Mass Intentions

 Monday, February 21

      7:00 a.m.        Veronica Schmid

      8:00 a.m.        Donald Wood

Tuesday, February 22

      7:00 a.m.        Zeno Fisher, Jr.

      8:00 a.m.        Simon Kafchinski

Wednesday, February 23

      7:00 a.m.        Justin Ditzel

      8:00 a.m.        Int. of Fr. Gerard Steffener

Thursday, February 24

      7:00 a.m.        June Forrett

      8:00 a.m.        Kale Mathias

Friday, February 25

      7:00 a.m.        Rose Fiorani

      9:30 a.m.        Int. of Jack & Ann Coster

Saturday, February 26

      8:00 a.m.        Joseph Stien

  5:00 p.m.       Francesca Johnson

Sunday, February 27

      7:15 a.m.        Richard Thiem

      9:15 a.m.        Joseph E. Lynch

    11:15 a.m.        Int. of the Garcia Family

      3:15 p.m.        Margaret Ryan

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

 

From the Pastor

    It is wonderful to observe the increase in attendance at both of our weekday Masses during Lent. The presence of high school and college students is particularly encouraging. As we celebrate the year of the Eucharist, I would like to invite you to attend a weekday and/or a Saturday morning Mass and start your day with the Eucharist. I certainly recognize busy schedules and demanding obligations; nevertheless, make the sacrifice and you will not be disappointed. It is amazing, but we do find time for the things in life that are most important. You may like to know that the homilies are very short and there are no collections. Let us support one another in keeping the Lenten season holy.

 

                May God bless you, 

 

 

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

COMMUNION UNDER BOTH SPECIES: For those who could not attend the discussion and teaching about Communion under Both Species, you have another opportunity to learn and discuss the Church's teaching on this important topic on Tuesday March 1, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., in the parish center. After the discussion with the clergy and subcommittee a decision about St. John's practice will be made by Easter 2005. Thank you for the comments and your faithful participation in this educational opportunity for our parish.

 

STATIONS of the CROSS … Fridays of Lent

At 2:00 p.m. (children’s format) and 7:00 p.m. (on First Friday, Stations will follow the 7 p.m. Mass).

 

PARISH LENTEN MISSION … Mon., Mar. 7 – Wed., Mar. 9

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. Passionist Brother Andre Mathieu, C.P., will lead our Mission including Liturgy of the Hours and Service of The Word each evening. Lent is a time of prayer, repentance and almsgiving. This year, why not attend a wonderful opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal by attending our Lenten Mission? The theme for this year’s mission is “Be Not Afraid.” Reconciliation will be available on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday evening.

 

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE … Tuesday, March 15

At 7:00 p.m. in the church. Gospel, sermon, a guided Examination of Conscience, and individual Confessions by our resident and visiting priests.

 

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are available at the doors of the church and in the parish office. Please print the names of the loved ones you wished remembered. Flower memorial donation envelopes should be returned to the parish office by Monday, March 21 to be included in the Bulletin the week after Easter, April 3^rd.

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY of the WORD is seeking additional volunteers to help during the 9:15 a.m. Mass. Adults and older teens are welcome to join this ministry. For more information, call Nancy Merrill at 410-876-2173.

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION!! – YOUR OPPORTUNITY to SPEND TIME with the LORD. The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least two for each hour: Sundays – 4, 8 & 9 a.m.; and 12 & 1 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 a.m.; Wednesdays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Thursdays – 2 a.m.; Fridays – 2 & 3 a.m., and 12 noon; Saturdays – 3 a.m.; and 12, 1, 3 & 10 p.m. Please call the parish office to fill one hour.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church : Emily Margaret Godfrey; daughter of Lee Ann & Robert Godfrey, Jr.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Rebecca Donaway, Eileen Feeney, Raymond Wells, John H. Fisher, Jr., and for their family and friends.

 

MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent: Rita Pawlikowski, Dorothy Sienko, Rose Putman, John Sullivan, Susan Pitonyak, Lawrence Blumenauer, Int. of Kelly Swain, Anthony Cvach, Beatrice DeSocio, Madaline & Peyton Carr, and John Long.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET is prayed in the church before the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m. Ending with Benediction.  All are welcome to attend.

 

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings

Immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … February 21-27

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

Tues.:  1 Pt 5:1-4;   Ps 23:1-6;   Mt 16:13-19

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 17:3-7;   Ps 95:1-2,6-9;   Rom 5:1-2,5-8;   Jn 4:5-42

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of February 13, 2005 :

Envelopes:       $21,374.08                               Attendance:  3384

Loose:                   4,854.31                               Poor Box:   $1,979.63

TOTAL:         $26,228.39

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $26,072.64. Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,232,934          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             6,111,113          Pledged to date:         7,232,934.

