Mass Intentions
Monday, April 28
7:00 a.m. Marjorie Moss
8:00 a.m. Rose & Frank DeCesar
Tuesday, April 29
7:00 a.m. Richard Iardella
8:00 a.m. Edward & Lillian Swinderman
Wednesday, April 30
7:00 a.m. J. Gerard Krieger
8:00 a.m. Marjorie B. Case
Thursday, May 1
7:00 a.m. Int. of Poor Box Contributors
8:00 a.m. Mary Trichilo
Friday, May 2 First Friday
7:00 a.m. Elizabeth Long
9:15 a.m. Int. of Fr. John Murray
Saturday, May 3
8:00 a.m. Keith Murphy
4:30 p.m. Sherry Kubala
6:30 p.m. Alvina Doyle
Sunday, May 4
7:15 a.m. Anna Louise DeTorie
8:45 a.m. Richard Iardella
10:30 a.m. Mary Listfeldt
12:00 noon Louise Beltrame
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
From the Pastor
I invite you to join me in congratulating the young people of our parish who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation this weekend. Our Vicar Bishop, Bishop Malooly will be celebrating Mass and the sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday afternoon. I also want to thank Paul Gallagher, our Director of Religious Education and the staff, as well as the volunteers, sponsors and families of the newly confirmed. May the grace of the Holy Spirit be a source of blessing for them and our entire parish.
Also this weekend, and continuing the next several weekends, more than two hundred of our children will receive First Holy Communion. This is an occasion of great joy and blessing for our parish and especially for their families. Again a word of thanks and appreciation to our parish school and our parish religious education program, and to the parents for all their work in preparing the children.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
FIRST FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ... May 2
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, May 3
The 4:30 p.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
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 28 – May 4
Mon.: Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-9; Jn 3:1-8
Tues.: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2,5; Jn 3:7-15
Wed.: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21
Thurs.: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2,9,17-20; Jn 3:31-36
Fri.: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; Jn 6:1-15
Sat.: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14
Sun.: Acts 3:13-15,17-19; Ps 4:2,4,7-9; Jn 2:1-5; Lk 24:35-48
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
Peter proclaims the wonders of the Lord: the suffering Messiah is raised from the dead and has been glorified. This Jesus is our intercessor, and our offering for sin, our peace. 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 20, 2003:
Envelopes: $47,501.32 Attendance: 5494
Loose: 8,851.14 Poor Box: $1,717.13
TOTAL: $56,352.46
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $23,024.08. 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.
THANK YOU for your generous donations to the Holy Land Shrines on Good Friday. Total collected was $2,602.6.
ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS: If you are interested in trying our St. John Electronic Contributions Option, please call George Hinkel, in the Parish Center at 410-876-2248 ext. 249.
School News
School Calendar
Apr. 28 Interims Distributed
April 28 Mrs. Puleo’s 1st Communion Practice – 6:30 p.m.
Apr. 30 Mrs. Corbitt’s 1st Communion Practice – 6:30 p.m.
May 2 First Friday Liturgy, 3B – 9:15 a.m.
May 3 Mrs. Puleo’s First Holy Communion – 10:00 a.m.
May 3 Mrs. Corbitt’s First Holy Communion – 12:30 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.
SEVENTH GRADE PARENTS should have received a letter regarding the parish Confirmation program. If you did not get this important letter, please call Paul in the Religious Education Office.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
CONFIRMATION CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS: On behalf on the entire parish, the Religious Ed. Office would like to congratulate the 171 students Confirmed this weekend. May the Holy Spirit be with you always! We would also like to thank all the parents, sponsors, teachers and assistants who have supported the Confirmed and helped to bring them to this occasion of joy.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PRACTICE times for Saturday, May 3rd is as follows:
§ The 10:00 a.m.: Mass, practice will be April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
§ The 12:30 p.m.: Mass, practice will be April 30 at 6:30 p.m.
At least one adult must be present with child.
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) —
STEUBENVILLE FINAL PAYMENTS of $70 is due this Sunday, April 27. We need to send in our check to cover the cost of the conference. Please be on time!
— 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 *
During the month of May St. Vincent de Paul is asking for your help to assist us in supporting the Shepherd’s Staff Blessing Closet. Please bring in the following items: Most needed: Laundry detergent, disposable diapers, bath tissue, shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. They also need: paper towels, napkins, tissues, all purpose cleaners, trash bags, feminine supplies, baby care items, light bulbs, liquid food supplements. These items will be delivered to Shepherds Staff to be distributed to needy families in the Westminster area. Thank you for your continued generosity.
THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY would like to thank you for your overwhelming support. Because of your generosity we were able to supply Shepherd’s Staff with innumerable items for the Spiritual Easter Baskets to be distributed to children of needy families in Carroll County. God Bless you.
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.
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 LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, May 4
Sodality meets for the 8:45 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the Parish Center. Ladies aged 16 and older are welcome. If you need a ride, call Deana at 410-876-1007.
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.
WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. May 4
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.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING ... Monday, May 5
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.
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 was due at the last 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.
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.
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 Westminster Senior Center from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Free admission! Hosted by the Carroll County Garden Club.
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.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES BASKET BINGO … Sat., May 31
At West Middle School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Head Start of Carroll County. For more information, call 410-871-2450 or 410-876-8503.
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.
From the Archdiocese
ARE YOU CALLED TO… Come see the Men in Black our Archdiocesan Seminarian/Priest Basketball team (including some of our own priests), as they challenge our parish, Friday May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at West Middle School Enjoy this free family-friendly evening and support listening to God’s call. Included in the night will be ■Raffles/Free-Throw Contests ■ T-Shirts ■ Refreshments. For info, call Seminarian Michael at 410-848-4744 ext. 254.
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.
ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: Our parish invites memorial donations for altar flowers. You may wish to memorialize a deceased loved one, commemorate an anniversary, etc. Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Call the parish office to schedule.
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.
We Pray…
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Mary Dorothea Plitt, Carl E. Plitt, Jr., Keith Crabbs, Ernie Stewart, Walter Drechsler, Mary Frances Gervias, Bernice N. Cooke, and for their families and friends.
FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in memory of James J. Fogarty, III.
CHAPLET of DIVINE MERCY is prayed each Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Church. All are welcome to join in the prayer.