Mass Intentions

Monday, March 8

      7:00 a.m.           Marie Hamburg

      8:00 a.m.           Willard Bland

Tuesday, March 9

      7:00 a.m.           George Trump

      8:00 a.m.           Maureen Brothers

Wednesday, March 10

      7:00 a.m.           Philip Ecker

      8:00 a.m.           Kathleen Kavanagh

Thursday, March 11

      7:00 a.m.           Thomas McKenna

      8:00 a.m.           Margaret Katenbach

Friday, March 12

      7:00 a.m.           Ed & Nell Judge

      9:30 a.m.           Ronald Frederick 

Saturday, March 13

        8:00 a.m.           For an end to abortion

        5:00 p.m.           Mary and Raymond Garner, Sr.        

Sunday, March 14

      7:15 a.m.           John McNamara

      9:15 a.m.           Antoinette Rowe

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

      3:15 p.m.           Deceased Dominicans

      6:00 p.m.           Nicholas M. Baccala, Sr.

       

From the Pastor

    I would like to encourage you to attend and participate in our annual parish Lenten Mission. This year, we are privileged to have Father Raymond Harris (Chaplain of Mt. St. Mary’s College and member of the Spiritual Formation faculty of Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary), preach the Mission. Father Harris will preach at all the Masses this weekend and, the Mission will begin with Mass on Monday evening at 7 p.m. and conclude on Wednesday evening. Reconciliation will be available each evening. You may consider inviting members of your family and your neighbors. 

    All of our registered parishioners have received a mailing from Cardinal Keeler that describes the Lenten Appeal and invites our participation. This year’s goal for our parish is $122,800. 25% of all proceeds up to our goal and 50% of everything received over our parish goal will be given to our parish. With the support of the Pastoral Council and our Pastoral Staff, we have agreed to distribute our share equally among: the Archdiocesan Mission in Haiti and the tuition assistance funds for St. Michael School in Frostburg and St. William of York School in Baltimore. Your pledges and donations to these worthy causes are deeply appreciated.

                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. 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

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET is prayed each Thursday 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 LENTEN MISSION … Mon., Mar. 8 – Wed., Mar. 10

Fr. Ray Harris will lead the Mission beginning with Mass at 7:00 p.m. each evening.

 

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: Jacob Tyler Hinkhaus, son of Shannon & Hayward Hinkhaus, Jr.; Cade David Middleton, son of David & Amy Middleton; Jerret Grant Moyer, son of Clarence & Shannon Moyer; Andrew Patrick Naylor, son of Michael & Shereen Naylor; Richard Ryan Peacock, son of Richard & Sandra Peacock; Autumn Grace Peter, daughter of Scott & Shelly Peter; and Jack David Chiavacci, son of David & Laura Chiavacci.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Donna K. Hays, Cathy Clifton, Joseph Lynch, Jr., John Smith, William Burton, and for their family and friends.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 8-14

Mon.:   Dn 9:4-10;   Ps 79:8-9,11,13;   Lk 6:36-38

Tues.:  Is 1:10,16-20;   Ps 50:8-9,16-17,21, 23;   Mt 23:1-12

Wed.:  Jer 18:18-20;   Ps 31:5-6,14-16;   Mt 20:17-28

Thurs.: Jer 17:5-10;   Ps 1:1-4,6;   Lk 16:19-31

Fri.:      Gn 37:3-4,12-13,17-28;  Ps 105:16-21;  Mt 21:33-43,45-46

Sat.:      Mi 7:14-15,18-20;   Ps 103:1-4,9-12;   Lk 15:1-3,11-32

Sun.:     Ex 3:1-8,13-15;   1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12;   Lk 13:1-9

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of February 29, 2004:

Envelopes:       $22,179.51                               Attendance:  4096

Loose:                   5,583.22                               Poor Box:   $2,978.53

TOTAL:         $27,762.73

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,627.01. Thank you.

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,082,179          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,766,810          Pledged to date:         7,082,179

Balance:               $  1,315,369 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       424,641

 

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.

 

THANK YOU for your DONATIONS to the Bishops Overseas Appeal. Total collected was $6,698.66.

