Mass Intentions
Monday, March 24
7:00 a.m. Wilhelmina Kammer
8:00 a.m. Ronald Di Blasio
Tuesday, March 25
7:00 a.m. Robert A. Richter
8:00 a.m. Karen Brusca
Wednesday, March 26
7:00 a.m. Carl W. Wagman
8:00 a.m. Jim Mc Namara
Thursday, March 27
7:00 a.m. Int. of Albine Skiber
8:00 a.m. Edward & Lillian Swinderman
Friday, March 28
7:00 a.m. Marjorie B. Case
8:00 a.m. Peyton & Madaline Carr
Saturday, March 29
8:00 a.m. Mary Trichilo
4:30 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
6:30 p.m. George Ramirez
Sunday, March 30
7:15 a.m. Harcharufka & Mergo Families
8:45 a.m. Int. of St. John Staff
10:30 a.m. Ronald Frederick
12:00 noon Walter J. Hacket, Sr.
6:00 p.m. Daniel Cooney
From the Pastor
Continue to pray for peace. This is the command of Our Lord to His Church and to the world. Now is the time when our prayers, joined with the prayers of so many others, can and will make a difference. Our church is opened from 6:30 a.m., (Mass at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.) until 4:30 p.m. every weekday. You are most welcomed to come in and pray. The Adoration Chapel, in the Parish Center, is open from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. every weekday. Adoration continues seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. If you would like to sign up for a specific time, please call the parish office. The Stations of the Cross are prayed every Friday of Lent at 9:15 a.m. (Children’s format), and at 7:30 p.m. The rosary is prayed following the 8 a.m. weekday Mass and the 8 a.m. Saturday Mass. Personal prayer, sacrifice and fasting will result in God’s blessing. Continue to pray for peace, our nation and the world. I especially commend to your prayers those who are serving in our military and their families.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
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.
DAILY MASSES DURING LENT will be at 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. in the church.
STATIONS of the CROSS … Friday’s of Lent
9:15 a.m. (children format), and 7:30 p.m. in the Church.
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.
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 24-30
Mon.: 2 Kgs 5:1-15; Pss 42:2-3;43:3-4; Lk 4:24-30
Tues.: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
Wed.: Dt 4:1,5-9; Ps 147:12-13,15-16,19-20; Mt 5:17-19
Thurs.: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2,6-9; Lk 11:14-23
Fri.: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6-11,14,17; Mk 12:28-34
Sat.: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4,18-21; Lk 18:9-14
Sun.: 2 Chr 36:14-16,19-23; Ps 137:1-6; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
God pardons and raises up those who have been unfaithful, those who have loved the darkness rather than the light. For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to deliver the world from exile. 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 16, 2003:
Envelopes: $22,214.41 Attendance: 3696
Loose: 4,797.84 Poor Box: $1,996.13
TOTAL: $27,012.25
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $22,028.44. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 6,117,663. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,817,059. Pledged to date: 6,117,663.
Balance: $ 1,300,604 Pledges needed: $ 1,938,937.
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: Want to try something new? How about a quick, reliable and efficient new alternative to weekly offertory envelopes? Try our St. John Electronic Contributions method and determine the exact amount you wish to have deducted automatically from your checking account each week. This wonderful alternative to check-writing offers you more precious time in pre-Mass prayer and reflection! Try this new electronic contributions method by calling George Hinkel in the Parish Center at 410-876-2248 ext. 249.
School News
School Calendar
Mar. 24 Group Pictures in School Uniform
Mar. 26 Grades 5-8 Sacrament of Reconciliation 9:30 a.m.
Mar. 28 Stations of the Cross – 9:15 a.m. in Church
Mar. 30 Parish Mission begins – 7:00 p.m. in Church
GROCERY CERTIFICATES and KOHL’S gift cards are available each school morning in front of the school and in the school office during the day.
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! SCHOLASTIC … March. 29 – 30
Don’t miss this great book-fair held by St. John School in the 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 information, call Joanne Nealon at 410-446-3633.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
HOMESTUDY CLASSES … Wednesday, April 2
At 6:45 p.m. the school building assigned classrooms.
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.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 - 8) —
SOUL SCRUBBIN’ … Friday, March 28
At 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The person who brings the most friends, gets a prize!
— 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.
Activities in Our Parish
KNIGHTS MEMBERSHIP … Sunday, March 23
Knights of Columbus members will be present after all Masses to answer your questions about the largest fraternal Catholic organization. To learn more, contact Tom Tulley at 410-848-2972 or Stephen Dobyski at 410-876-3258
CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., Mar. 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.
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.
BASILICA RAFFLE: Thank you St. John Parishioners, and Life Teen for supporting the $5000 cash raffle. More than 600 tickets were sold. Winner will be announced in early April.
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.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDED to improve the music program with better resources. Please contact David Copperthite at 410-209-4805 if you have donations of musical instruments.
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.
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.
ROME PILGRIMAGE: Space is filling up quickly for this special opportunity. If you are interested in participating, please send in your application and down payment to reserve your space. After I receive the full number expected (limited to 45 people), I will contact you about upcoming gatherings to meet your travel partners and offer preparation tips. NOTE to those who already submitted the check and registration, In consideration of world events, please know that I have held your deposit from being processed and will use your check and registration form only to reserve your spot. Should the US Embassy in Italy and Rome issue a travel advisory, I will continue to hold the deposit in safe measures until further notice. For questions, call Fr. Leo at the parish center.
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.
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.
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. See information under parish events or 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.
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: Zachary Joseph Mentzell, son of Jonathan & Kimberly Mentzell; Madison Briggs Harmening, child of George & Kimberly Harmening; Layna Renee Johnson, daughter of Greg & Wendy Johnson; Clare Fiona Marvel, daughter of Timothy & Janel Marvel; Lydia Faith Robinson, daughter of Lisa & Charles Robinson, II; Travis Lee Collins, son of Anderson & Lynn Collins; and Braden Eric Barber, son of Russell & Rebecca Barber.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Marie O’Brien, Thomas Zietler, Mary Listfeldt, and for their families and friends.
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. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes (5 Masses), Dawn Ferguson, Marcy La Rose, Kay Kermen (2 Masses,) Mrs. Kusterner, Margaret Loan (2 Masses,) Int. of Colleen Hattrup, Int. of Albert Cruz, Int. of Enzo Cruz, Carole Shelton, Roger Shlerf, Int. of Vito Ernandis, Barbara Austin, Salvatore Donahue, Dorothy Rutledge, Maria A. Knapp, Romayne Moniak, Anna Evans, Helen Berger, Anna O. Julio, Int. of John Cruz, Int. of Augusto Cruz, Eileen Moran, Viola Marmey, Int. of Dee Mathews, Robert, A. Richter, Margaret Austin, James Ryan, Betty Mac Leod.