Mass Intentions

 Monday, March 14

      7:00 a.m.       John Jaczesko

      8:00 a.m.       Int. of Karl Metzger

Tuesday, March 15

      7:00 a.m.       William Angelo Courpes

      8:00 a.m.       Int. of Donald Hickey

Wednesday, March 16

      7:00 a.m.       Frank Cheatham

      8:00 a.m.       Andrew Van Dyk

Thursday, March 17

      7:00 a.m.       Madaline & Peyton Carr

      8:00 a.m.       Gordon H. Mallonee

Friday, March 18

      7:00 a.m.       Caroline Robinson

      9:30 a.m.       William Davis

Saturday, March 19

      8:00 a.m.       Carol Head

  5:00 p.m.       Raymond P. Garner, Sr.

Sunday, March 20

      7:15 a.m.       Charles Young

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

    11:15 a.m.       John H. Fisher, Jr.

      3:15 p.m.       Brigitte Tate

      6:00 p.m.       Irene Perego

 

 

From the Pastor

    Although next Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, there is still time to avail ourselves of the graces of the Lenten season. I would like to offer some suggestions for our prayer, fasting and alms giving. Consider additional prayers for peace, for the sick especially those suffering from the burdens of advanced age (the Holy Father) and for those preparing to be Baptized and received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.  Perhaps we could pray the rosary and/or make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Consider keeping a day(s) of fasting between meals to deepen our awareness of those who suffer from real hunger.  Consider the blessing of alms giving and participate in the Lenten Appeal. Money that would have been spent for our wants may be offered to help the needs of those less fortunate. God is so generous to us and so many ways!

 

                May God bless you, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

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).

 

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.

 

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 children recently baptized at St. John Church: Ashlyn Gabriella Delcid, daughter of Maria S. Delcid; Nathan Alexander Grocki, son of Jamie & Mary Grocki; and Natalia Teresa Markulis, daughter of George & Anne Markulis. 

 

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 … March 14-20

Mon.:   Dn 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62;   Ps 23:1-6;   Jn 8:1-11

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.:      2 Sm 7:4-5,12-14,16;  Rom 4:13,16-18,22;  Mt 1:16,18-21,24

Sun.:     Is 50:4-7;   Phil 2:6-11;   Mt 26:14-27:66

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 6, 2005:

Envelopes:       $24,577.13                               Attendance:  3782

Loose:                   6,926.02                               Poor Box:   $2,348.65

TOTAL:         $31,503.15

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $26,160.61. 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.

 

Almsgiving

THE CARDINAL'S LENTEN APPEAL provides us with an opportunity to give alms and do good work. This year, our parish goal is $99,500 and so far, we have pledged $32,000. Please join us in donating or pledging to the Cardinal's Lenten Appeal so that this year, we can reach our goal and serve those most in need. If you have donated in the past, use the envelope sent to your home, if you have not donated to the Lenten Appeal in the past, please use the envelopes attached to the brochures provided in the church pews. Thank you.

 

THANK YOU for REMEMBERING the POOR BOXES when you leave church today!

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

In an effort to provide children with an Easter Message that reflects the true meaning of the Resurrection, St. Vincent de Paul is collecting the following items to fill “Spiritual Easter Baskets.” These baskets will be given to Shepherd’s Staff to be distributed to area children. The following items are needed: Christian coloring books, story books, bookmarks, puzzles, prayer books, small toys, bubbles, play dough, school supplies, non-candy snacks, socks, and personal care items. Please leave these items in the food baskets by the doors of the church no later than March 13^th. If you or your group would like to assemble a finished basket, please take it directly to Shepherd’s Staff between, March 14–17. Thank you for your generosity.

 

OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING … Mon., March 21

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center Room A. New members are welcome! For more info, please call Anne Nevin at 410-876-1027.

 

LOAVES and FISHES SOUP KITCHEN, sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul Society, is updating its volunteer schedule and donor mailing list for the period of April 1, 05 through September 30. If you will not be participating, please leave a message for Mike Radov at 410-857-9528.

 

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

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

 

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.

 

 

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 LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, March 13

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by a meeting in the parish center. All ladies of the parish are invited. For information, call Mary Jo Judge at  410-857-5655.

