Mass Intentions
Monday, April 21
7:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes
8:00 a.m. Maureen Brothers
Tuesday, April 22
7:00 a.m. Berenice Batterden
8:00 a.m. Int. of Clotilde C. Drechsler
Wednesday, April 23
7:00 a.m. Mary Taglieri
8:00 a.m. Vera Schwessinger
Thursday, April 24
7:00 a.m. Sr. Stephany
8:00 a.m. Peyton & Madaline Carr
Friday, April 25
7:00 a.m. Int. of Mary Margaret Frederick
8:00 a.m. Stephanie Budosh
Saturday, April 26
8:00 a.m. Carl W. Wagman
4:30 p.m. Int. of Barbara Ferguson
6:30 p.m. Paul S. Brough
Sunday, April 27
7:15 a.m. Nancy Sirakas
8:45 a.m. Harcharufka & Mergo Families
10:30 a.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
12:00 noon Helen McCarthy
6:00 p.m. Int. of John C. Gilbert
From the Pastor
May all the grace and blessings of the Easter season be with you and your families. Please join me in welcoming the new members of our parish who were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. I am particularly grateful to their sponsors, the members of our parish RICA team and all who have helped them on their journey of faith.
I also want to thank all who have helped with the Liturgies of Lent, Holy Week and Easter: those who cleaned and decorated the church, the music ministers, the choir members, altar servers, lectors, eucharistic ministers, ushers and all who participated in the liturgies. I am especially grateful for the pastoral ministry of our parish staff: my brother priests, the deacons, seminarians, and Health Care Ministry and our Parish School and Religious Education Program. Your cooperation and generosity are deeply appreciated.
May God bless you,
PARISH OFFICES will be closed Easter Monday, April 21
Liturgy & Worship
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 … April 21-27
Mon.: Acts 2:14,22-33; Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11; Mt 28:8-15
Tues.: Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5,18-20,22; Jn 20:11-18
Wed.: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4,6-9; Lk 24:13-35
Thurs.: Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2,5-9; Lk 24:35-48
Fri.: Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2,4,22-27; Jn 21:1-14
Sat.: Acts 4:13-21 Ps 118:1,14-15,16-21; Mk 16:9-15
Sun.: Acts 4:32-35; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
Thomas believed because he saw the risen Jesus. Although we have never seen Him, we believe that Jesus is the Christ, begotten by God. We give thanks to the Lord that He has formed us into a community of believers, united in the Spirit. All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of April 13, 2003:
Envelopes: $20,091.52 Attendance: 4175
Loose: 5,288.08 Poor Box: $1,894.06
TOTAL: $25,379.60
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $22,236.08. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 6,336,491. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 5,040,621. Pledged to date: 6,336,491.
Balance: $ 1,295,870 Pledges needed: $ 1,720,109.
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 in the parish office.
THANK YOU to all who participated in this year's Lenten Mission. Father Murray expressed his appreciation for your generous response to the collection to support the work of the Redemtorist Missions ($3,068.). May God bless you and your families in this Easter Season!
TO THE PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN:
The love and support that you gave the Little Sisters of the Poor was a sign of your genuine Charity. The collection amounted to $5,472.80. Your gifts are truly a sign of God’s loving and caring providence, which will help to provide the best possible care for the many elderly in need who come to make their home with us. Thank you all! Our residents of St. Martin’s Home join with us in promising you our daily prayers for all your many intentions. God Bless each and every one of you!
The Little Sisters of the Poor and
Residents of St. Martin’s Home
School News
School Calendar
Apr. 21 School Closed – Easter Monday
Apr. 24 School Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m.
GROCERY CERTIFICATES and Kohl’s gift cards are available each school morning in the front circle of the school and in the school office. This is an easy way to support your parish school.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
CONFIRMATION DAY … April 26 and April 27
Bishop Malooly will confirm Tuesday students on Saturday, April 26 at 1:30 p.m. candidates and sponsors should be at the cafeteria by 12:45 p.m. Bishop Malooly will confirm Thursday students on Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. candidates and sponsors should be at the cafeteria by 1:15 p.m.
