Mass Intentions

Monday, May 17

      7:00 a.m.           Mother’s Day Intentions

      8:00 a.m.           John Overholtzer

Tuesday, May 18

      7:00 a.m.           Marjorie B. Case

      8:00 a.m.           Mary & Gus Rice

Wednesday, May 19

      7:00 a.m.           George Trump

      8:00 a.m.           Maureen Brothers

Thursday, May 20

      7:00 a.m.           Mary Kathryn Wilder

      8:00 a.m.           Marie E. Van Syckle

Friday, May 21

      7:00 a.m.           Int. of Henry Seibel

      9:30 a.m.           Int. of Maureen Seibel

Saturday, May 22

  8:00 a.m.           Int. of Mary Kuhn 

  5:00 p.m.           Int. of Volunteers of St. John

Sunday, May 23

      7:15 a.m.           Delma Guerrieri

      9:15 a.m.           Edward Majcharzak

    11:15 a.m.           Marie Hamburg

      3:15 p.m.           Int. of Anna Chiavacci

      6:00 p.m.           Parishioners of St. John Parish

 

From the Pastor

    I want to thank the parishioners who have offered their service to our parish by agreeing to be candidates for election to our Pastoral Council. Please be sure to vote for the candidates of your choice; this weekend is your last opportunity to vote. I especially want to thank the members who have completed their term of service. Our entire parish has benefited from their wisdom, prayers and experience. Our Pastoral Council has given leadership, support and guidance particularly through the building of our new church, the expansion of our parish school and the continued growth of ministry in our parish. 

    Just an added word of caution and for the safety of all of our parishioners: please park only in the designated spaces on our parking lots and keep the fire and safety lanes free in case of an emergency. Thank you for your cooperation.

May God bless you,

 

 

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

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

 

We Pray …

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Francis Hayes, Doris Fogler, Elizabeth O’Brien, and for their family and friends.

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in memory of Anna E. Hackett, donated by Walter Hackett.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET … Thursday Afternoons

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, ending with Benediction. 

 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU from the Ladies Sodality to all who participated in and helped organize the Annual May Procession.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … May 17-23

Mon.:   Acts 16:11-15;   Ps149:1-6,9;   Jn 15:26-16:4

Tues.:  Acts 16:22-34;   Ps 138:1-3,7-8;   Jn 16:5-11

Wed.:  Acts 17:15,22-18:1;   Ps 148:1-2,11-14;   Jn 16:12-15

Thurs.: Acts 18:1-8;   Ps 98:1-4;   Jn 16:16-20

Fri.:      Acts 18:9-18;   Ps 47:2-7;   Jn 16:20-23

Sat.:      Acts 18:23-28;   Ps 47:2-3,8-10;   Jn 16:23-28

Sun.:     Acts 1:1-11;   Ps 47:2-3,6-9;   Eph 1:17-23;   Lk 24:46-53

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY of the WORD is seeking volunteers to join this ministry for the children of our parish. Adults and older teens are welcome! If you are able to help or would like more information, please call Nancy Merrill at 410-876-2173.

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of May 9, 2004

Envelopes:       $20,447.59                               Attendance:  3748

Loose:                   4,710.64                               Poor Box:   $1,229.19

TOTAL:         $25,158.23

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $25,957.68 Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,107,096          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,835,314          Pledged to date:         7,107,096

Balance:               $  1,271,782 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       399,724

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.

 

A NOTE of THANKS: The Msgr. Hugh J. Monaghan Post #736 of the Catholic War Veterans would like to that Msgr. Valenzano and the people of St. John Parish for their warm welcome and generous donations of $834.00 to our Cross of Peace Program. This amount will greatly help support our youth activities, veterans and hospital programs. We thank you and appreciate your support.

 

THERE'S STILL TIME! Did you promise yourself that THIS Lent, you would help others...but then time just got away from you? It is still the Easter Season & there is still time to help those in need with a donation to the Lenten Appeal. Currently, only 13% of our parish families participated – please help us do better! Every gift is important = and your donation will make a difference for those in need...place it inside an envelope marked "Lenten Appeal" and drop it in the collection basket, bring it to the parish center or send checks directly to P.O. Box 64512, Baltimore, MD 21264 and mark "St John, Westminster, #3303, in the memo line of your check. Thanks for your support!

ESTATE PLANNING: If you were to quiz every person you know over age 50 about the importance of having a valid will in place, you would likely find 100% of them in favor of such prudent planning! Yet many people die without a will and many others depart with a will that is out-of-date or invalid. Unless we are faced with a compelling reason to act, it is simply easier to wait until a more convenient day and for many, that day never comes. Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today! Make a decision to initiate the estate-planning process now! For a free brochure on how to plan for both your family and your parish through estate planning, call the parish office 410-876-2248.

