Mass Intentions

 Monday, April 11

      7:00 a.m.       Int. of Hilda Bowanko

      8:00 a.m.       Arthur R. Cuscuna

Tuesday, April 12

      7:00 a.m.       Diane Goff

      8:00 a.m.       Julie Duley

Wednesday, April 13

      7:00 a.m.       Charles Long

      8:00 a.m.       Robert Russo

Thursday, April 14

      7:00 a.m.       Patricia Ryan

      8:00 a.m.       Mary McLaren

Friday, April 15

      7:00 a.m.       Catherine Oram

      8:00 a.m.       Katie O’Brien           

Saturday, April 16

      8:00 a.m.       W. Walker Drechsler

      5:00 p.m.       Int. of Tony Armetta

Sunday, April 17

      7:15 a.m.       Justin Ditzel

      9:15 a.m.       Int. of the Nelson family

    11:15 a.m.       John Crug

      3:15 p.m.       Anton Rieser

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

 

 

 

From the Pastor

   I join with my brother priests, our pastoral staff and our parish in prayerful thanksgiving for the gift of Pope John Paul II: his life, witness and leadership have blessed our Church and our world. Grant him eternal rest O Lord.  And let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

 

 

                May God bless you, 

Rev. Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano, Pastor

Rev. Brian P. Nolan, Associate

Rev. Leo E. Patalinghug, Associate

Rev. Gerard Steffener, Weekend Assistant

Parish Office............................................................ 410-848-4744     

Religious Education Office.................................... 410-848-8443

School Office........................................................... 410-848-7455

St. Vincent de Paul Society................................... 410-848-8693

    Weekend Masses:           Saturday: 5:00 p.m.

                                     Sunday: 7:15, 9:15, 11:15 a.m.,

                                     3:15 p.m. (Spanish) and 6:00 p.m.

    Weekday Masses:           Mon. – Thurs.: 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.

                                     Friday: 7:00 and 9:30 a.m.

                                     Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

    Reconciliation:       Saturday: 4:15 – 4:45 p.m.,

                                     Sunday: ½ hour before each Mass.

Liturgy & Worship

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: Monica Anne Morris, daughter of Timothy & Mary Morris; Hallie Virginia Nave, daughter of Bryan & Elizabeth Nave; Anna Carmen Purpora, daughter of Romina Purpora; and Hannah Leigh Clark, daughter of Timothy & Heather Clark.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Baby Downs, Raymond Bonin, Jack Harris, Ted MacLean, and for their family and friends.

 

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are in loving memory of Mary Murray, donated by her loving husband.  

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET … Thursday afternoons

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

 

ADDITIONAL EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Judy Ferencz, Marie Kline, Katie O’Brien, Pauline Eccleston, Edeltraut Yastrzemsky, Warren Herrman, James Willet, Katea Greb, John E. Paul, Krueger Family, Paul Family, Hughes Family, Crochoska Family, Regina Martz, John Martz, Marge Tenly, Robert Ward, Mrs. Robert Ward, Harold Bender, Ray Lewis, Danny Hobrox, Michele Wilson, Vincent J. Fiore, Mr & Mrs. Joe DeRosa, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Hagarty, Bishop Leonard Hagarty, OSB, Mr & Mrs. Tom Geraci, Mrs. Florence Hagarty, Mr & Mrs. Maurice Hagarty, Mr. & Mrs. Keith Murphy, Mr. & Mrs. Merrill Murphy, Maureen Brothers, John J. Schissler, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Albert Long, Mr. & Mrs. John Schissler, Sr., Walter Idzik, William Seeley, S. Lease Warner, Margaret E. Warner, Rober E. Warner, Malcalm V. Mathias, George Stansbury Family, Jessie & Eva Knadler, Joseph & Doris Pohlhaus, and Walter & Margaret Brilhart.