FIRST COMMUNION PRACTICE for the April 26, 10:00 a.m. Mass will be Monday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church. At least one parent must accompany the child to this practice.
FIRST COMMUNION PICTURES: Information letters were mailed concerning pictures taken by Mr. Dave Corbin. Please call the Religious Ed. Office if you did not receive this mailing.
FIRST COMMUNION CLOTHING: Students in need of a First Communion dress or suit can call the Religious Ed. Office. Several have been donated and may be borrowed.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL … June 16 - 20
We are still in need of teachers, snack and craft persons. Please call the Religious Ed. Office if you can help.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
LIFE NIGHT: There will be no Life Night this week, Easter Sunday so that you can spend time with family and friends.
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 -6) —
MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL ... Friday, May 2
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Youth Alive will meet in the lobby of West Middle School and go in together as a group to check out the Men in Black basketball game against St. John parishioners.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
After a time of reflection and penance comes the celebration of the Risen Lord! The members of St. Vincent de Paul wish you a Happy Easter and a beautiful spring.
activities in Our Parish
AND SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS
It is hoped that all parishioners will join in the festivities at these events celebrating our parish and our new church.
CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., April 22
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.
WISDOM CLUB MEETING … Thursday, April 24
Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon at the Ascension Episcopal Church followed by our luncheon. Christopher Gaul the associate editor of the Catholic Review will be our speaker. Remember your brown bag lunch, dessert and beverage is provided. New members welcome! For more info, call Eleanor at 410-875-3336.
RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, April 26
Couples married in April 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.
MARRIED COUPLE’S DATE NIGHT OUT … Sat., April 26
From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room in the parish center.
KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS SALES … Sunday, April 27
Pack 420 will have glazed doughnuts outside of church for $5/doz. After the 7:15, 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Masses.
MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL … Friday, May 2
At 7:00 p.m. at West Middle School gym. Come see your priests and seminarians team up against St. John parishioners. There will be vocation talks, prizes, free-throw contest, and refreshments.
ST. JOHN 150th ANNIVERSARY GALA … Saturday, May 3
At 7:00 p.m. at Martin’s Westminster. Dinner, dancing and special presentations. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate 150 years of grace. Tables of ten are available. Tickets are $75 per person. For tickets call Debbie Middleton at 410-848-2558 or Karen Feroli at 410-871-7247 for further information.
BOY SCOUT SPAGHETTI DINNER … Saturday, May 3
From 4 – 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Troop 420 is having it’s 4th annual spaghetti dinner and silent auction. Tickets are on sale now or may be purchased at the door for $5.00/ person. Children under 7 are free! For info, contact Tom or Michael at 410-848-7730.
ST. JOHN ANNUAL MAY PROCESSION … Sunday, May 4
Beginning at 1:15 p.m. from the school cafeteria. St. John Ladies Sodality invites St. John families to participate in this special day to honor our Blessed Mother Mary as we crown her Queen of Heaven and Earth. Please meet in the cafeteria at 1:00 p.m. First Communicants may wear their First Communion attire. A small reception will follow in the cafeteria.
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE to the GROTTO … Thurs., May 8
Join the Wisdom Club for Mass celebrated at the Grotto Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be at the Cozy Restaurant following the Mass. Cost is $12 and is due by the next Wisdom Club meeting (April 24). For reservations contact Irene at 410-848-0489.
DEDICATION COMMITTEE MEETING … Thurs., May 8
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. Plan to give your reports.
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.
K. C. CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT … Friday, June 6
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.
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.
ST. JOHN SCHOOL REUNION … Sunday, July 20
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.
PARISH FAMILY PICNIC … Saturday, August 9
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.
THREE MARYS MUSICAL … September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13
Three Marys is a musical presented by St. John Community Production at Winter’s Mill H.S. Committees are looking to expand: Set-design/construction, Props/costumes, and Advertising/marketing. Student Auditions will be held May 1, 2 & 4. For info contact Jeanne at 410-876-3784 or Kelly at 410-876-7539 NEEDED for the costume committee; solid fabric and sheets, all sizes, call Kelly for pickup.