 

THANK YOU for your DONATIONS on Ash Wednesday for Eastern Europe. Total collected was $3,694.71.

 

WILL YOU? It is estimated that up to 70% of Americans do not have 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 you own executor ■ Provide for trusts ■ Provide for your church or your favorite ministry or charity. Please remember St. John as you formulate the planed giving options in your will.

 

School News

 

REMINDER: Grocery Certificates, Kohl's/Boscov’s Cards are available in the front of school each morning and in 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.

 

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS: Reminder that your Bishop Letter, Saints Report, and Service Projects are due, Tuesday, March 9^th or Thursday, March 11. Please note that all three are required for Confirmation.

PAMPERED CHEF® FUNDRAISER is due on Tuesday, March 9^th and Thursday, March 11. Please hand in order forms directly to the Religious Education Office. Thank you for your support.

 

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, or with crafts, snack, and babysitting, please call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

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

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. All 7^th and 8^th graders are invited. Come out for fun, food, and faith!

 

EDGE BOWLING NIGHT … Friday, March 26

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Lanes in Taneytown. Check out the Edge Newsletter or next week’s bulletin for more details.

 

 

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 *

Lent is a time for forgiveness, repentance and giving. During this holy season, please remember the poorboxes at the doors of the church so that the St. Vincent de Paul Society can give help to those in need.

activities in Our Parish

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.

 

WISDOM CLUB MEETING … Thursday, March 18

In the hall of Ascension Episcopal Church on Court St. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, followed by our annual “St. Patrick’s Day Pot Luck Luncheon” Dust off those recipes and celebrate the “Wearing of the Green” If you did not sign up for the item you will bring, contact Eleanor at 410-875-3336 or Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307. Members and non-members are urged to attend this festive occasion. Remember NO brown bag this month.

 

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

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center, 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).

 

ALTAR SOCIETY of ST. JOHN is in need of people to donate 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.

 

PARKING LOT EXIT ISSUES: We are aware that exiting from the campus after Mass has sometimes been difficult. We are working with both the state and the city to ease this problem. The state is looking at the timing of the lights at Sullivan Road and Rt. 140 and the city is providing officers to direct the traffic at Monroe and John St. when needed. Thank you for your patience. In the mean time, another way off the campus that is not being used would be to us the driveway next to the rectory and go right onto Monroe St. to Pennsylvania Ave. to Rt. 140.

 

ST. JOHN SPONSORED LOAVES & FISHES SOUP KITCHEN

At the Ascension Episcopal Church is updating the general mailing list and scheduling for the period of April 1 – September 30, 2004. If you will not be participating, please leave a message between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for Mike Radov at 410-857-9528.

 

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.

 

THE MSGR. O’DWYER RETREAT HOUSE is currently accepting reservations for company picnics, youth groups, graduation parties, family reunion, etc. The facility has many amenities including a large pool, picnic tables, grills, lifeguards, volleyball and basketball courts. Located at 15523 York Road in Sparks. For information or reservations, please call 410-666-2400.

 

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

 

At Other Parishes

DAY of ATONEMENT … Sunday, March 7

At St. Joseph Parish in Eldersburg beginning at 2:30 p.m. A Day of Atonement for Church Leadership with Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse, Families and all the Faithful. Sponsored by Healing Voices and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Archbishop William Cardinal Keeler will be in attendance. For information, email: Maryliz@healingvoices.org or mcallaghan@holyapostlesmd.org. 

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.

 

DELONE CATHOLIC SPAGHETTI DINNER … Sat., Mar. 13

From 5 – 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The cost is $10 per person. For tickets call 717-637-5969.

 

BREAKFAST BUFFET at ST. JOSEPH’S TANEYTOWN …

On Sun., March 14 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Sponsored by the Knights council 11631. Cost is $5.50/adults and $3.25/children.

 

LENTEN DINNERS at ST. PETER’S in LIBERTYTOWN: Every Friday, through April 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Prices for adults are $6.00 and children under 12 are $3.00. For more information, contact St. Peter’s parish office at 301-898-5111.

 

MARRIED COUPLES RETREATS will be held at Priestfield Retreat Center, W.VA. On the following dates: ■ 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.