Balance:               $  1,121,821 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       273,886

 

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.

 

THE SPECIAL COLLECTION this weekend is the annual collection for the Bishops’ Overseas Appeal. Thank you for your generosity.

 

Almsgiving

THE CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL provides us with an opportunity to give alms and do good work. By making a pledge or donation, we join with the larger Church in responding to those most in need. The level of participation from our parish has increased annually and we ask you to prayerfully consider giving to the Lenten Appeal this year to help our parish reach our goal!

 

PLEASE REMEMBER the poor boxes as you leave church today.

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is not just what we do, but rather who we are: Our works are not something we do for God, nor even with God, but we allow God to work in us. To join our group, call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473 or join us at one of our monthly meetings which usually take place on the first Wednesday of each month. We would love to see you there!

 

CAMP ST. VINCENT a program of St. Vincent de Paul, is seeking volunteers and paid staff for summer 2005. Located on the grounds of the Msgr. O’Dwyer Retreat House, the camp provides a quality summer day camp experience to homeless and low-income children ages 6-10. Camp begins on 6/27 and ends on 8/19, M – F from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For applications, call 410-547-5375 or visit: www.vincentbaltimore.org.

School News

 

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION … Feb. 28 – Mar. 4

From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the school office. Please bring your child’s original birth certificate, baptismal certificate, and non-refundable registration fee (the amount to be determined by the end of February).

 

ST. JOHN SCHOOL/PARISH WEB SITE is now linked to Powerschool’s Daily Bulletin as well as having the school handbook posted. Check out the St. John Web Page at www.sjwest.org.

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

CLASS REMINDER: There are no Religious Ed., or Confirmation classes this week, Tuesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 24.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL … June 20-24

Planning will begin for VBS and we need your help! If you can volunteer to help with the following: teachers, classroom assistants, music, snack, craft or babysitting, please call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

CRISPIN CONCERT … Sunday, March 6

After the 6 p.m. Mass in the gym. The cost is $5 at the door.

 

LIFE TEEN LENTEN RETREAT … March 11-13

At Summit Lake . The cost is $85. The last day to sign up will be February 27.

 

CARDINAL’S PILGRIMAGE … Saturday, March 19

We will depart St. John at 9:30 a.m. and car pool downtown. The cost is $15 and includes a light lunch. Please sign up with Scott at slink@sjwest.org.

 

 

THE EDGE  … Every 2^nd Sunday & 4^th Friday

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the gym. All 7^th & 8^th graders are welcome. Bring a friend.  

 

THERE WILL BE NO EDGE NIGHT on Good Friday, March 25^th.

 

EDGE SUMMER CAMP … June 20-23

For the first time we are doing an Edge 4-day retreat at Blue Ridge Summit near Ski Liberty. The camp includes White Water Rafting, great outdoor activities, and lots of faith-filled fun. This camp is open to boys and girls entering the 7^th or 8^th grade. Call Scott for a registration package. 

 

ACTIVITY NIGHTS ... Every 1^st & 3^rd Friday

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the cafeteria. For information, contact Scott in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

activities in Our Parish

FAITH and LIGHT COMMUNITIES … Monday, Feb. 21

At 7:00 p.m. This will be an organizational meeting to form a Faith and Light Community at St. John . Faith and Light Communities are ecumenical associations of persons with developmental disabilities, their families and friends. Communities meet regularly to share the Word of God, share events of their lives, share their gifts and graces, and share in prayer and praise and celebration. For more information, please call Gregory Rosko at 410-547-5410.

 

FILIAE MARIAE WINTER READING … Tues., Feb.  22

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Curl up next to the fire with our next 2 book club selections (choose one): “The Soul of Elizabeth Ann Seton” by Joseph Durbin or get ready for the March 20^th women’s breakfast by reading our speaker’s book now! “Catholic Mystique”(the Catholic conversion stories of former women Protestant Ministers) by Ferrara and Ireland . Please join us to discuss these books and share light refreshments.

 

CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., Feb. 24

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.

 

WISDOM CLUB MONTHLY MEETING … Thurs., Feb. 24

Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon in the hall of the Ascension Episcopal Church, followed by our luncheon and meeting. This month’s speaker will be Becky Herman of ‘Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County ’, a Community Health Improvement Manager for Seniors. Please remember to bring your brown-bag lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided. We welcome new members! For information, call Eleanor at 410-875-3336.

