Mass Intentions

 Monday, August 23

      7:00 a.m.       Peyton & Madaline Carr

      8:00 a.m.       Clifford Queen

Tuesday, August 24

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

      8:00 a.m.       Maureen Brothers

Wednesday, August 25

      7:00 a.m.       Int. of Fr. Gerard Steffener

      8:00 a.m.       Leo Vogelsang

Thursday, August 26

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

      8:00 a.m.       Carl W. Wagman

Friday, August 27

      7:00 a.m.       Jim McNamara

      9:30 a.m.       Jane Zengraft

Saturday, August 28

  8:00 a.m.       Scott Conover

  5:00 p.m.       Anna Beard

Sunday, August 29

      7:15 a.m.       Rose Espisito

      9:15 a.m.       John Ryniak

      11:15 a.m.     Patricia Nickey

      3:15 p.m.       Frank Piroddi

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

 

From the Pastor

    I want to thank all the volunteers, and participants in this year’s parish picnic. I am also deeply grateful to the Westminster Knights of Columbus for coordinating our annual golf tournament, as well as the sponsors, volunteers and participants. Social events such as this enable us to get to know one another and build up our parish community.

    Sister Bernadette has now completed her first two weeks of a six-week treatment program, which includes radiation and chemotherapy. She and her sister commute to Johns Hopkins Hospital each weekday morning. Sister deeply appreciates our prayers, cards and letters. She wants us to know that she is praying for our parish.  As noted elsewhere in the bulletin, Father Gerard continues to improve from open-heart surgery and appreciates our continued prayers.

 

 

May God bless you,

 

Liturgy & Worship

PERPETUAL ADORATION!! – YOUR OPPORTUNITY to SPEND TIME with the LORD. The following hour has no scheduled adorer: Friday at 9:00 a.m. Please Help! The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least one more for each hour: Sundays – 12, 1, 3, 7 & 8 a.m.; and 12 noon 6, 8 & 9 p.m.; Mondays – 1, 2 & 11 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 & 6 a.m. and 9 & 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7 a.m. and 12 noon; Thursdays – 2, 3 & 5 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Fridays – 12, 2, & 3 a.m., and 12 noon; Saturdays – 1, 2, 3 & 8 a.m.; and 12 noon, 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10  & 11 p.m. Please call the parish office if you can fill one hour.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS EVENING OF RECOLLECTION …

Monday, September 20 From 6:45 – 9:00 p.m. in the McDaniel College Lounge. All Liturgical Ministers are asked to reserve this night for an evening of recollection. All Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Children’s Liturgy Leaders, Art and Environment Members, Music Ministers and Sacristans are invited and urged to attend this important spiritual event. The topic for the evening is “Improving Personal prayer,” The presenter will be Mrs. Peggy McGrail. Mrs. McGrail serves as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and instructor for the Baltimore Archdiocesan Church Leadership Institute. She holds an undergraduate degree in Theology as well as a graduate degree in Theological studies. The evening will be one that will afford liturgical ministers the opportunity for spiritual growth as well as an occasion to enjoy being with one another. Please mark your calendar for this event! Liturgical Ministers will receive a letter and RSVP card early September.

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY of the WORD is seeking additional volunteers. Adults as well as older teens are welcome to join this ministry for the children of the parish. If you are able to help or would like more info, contact Nancy Merrill at 410-876-2173.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Carmella Anna Schittino, daughter of Frank & Kristen Schittino; Stephen Ryan Guy, son of Harry & Melissa Guy, III; and Emily Danielle Stolarski, daughter of Kevin & Jennifer Stolarski.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Deacon Vincent Provenza, Edward Kehoe, Jr. Mary Miller, and for their family and friends.

 

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in memory of Rita & Lawrence Metallo. 

 

WE PRAY to Mother Teresa, who was beatified last October to intercede to Jesus for Sr. Marie Bernadette’s full recovery.

 

MANY THANKS from FR. GERARD: Fr. Gerard Steffener wishes to thank all parishioners for their generous prayers and thoughtful cards and messages following his heart bypass surgery of July 23. He is appreciative and thankful, and certain that these many kindnesses have contributed to his remarkable recovery.

 

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.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … August 23-29

Mon.:   2 Thes 1:1-5,11-12;   Ps 96:1-5;   Mt 23:13-22

Tues.:  Rv 21:9-14;   Ps 145:10-13,17-18;  Jn 1:45-51

Wed.:  2 Thes 3:6-10,16-18;   Ps 128:1-2,4-5;   Mt 23:27-32

Thurs.: 1 Cor 1:1-9;   Ps 145:2-7;   Mt 24:42-51

Fri.:      1 Cor 1:17-25;   Ps 33:1-2,4-5,10-11;   Mt 25:1-13

Sat.:      1 Cor 1:26-31;   Ps 33:12-13,18-21;   Mt 25:14-30

Sun.:     Sir 3:17-18,20,28-29;   Heb 12:18-19,22-24;   Lk 14:1,7-14

 

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of August 15, 2004:

Envelopes:       $22,523.51                               Attendance:  3217

Loose:                   4,951.66                               Poor Box:   $1,656.60

TOTAL:         $27,475.17

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $25,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,777.61 Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,143,944          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,938,584          Pledged to date:         7,143,944.

