Mass Intentions
Monday, March 31
7:00 a.m. Int. of Gail Buss
8:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes
Tuesday, April 1
7:00 a.m. Nancy Black
8:00 a.m. Benedetta DiBlasio
Wednesday, April 2
7:00 a.m. Stephanie Caprarola
8:00 a.m. Ed & Nell Judge
Thursday, April 3
7:00 a.m. Mae Gramlich
8:00 a.m. Jeffrey Rohde
Friday, April 4
7:00 a.m. Angelina Piroddi
9:15 a.m. Henry Giersch (First Friday)
Saturday, April 5
8:00 a.m. John Reidy, Jr.
4:30 p.m. Ruth Connelly
6:30 p.m. Joseph G. Haynes, Sr.
Sunday, April 6
7:15 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. Norman Folmsbee
8:45 a.m. Warren Drell
10:30 a.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
12:00 noon Carl L. Cessna
6:00 p.m. John Francis Klenk
From the Pastor
Father John Murray, C.Ss.R. former Pastor of St. Wenceslaus in Baltimore and St. Mary’s in Annapolis and columnist for the Catholic Review, will preach our parish Lenten Mission this year. The mission will begin following the 6 p.m. Mass this Sunday and continue each evening at 7 p.m.; concluding on Thursday. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for prayer and preparation for Easter.
I want to thank and congratulate our school PTF (Parents, Teacher and Friends) for the wonderful and successful St. Patrick’s Day Dance and Silent Auction. I also want to express my appreciation to all who helped with the Longaberger Basket Bingo to benefit our Church Building Fund. Thanks again for all your hard work, thanks to all the participants and for the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors.
Our boys basketball program concluded with awards ceremonies this past Sunday. Thanks to all the coaches, officials, commissioners, and parents who make this program possible for our children.
Reminder, if you have not made your pledge to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, please prayerfully consider participating in this worthy opportunity for alms-giving this Lent.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
STATIONS of the CROSS … Friday’s of Lent
9:15 a.m. (children’s format), and 7:30 p.m. in the Church except First Friday, April 5, Stations will be at 7:30 p.m. only.
DAILY MASSES DURING LENT will be at 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. in the church.
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.
FIRST FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ... April 4
Morning Masses will be at 7:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (attended by St. John School) in the church.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Saturday, April 5
The 4:30 p.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS should be returned to the parish office by Monday, April 14 at 12:00 noon. Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and in the parish office. Please print the names of the each loved one you wish to remember, your donation, and envelope number (if you use weekly envelopes.) You may place your envelope in the collection basket or bring them to the parish office.
PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 2, 3, 4, & 5 p.m.; Mondays –1 & 2 a.m. and 1 & 7 p.m.; Tuesdays – 1, 3 & 7 a.m.; Wednesdays – 3 & 4; 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 office with your name, phone number, day and time so that we may schedule you for adoration.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 31 – April 6
Mon.: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2,4-6,11-12; Jn 4:43-54
Tues.: Ez 47:1-9,12; Ps 46:2-3,5-6,8-9; Jn 5:1-16
Wed.: Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9,13-14,17-18; Jn 5:17-30
Thurs.: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47
Fri.: Wis 2:1,12-22; Ps 34:17-21,23; Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30
Sat.: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3,9-12; Jn 7:40-53
Sun.: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51:3-4,12-15; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
The grain of wheat must die to produce fruit. Such dying must be cultivated by obedience and by our covenant with God, rooted in 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 March 23, 2003:
Envelopes: $18,569.94 Attendance: 3755
Loose: 4,588.26 Poor Box: $1,944.69
TOTAL: $23,158.20
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $22,058.17. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 6,117,663. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,825,880. Pledged to date: 6,117,663.
Balance: $ 1,291,783 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: Would you like a reliable, quick and efficient alternative to using your offertory envelopes every week? How about trying our Electronic Contributions method by which the exact amount you specify is deducted automatically each week from your checking account? This is the painless alternative to searching for pens, writing out checks and generally using up precious minutes while your family is getting ready to leave for Mass. Spend the extra time you save in pre-Mass meditation and prayer! It’s a wonderful gift to give you and your family. If you are interested in setting up this method, please call George Hinkel in the Parish Center at 410-876-2248 ext. 249.
School News
School Calendar
Mar. 30 Parish Mission begins – 7:00 p.m. in Church
Apr. 4 Knott Scholarship Results Mailed
Apr. 4 First Friday Liturgy – Grade 6A & 6B
Apr. 7 School Board Finance Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! SCHOLASTIC … March. 29 – 30
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 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.
CONFIRMATION HALF-DAY RETREAT: All confirmation students are reminded to attend the half-day retreat as part of the requirement for Confirmation. Tuesday students should attend on Sunday, April 6 and Thursday students should attend on Sunday, April 13. Each session will begin in the school gym and will run from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Please be on time. If you have any questions, please discuss them with your teacher.
SECOND GRADE PARENTS: Post cards were mailed confirming your child’s First Communion date and practice times. Please call the Religious Ed Office as soon as possible should there be a need to change your date.
