Mass Intentions

Monday, March 22

      7:00 a.m.           Peyton & Madaline Carr

      8:00 a.m.           Charles Bode

Tuesday, March 23

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

      8:00 a.m.           Betty Bunner

Wednesday, March 24

      7:00 a.m.           Gertrude Fetko

      8:00 a.m.           Wilhelmina Krammer

Thursday, March 25

      7:00 a.m.           Edward & Lillian Swinderman

      8:00 a.m.           Lola Myers

Friday, March 26

      7:00 a.m.           Carl W. Wagman

      9:30 a.m.           Alvina F. Doyle   

Saturday, March 27

        8:00 a.m.           Cordelia Swinderman

        5:00 p.m.           Rosario Maranto                                 

Sunday, March 28

      7:15 a.m.           Teresa Trainor

      9:15 a.m.           The Parishioners of St. John Parish

    11:15 a.m.           The Bowies

      3:15 p.m.           Helen McCarthy

      6:00 p.m.           Steven Luke

       

 

From the Pastor

    As the basketball season for our travel teams (CYO League, Boys & Girls), and our In-House Boys League comes to an end, I want to thank all the commissioners, coaches, players, parents and volunteers. Thanks to a tremendous amount of cooperation, hard work and generosity, hundreds of our children experienced another wonderful season. Our In-House Girls League will continue to play into the spring season.

    I want to thank all who have already made a gift and\or pledge to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal. Please consider participating in this important opportunity to help those most in need in our Archdiocese and in our sister diocese in Haiti.  May God bless you for your sacrifices to help those most in need of our assistance.

 

                May God bless you,

   

 

 

 

 

A SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS

Frank and Maria DeCesare and family wish to express their gratitude to our Priest, Altar Servers, Agnes Geraghty, Parish Staff, and all who assisted at the Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Fr. Robert DeCesare LC. Our thanks also to St. John Home School Group, St. John Ladies Sodality, St. John Wisdom Club, and Regnum Christi who provided food, refreshments, and decoration for the festivities. So many people made the day wonderful for Fr. Robert and his family, sharing the joy and blessings a new priest brings to the Church.

 

Liturgy & Worship

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – Midnight, 2,3,7,8, & 11 a.m.; and 12 noon, 6, & 7 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 1 & 7 a.m. and 1 & 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1,2 & 3 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 3 a.m. and 12:00 noon 1 & 3 p.m.; Fridays – 12 midnight, 1,2,3, & 5 a.m., and 12 noon & 1 p.m.; Saturdays – 1,2 & 3 a.m.; and 1,2,3 & 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).

 

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS should be returned to the parish office no later than Monday, April 5 at 12:00 noon. Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and in the parish office. Please print the names of each loved one you wish remembered, your donation, and envelope number. You may place your envelope in the collection basket or bring them to the parish office.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Kaitlyn Shea Fout, daughter of Sean Adams, Sr. & Kathleen Fout; and Olivia Madison Grubb, daughter of Scott Grubb & Jodi Underwood.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Mary Rickell, Sr. Mary Rosemarie Lusco, and for their family and friends.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET is prayed each Thursday at 3:00 p.m., ending with Benediction. All are welcome.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 22-28

Mon.:   Is 65:17-21;   Ps 30:2,4-6,11-13;   Jn 4:43-54

Tues.:  Ez 47:1-9,12;   Ps 46:2-3,5-6,8-9;   Jn 5:1-16

Wed.:  Is 49:8-15;   Ps 145:8-9,13-14,17-18;   Jn 5:17-30

Thurs.: Is 7:10-14; 8:10;   Ps 40:7-11;   Heb 10:4-10;   Lk 1:26-38

Fri.:      Wis 2:1,12-22;   Ps 34:17-21,23;   Jn 7:1-2,10,25-30

Sat.:      Jer 11:18-20;   Ps 7:2-3,9-12;   Jn 7:40-53

Sun.:     Is 43:16-21;   Ps 126:1-6;   Phil 3:8-12;   Jn 8:1-11

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 14, 2004

Envelopes:       $22,229.74                               Attendance:  3850

Loose:                   5,501.82                               Poor Box:   $1,863.37

TOTAL:         $27,731.56

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,864.13 Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,087,198          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,779,182          Pledged to date:         7,087,198

Balance:               $  1,308,016 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       419,622

 

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.

 

LENT IS A TIME OF SACRIFICE and almsgiving and through The Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal; we have an opportunity to help the less fortunate, whether in Haiti or here in the Archdiocese. Your gift can make the difference. Please help us reach our goal this year! Thank you for prayerfully considering a donation to THE CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL.

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES, Kohl's/Boscov’s Cards are available in the front of school each morning and in the school office. The school makes 10% of the sales. Thank you for your support.

 

ST. JOHN SCHOOL DANCE & SILENT AUCTION …

Friday, April 23 From 8 – 12 midnight at historic Roop’s Mill on Rt. 140. Tickets are now available! Tickets are $25/$40 per couple and include; desserts, munchies, beer, wine, soda, DJ and dancing, live and silent auction, raffles and more! Tickets are available in the school office or call Sheri at 410-833-6197 or Mary at 410-552-6689. Donations are still being accepted for the auction. Thank you for your support.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

SECOND GRADE BANNER WORKSHOP … Sat., March 27

From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the school cafeteria. Students should have received their banner kits last week in class.

 

CONFIRMATION HALF-DAY RETREAT: From 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 28^th for Tuesday students and Sunday, April 4^th for Thursday students. Drop off and pick up will be in front of the cafeteria. This day will include: Praise & Worship, a Talk, and Adoration. This retreat is mandatory for all those wishing to be confirmed.

