Mass Intentions

Monday, February 23

      7:00 a.m.           Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes

      8:00 a.m.           Richard Phelps

Tuesday, February 24

      7:00 a.m.           Gilbert Smith

      8:00 a.m.           Jeannie Bednarick

Wednesday, February 25

      7:00 a.m.           Amanda Bell

      8:00 a.m.           Jim Ryan

Thursday, February 26

      7:00 a.m.           Edward & Lillian Swinderman

      8:00 a.m.           Carl W. Wagman

Friday, February 27           

      7:00 a.m.           Int. of Poor Box Contributors

      9:30 a.m.           Mark Bayuk

Saturday, February 28

        8:00 a.m.           Robert J. Cooke

        5:00 p.m.           The Parishioners of St. John Parish

Sunday, February 29

      7:15 a.m.           Paul Geraghty

      9:15 a.m.           Edgar Melvin Miller                             11:15 a.m.               Marie Hamburg

      3:15 p.m.           Deceased Dominicans

      6:00 p.m.           Eugenia Jurak

 

 

From the Pastor

    You may recall that the United States Bishop Conference, responding to the sexual abuse of children by clergy crises, appointed an oversight committee. This committee, made up of professionals from the psychological, medical and sociological fields commissioned a study to determine the extent of the problem and identify potential methods to address the issues involved. The report will be released next week. It is my prayer and hope, despite whatever spin the media may give in reporting on the study, the results will provide our Church with some helpful tools and insight. It is one thing to acknowledge the problem, and admit the mistakes of the past. It is another to commit ourselves to provide healing opportunities for victims and do everything possible to create and maintain a safe environment for our children. Your continued prayers, as we deal with these delicate and important issues, are deeply appreciated.

 

                May God bless you,

   

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 2 & 9 a.m. and 3, 4, 5 & 6 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 12, 1, 3, & 8 a.m.; Wednesdays – 2, 3 & 7 a.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 3 a.m. and 12:00 noon; Fridays – 1, 2, 3 a.m. and 12 & 1 p.m.; and Saturdays – 12, 1, 2, & 3, a.m. and 12, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 & 10 p.m. Please call the parish office if you can fill one hour.

 

 

 

AS WE APPROACH LENT people ask for clarifications about individual obligations for Lenten Spiritual Practices, especially about Fasting. Below are some traditional guidelines to help you enter more deeply into the spirit of Lent:

 

PENITENTIAL FAST and ABSTINENCE

All persons who have reached their 14^th birthday and up to their 60^th birthday are bound by the law of abstinence. Good Friday is a day of abstinence from meat and also a day of fast; that is limited to a single full meal.

The current canonical discipline of penance for the United States, in addition to the general character of the Lenten season, may be summed up by:

a) Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat and also days of fast; that is limited to a single full meal.

b) The other Fridays of the season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

c) The Fridays of the year outside Lent remain days of penance but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat by some other practice of voluntary self-denial or personal penance: this may be physical mortification or temperance or acts of religion, charity or Christian witness.

 

ASH WEDNESDAY …  February 25

Masses and imposition of ashes will be at 7:00 and 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 7:00 p.m. This is a day of Fast and Abstinence.

 

STATIONS of the CROSS … Fridays of Lent

2:00 p.m. (children’s format) and 7:00 p.m. (On First Friday, stations will follow the 7:00 p.m. Mass).

 

PARISH PENANCE SERVICE … Tuesday, March 16

At 7:00 p.m. The Gospel, sermon, a guided examination of conscience, and individual Confessions by our resident and visiting priests.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Joshua Martin Haines, son of Brian & Erin Haines; Jacob Thomas LaForce, son of Robert & Berna LaForce; Kiersten Taylor Lang, daughter of Dennis & Shirley Lang; and Adam David Price, son of Mark & Rebecca Price.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Rosario Glorioso, and for his family and friends.

 

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are for Margaret E. Warner in memory of her 100^th birthday, donated by her loving family. 

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET is prayed in the church before the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m. Ending with Benediction.  All are welcome to attend.

 

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION … Beginning March

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Consists of Fatima prayers and meditation on 5 of the mysteries of the rosary.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … February 23-29

Mon.:   Jas 3:13-18;   Ps 19:10,15;   Mk 9:14-29

Tues.:  Jas 4:1-10;   Ps 55:7-11,23;   Mk 9:30-37

Wed.:  Jl 2:12-18;   2 Cor 5:20-6:2;   Mt 6:1-6,16-18

Thurs.: Dt 30:15-20;   Ps 1:1-4,6;   Lk 9:22-25

Fri.:      Is 58:1-9;   Ps 51:3-6,18-19;  Mt 9:14-15

Sat.:      Is 58:9-14;   Ps 86:1-6;   Lk 5:27-32

Sun.:     Dt 26:4-10;   Ps 91:1-2,10-15;   Rom 10:8-13;   Lk 4:1-13

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of February 15, 2004:

Envelopes:       $19,490.88                               Attendance:  3727

Loose:                   5,948.32                               Poor Box:   $1,460.42

TOTAL:         $25,439.20

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,514.96. Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,058,772          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,727,175          Pledged to date:         7,058,772

Balance:               $  1,331,597 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       448,048

 

THANK YOU to all parishioners who have made a pledge. Memorial opportunities are still available. Please call the parish office to make, renew or extend your pledge.

