Mass Intentions

 Monday, February 28

      7:00 a.m.        Thomas A. Powell

      8:00 a.m.        Edward Giaino, Sr.

Tuesday, March 1

      7:00 a.m.        Int. of Frank Tippett

      8:00 a.m.        Robert Russo

Wednesday, March 2

      7:00 a.m.        Mr. Palm

      8:00 a.m.        Herbert A. Kammer

Thursday, March 3

      7:00 a.m.        Madaline & Peyton Carr

      8:00 a.m.        Rose Huber

Friday, March 4 (First Friday)

      7:00 a.m.        Dick Sciaretta

      9:30 a.m.        Mary Elizabeth Lawson

      7:00 p.m.       Norma Breznicki

Saturday, March 5

      8:00 a.m.        C. Edward Drechsler, Jr.

  5:00 p.m.       Parishioners of St. John Parish

Sunday, March 6

      7:15 a.m.        Zeno Fisher, Jr.

      9:15 a.m.        Rose Putman

    11:15 a.m.        Rosario Maranto

      3:15 p.m.        Alice & Andrew Van Dyk

      6:00 p.m.        Int. of Jack and Ann Coster

 

From the Pastor

    I encourage and invite you to plan to attend our parish mission this Lent. The Mission will begin the weekend of March 5^th and 6^th and continues each weekend night at 7 p.m. , through Wednesday evening, March 9^th. Brother Andre Mathieu will preach the Mission and also offer a reflection at the morning Masses. Brother Andre is a Passionist who has been preaching parish missions for more than thirty years. The necessity for spiritual growth is a constant challenge to every Christian who is attempting to follow in the footsteps of Christ in everyday life. The road stretches before us, but we are not traveling it alone. Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow him. Together we travel the road of life. The purpose of the Passionist Mission is to help us along the way. Please pray for the success of the mission and invite neighbors and family members to attend with you. 

 

                May God bless you, 

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

FIRST FRIDAY MASSES ... March 4

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.

 

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION … March 5

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, March 6

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

 

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: this Tuesday, March 1^st 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 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? 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 …

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Elmer High, William Earl Sauble, and for their family and friends.

 

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.

 

BLESSED MOTHER TERESA tells us “Love Jesus generously. Love Him trustfully, without looking back, without fear. Give yourself fully to Jesus – He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your weakness.” Jesus I trust in Thee.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … February 28- March 6

Mon.:   21 Kgs 5:1-15;   Pss 42:2-3;43:3-4;   Lk 4:24-30

Tues.:  Dn 3:25,34-43;   Ps 25:4-9;   Mt 18:21-35

Wed.:  Dt 4:1,5-9;   Ps 147:12-13,15-16,19-20;   Mt 5:17-19

Thurs.: Jer 7:23-28;   Ps 95:1-2,6-9;   Lk 11:14-23

Fri.:      Hos 14:2-10;  Ps 81:6-11,14,17;  Mk 12:28-34

Sat.:      Hos 6:1-6;   Ps 51:3-4,18-21;   Lk 18:9-14

Sun.:     1 Sm 16:1,6-7,10-13;  Ps 23:1-6;  Eph 5:8-14;  Jn 9:1-41

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of February 20, 2005 :

Envelopes:       $21,320.35                               Attendance:  3984

Loose:                   6,352.47                               Poor Box:   $2,171.88

TOTAL:         $27,672.82

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $26,119.71. 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.

 

THANK YOU for your SUPPORT of the ASH WEDNESDAY collection for Eastern Europe . Total collected was $6,940.23.

 

Almsgiving

THE CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL: Please prayerfully consider giving to the Cardinal's Lenten Appeal this year as part of your Lenten Sacrifice. Our level of participation has increased every year and if just 20% of our parishioners donate this year, we will reach our goal! Please join us and help our parish to reach our goal while responding to those most in need.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER the POOR BOXES as you leave church today!

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wednesday, March 2

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. We hope to see all members in attendance. If you would like to learn more about the work this organization does, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

 

CAMP ST. VINCENT 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 9:00 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).