 

School News

 

REMINDER: Grocery Certificates, Kohl's & Boscov’s Gift Cards are available in the front of school each morning and in the school office. The school makes 5% of the total sales.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

RELIGIOUS ED. CLOSING MASS … Thursday, May 20

At 6:00 p.m. in the church. This is actually our last class and parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend as we bring the year to a close and to ask God’s blessings on each of us throughout the summer.  

 

REGISTRATION FOR 2004/2005: Registration forms have been mailed to all families in the program. For those who are not already in the program, call the Religious Ed Office to register.

 

NOTICE to PARENTS of FIRST GRADERS: In order for your child to enroll for second grade to prepare for Reconciliation and Eucharist, he/she must have attended the 1^st grade Religious Ed. Class. If you have any questions, please call the office.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION forms are at the doors of the church.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: We are in need of two teachers and an adult for snacks. Please call the Religious Office if you can help.

 

 

 

TRIP to SIX FLAGS … Tuesday, June 15

Life Teen will have an end of the school year trip. The cost is now  $32.00 per person and is due by May 25. Give your money to Jordan or Scott. The whole family is invited!

STEUBENVILLE 2004: Final payments are past due! Please get your money in as soon as possible. Also, please mark your calendar for the parent meeting held on Sunday, June 13th or Sunday, June 27^th! All teens must attend with at least one parent!

YOUNG APOSTLES: We would like to extend our gratitude to all the 11th and 12th graders who helped us this year as Young Apostles. Applications are now available for anyone who will be in the 11th or 12th grade next year. If you would like an application, please see Jordan or Scott, or call the Religious Ed. Office. 

 

END of the YEAR PARTY … Friday, May 28

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the St. John Cafeteria.

 

TRIP to SIX FLAGS … Tuesday, June 15

See details under Life Teen.

 

THE EDGE LEADERSHIP CAMP: Join us this summer for The Edge Leadership Camp. The Boy’s camp will be July 20^th – 21^st, and the Girl’s camp is July 13^th – 14^th. The due date for registration is June 11^th. The cost is $40. Spaces are limited! For information, call Scott in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

CAMPFIRE STORY NIGHT … Friday, May 21

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind the school. We will have a campfire and tons of fun. Bring a friend!

 

TRIP to SIX FLAGS … Tuesday, June 15

See details under Life Teen.

 

YOUTH ALIVE LEADERSHIP CAMP: Join us this summer for the Youth Alive Leadership Camp. The Boy’s camp will be August 11^th – 12^th, and the Girl’s camp is August 9-10. The due date for registration is June 11^th. The cost is $40. Spaces are limited! For information, call Scott in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

BLESSINGS CLOSET: St. Vincent de Paul is asking for your help to assist us in supporting Shepherd’s Staff Blessings Closet. Each weekend during the month of May, please bring in the following items and put them in the baskets near the doors of the church. Most Needed: Laundry detergent, disposable diapers, bath tissue, shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Also needed: Paper towels, napkins, tissue, all purpose cleaners, trash bags, feminine supplies, baby care items, light bulbs, and liquid food supplements. These items will be delivered to Shepherds Staff to be distributed to needy families in the Westminster area. Thank you for your continued generosity.

 

activities in Our Parish

PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS … May 15^th and 16^th

All registered parishioners sixteen years of age and older are encouraged to vote in the Pastoral Council Elections. We ask you to prayerfully consider the following candidates: Ralph Arnold, Elizabeth Belk, Kevin Devlin, Jeanne Carbo, Denise Diegel, Ned Judge, Joe Rankin, Becky Martin, Teresa Richardson, and Steve Torbeck. Detailed information regarding the candidates is posted in the entry area of the church. The ballots will be located in the pews during all Masses this weekend. 

IMAGE of OUR LADY of GUADALUPE … May 22 & 23

The Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be at our parish. For more information, call Inez at 410-876-1804.

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, May 22

Couples married in May 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 of the weekend.

 

MASS ATTENDANCE COUNT 2004 … Weekend of May 23

Each year, the Archdiocese of Baltimore requests the parishes to take a count of all persons attending Mass. The purpose of this survey is to determine trends that are evolving in regard to the number of Catholics who attend Mass. The information helps to guide the Archdiocese and parishes in planning and in ministry. Please take a few moments to fill out the attendance form and put the completed card in the collection basket. Thank you.

 

MARRIED COUPLES DATE NIGHT out with FR. BRIAN … Saturday, May 29

From 6:30-7:45 p.m. you are invited to join us for an evening of appetizers, fellowship, and growing in our faith. This month Fr. Brian will be leading a discussion on the Catholic understanding of “Finding Leisure and Rest” as you prepare for summer. Plan a dinner out with your spouse after the evening. Contact Mary Masimore at 410-857-0526 or e-mail: term4all@adelphia.net

 

FILIAE MARIAE BOOK CLUB … Tuesday, June 1

Discussion will be at 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Sign-up by email at: filiaemariae@sjwest.org or call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250. The book selections are; “Holiness for Housewives: by Hubertzans Zeller; “The Life of Blessed Gianna Molla”, and “Hail, Holy Queen” by Scott Hahn.  Books may be purchased at Little Rose of Sharon.