ST. THERESA…THE LITTLE FLOWER … Wed., October 1
At 7:30 in the gym. Cost is $4 per person. Presented by Leonardo Defilippis. For more information, call the Religious Ed. Office.
DEDICATION MASS of the NEW CHURCH … Sun., Oct. 26
At 2:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Keeler with a reception following in the gym.
PARISH PILGRIMAGE to ITALY … November 7 – 17
We are full for the original plan of 45 people, HOWEVER, after speaking with the tour agency, they offered another option that would accept 20 more people IF the waiting list reached up to 20. Therefore, if you wish to join this exciting opportunity, there is still a LAST CHANCE effort. Please submit the application form and your deposit by May 16, 2003. For those who have already signed up, Fr. Leo will be submitting all applications and deposit checks this week. Contact Fr. Leo for any questions.
50th ANNIVERSARY BOOK & VIDEO … November 2003
A book and video detailing the history of St. John parish is scheduled for release and will be available to all parishioners.
SESQUICENTENNIAL YEAR CLOSING MASS… Sat., Dec. 27
On the Feast Day of our patron Saint. At 6:30 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Malooly. A reception follows in the gym.
ALTAR SOCIETY of ST. JOHN – a group of parishioners dedicated to the care of the church’s appearance and cleanliness. Preparations are underway to form an Altar Society in our parish, as we plan for the move into our new church. Interested volunteers may contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596 for more information.
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.
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.
ST. JOHN SCHOOL BOARD is looking for prospective members to serve on the School Board for the 2003/04 school year. If you have a genuine commitment to Catholic School Education and desire to further its mission, call Tess Hupfeld at 410-876-2961.
SPRING CLEANING? Check attics, basements, and closets for any new or used religious articles for the 2003 Christmas Bazaar, Wisdom Club Table. Place in the food buckets at the doors of the church or call Nina at 410-635-6422 for large item pick up.
SUNDAY NURSERY for children ages 1 - 5 during the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. For more info, call Peggy at 410-848-0790.
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.
WANTED: Chinese Mandarin dialect speaker to assist RCIA student beginning in September 2003. If you can help, call Laurell at 410-848-4938 or 410-857-5884.
In our Community
At River Downs, 12:30 p.m. registration, 1:30 p.m. shotgun start, and 6:30 p.m. dinner and prizes. Cost is $70.00. Please register by April 21. For information call Brian Lipsky at 410-239-3297.
PREGNANT & NEED HELP? A 24-hour hotline is available at 1-800-521-5530. Pregnancy Centers located in Westminster, Taneytown and Reisterstown offer free and confidential help: counseling, medical, financial, housing, clothing, education, adoption. Volunteers also needed.
From the Archdiocese
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.
BOY SCOUT RETREAT … May 2 – 4
At Broad Creek Scout Reservation, in Harford County. Sponsored by The Catholic Committee on scouting for the Archdiocese for scouts ages 7 – 17. For info, contact Fr. Phillips at 410-944-2106.
Reminders
THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN is 12:00 noon on the Monday before the weekend in which the announcement is to appear. All announcements are requested in writing. You may submit bulletin notices via e-mail to bulletin@sjwest.org. Thank you.
We Pray…
BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Jacob Randolph Davis, son of George Randolph & Karen Davis; Christopher Jacob Ayres, son of Richard & Amber Ayres; Samuel John Hoerl, son of Mary & Melvin Hoerl, III; Benjamin Callahan Jones, son of Kenneth & Katia Jones; Jenna Nicole Marsit, daughter of Louis & Kimberly Marsit; Isabella Rose Petruzzi, daughter of John & Rose Petruzzi; and Michael Joseph Steffens, son of Patrick & Cathrine Seffens.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Christopher Bagrawski, Mary Davis, Ellen Hall, Thelma Boley, Brian McPhilips, and for their families and friends.
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.