Mass Intentions

 Monday, April 4

      7:00 a.m.       Sr. Magdalen Rose

      8:00 a.m.       Patrick Case

Tuesday, April 5

      7:00 a.m.       George Blanco

      8:00 a.m.       Ann Stone

Wednesday, April 6

      7:00 a.m.       Jackie Lemmon

      8:00 a.m.       Teresa Niessner & Stanley Kielen

Thursday, April 7

      7:00 a.m.       Madeline Morgan

      8:00 a.m.       Helen Minchik

Friday, April 8

      7:00 a.m.       Int. of Clotilde C. Drechsler

      8:00 a.m.       Edward O’Connor

Saturday, April 9

      8:00 a.m.       Int. of Tiffany Magruder

      5:00 p.m.       Zeno Fisher

Sunday, April 10

      7:15 a.m.       Patricia Kane Hart

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

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

      3:15 p.m.       Int. of the Jones Family

      6:00 p.m.       Irene Perego

 

From the Pastor

    Once again I join with my brother priests and our pastoral staff to express appreciation to all who helped with the Holy Week and Easter Sunday Liturgies. Thanks to your participation and cooperation, we were able to offer fitting worship and praise to God.  I also want to thank you for your continued, faithful and generous support of our parish.  Thank you for the cards, Easter treats and thoughtful prayers. If you have not yet made your donation to the annual Lenten Appeal, please consider participating in this worthy charity.

    Congratulations to the 171 young members of our parish who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation this weekend. Bishop Malooly, the Western Vicar and Vicar General of the Archdiocese will be with us on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon to celebrate the sacraments. I am particularly grateful to the parents, sponsors and teachers and to our parish Religious Education Ministry for all their work and cooperation.

 

                May God bless you, 

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, April 3

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

 

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY …  April 3

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the church the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction will be celebrated.

 

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.

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.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church: Gage Joseph Duncan, son of Scott & Kelly Duncan.

 

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are in loving memory of Walter J. Hackett, Sr. donated by Walter Hackett Jr. 

 

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: Ismail & Frances Cruz, Eileen Feeney, Donald Ilioff (2), Leander Herber, Maria Warnemueade, Carol A. Head, Michael Moller, Spencer Gorsuch (2), Harry C. Walls, Jr., Robert H. Mercer, III, Int. of the Mercer Family, Int. of Jason & Heidi Traband, and the Int. of Nicholas Metzger.

 

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings

Immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET … Thursday afternoons

At 3:00 p.m. in the church before the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … April 3 – 10

Mon.:   Is 7:10-14;8:10;   Ps 40:7-11;   Heb 10:4-10;   Lk 1:26-38

Tues.:  Acts 4:32-37;   Ps 93:1-2,5;   Jn 3:7-15

Wed.:  Acts 5:17-26;    Ps 34:2-9;   Jn 3:16-21

Thurs.: Acts 5:27-33;   Ps 34:2,9,17-20;   Jn 3:31-36

Fri.:      Acts 5:34-42;   Ps 27:1,4,13-14;   Jn 6:1-15

Sat.:      Acts 6:1-7;   Ps 33:1-2,4-5,18-19;   Jn 6:16-21

Sun.:     Acts 2:14,22-33;  Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11;  1 Pt 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 27, 2005:

Envelopes:       $57,988.37                               Attendance:  9563

Loose:                 15,261.23                               Poor Box:   $3,202.24

TOTAL:         $73,249.60

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $27,732.37. Thank you.

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,256,687          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             6,187,058          Pledged to date:         7,256,687.

Balance:               $  1,069,629 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       250,133

 

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 on Good Friday for the Shrines in the Holy Land. Total collected was $4,707.61.

THE CARDINALS LENTEN APPEAL: It’s still NOT TOO LATE to give to the Lenten Appeal! We need $41,051 to reach our goal of $99,500! Please give – If you did not have an opportunity to give yet, please do so now! So far only 11% of our parish families have participated – and we have made 59% of our goal – we can reach our goal this year if you join us! Brochures with envelopes are at the back of the church for your convenience.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

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.

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wednesday, April 6

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. We look forward to seeing all members. 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.

 

School News

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

HOME STUDY CLASSES … Wednesday, April 6

From 6:46 – 8:00 p.m. in the school building.

 

IMPORTANT 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.

 

 

LIFE TEEN SOCIAL … Sunday, April 3

After the 6:00 p.m. Mass in the cafeteria. All teens are invited!

 

“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 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

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 info 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.

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, April 10

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

 

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.

 

ST. JOHN FUNERAL LUNCHEONS … Saturday, April 23

At 10:00 a.m. in the parish center, this will be an organizational meeting to begin a bereavement ministry in our parish whereby we will organize luncheons for families after the funeral of a loved one. This is a wonderful opportunity to extend our love and care to those in our parish family who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information, please call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542.

 

ARCHDIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE … Saturday April 30

Join our parish for a special day of pilgrimage with Cardinal Keeler and Catholics from parishes all over the Archdiocese of Baltimore as we celebrate the Year of the Eucharist. Our pilgrimage will take us to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. This day of prayer includes Mass with Cardinal Keeler, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, tours of the Shrine, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and time for personal prayer. The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is Mary: Icon of the Eucharist. Bus transportation, will be provided by the parish but you must be registered! 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 as 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. 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.

 

LADIES SODALITY PILGRIMAGE … Saturday, June 11

To the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, in Doylestown, PA. A charter coach will leave St. John at 7:00 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m. There will be a cost to cover the bus. Meals are not included. Pilgrims may bring or buy lunch at the Shrine. Please contact, Deana at 410-876-1007 for more information.

 

DEFENDING the FAITH CONFERENCE … July 29-31

At Franciscan University at Steubenville, hosted by the Sunday Evening Men’s Group. Speakers include: Dr. Scott Hahn and Mrs. Kimberly Hahn, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Michael Scanlan, and Archbishop Sean O’Malley of Boston. For registration information, contact Paul Forst at docforst@aol.com or John Bryan at scout381@aol.com or 410-876-0586.

 

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.

 

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.

 

THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. If your son is between the ages of 11 and 18 and wants to experience the fun of Scouting year round and grow physically and spiritually, contact Hank Reinhart, Scoutmaster of Troop 420 at 410-876-2937. Troop 420 has been serving and supporting the youth of St John’s and Carroll County for 38 years. If you are already a Scout and want to begin work on the Ad Altare Dei Religious Medal for Catholic Scouts, please contact Jack Lusby at 410-876-3633. A new group will be forming shortly.

 

ARE YOU A CURSILLISTA? The Cursillo Movement is alive in our parish and Father Leo is Spiritual Director for the Baltimore area. For more info, call Doris Graybeal at 410-848-2891.

 

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.

 

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.