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) —
LIFE NIGHT: We will attend the Parish Mission together instead of our normal Life Night.
LIFE TEEN TEE SHIRTS that were ordered may be picketed up after the 6:00 p.m. Mass this week. If you are unable to pick yours up, call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.
YOUNG APOSTLE APPLICATIONS: If you are entering the 11th or 12th grade next fall and would like to be one of our Young Apostles, please see Paul for an application. Those who are chosen by the core members will work throughout the year serving their peers and the core. Applications deadline is Sunday, April 6th.
STUEBENVILLE PAYMENTS: The second payment of $75 is due this Sunday. The final payment will be due April 27th. If you have any questions, please see Paul.
CARDINAL’S PILGRIMAGE … Saturday, April 12
Life Teen will again join with hundreds of other young people through the Archdiocese for Cardinal Keeler’s annual Walk with the Cross. This daylong event ends with Mass at the Basilica. We need adults to help chaperone and drive. If you would like to come, or if you can help, please call/email Andrea Brown at 410-848-8443 or abrown@sjwest.org.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
SPIRITUAL EASTER BASKETS are being assembled and distributed by Shepherd’s Staff to provide children with an Easter Message that reflects the true meaning of the Resurrection. Items needed are: Christian coloring books, crayons, books, puzzles, prayer books and cards, toys, bubbles, non candy snacks, socks, personal care items. Please leave these items in the food buckets by the doors of the church. These will be distributed to area children whose families use the services of Shepherd’s Staff during Holy Week. Thank you.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wednesday, April 9
At 7:00 p.m. at the Goodwill Store, Rt. 140 and Englar Road (please note, change of date and location, due to Parish Mission.) Looking forward to seeing all members at this meeting. If you are interested in learning more about the work that our organization does, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473. New Members are always welcome!
Activities in Our Parish
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY … Wednesday, April 2
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.
KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., April 6
From 8 a.m. – 12 noon. Join the Knights in the school cafeteria for a great breakfast including; pancakes, french toast, eggs and more. Adults are $4 and children are $2.
WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. April 6
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.
ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, April 6
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.
MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL … Friday, May 2
At 7:00 p.m. at West Middle School. Come see your priests and seminarians team up against St. John parishioners. Additional information will follow.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE … May 30 – June 1
At Steubenville, Ohio. Early registration ends April 25. Women wishing to attend may call Teresa Richardson at 410-857-9639.
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.
ALTAR SOCIETY of ST. JOHN: As we prepare for the move into our new church, preparations are underway to form an Altar Society–a group of parishioners dedicated to the care of the church’s appearance and cleanliness. If you are willing to volunteer 2-3 hours a month, please contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596 for more information.
BAKER-YINGLING ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are being accepted. Full criteria and applications are available at the parish office and school office or by calling 410-876-5505.
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.
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. In consideration of world events, I will hold deposits from being processed and will use your check and registration only to reserve your space. 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.
ST. JOHN SCHOOL BOARD PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS: We are looking for interested people to serve on the School Board beginning with the 2003-2004 school year. If you have a genuine commitment to Catholic School education and desire to further its mission, please call Tess Hupfeld at 410-876-2961 for an application.
“THREE MARYS” is an original musical presented by St. John parishioners in September. The following committees are looking to expand: Set Design & Construction, Props & Costume Design, and Advertising & Marketing. Student Auditions will be held May 1, 2 & 4. Large cast with roles for all experience levels. Information packets will be at the doors of the church after April 4. For info contact Jeanne at 410-876-3784 jlink@jeannesgourmet.com or Kelly at 410-876-7539 kgzde5@aol.com.
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.
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 Deadline for all bricks will be Tuesday, April 1. For info call 410-848-4469.
From the Archdiocese
24/7 MINISTRY DAY … Monday, April 14
Everyone’s vocation begins with God! Spend a day with a priest, Religious Sister or Brother or Permanent Deacon. To register, call 410-547-5426/vocations@archbalt.org by April 10. For more information, contact Sister Bernadette or Seminarian Michael.
Reminders
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…
CHAPLET of DIVINE MERCY is prayed each Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Church. All are welcome to join in the prayer.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings
Immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary.
BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Jeana Noel Ellis, daughter of Stephen & Julie Ellis; Jennifer Amber Rowan, daughter of Michael McKeldin & Michelle Rowan; and Kathryn Marie Stachowiak, daughter of Louis & Theresa Stachowiak.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Kathy Sensi, Marie O’Donnell, Grace Shields, Lola Myers, Philip Upman, Jr., and for their families and friends.
IN THESE DAYS OF VIOLENCE AND WAR – both abroad and in our own country, and in support for the safety of the men and women in the military, let us strengthen our sense of prayer for peace. Please join us for these prayer opportunities:
· Mass at 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. in the Church Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.
· Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent – 9:15 a.m. (children’s format) and 7:30 p.m., in the Church.
· Private prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – in the Chapel located in the Parish Center, is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
We encourage all parishioners to join the parish in the ongoing prayer opportunities to end war and to bring our military home safely home.