Balance:               $  1,205,360 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       362,876

 

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 annual collection for The Catholic Communications Campaign and Catholic University of America. Total collected was $5,139.21.  

 

School News

CAFETERIA MENU …  Monday, August 30

Turkey Wrap with lettuce $1.25 and Chocolate Pudding $.40.

 

PTF ~  FALL WELCOME DANCE … Saturday, October 2

At the Gamber Fire Hall from 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight. Hosted by the St. John School PTF. More information be forwarded through school. 

 

INNISBROOK SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Students who ordered school supplies in the spring through the Innisbrook program will receive their orders on the first day of school in their classroom.

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES & GIFT CARDS may be purchased in the parish office during the summer months on Monday – Friday, from 9 – 12:00 noon.

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION BEGINNING of the YEAR PARENT MEETINGS will be held as follows:

Home Study ~ Wednesday, August 25 at 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday Students  ~ Tuesday, August 31 at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. Thursday Students ~ Thursday, September 2 at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. All meetings will begin in the Parish Hall (old church) and will last approximately 1 hour. Please come to the session you requested on your registration form or your second choice if you were notified by the Religious Ed Office of that change.

 

TEACHERS & ASSISTANTS are NEEDED for NEXT YEAR: The program cannot exist without the help of many volunteers! We want to keep our class sizes to a minimum. Maybe God is calling you to share your Catholic faith with the young people of our parish and to grow in your faith experience. Please call the Religious Ed. Office to find out how easy it is.

 

 

 

 

LUAU … Sunday, August 22

From 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. That’s right, its Luau time! So sit back and enjoy the fun. This year’s Luau will be $5.00 admission and will involve awesome music, food and some totally kickin’ games.

 

HOLY HOUR …  Sunday, August 29

We will have a holy hour to pray for the upcoming school year. Join us immediately after the 6:00 p.m. Mass in the cafeteria. Parents can pick their teens up at the Church at 9:00 p.m.

 

 

THE EDGE KICK-OFF … Sunday, September 12

From 7:30 – 9 p.m. All 7^th & 8^th graders join us for a great time!

 

HASHAWA OVERNIGHT RETREAT … Fri., Sept 24 – 25

The cost is $47 and includes lodging, 3 meals, and a tee shirt. Only 40 spots available! Get your friends and get ready for an awesome time!

 

THANKS to all the Youth Alive and Edgers that made Leadership Camp a huge success and a special thanks to Seminarian Tyson Wood for coordinating the camp!

 

 

YOUTH ALIVE KICK-OFF … Friday, September 3

All 5^th and 6^th graders are invited to join us for an incredible night!

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

PEACE BE WITH YOU! During the liturgy you extend your hand to your neighbor. Remember to extend your hand after the Mass to help the needy. Remember the poor boxes as you leave Church.

 

activities in Our Parish

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): The fall session of RCIA begins this weekend. If you or someone you know desires to learn more about the process by which adults come into the Church, please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Education Office.

 

FILIAE MARIAE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION … Tues., Aug. 31

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. The new books are: “Courage to be Catholic” by George Weigel, “A light in the darkness, the life of Elizabeth Leseur”; and “Decoding Davinci” by Amy Welborn. Please choose one book to read. Although registration is requested, it is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.

 

BOYS BASKETBALL (K-9) REGISTRATION will be held in the old church on: Sat., Sept. 11^th, 6–8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12^th, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; and Sat., Sept. 18^th, 2–5 p.m. The registration fee is $30/child or $50 for two or more children. For info contact: Kevin Bowers (K-2^nd) at 410-848-8397; Larry Baker (3^rd) at 410-876-1657; Bo Yingling (4^th) at 410-876-1162; Andy Yingling (5-6^th) at 410-857-5308; Art Zaph (7-9^th) at 410-848-0485.

BIBLE STUDY … Beginning the week of September 12

The fall/winter session will be the study of “The Letter of St. Paul to the Romans” using the Ignatius study Bible and audiotapes with commentary by Scott Hahn. There are a variety of groups and times available. If you are a returning member, contact your facilitator. New members should contact Bev Backof at 410-876-6275 for more information. “If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.”  Romans 6:8.  

 

THE NEXT BLOODMOBILE … Monday, September 13

From 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. We collected 86 pints in July thanks to all the donors especially the young people and 5 first-time donors. If you can help make phone calls or would like to make an appointment, please call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107.

 

MARRIAGE INVESTMENT COURSE … Saturday, Sept. 25

Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. with the opening talk, wine and cheese. Sponsored by Filiae Mariae. Mark your calendars now for you and your husband to attend this parish-wide 6-week event. More information to come regarding registration.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY CERAMIC TILE & BOOK/VIDEO:  Are available for purchase in the parish office Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the parish office for more information.