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, February 26

Couples married in February 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.

 

ST. JOHN CONSIGNMENT SALE … Saturday, March 5

From 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The cafeteria will transform into a children’s store, complete with clothing, toys, games, and furniture! You set the price of each item, drop off your items, and the sale does the work! You receive 50% for each item sold and St. John School receives the other 50%. Also you may donate baked goods for the Bake Sale. All proceeds from the bake sale will benefit the school. For consignment information, contact Missie Wilcox at 410-840-2099.

 

THE NEXT BLOODMOBILE … Monday, March 7

From 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. We collected 84 pints in December and there is a critical need at this time. Remember 1 pint can save 3 lives. For an appointment, call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107.

 

 

THE MEN IN BLACK ARE BACK … Friday, April 8

At 7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School . Mark your calendars for the 3^rd annual Men in Black game. This is an exciting Family Evening.

 

ARCHDIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE … Saturday April 30

St. John Parish will provide transportation for the Annual Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Washington DC .  This is a great way to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist as a parish and archdiocese. The Bus(es) will leave the St. John Parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and return by 6:00 p.m. . There is no cost for this pilgrimage, except your own personal expenses for food, souvenirs and any donations you wish to make. If you wish to participate you must call the parish office to reserve a space as soon as possible.  Spaces are limited.

 

1^st ANNUAL ST. JOHN CARNIVAL … May 30 – June 4

Join the parish with rides, games, wheels, and the best food in Carroll County . The Carnival’s proceeds will go toward St. John School , Religious Education, and Youth Ministry.

 

ST JOHN SCHOOL ALUMNI! Soon we will publish a newsletter to share the good news of our school. We are trying to reach as many alumni as possible! Please call Darlene Smith at 410-876-7031, with your name and address or email Colleen Hattrup at chattrup@sjwest.org and we'll make sure you receive a newsletter due out this spring. If you have a personal, professional accomplishment or human-interest story relating to our school or yourself as a graduate, please send that information as well, for a possible article in a future newsletter.

 

ST. JOHN NEW CHURCH, CAT’S MEOW HAS ARRIVED and will be on sale at the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast in March. The previous Churches will also be available.

 

HAVE YOU BEEN CONFIRMED? Adult Confirmation will begin soon. Contact Sem. Jhun for more information at 410-848-4744 ext 254. Everyone completing the process will be Confirmed at the Cathedral with Cardinal Keeler on Pentecost, Sun., May 15.

 

THE LEGION of MARY helps members deepen their prayer life and find meaningful ways to express this in the community. Adult groups meet for approximately one hour, on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. or Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center . For more information, call Inez Maguire at 410-876-1804.  

 

HOST a ROSARY PARTY this LENT! Msgr. Art is asking families to sign up for a Friday in Lent to host a rosary party for their friends and family to pray for peace in our world, our families and in our hearts. This is an opportunity to sacrifice one Friday during Lent for prayer and fellowship. Prayer materials and a brief schedule of the evening are available through Fr. Brian. We hope to have different families cover each Friday during Lent, beginning Feb. 11^th. For information, call Inez Maguire at 410-876-1804.

 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): If you, or someone you know is interested in joining the Catholic Church, the Monday Session of RCIA will begin in February. The sessions, which are open to anyone who has been baptized, meets weekly on Monday nights from 7 – 9 p.m. For an information packet, please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

ST. JOHN SCHOOL BOARD is currently looking for members to fill various committees, and is seeking your expertise! For more information, call Tess Hupfeld at 410-876-2961.

 

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 information, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

 

At Other Parishes

LASAGNA DINNER … Sun., Feb. 27

From 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at St. Alphonsus, Woodstock . Dinner includes salad, garlic bread, glass of wine and dessert. Adults $10, and Children $5. To make reservations, call 410-442-1363.

 

CERAMIC SALE & CRAFT BAZAAR … Saturday, March 5

At Little Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville , from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Homemade Candy Easter Eggs, Baked Goods, Home Décor, and more.  For information, call 410-744-9367.

 

LENTEN DINNERS … Fridays of Lent

At Delone High School cafeteria from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Eat in or carry out. Proceeds benefit the band program.

 

HONOR SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL … Saturday, Mar. 5

At the 10:00 a.m. Mass at Saint Elizabeth Chapel. Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary commemorating her death. For more information, call Sister Pat Downs at 215-244-9900 ext. 402.