Mass Intentions

Monday, March 29

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

      8:00 a.m.           Walter J. Hackett, Sr.

Tuesday, March 30

      7:00 a.m.           Alfred Piper

      8:00 a.m.           Mary Diane Reusing

Wednesday, March 31

      7:00 a.m.           Willard Bland

      8:00 a.m.           Frank Raczniak, Jr.

Thursday, April 1

      7:00 a.m.           Nancy Black                          8:00 a.m.                 Benedetta DiBlasio

Friday, April 2     (First Friday)

      7:00 a.m.           Ed Warren

      9:30 a.m.           Int. of Carol Brushwood

      7:00 p.m.           Int. of Donna & Earl Miller

Saturday, April 3

        8:00 a.m.           Mary Lucas

        5:00 p.m.           Jeffrey Rohde                                      

Sunday, April 4

      7:15 a.m.           Delma Guerriori

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

    11:15 a.m.           Leo McHugh

      3:15 p.m.           Leona Barlin

      6:00 p.m.           Ronald Carlson

       

From the Pastor

    Many parishioners have commented on Father Harris’s suggestions that we should, “take up something for Lent.”  Although we are past the midpoint of the Lenten season, there is still time to take something up for Lent. Consider the many opportunities for prayer including: visits to the Blessed Sacrament, daily Mass, the rosary and the Stations of the Cross. Consider the possibility that our own fasting may sharpen our awareness that there are people who hunger for daily bread. Our almsgiving may enable us to help those most in need including donations to the poor box and the Lenten Appeal. Our Lord took up the cross for us. Taking up something for Lent may enable us to deepen our appreciation of the fact that Christ, by His holy cross has redeemed the world.

 

                May God bless you,

   

 

Liturgy & Worship

FIRST FRIDAY MASSES ...  April 2

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, April 3

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

 

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY …  April 18

The 11:15 a.m. Mass will conclude with The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. Join us for this beautiful devotion on the day chosen by Our Lord to commemorate His Merciful Love for the whole world. To learn more about Divine Mercy devotions, visit www.marian.org.

 

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 envelopes are located at the doors of the church. Please return them to the parish office by Monday, April 5 at 12:00 noon.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Bethany Deeann Cohee, daughter of Michael & Christina Cohee; Josephine Anne Henderson, daughter of Herbert Henderson & Teresa Hanyok; Cody Jacob McCormick, son of Thomas & Anna McCormick; Sofia Lane Reich, daughter of Luke & Dana Reich; Mitchell Donald William Jackson, son of John & Laura Jackson; and Marbella Ramiro, daughter of Raul Ramiro & Rosalva Urbine.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Helen McCready, Anthony D’Eugenio, Margaret Lindner, John Mackey, Jr., Alex Morales, Thelma Halligan, Virginia Keeler, Msgr. Marty Schwalenberg, and for their family and friends.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 29-April 4

Mon.:   Dn 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,30,33-62;   Ps 23:1-6;   Jn 8:12-20

Tues.:  Nm 21:4-9;   Ps 102:2-3,16-21;   Jn 8:21-30

Wed.:  Dn 3:14-20,91-92,95;   (Ps) Dn 3:52-56;   Jn 8:31-42

Thurs.: Gn 17:3-9;   Ps 105:4-9;   Jn 8:51-59

Fri.:      Jer 20:10-13;   Ps 18:2-7;   Jn 10:31-42

Sat.:      Ez 37:21-28;  ( P) Jer 31:10-13;   Jn 11:45-56

Sun.:     Lk 19:28-40;   Is 50: 4-7;   Phil 2:6-11;   Lk 22:14-23:56

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 21, 2004

Envelopes:       $20,765.42                               Attendance:  3808

Loose:                   5,354.81                               Poor Box:   $2,266.73

TOTAL:         $26,120.23

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,897.18 Thank you.

 

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,093,405          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,790,450          Pledged to date:         7,093,405

Balance:               $  1,302,955 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       413,415

 

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.

 

CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL UPDATE: Thanks to all who have donated so far! We have $35,529 – but we still need $87,000 to reach our parish goal of $122,000! As Deacon Mortel said in his homily last week – the needs are great – but even greater is our Lenten resolve to reach out to those in need in Haiti and elsewhere! Place your donation in an envelope marked “Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal” in the collection basket, or send checks to The Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, Catholic Center, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD  21201. Mark “St John, Westminster” in memo line of the check. Thank you.

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscovs, and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved but the school makes 5% from all sales. They are available through the school office and before school.

 

ST. JOHN SCHOOL DANCE & SILENT AUCTION …

Friday, April 23 From 8 – 12 midnight at Historic Roop’s Mill. Tickets are now available! Tickets are $25/$40 per couple and include; desserts, munchies, beer, wine, soda, DJ and dancing, and over 100 live and silent auction items. Tickets will be available after Masses this weekend and April 17 & 18 or in the school office. For other arrangements please call, Sheri at 410-833-6197 or Mary at 410-552-6689. Thank you for your support.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

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 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!

 

 

NOTE: There will be no Edge night on Easter Sunday, April 11.

 

EDGE BOWLING NIGHT … Friday, April 23

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. 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.

 

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wed., March 31

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Please note this is a change in the date due to holy week. We hope to see all members. If you would like to learn more about the organization, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

 

activities in Our Parish

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., April 4

From 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Join the Knights in the school cafeteria for a great breakfast including; pancakes, French-toast, eggs and more. Adults are $4 and children are $2.

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, April 4

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. April 4

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.

 

HOME SCHOOL ~ PASSION PLAY … Monday, April 5

At 7:00 p.m. in the old church. All are welcome to join the Homeschool Group as they re-enact the Passion of Our Lord.

 

TENEBRAE … Wednesday, April 7

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall (old church). Everyone 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).

 

FILIAE MARIAE BOOK CLUB: The next book choices are; “Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence, “Finding God’s Will for You” by St. Frances de Sales, and “Surprised by Trust” edited by Patrick Madrid. Books may be purchased at Little Rose of Sharon, Catholic Book Store. Watch the bulletin for the next discussion group dates.

 

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.

 

HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from either the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which will be held every 1^st Sunday of the month, at 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.

 

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

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.

 

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

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.