Mass Intentions

 Monday, March 28

      7:00 a.m.       Joseph M. Mackowiak

      8:00 a.m.       Joseph E. Lynch

Tuesday, March 29

      7:00 a.m.       Walter J. Hackett, Sr.

      8:00 a.m.       Christine Johnson

Wednesday, March 30

      7:00 a.m.       Anna Carlini

      8:00 a.m.       Jerry Levandoski

Thursday, March 31

      7:00 a.m.       William Van Horn

      8:00 a.m.       Mary T. Smith

Friday, April 1 (First Friday)

      7:00 a.m.       Benedetta & Ron DiBlasio

      8:00 a.m.       Charles & Evelyn Young

      7:00 p.m.       Nancy Black

Saturday, April 2

      8:00 a.m.       Anthony Pasquini

      5:00 p.m.        Theresa Fava

Sunday, April 3

      7:15 a.m.       Mark Liogghio

      9:15 a.m.       Mary Guercio

    11:15 a.m.       David Louis Sopp

      3:15 p.m.       Katie O’Brien

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

 

 

From the Pastor

    I join with my brother priests and the staffs of our parish and parish school to wish you and your families a happy and blessed Easter. I am especially grateful to all who helped in so many ways: liturgical ministers (lectors, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, altar servers, Masters of Ceremonies, Music Ministry, deacons, seminarians, ushers) and the Arts and Environment Committee. All of your hard work, generous service and faithful witness greatly enhanced our parish Easter celebrations. Again I express a word of welcome to those who were baptized and received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, and appreciation to our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Team and sponsors.  I pray that the Easter season may continue to be a source of grace and blessing for all.

 

                May God bless you, 

 

 

The PARISH OFFICES will be CLOSED EASTER MONDAY, March 28.

 

Liturgy & Worship

FIRST FRIDAY MASSES ... April 1

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.

 

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY … April 3

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the church the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction will be celebrated. Join this beautiful devotion on the day chosen by our Lord to commemorate His merciful love for the whole world.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, April 3

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

 

EUCHARIST UNDER BOTH SPECIES DECISION: After reviewing the results of the study, offering some teaching, hearing the discussion and lots of praying, the parish priests have decided to continue the current practice of distributing Communion under both forms. However, the conversation revealed a serious need to better teach parishioners on a deeper and a more theologically correct understanding of the Eucharist - under both Forms. We discovered a lot of misconceptions and confusion between personal feelings and the facts of the faith about the Eucharist. For that reason, the parish priests and staff will make concerted efforts to better educate and monitor the roles of those who distribute Communion, as well as try to offer more teachings on the Eucharist to all parishioners. More teaching opportunities and a review of the EMC's will be coming soon. We wish to thank those who have offered comments and participated in the discussion. We pray this parish wide discussion helps us better understand and practice our faith in the Eucharist.

 

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: Tyler Joseph Grove, son of Bryan & Rebecca Grove.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of David Ferguson, Angelo Tezza, Edna Cavey, Mary Loan, Baby Abel, R. Cromwell Allnutt, and for their family and friends.

 

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings

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

 

PRAY the DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET …

Thursday afternoons

At 3:00 p.m. in the church before the Blessed Sacrament and ending with Benediction. All are welcome to attend.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 28- April 3

Mon.:   Acts 2:14,22-23;   Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11;   Mt 28:8-15

Tues.:  Acts 2:36-41;   Ps 33:4-5,18-20,22;   Jn 20:11-18

Wed.:  Acts 3:1-10;    Ps 105:1-4,6-9;   Lk 24:13-35

Thurs.: Acts 3:11-26;   Ps 8:2,5-9;   Lk 24:35-48

Fri.:      Acts 4:1-12;   Ps 118:1-2,4,22-27;   Jn 21:1-14

Sat.:      Acts 4:13-21;   Ps 118:1,14-15,16-21;   Mk 16:9-15

Sun.:     Acts 2:42-47;  Ps 118:2-4,13-15,22-24;  1 Pt 1:3-9;  Jn 20:19-31

 

 

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 20, 2005:

Envelopes:       $24,630.63                               Attendance:  4506

Loose:                   6,146.28                               Poor Box:   $2,011.55

TOTAL:         $30,776.91

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $26,534.54. 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 CARDINALS LENTEN APPEAL: Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Cardinal's Lenten Appeal! We have $52,000 toward our $99,500 parish goal. We are about half way there!  9% of our families have participated so far in this valuable lenten outreach program. Won't you join in and help us to reach our parish goal while helping those in need? There is still time to make a donation - envelopes are available at the back of the church for your checks, donations or pledges. Thank you for your loyal generosity.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank all parishioners for the magnificent generosity and wish them a very Happy Easter.

 

OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING … Mon., April 4

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.

 

School News

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

THE RELIGIOUS ED STAFF wishes all students, teachers, assistants, hall monitors, office helpers, and their families a very blessed and joyous Easter!

 

CLASSES RESUME, Tues., March 29 and Thurs., March 31.

 

FIRST COMMUNION PARENT MEETING … Tues., Mar. 29 At 6:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. If you were unable to attend the 1^st parent meeting, please try to attend this final meeting.

 

 

BANNER WORKSHOP … Saturday, April 2

From 9 – 11:30 a.m. Banner kits were given out in class except for the Tuesday, 6:45 which will be given out on March 29^th. If your child did not get a banner kit, please call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

CONFIRMATION REMINDERS:

Tuesday Students: Rehearsal is 6:15 p.m. Thursday, March 31^st in the cafeteria, with sponsor present. Confirmation Mass is Saturday, April 2 at 12:45 p.m. Sponsors and candidates meet in the cafeteria by 12:00 noon. The Saturday Confirmation Mass does not fulfill your Sunday Mass obligation.

