEMORATIVE/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. Deadline for all bricks will be Tuesday, April 1.
At Other Parishes
HOLY FAMILY CHURCH BUS TRIP … April 29 – May 4
Visit Mother Angelica’s EWTN in Birmingham, Alabama. Visit her temple, The Shrine of the Most Beloved Blessed Sacrament, for Mass. Then travel to Nashville, Tennessee for a tour, dinner shows and the Grand Ole Opry. Then to Louisville Kentucky to the Abbey of Gethsemani and the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with Mass, Then a dinner cruise. For information, contact Mary Lou Darrell at 410-922-2666.
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.
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.
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 WHO IS ILL REMEMBERED during the Prayer of the Faithful at weekend Masses, please call the Parish Office by Friday morning. You are welcome at any time to add names to the Book of the Sick.
We Pray…
BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Justin Alexander De Leonardo, son of Brian & Elsa De Leonardo; Katherine Elizabeth Walsh, daughter of Micah & Kristen Walsh; Brookelyn Renee Finn, daughter of Stephen & Allison Finn; Jacob Reidy Mead, son of Matthew & Kathleen Mead; Connor Troy West, son of Stephan & Susan West; Christian Harold Zito, son of Patrick & Charlene Zito; Matthew Alexander Forst, son of Paul & Kathleen Forst.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Helen Burgan, Hazel Miller, and for their families and friends.