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … April 11-17

Mon.:   Acts 6:8-15;   Ps 119:23-24,26-27,29-30;   Jn 6:22-29

Tues.:  Acts 7:51-8:1;   Ps 31:3-4,6-7,8,17,21;   Jn 6:30-35

Wed.:  Acts 8:1-8;    Ps 66:1-7;   Jn 6:35-40

Thurs.: Acts 8:26-40;   Ps 66:8-9,16-17,20;   Jn 6:44-51

Fri.:      Acts 9:1-20;   Ps 117:1-2;   Jn 6:52-59

Sat.:      Acts 9:31-42;   Ps 116:12-17;   Jn 6:60-69

Sun.:     Acts 2:14,36-41;   Ps 23:1-6;   1 Pt 2:20-25;   Jn 10:1-10

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of April 3, 2005:

Envelopes:       $20,538.66                               Attendance:  3270

Loose:                   5,099.14                               Poor Box:   $1,565.71

TOTAL:         $25,637.80

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $27,680.00. 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.

 

THE CARDINALS LENTEN APPEAL: Thank you to everyone who has pledged or donated to the Cardinal's Lenten Appeal so far this year! We have collected $68, 781 to date, and so we are 69% of the way toward our parish goal - and that is with just 13% of our parishioners participating! We will attain our goal of $99,500 if we can reach a 19% giving rate - so if you haven't pledged or donated to the Lenten Appeal so far, there are STILL envelopes at the back of the church. Then 2005 would be the year we reached our goal! Please prayerfully consider a gift to those in need this year!

 

THE CATHOLIC WAR VETS will be conducting the annual “Cross of Peach” campaign after all Masses next weekend, April 16 & 17. The assistance they receive from our parish helps them aid veterans of wars and their families, to carry out their work in military and veterans’ hospitals, and to promote and carry on youth activities. This year they are also aiding in the education of two seminarians. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality while they are at our parish.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

 Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next Sunday, the third weekend of the month, we observe Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the white buckets by the door. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods, such as toilet tissue, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you so much for your continued help and generosity!

 

School News

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

HOLY COMMUNION PRACTICE REMINDER: Practice for the Saturday morning First Communion Mass at 10:00 a.m. will be on Monday, April 25^th at 6:30 in the church. Your child must attend this practice. 

 

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.

 

 

“EXPERIENCE” the GLORY Steubenville Conference 2005: The 2^nd payment of $80 is now due! 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.

 

 

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

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the cafeteria. Parents please drop and pick your children up on time! For information, contact Scott in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

activities in Our Parish

ANNUAL MASS ATTENDANCE … This weekend April 9-10

Each year the Archdiocese of Baltimore requests all parishes to take a count of persons attending Mass. The information helps the Archdiocese and parishes in planning and in ministry. We ask that each family to take a few moments to fill out one card for their family and place them in the collection basket. Thank you.

 

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, there will be an organizational meeting to begin a bereavement ministry group in our parish. Part of the group's activity is to offer luncheons for families after a funeral. This is a wonderful way 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.

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, April 23

Couples married in April 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.

 

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.

 

WISDOM CLUB PILGRIMAGE … Thursday, May 12

Join the Wisdom Club for its annual Pilgrimage to the Grotto in Emmitsburg, MD. Msgr. Art will celebrate Mass in the Grotto Chapel at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at the Cozy Restaurant. The cost is $17 per person and due at the April 28^th meeting. Transportation is on your own. For reservations and details, call Irene at 410-848-0489.

 

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 1:00 – 2:30 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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. St. John parishioners interested in carpooling to the conference please call the Religious Ed Office at 410-848-8443.

 

ATLANTIC CITY BUS TRIP … Saturday, April 30

Sponsored by Archbishop Fulton Sheen Council #7612 of the Knights of Columbus. Buses leave St. Joseph in Eldersburg at 7 a.m. and return at 9 p.m. The cost is $25 and pre-registration is required. For information, call Bob Koleszar at 410-795-1370.

 

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 is a program of counseling, compassion and healing for women and men who have been involved in an abortion. Completely confidential! Directed by priests. Call 1-800-286-4224 for a referral.