Mass Intentions

Monday, March 1

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

      8:00 a.m.           Gilbert T. Perron

Tuesday, March 2

      7:00 a.m.           Herbert A. Krammer

      8:00 a.m.           Michael Larson

Wednesday, March 3

      7:00 a.m.           William M. Cook

      8:00 a.m.           Rose Huber

Thursday, March 4

      7:00 a.m.           Cordelia Swinderman

      8:00 a.m.           Madaline and Peyton Carr

Friday, March 5 (First Friday)         

      7:00 a.m.           Molly Faid

      9:30 a.m.           Maureen Brothers

      7:00 p.m.           Ray Marconi        

Saturday, March 6

        8:00 a.m.           C. Edward Drechsler, Jr.

        5:00 p.m.           Modonna Reed                                   

Sunday, March 7

      7:15 a.m.           Smith Eckenrode

      9:15 a.m.           Sabrina Majcharzak

    11:15 a.m.           The Parishioners of St. John Parish

      3:15 p.m.           Mary Diane Reusing

      6:00 p.m.           Ron Frederick      

 

From the Pastor

    Welcome to Lent. As we begin this holy season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the Church invites us to acknowledge the power of God’s grace bringing forgiveness and healing into our lives. The scandal of sin, particularly with the Church, is humbly acknowledged along with the commitment to restore trust and provide opportunities for healing.  Now is the time and opportunity for reconciliation. I invite and encourage you to be open to God’s grace and respond to His call to, “Turn away from sin and believe in the Good News.” The parish mission, reconciliation services, daily Mass, Stations of the Cross, visits to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, personal acts of penance, participation in the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal are some of the many ways that we can participate in the Lenten journey.

 

                May God bless you,

   

 

 

ON BEHALF OF THE DECESARE FAMILY, I wish to invite you to a first Mass of Thanksgiving at the “home parish” of Fr. Robert DeCesare LC, who was recently ordained. Fr. John was Baptized at the Main Street Church and Confirmed at the parish where he served as an altar boy. He graduated from St. John School in 1984 and as a youth he participated in the St. John Sport Leagues. Fr. Robert will offer a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving in the new church on Saturday, March 13, at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the school cafeteria where Fr. Robert will impart the “First Priestly Blessing” to his guests. If you are interested in coming to this joyful event, please call the parish center by March 10, 2004.

 

Liturgy & Worship

FIRST FRIDAY MASSES ...  March 5

Masses are 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School), & 7:00 p.m. Confessions: 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. & 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

First Friday Devotion … A traditional day to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to ask His mercy especially through the sacrament of confession. The devotion began with a private revelation from Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during the 1600’s.

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, March 6

The 9:15 a.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.

 

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.

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – Midnight, 1,2,3,7,8,10 &11 a.m.; and 12 noon, 5,6, & 7 p.m.; Mondays – 1, 2,9 & 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.; Tuesdays – 12,1,3,6, & 7 a.m. and 12 noon, 8 & 10 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1,2,3,8 & 10 a.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 3 a.m. and 12:00 noon; Fridays – 12 midnight, 1,2,3,5 & 9 a.m., and 12 noon & 1 p.m.; and Saturdays – midnight, 1,2,3,7 & 11 a.m.; and 12 noon, 1,2,3,4,5, & 9 p.m. Please call the parish office if you can fill one hour.

 

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. in the church.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Charles Louis Brocato, III, son of Chris & Jennifer Brocato; Jason Douglas Craft, son of Clay & Melissa Craft; Cody Tyler Glover, son of Ryan & Trina Glover; and Kathleen Elizabeth Heard, daughter of Christopher & Kendra Heard.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Fred Sonnemann, Kathleen Kavanagh, Eleanor Whitecavage, and for their family 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: Maris Stela Fisher, Goldie Snyder (3 Masses), Mary Mc Lean (2 Masses), William Bland, Maureen Brothers, Charles Rohlfina, Bill McKenna, Anthony Spitale, Spencer Vavas, Marquerite Hunt (2 Masses), John & Anna Reinert, Int. of Eugene William Beglan, Gene & Sally Zimmerman, Diego Moretti, Shirley Snowden, Christina Dayrit, James Lankford (2 Masses) Max Nordick, Bruce Taylor, John Pomponio, Harry Starrett, Int. of Katie O’Brien, Elizabeth Long, Ron Frederick, Linda DeFeo, Thomas Humphrey, Mary Frances Mudd, Charles Issing, Int. of Dorothy & Bob Thomas, George Kessel, Mary C. Preston, Carlton Simmons, Valeiano Fugoso, Jr., John S. Cronery, Lillian McLaughlin, Max Nordick.