 

SCOUTING for FOOD … Thursday, March 10

At 3:00 p.m. The Cub Scouts of pack 420 will be collecting non-perishable food items for Carroll Food Sunday, during car rider pickup in the Church’s West parking lot. Drive up and drop off!

 

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

 

NO RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES on Tuesday, March 1, due to the Teacher In-Service, scheduled from 6-8 in the cafeteria.

 

FIRST COMMUNION PARENT MEETING: Parents should have received a letter inviting them to the 2^nd parent meeting on either Thursday, March 17^th or Tuesday, March 29^th at 6:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. This mailing also had picture information from Mr. Dave Corbin. Please call the Religious Ed. Office if you did not receive this mailing.

 

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. Bring a friend.   

 

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

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.

 

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., March 6

From 8 – 11:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Menu includes pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults are $4 and children are $2. Proceeds benefit “Mission of Mercy” a non-profit community based organization, providing free medical, dental and prescription care for needy people, in Maryland via its mobile medical clinic.

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. Mar. 6

From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Luke room in the school. Please come if you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved.

 

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.

 

MARCH for LIFE in ANNAPOLIS … Monday, March 7

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Come support women, babies and families. Meet in the parking lot of St. Mary’s Church, 111 Duke of Gloucester St. and march to the State House. A photo ID needed for entrance to the Legislative Buildings. For directions or to carpool, call Joanne Bohli, at 410-876-7984.

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 will leave St. John Parking lot at 10 a.m. and return by 6 p.m. There is no cost for the pilgrimage, except your food, souvenirs and any donations you wish to make for the bus. Call the parish office to sign up. Space is limited.

 

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

Join the parish with rides, games, wheels, and great food. Proceeds go to St. John School , Religious Education, and Youth Ministry.

 

SCOTT HAHN at ST. JOHN … Saturday, September 17

Mark your calendar now! Noted author, Scott Hahn will visit our parish and give three talks. Check the bulletin for information.

 

ST JOHN SCHOOL ALUMNI will publish a newsletter sharing the good news of our school. Please call Darlene Smith at 410-876-7031, or email Colleen Hattrup at chattrup@sjwest.org with your name and address to receive a newsletter due out this spring. If you have a personal, professional, or human-interest story relating to St. John School , include that information as well.

 

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 begins 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.

 

HOST a ROSARY PARTY this LENT! Sign up for a Friday in Lent to host a rosary party for your friends and family praying for peace in our world. This is an opportunity to sacrifice one Friday during Lent for prayer and fellowship. Prayer materials and a schedule of the evening are available through Fr. Brian. We hope to have different families cover each Friday during Lent. For  information, call Inez Maguire at 410-876-1804.

 

11-DAY PILGRIMAGE for MARRIED COUPLES … Nov. 7 - 17

Fr. Leo will lead a marriage renewal trip to Italy where you will renew your marriage vows in Rome as well as visit important Catholic sites in Rome , Assisi , Florence and Venice . The cost is $2048 per person and includes: round trip airfare from Washington D.C. , accommodations at a First Class/Select Hotel, most meals, tour escort, sightseeing, all service charges and local hotel taxes. For more information, please e-mail mlhullett@adelphia.net.

 

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, meet weekly on Monday nights from 7 – 9 p.m. For an information packet, please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

SEPARATED, WIDOWED OR DIVORCED: An information meeting for those interested in an 8-week support program and/or discussion group to promote healthy strategies in adjusting to the transition to single life. Check upcoming bulletins for the date and time or call the Religious Ed. Office for more 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 information, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

 

At Other Parishes

LENTEN DINNERS … Fridays of Lent

At Delone High School cafeteria from 5 – 7:30 p.m.

 

CERAMIC SALE & CRAFT BAZAAR … Saturday, March 5

From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. , at Little Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville , Homemade Easter Eggs, Baked Goods, For info call, 410-744-9367.

 

HONOR SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL … Saturday, Mar. 5

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

 

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.