 

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING ... Monday, March 14

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. The Council welcomes your attendance and invites you to bring your concerns or comments to its attention by calling the parish office and leaving your name and phone number. A Council member will return your call.

CARNIVAL PLANNING MEETING … Tuesday, March 15

From 7 – 9 p.m. in the parish center. Please contact Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179 or jencare1@cs.com for more information.

 

WISDOM CLUB MONTHLY MEETING … Thurs., Mar. 17

Note: Date & Time Change! Mass will be celebrated at 11:45 a.m. (rather than the normal starting time of 12 noon due to the heavy schedule) in the hall of the Ascension Episcopal Church. Following a delicious Pot-Luck Luncheon and our featured speaker, Marilyn Moore, speaking on the history of Irish music and dance; and teach any non-dancers a few easy steps to participate in the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Please call Mary Agnes, at 410-876-1307 or Eleanor at 410-875-3336 to tell them what you are bringing.

 

SEPARATED/WIDOWED/DIVORCED MEETING … Thurs., Mar. 17

At 6:30 p.m. in the parish center. All those interested in an 8-week support program and/or discussion group to promote healthy strategies in adjusting to the transition to single life, are welcome to attend. Call the Religious Ed. Office for more information.

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, March 19

Couples married in March 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.

 

FILIAE MARIAE COMMUNION BREAKFAST … Sun., Mar. 20

From 10:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Boulevard and Beyond Caterers. The Guest speaker is former Lutheran minister, Patricia Sodano Ireland, Topic “The Journey Home to the Catholic Faith.” Tickets are $15 and are available from 9 – 4 in the parish office or after Masses the weekends of 3/6 and 3/13. For information, contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.

 

CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., Mar. 31

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 TRIP … Tuesday, April 5

The Wisdom Club is sponsoring a tour of St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park, conducted by Msgr. Art. We will leave the church by bus at 12:30 p.m. and return about 4:30 p.m. The price of the ticket is $15. All parishioners are invited. If you are interested, please call Irene at 410-848-0489 by March 17^th. St. Mary’s Seminary was founded in 1791 as our Country’s first seminary. In 1929 the seminary moved to its present location. The main chapel was designed in marble and oak, with its Cassavant organ, and original stained glass windows from Paris. It is a majestic, elegant and quiet place at the very heart and center of St. Mary’s and will be the highlight of our visit.

 

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. Anyone High School-aged through young adults interested in playing in the Men in Black game should contact Fr. Brian to be placed in a random drawing.

 

 

 

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. To volunteer in various areas of the carnival, contact Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179 or jencare1@cs.com for more information.

 

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.

 

HAVE YOU BEEN CONFIRMED? Adult Confirmation begins soon. Everyone completing the process will be Confirmed at the Cathedral with Cardinal Keeler on Pentecost, Sun., May 15. Please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed Office, at 410-848-8443 even if you have called prior just to make sure we have your information.

 

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. We have room for 10 more couples, For more information, please e-mail mlhullett@adelphia.net.

 

PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE of OUR LADY of FATIMA, donated to St. John’s by the Legion of Mary, may be placed in your home for a one-week stay by contacting Mary Pat Kavanagh at 410-840-9413 or Patti Schilz at 410-848-0844.

 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): It’s not too late! If you, or someone you know is interested in joining the Catholic Church. The sessions, which are open to anyone who has been baptized, meet weekly on Monday nights from 7 – 9 p.m. For info, please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

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.

 

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.

 

PROJECT RACHEL offers women and men suffering from the trauma of abortion a confidential referral line to connect you with trained counselors. Call 1-800-286-4224 for a referral.

 

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT … April 8 – 10

In Brookeville, Maryland. For information, call 410-354-6900 or 1-800-286-4224.

 

Reminders

THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon each Monday. All announcements are requested in writing. You may send to bulletin@sjwest.org. Thank you.

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION: Recently, our parish marked the third anniversary of the establishment of Petpetual Eucharistic Adoration. Have you reserved some quality time to visit our Lord in the adoration chapel? He who is Love itself desires your presence. Call the parish office to sign up.