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION … Beginning March

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 1-7

Mon.:   Lv 19:1-2,11-18;   Ps 19:8-10,15;   Mk 25:31-46

Tues.:  Is 55:10-11;   Ps 34:4-7,16-19;   Mt 6:7-15

Wed.:  Jon 3:1-10;   Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19;   Lk 11:29-32

Thurs.: Est C:12,14-16,23-25;   Ps 138:1-3,7-8;   Mt 7:7-12

Fri.:      Ez 18:21-28;   Ps 130:1-8;  Mt 5:20-26

Sat.:      Dt 26:16-19;   Ps 119:1-2,4-5,7-8;   Mt 5:43-48

Sun.:     Gn 15:5-12,17-18;   Phil 3:17-4:1;   Lk 9:28-36

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of February 22, 2004:

Envelopes:       $19,798.06                               Attendance:  3907

Loose:                   5,390.81                               Poor Box:   $1,650.28

TOTAL:         $25,188.87

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,534.78. Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,073,772          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,752,414          Pledged to date:         7,073,772

Balance:               $  1,321,358 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       433,048

 

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.

 

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.

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

ADULT CONFIRMATION … Beginning Tues., Mar. 23

At. 7:00 p.m. We will be offering classes to prepare adults to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Classes will be held every other Tuesday until the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, May 10^th. 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.

 

FIRST COMMUNION PARENTS: You should have received a letter regarding the Banner Workshop and the second Eucharist meeting. If you did not get this information, please call the Religious Education Office.

 

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, discussing “Boundary Setting and Effective Discipline”. The cost for prix fixe, beverage, and tip is $12. The event will end at 8:50 p.m. for 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.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL will be the week of June 21. If you can help as a teacher, assistant, crafts, snack, and babysitting, please call 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 start a waiting list. If you are interested, please call Jordan in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

TENEBRAE SERVICE … Wednesday, April 7

St. John is recruiting all teens that are high school aged to come out and be a part of the TENEBRAE Service for the parish. We will be reenacting the Passion of Christ, and we need actors! Please call Jeanne Link if you are interested at 410-876-3784.

 

 

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 *

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wed., March 3

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. We hope to see all members. If you would like to learn more about the work our organization does, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

 

activities in Our Parish

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING ... Monday, March 1

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.

 

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.

 

FILIAE MARIAE BOOK CLUB … Tuesday, March 2

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Join in the discussion on last month’s book choices: Pierced by a Sword by Bud MacFarland, Jr., and Lord Have Mercy by Scott Hahn. You need not have signed up last month to come! For information on these books, contact filiaemariae@sjwest.org.

 

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY … Wednesday, March 3

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. 

 

YOUNG ADULT, 1^st FRIDAY HOME-COOKED MEAL … March 5 Join us for a good meal, faith and fellowship immediately following the First Friday 7 p.m. Mass. Contact Kate klmoss@orion.naz.edu for more details. 

 

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., March 7

From 8 – 11:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Join the Knights for a great breakfast featuring: Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs and more. Adults $4 and children only $2. Proceeds will benefit Headstart, The Arts project and Headstart Summer Camp. Help support the Knights and your community.

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, March 7

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the parish center. All ladies of the parish are invited. For information, call Deana at 410-876-1007.

 

 

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 getting involved, please attend.

 

YOUNG ADULT LENTEN RETREAT … Fri, Mar. 12 - Sat. 13

Young adults ages 21-33, join the Frasatti, Overnight Retreat. The theme is “How Christ’s Passion is the Source of our Passion for God.” We will begin by seeing Mel Gibson’s “Passion of Christ” together. Space is limited! Contact Scott at slink@sjwest.org or call Jordan at 410-848-4744 x 405 to register. 

 

FILIAE MARIAE  COMMUNION BREAKFAST … Sun., Mar. 14

Beginning with the 9:15 a.m. Mass at St. John. Breakfast at Wilhelm’s immediately following. 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.

 

THE SPIRITUALITY OF LES MISERABLES … Mon., Mar. 22

Fr. Brian will lead a reflection on the Christian themes in Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Miserables. Among other themes, we will reflect on repentance, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. This reflection is highly encouraged for those going to see the play in April, but all are welcome!   

 

“THE MIBS” ARE BACK … Friday, April 16

At 7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School, The “Men-in Black” Basketball Team, priests and seminarians of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, are coming back to St. John’s. Join us for this exciting Family Night Out. 

 

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 410-876-0860.

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

DEAR MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN PARISH: Thank you for your generous contribution of $5,349.20 to the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection. Each year we are so touched by your generosity. Please continue to pray for young men and women in our Church today that they will recognize if they have a call to the religious life and respond generously. May God’s blessings surround you and your loved ones!

                              Sr. Edithann Kane, RFR Collection Coordinator

 

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.

 

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 information, call Bill Norton at 410-848-5494.