 

PAMPERED CHEF BINGO … Saturday, June 5

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Games to begin at 6:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For tickets call Grace Schnauble at 410-848-1245 or 410-259-6802.

 

K of C ANNUAL GOLF OUTING … Friday, August 20

At the Links at Gettysburg. The cost is $100 per player with all proceeds going the St. John Youth Ministry. There will be many more “Hole in One” prizes and many other awards. For information and reservations call, John Stephens at 410-848-3722 or Dean Ditman at 410-848-5579. Last year was a sell out!

 

CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL … Friday Evenings

From 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the gym. For more information, please call Karl at 410-840-3287.

 

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).

MEMORIAL BRICKS can be purchased now through June 12. You can honor a person or family member or memorialize a loved one. The costs of the bricks are: $75 for 4 x 8 and a limited number of 8 x 8 for $150. 4 x 8 forms are available at the parish office; please call Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469 for an 8 x 8 form. The bricks from the last campaign will be installed this spring. All proceeds go toward furnishing the church.

 

PARENTS of COLLEGE AGED STUDENTS: As we begin to prepare for Life Teen’s 10 year anniversary kick off on July 24 & 25 we are trying to locate young people who have participated in Life Teen. Please email Paul at pgallagher@sjwest.org with the name, current address and phone number. We would like to send them an invitation.

 

ST. JOHN SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS 2004: St. John School is pleased to offer 1 week, summer sports and hobby camps to all parish incoming K-8 graders. Camps include; Aerobics, Art, Architecture, Baseball, Bowling, Girl’s Basketball, Girl’s Flag Football, Gardening, Karate, Girl’s Beginner Lacrosse, Nature, Scrap Booking and Tennis. To register, call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.

 

In our Community

SCOUT TROOP 2007 GOLF TOURNAMENT … Fri., May 21

At Francis Scott Key Golf Club Lunch and Registration begins at 12 noon. The early registration fee is $75 per player or $300/ foursome. For information call Brian at 410-239-3297.

 

2004 BAKER-YINGLING-SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: The Community Foundation of Carroll County is accepting applications for the 2004 Baker-Yingling Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide children in St. John’s basketball programs academic scholarships to high school or college. Applications are available in the Parish Center.

 

ABC CARE will be celebrating their 14^th year at our four summer camps. Each camp is unique offering weekly themes and a variety of fun, exploration and discovery. Register your child today by calling 410-751-3700.

 

At Other Parishes

IRISH DERBY, LAOH FUNDRAISER … Sunday, May 16

At 2 p.m. at Columbus Gardens. $23 admission includes 8 races, gaming tables, deluxe platter, coffee, soda, beer and snacks. For Reservations, call 410-286-2672.

 

MAY MEDITATION RETREAT … Saturday, May 22

From 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. This day includes 3 conferences: “What is Meditation? And How to Meditate”, “Difficulties in Meditation and Meditations on the Mass”, and “Differences between Catholic–Christian Meditation, Contemplation and Eastern Forms” All are welcome and the charge is a free will donation. Please call 301-447-5318 to register for lunch or bring a bag lunch.

 

EMMITSBURG CARNIVAL … May 24 – 29

Sponsored by Mother Seton School beginning at 6;00 p.m. on May 24. Food, fun, rides and games. Call, 301-447-3161 for questions.

SPRING YARD SALE … May 28 & 29

At Saint Anthony Shrine in Emmitsburg. Food will be sold both days starting at 8:30 a.m. Reservation for space not needed.

 

“SHADES of IRELAND TOUR” … September 28 – October 7

Sponsored by The Cathedral of Mary our Queen. Spend 8 nights in first class hotels and enjoy full Irish breakfasts each day and most dinners including tax and tips for $2,259 per person. For questions or reservations call 410-296-8330.

 

LADIES ANCIENT ORDER of HIBERNIANS: If you are a female, 15 or older, a practicing Catholic, Irish or of Irish decent by birth or adoption, a wife or mother of an AOH member, or a mother of a member of the Junior Division, you qualify for membership. For information, call Anita Healey at 410-239-3639.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

MARRIAGE – A VOCATION TO HOLINESS: Married couples experiencing some difficulties in the marriage, but willing to put their best effort into living their vows, are encouraged to participate in a retreat called “Retrouvaille” on May 14 –16 and September 10-12. For information, please call 410-647-0350.

 

MSGR. O’DWYER RETREAT HOUSE RAFFLE and Silent Auction. First prize is $10,000, and 2^nd prize $2,000, and 3^rd prize of $1,500. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $125 each and may be group purchased. Drawing will be held on Friday, June 4. For tickets or info, please call the Retreat House at 410-666-2400.