 

THE BAPTISM MINISTRY is in need of volunteers to assist once a month at the weekly Baptisms held each Saturday at 10:30 a.m. It is a rewarding experience to participate in this beautiful Sacrament. For information, call Mary Allen at 410-857-3703.

 

THE ST. JOHN SCHOOL PTF SPONSORED FLEA MARKET originally scheduled for September 11^th will not be held this year due to changes in their fundraisers.

 

THE LEGION of MARY invites you to visit one of its adult or junior groups. Junior Legion meets Fridays at 3:00 p.m.; evening Legion meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; and daytime Legion meets Monday mornings. The Legion is open to men, women, and children who want to deepen their Catholic faith and find meaningful ways to express this in the community. Please call, Inez at 410-876-1804 for more information.

 

ST. JOHN MARRIED COUPLES: When was the last time you spiritually invested in your marriage? Beginning September 25^th Fr. Brian will host a night out at Paradiso Ristorante to kick off a four-session opportunity (during Oct – Nov) to grow stronger in your love for one another and your faith. Space is limited! Call or email Fr. Brian for more information and sign-up.

 

MEMORIAL BRICKS: The last order of brick pavers has been placed in the sidewalk. We are working on a grid that will be available in the near future to help you locate your brick. A fall campaign will run from September 1 through January 30, 2005. During this campaign, purchase any of the four small crosses of 8x8 bricks for only $600 a savings of $150. The five brick groupings each form a small cross at four different locations near the larger cross. Contact Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469 for details and/or your 8x8 brick forms. The 4x8 bricks are $75 and the 8x8 bricks are $150. Thanks to all who have participated in the brick campaign.

 

PRO LIFE: Connect with the St. John Pro-Life group. If you want to be informed of parish, community, national events and legislative issues, send your email address to Joanne at stjohnprolife@aol.com or call 876-7984 for further information.

 

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.

 

In our Community

FAMILY CONCERT  …   Sunday, August 29

At 2:00 p.m. at Gathering Grounds Coffee House. Salvation’s Promise, a contemporary Christian recording group, will hold a free public concert. The group will provide an uplifting program of original contemporary Christian songs. The Gathering Grounds is located next to Coffey Music in the Sherwood Parking lot. For info, contact Thom Biden at 410-876-3089 or email at magicman700s@aol.com.

 

THE MUSIC MAN presented by September Song, Community Theater at Westminster High School. September 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 8:00 p.m. Proceeds will go to Change, Inc. and the Carroll County Therapeutic Recreation Council. For tickets or information, call Kris Froehlich at 410-876-2179.

 

LADY GOLFERS: Come play 9 holes with us at Francis Scott Key Golf Course (formerly River Downs) Thursday nights. Tee off between 5:30 – 6:00. Cost is $8.25 for carts and green fees (wow)! For information, call Lee Moreno at 410-374-3315.

 

LEARN ENGLISH! Register for ESOL Classes. Classes are forming in Westminster, Sykesville, and Manchester and are offered at all levels…Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced. For more information, call Becki Maurio at 410-386-8021.

 

MISSION of MERCY, a non-profit community-based organization is looking for dentists and nurses to volunteer one Wednesday per month at their Westminster site or one Tuesday per month in Reisterstown. Mission of Mercy’s mission is to restore dignity to the sick, poor, homeless and uninsured by providing free medical and dental care. This mission is accomplished through a mobile clinic that is operated by a team of volunteer, healthcare workers. To volunteer, please call 717-642-9062.

 

THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF Back-To-School Program Needs Your Help! To insure all students registering for the Back-To-School Program will have the opportunity to find gently used clothing, The Shepherd's Staff needs your clothing donations. In-style, good condition clothes suitable for all ages. So Clean out Your Closets and Help a Needy Carroll County Student! Don’t forget we need your dollars to buy new shoes and backpacks. Distribution begins on August 9^th thru August 20^th.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM: Each week a St. John family receives the chalice and the commission at Mass to pray for vocations. To sign up, call Mrs. Hopkins at 410-857-5487.

 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ ANSWERS for the AGING is a free and confidential information and referral service for older adults, their families, and caregivers. Referral specialists listen to questions and concerns and can help to identify the specific types of services needed, and provide referrals. Call Answers for the Aging at 410-646-0100 or 1-800-502-7587.

 

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

 

At Other Parishes

THE GREAT BIBLE ADVENTURE SEMINAR … Sept. 10-11

At St. Louis Church, in Clarksville. Developed by renowned Bible teacher and Catholic television personality Jeff Cavins this seminar will help you understand the “big picture” of God’s plan and see how the people, places, and events of the Bible fit into it. Registration is $40 and includes seminar workbook, Bible Timeline chart, memory aids and lunch. Register online at www.stlouisbibleseminar.org or by calling 301-604-1393.

 

Reminders

THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon on the Monday before the weekend in which the announcement is to appear… All announcements are requested in writing. e-mail to bulletin@sjwest.org. Thank you.