 

FIRST EUCHARIST, 2^nd PARENT MEETING …

Tuesday, March 30 or Thursday, April 1

At 6:45 p.m. in the Hall (old church). Please note this is a change from the new church to the old church.  

 

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS: All Service projects, Saint reports and Bishop letters were due last week. All of the above are requirements for Confirmation. Call Jordan if you have questions.

 

URGENT NEED for a SIXTH GRADE TEACHER beginning March 23 for the Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. session. If you can help, please call the Religious Education Office immediately.

 

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.

 

 

 

CARDINAL’S PILGRIMAGE … Saturday, April 3

The bus will leave St. John at 10:00 a.m. and return approximately 7:00 p.m. Includes a walk through the Inner Harbor carrying a wooden cross, a concert with Jesse Manibusen, and we will stop for dinner on the way home. The cost is $20 per person, which includes the bus, Pilgrimage T-Shirt and registration fee. Call Jordan if you are interested!

TENEBRAE SERVICE … Wednesday, April 7

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

VOCATION AWARENESS NIGHT … Sunday, May 2

Fr. Gerry Francik, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese, will celebrate the 6:00 p.m. Mass and stay for the Life Night. Several men and women Religious will join Fr. Gerry, so this Life Night is for everyone. 

STEUBENVILLE EAST 2004: The second payment of $75 was due last week. If you have not paid, please send your payment to Jordan ASAP!

 

 

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 poor boxes at the doors of the church so St. Vincent de Paul can help those in need.

 

SPIRITUAL EASTER BASKETS: In an effort to provide children with an Easter that reflects the true meaning of the Resurrection, St. Vincent de Paul is collecting items to fill” Spiritual Easter Baskets”, to be given to Shepherd’s Staff for area children. Some ideas would be; Christian coloring books, story books, puzzles, prayer books, small toys, school supplies, non- candy snacks, socks, personal care items. Please leave these items in the food baskets by the doors of the church no later than March 21. If you would like to assemble a finished Easter Basket, you are asked to bring it directly to Shepherd’s Staff by March 22. Thank you for your generosity.

SVDP SPIRITUAL RETREAT … Saturday, March 27

At Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville. The St. John conference of St. Vincent de Paul is having a spiritual retreat. Anyone who would like to learn more about the work of St. Vincent de Paul, is encouraged to attend. For info, reservations, or members not signed up yet, call Larry McBee at 410-875-0883.

 

activities in Our Parish

K of C MEMBERSHIP WEEKEND … March 20-21

After all Masses the Knights of Columbus will answer questions about the worlds largest Catholic layman’s order. For info, call Tom Tulley at 410-346-6777 or Bill Norton at 410-848-5494.

 

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!   

 

CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., Mar. 25

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.

 

MARRIED COUPLE’S DATE NIGHT OUT … Sat., Mar. 27

From 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room in the parish center. Couples are invited to come discuss Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ” with Fr. Brian. We will meet for appetizers, discussion and fellowship. If possible, see the movie prior to our meeting. Plan an intimate dinner with your spouse after the appetizers and discussion. For information, contact Mary Masimore at 410-857-0526 or e-mail: term4all@adelphia.net

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, March 27

Couples married in March 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 in advance.

 

TENEBRAE … Wednesday, April 7

At 7:00 p.m. in the church. Every one is invited to come see this re-enactment of the Passion of Christ with Stations in song and actions by Life Teen.

 

“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! 

 

“CATS” at TOBY’S DINNER THEATER … Sunday, April 25

All are welcome to join the Wisdom Club on this trip. The price is $45 and includes show, dinner and bus. The bus leaves St. John at 9:30 a.m. and will return approximately at 4:00 p.m. Money is due by March 15. For more info, call Rosemary at 410-795-8491.

 

NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP … Saturday, May 1

We depart St. John at 6:00 a.m. and return approximately 10:00 p.m. The cost is $49 per person, which covers the bus, and light snacks for the ride up. Come join us for an exciting day to the Big Apple! For reservations, call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.

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.

 

PARISH MUSICIANS interested in playing and/or singing at First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.; and/or Saturday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m., are asked to contact Jane Schmidt at 410-840-8616 by April 10. There will be a mandatory rehearsal on Monday, April 26 and Monday, May 3 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

 

PASTORAL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS: The nominating committee is now accepting nominations for the Pastoral Council elections to be held the second and third weekends in May. Nominees must be registered parishioners 16 years of age and older. Please contact the parish office on or before Friday, April 2 with the name and number of the prospective nominees. For further info or questions, contact Mike Rodgers at 410-857-5891.

 

PROSPECTIVE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: The St. John School Board is searching for interested people to serve on the School Board beginning with the 2004-05 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 for an application. Grandparents and non-parents are welcome to apply.

 

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.

 

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

LENTEN DINNERS at ST. PETER’S in LIBERTYTOWN: Every Friday, through April 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call St. Peter’s parish office at 301-898-5111.

 

FISH FRY at ST. JOSEPH EMMITSBURG … Fri., April 2

From 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-9. Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Holy Name Society.

 

SPRING CERAMIC SALE and BAZAAR … Sat., April 3

From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Martin’s Home in Catonsville. For information, call 410-744-9367.

 

MARRIED COUPLES RETREATS will be held at Priestfield Retreat Center, W.VA. On the following dates: ■ April 2-4, ■ April 16-18, ■ May 14-16. For info, 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.

 

BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP … June 21 – 25

Sponsored by Westminster Rec Council at Westminster High School. Boys entering grades 1-6: 9-11:00 a.m. and boys entering grades 7-11: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. The cost is $100. For information, contact Brett Kanther at 410-840-2051.

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