 

Thursday Students: Rehearsal is 7:45 p.m., Thursday, March 31^st in the cafeteria, with sponsor present. The Confirmation Mass is Sunday, April 3 at 12:45 p.m. Sponsors and candidates meet in the cafeteria by 12 noon. Due to the 11:15 a.m. Mass, families should not arrive before 12:15 p.m. The Sunday Confirmation Mass does fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL … June 20-24

Each morning from 9 a.m.  – 12 noon. We are in need of a craft person, babysitting for our volunteers and approximately 6 more teachers. If you can help, please call the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

THERE will be NO LIFE TEEN on EASTER SUNDAY

 

LIFE TEEN SOCIAL … Sunday, April 3

After the 6:00 p.m. Mass in the cafeteria. All teens are invited to an awesome social night.

 

EXPERIENCE the GLORY Steubenville Conference 2005: The 2^nd payment of $80 is due by April 3. The final payment is $75 and due by May 1^st.

 

 

THE EDGE NIGHT  … Sunday, April 10

After the 6:00 p.m. Mass in the cafeteria. Bring a canned food item.   

 

EDGE BOWLING at THUNDERHEAD … Friday, April 22

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. We will meet there. The cost is $6 per person. Please RSVP to Scott by April 20^th at slink@sjwest.org.

 

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. 

 

 

YOUTH ALIVE ACTIVITY NIGHT ... Sunday, April 3^rd

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We will meet in the cafeteria and finish in the gym. Bring a friend and get ready to have some fun!

 

 

 

activities in Our Parish

CARNIVAL COMMITTEE MEETING … Tues., March 29

From 7–9 p.m., in the parish center. For information or to volunteer, please call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.

 

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.

 

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., April 3

From 8 – 11:30 a.m., in the cafeteria. Menu includes pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults are $4 and children are $2. All proceeds will benefit The ARC OF Carroll County. Also, the Cat’s Meow of the new church will be available for sale.  

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. April 3

From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Luke room in the school. If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or interested in getting involved in the parish, please attend.

 

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. St. Mary’s Seminary was founded in 1791 as our Country’s first seminary. 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.

 

ADULT CONFIRMATION BEGINS  …  Thurs., April 7

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed Office, at 410-848-8443 for more information or to register.

 

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.

 

MARRIED COUPLES MORNING of REFLECTION … Sat., April 16

Join Father Brian and fellow parishioners for a morning of reflection at Emmittsburg for Married Couples. A morning of talks, small group discussions, time to walk and reflect with your spouse and ending with Mass in the Glass Chapel at the Grotto. Cost is $10 per couple. To make your reservation, call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.

 

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.

ST. JOHN ANNUAL MAY PROCESSION … Sunday, May 1

At 1:00 p.m. in the church. The St. John Ladies Sodality invites all parishioners, children and adults on this special day our parish honors our Blessed Mother. First Communicants are asked to wear their First Communion attire. Children should meet in the cafeteria at 12:45 p.m., to line up. All are invited for refreshments immediately following in the cafeteria. For info, call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655 or Martha Murphy at 410-875-2579.

 

ST. JOHN 9^th ANNUAL BASKET BINGO … Friday, May 13

At 7:00 p.m. in the Portico, to benefit the Church Building Fund. Proceeds have totaled over $28,000. Prizes will be filled current and retired Longaberger baskets. Mark your calendars now! You can help by sponsoring a door prize or basket, or fill a basket to decrease our expenses and increase the profits. If you can help, please call Anna at 410-876-2652 or the parish office.

 

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION … Sunday, May 29

From 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. As part of the parish's celebration of the Eucharistic Year, we are going to host a Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, May 29 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. We will promptly begin the procession at the St. John Cemetery, walk along Main Street, turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue, turn into Dutterrer's Park, and finally make our way along Monroe Street to the Church.  We will provide bus transportation from St. John Church to the Cemetery, as well as provide assistance for those who may have some difficulty walking, but wish to participate in the procession. We hope to have a big (HUGE) turnout so that all of Westminster will know that Jesus, present in the Eucharist, walks with us in our daily life. We need to track numbers, so please call the parish center and let us know if you plan to join us for this historic Eucharistic Procession!

 

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.

 

DECOLORES! Are you a Cursillista? The Cursillo Movement is alive in our parish and Father Leo is Spiritual Director for the Baltimore area. Cursillistas interested in finding or starting a friendship group or checking out an area Ultreya should call Doris Graybeal at 410-848-2891 for current listings.

 

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

Spaces are just about full for this wonderful marriage renewal pilgrimage opportunity to Rome, Assisi, Orvieto, Florence and Venice!  There may be a few more spots available for couples.  Cost is $2048 per person, which includes the air, first class/select hotels, most meals, and professional tour escort. After March 31, we will open any remaining spaces for others who may want to tour these holy sites.  For more information email, mlhullett@adelphia.net, or pick up a brochure at the church vestibule.

 

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.

 

The GABRIEL PROJECT extends a loving welcome to any woman and unborn child in need, in Jesus’ name. If you or someone you know is challenged by a pregnancy, call the 24-hour hotline, 1-800-533-0093. Information sheets are located in the back of the church.

 

At Other Parishes

DARE to DREAM AGAIN CONFERENCE… Sat., April 16

At Loyola College Graduate Center in Columbia, MD. This is a day-long conference for separated, divorced, remarried or bereaved. Twenty-one workshops will be offered. The day will begin with keynote speaker, Dorothy Levesque and conclude with Fr. Joe Breighner celebrating the afternoon liturgy. For info, visit www.conferenceincolumbia.Itgo.com or call Myra at 410-724-0073.