 

THE SPECIAL COLLECTION this weekend is the Bishops Overseas Appeal. Thank you for your generosity

 

WILL YOU? Many people think about making a will at one time or another during their lifetime. Yet, it is estimated that up to 70% of Americans leave their estate without having made a will. A will allows you to control how your loved ones are provided for after your death. Every person should have a will appropriate for their individual circumstances. Through a will you can distribute your property as you choose; appoint your own executor; provide for trusts and perhaps even provide for your church or favorite ministry… A gift to St John, for example, establishes a lasting legacy of love for others by enabling us to continue the preservation and expansion of our Catholic heritage through our many ministries here. Please make St John a part of your planned giving option.

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscov’s, and local grocery stores. The school makes 5% from all sales. They are available through the school office.

 

 

PTF DANCE & SILENT AUCTION … Friday, April 23

Donations to the silent auction are needed. Proceeds benefit the School and donations are tax deductible. For donations or info, contact Sheri at 410-833-6197 or Mary at 410-552-6689.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

FIRST COMMUNION MASS of INITIATION will be during the 5:00 p.m. Mass on February 28^th for all Religious Education Students and St. John Students who could not attend last week.

 

ADULT CONFIRMATION: We will be offering classes to prepare adults to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation beginning in March. Our first class will be on Tuesday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. In general, the classes will be held every other Tuesday, until the Feast of Pentecost, on Sunday, May 10^th, when the candidates will be confirmed at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen, by His Eminence, William Cardinal Keeler. If you, or anyone you know is a Catholic adult who has not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and is interested in being Confirmed, please contact Seminarian Jim Sorra in the Parish Office.

 

CATECHIST CERTIFICATION: Reminder to those requesting catechist/youth ministry certification, the deadline to submit documentation is Tuesday, March 9. Stop by the Religious Ed. Office to pick up certificates from the following presentations; “Knowing Jesus” (Fr. Brian); “History of the Church”, and “Basic Training for Catholics, parts 1-4” (Seminarian Tyson). For questions regarding clock hours, call Paul Gallagher.

 

PARENTS of TEENS: Our second gathering of Parents for Life will meet on Sunday, March 14^th at 7:30 p.m. at Frisco Pub. Dr. Tom Zirpoli will be our speaker, and he will be discussing “Boundary Setting and Effective Discipline”. The cost for prix fixe, beverage, and tip is $12 per person. The event will end at 8:50 p.m. allowing parents of teens in the Edge and Life Teen to return to St. John to pick up children. Space is limited, so please RSVP with Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

SPRING RETREAT … March 5-7th 

At Summit Lake. Our Spring Retreat at Summit Lake will be $45.00 per person! If you want to sign up, please call Jordan! 

 

STEUBENVILLE EAST … July 9-11th  

Our Steubenville Trip is full. However, we will be developing a waiting list. If you are interested in being put on the waiting list, please call Jordan in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

LECTORS NEEDED for the 6:00 p.m. MASS: If you would like to be a lector, or be on the substitute list please call Jordan.

 

SPONSOR a TEEN for STEUBENVILLE: The Steubenville Youth Conference is a youth retreat that empowers teens to spread Christ’s Gospel message. However, many teens cannot afford the $215 price. If you are able, please prayerfully consider sponsoring a teen for this awe-inspiring trip. Even if you can pay for half of the cost, your donation will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Jordan in the Religious Ed. Office if you can help.

 

TUBING at SKI LIBERTY … Friday, February 27

The cost is just $12 for 2 hours of Tubin’. This includes the lift and tube. RSVP to Scott by February 17^th at 12:00 noon. Parents are welcome. For directions to Ski Liberty, call 717-642-8282. A liability release form must be on file. They are available in the office or online at www.sjwest.org/LifeTeen/ReleaseForm.htm.

 

SIGNS NIGHT … Sunday, March 14

We are currently looking for four more Edgers to act out a skit for the Signs Night. It will be an awesome experience. You will be required to practice the skit a week before hand. Please contact Scott Link to sign up in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

ACTIVITY NIGHTS ... Every 1^st & 3^rd Friday

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the cafeteria. All 5^th & 6^th graders are welcome. Parents please drop and pick your children up on time! For info, contact Scott in the Religious Ed. Office.  

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY it’s not just what we do, but also who we are. To join, call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473 or join us at one of our monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month.

 

activities in Our Parish

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER … February 24

From 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Life Teen will be serving pancakes with fruit topping, sausage, beverage and ice cream for the kids! The cost is a free-will offering.

 

CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., Feb. 26

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. All interested are invited to attend. For more information, call Donna Brown at 410-848-0905.

 

WISDOM CLUB MONTHLY MEETING … Thurs., Feb. 26

In the hall of the Ascension Episcopal Church on Court Street. Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon, followed by our lunch and meeting. Guest speaker will be Kim Fiore, registered nurse and educator. Her subject will be on the dangers of cardio-vascular disease. This is a vital subject for all members regardless of age or gender. Remember to bring your brown bag lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided. New members are always welcome. For information, call Eleanor Wood at 410-876-3336. 

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, February 28

Couples married in February are invited to renew their marriage vows at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or the parish office.

 

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE … Saturday, Feb. 28

At 8:30 a.m. at Archbishop Curley High School. Speakers Thomas Curran and Fr. Patrick Smith. William Cardinal Keeler will celebrate Mass. The St. John’s group will attend. How about you? For info, e-mail docforst@aol.com or call 410-596-0641.

ST. JOHN BLOODMOBILE … Monday, March 1

From 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The December drive produced 81 pints, 19 below our goal. There is a critical shortage of blood. All eligible donors are needed! To make an appointment, call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107 or to help in the canteen or to make phone calls, call Marianne Leatherwood at 410-875-2437.

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. Mar. 7

From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Luke room in the school. If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved in the parish, please attend.

 

FILIAE MARIAE  COMMUNION BREAKFAST … Sun., Mar. 14

Beginning with the 9:15 a.m. Mass at St. John with breakfast immediately following at Wilhelm’s The keynote speaker is Mary Jo Anderson, Editor and Journalist, and frequent guest on EWTN. The topic is “The Call of Catholic Women to live Authentically Catholic Lives” Tickets will be available after Masses the weekends of 2/29 & 3/7, and in the parish office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

LONGABERGER® BASKET BINGO … Saturday, March 20

At 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), in the St. John School Cafeteria. Tickets now available in the school or parish offices! Prizes will be filled retired Longaberger® baskets. Mark your calendars now! WE NEED YOUR HELP to make this bingo a success by sponsoring a basket, or items to fill a basket. Please call Anna at 410-876-2652 if you can help.

 

LES MISERABLES … Saturday, April 17

All tickets have been sold, however should anyone cancel, we have a waiting list. As the time approaches, Fr. Brian will have a talk on the play and the music. The date will be announced. For questions, please call Mary Masimore at 410-857-0526.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY CERAMIC TILE:  The 6” square tile shows a gold metallic representation of our Sesquicentennial logo and detailed images of the three churches. Cost is $10, and may be purchased in the parish office, Mon. – Fri., from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY BOOK & VIDEO are available for pick-up and sale at the Parish Office, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To make arrangements for evening pick-up, call Sue Ripper at 410-876-3472 or Norma in the parish office (ext. 217). Books are $20, Videos/DVDs are $15.

 

ALTAR SOCIETY of ST. JOHN is in need of several more people willing to donate some of their time on Fridays at 10:15 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. to help clean the church. For information, contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596.

 

THE HISPANIC MINISTRY is looking for musicians and vocalists for their choir. You need not be fluent in Spanish! If interested, please call Denise Diegel at 410-846-0860.

 

SUNDAY NURSERY for 1-5 year olds will be held in the St. Matthew room of the school during the 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. For info, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM: Each week a St. John family receives the chalice and the commission at Mass to pray for an increase in the priestly and religious vocations during that week. Sign up now to have your family receive the chalice. For information, call Ms. Hopkins at 410-857-5487.

 

PROJECT RACHEL is a program of counseling, compassion and healing for women and men who have been involved in an abortion. Call 1-800-286-4224.

 

At Other Parishes

ST. PARICK’S DAY DINNER PARTY … Saturday, Mar. 13

From 7-11 p.m. at St. Joseph Hall in Hanover. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is offering an authentic Irish menu and live music, tickets are $15/person. For info call Bill Norton at 410-848-5494.

 

MARRIED COUPLES RETREATS will be held at Priestfield Retreat Center, W.VA. On the following dates: ■ Feb. 27-29, ■ March 5-7, ■ March 12-14, ■ March 26-28, ■ April 2-4, ■ April 16-18, ■ May 14-16. For information call Elaine at 410-252-5355.

 

In our Community

DRUG/ALCOHOL/TOBACCO AWARENESS … Sun., Mar. 28

From 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. at St. Joseph, Eldersburg in their gym. The entire community is welcome to come for this awareness program geared towards our youth. For info, call Jim at 410-795-4335.