Mass Intentions

 Monday, May 16

      7:00 a.m.       Constance Harding

      8:00 a.m.       Mother’s Day Intentions

Tuesday, May 17

      7:00 a.m.       Madaline & Peyton Carr

      8:00 a.m.       Curt Heyeck

Wednesday, May 18

      7:00 a.m.       Kathleen Hounshell

      8:00 a.m.       Mary and Gus Rice

Thursday, May 19

      7:00 a.m.       Mary Corine Murphy

      8:00 a.m.       Frieda Fox

Friday, May 20

      7:00 a.m.       Kathleen Houndshell

      9:30 a.m.       Katie O’Brien

Saturday, May 21

      8:00 a.m.       Sydney & Elizabeth Renehan

      5:00 p.m.       Martha Kircher

Sunday, May 22

      7:15 a.m.       James Browning

      9:15 a.m.       David Michael Schell, Jr.

    11:15 a.m.       John J. Harris

      3:15 p.m.       Parishioners of St. John Parish

      6:00 p.m.       Agnelo DelaTezza

 

From the Pastor

    I am deeply grateful to my brother priests, the celebration committee and to all who made my 30^th anniversary a memorable experience. Your faithful prayers, generous gifts and thoughtful and creative cards are sincerely appreciated. Although I was surprised by the party, your support and respect for the priesthood is consistent with the spirit and fidelity of St. John’s parish. Thank you very much.

    The Solemnity of Pentecost brings the Easter season to completion. Pentecost commemorates the birth of the Church and our mission to, baptize, teach and make disciples through the earth. Empowered by the grace of the Holy Spirit, may our parish continue to respond to God’s grace and love.

 

                May God bless you, 

 

 

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.

 

NATIVITY…Tribute to Sr. Bern for her 25 yrs. of dedicated service to our parish and the Health Care Ministry, a new Nativity Set will be purchased. It is of hand-carved wood, created by the same Peruvian artisans who created the Crucifixion scene above the sanctuary. Pictures can be viewed in the narthex of the church. Envelopes will be available for any contribution toward this tribute. If you wish information about purchase of a particular figure, please contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596. Thank you.

SUMMARY OF LAST WEEK’S TEACHING OPPORTUNITY:  Prepare to receive Communion by: arriving before the start of Mass; being properly dressed; having confessed grave or mortal sins prior to receiving Communion. Respect the Eucharist by: Consuming whole Host immediately; making sure hands are washed clean if you choose to receive in your hands; not leaving early – it is a sign that you are “rushing prayers” and distracting the parish family members who realize Mass is not yet over. If you are holding a child of using a cane, we suggest receiving Communion in your hands; Respect the sacred nature of Mass by: practicing the 1 hour fast; not bringing in solid foods into church (exception is bottled liquids for infants).

 

THIS WEEK WE CONCENTRATE ON TEACHINGS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD. Holy Communion is fully received whether you receive only the Host (the norm) or can only receive Communion by the Precious Blood (due to allergies to wheat). After the parish wide discussion a few months ago concerning “Communion under both Forms,” the parish priests have decided to continue offering the Body and Blood as a sign of the “fullness” of the command, “eat and drink, this is my Body and my Blood.”  In a parish of this size, in order to prevent accidental spillage and to provide proper education of this great “Gift” (not a “right” – as Churches are not “required” to distribute Communion under Both Forms), the priests have instituted some practical liturgical adjustments and will closely monitor the way the Precious Blood is being distributed.  During Communion, parishioners can help the Priests and the duly appointed Extra Ordinary Ministers of Communion by (1) Not Intincting – that is, not “dunking” the Host in the Precious Blood. If you want to receive the Precious Blood, you must drink out of the chalice. Intinction is never permitted, except by the priest alone, because of the possibility of dripping the Precious Blood.  (2) Please make sure young children and those who may have shaky hands are secure and able to take the chalice without spilling the Precious Blood (3) Refer to Communion, no longer as “bread” and “wine” but instead as “Host” and “Precious Blood.”  (4) If you are one of the last people in the Communion line for the Precious Blood, you may be asked to consume either a large portion or consume the rest of the chalice’s contents.  Extra Ordinary Ministers of Communion have been instructed to ask this of parishioners last in line in order to more safely and efficiently transport and purify the used chalices, especially since the Precious Blood, unlike the Consecrated Hosts, cannot be stored in reservation in the Tabernacle. (5) Finally, we ask all parishioners to stay until the Final Blessing. People who rush out of Church, especially during Communion time, become a distraction for those who Distribute Communion and those who are receiving Communion. When at the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed, “Let this Cup pass me by, but not as my will, but Thy will be done,” He assures us that we should never “pass by” the Cup of Precious Blood without recognizing that He is Present in the Eucharist – His Body and His Blood.

 

We Pray …

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Agnes Bitonti, Murray Hamilton, Evelyn Beck, Derik Sipes, Deacon Harry Carpenter, Timothy Hoese, Fr. Jeff Carlsen, Bonnie Shifflet, Pam Boyd, and for their families and friends.

 

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND for Marie Neville, donated by her loving sister Margaret Harding. 

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Abigail Maria Beltz, daughter of James & Colleen Beltz; William Christopher Breeden, son of William & Christel Breeden; Chelce Andrea Cabote, daughter of Chester & Cecilia Cabote; Trent Joseph Lomax, son of Paul & Anita Lomax; Joshua Dale Metz, son of Dale & Deborah Metz; Austin Brooks Weinstein, son of Scott & Candice Weinstein; and Christopher John Reed, son of Charles & Lisa Reed.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET is prayed in the church before the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m.

 

AS WE HONOR OUR BLESSED MOTHER with our prayers during her month of May, let us also honor her by appropriate and modest dress, especially when receiving her Divine Son in the Eucharist. Let us not offend our King and His Queen Mother.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … May 16-22

Mon.:   Sir 1:1-10;   Ps 93:1-2,5;   Mk 9:14-29

Tues.:  Sir 2:1-11;   Ps 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40;   Mk 9:30-37

Wed.:  Sir 4:11-19;  Ps 119:165,168,171-172,174-175;  Mk 9:38-40

Thurs.: Sir 5:1-8;   Ps 1:1-4,6;   Mk 9:41-50

Fri.:      Sir 6:5-17;   Ps 119:12,16,18,27,34-35;   Mk 10:1-12

Sat.:      Sir 17:1-15;   Ps 103:13-18;   Mk 10:13-16

Sun.:     Ex 34:4-6,8-9;   2 Cor 13:11-13;  Jn 3:16-18

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of May 8, 2005:

Envelopes:       $24,784.48                               Attendance:  3791

Loose:                   5,186.64                               Poor Box:   $1,300.78

TOTAL:         $29,971.12

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $27,924.49. 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.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

BLESSING CLOSET – Reminder: St. Vincent de Paul is asking for your help to assist us in supporting the Shepherd’s Staff Blessing Closet. Each weekend during the month of May please bring in the following items and put them in the baskets near the doors of the church: most needed – Laundry detergent, disposable diapers, bath tissue, shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. They also need paper towels, napkins, tissues, all – purpose cleaners, trash bags, feminine supplies, baby care items, light bulbs, and liquid food supplements. These items will be delivered to Shepherd’s Staff to be distributed to needy families in the Westminster area.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL RETREAT … Saturday, May 21

Beginning with the 8:00 a.m. Mass and continuing in the Portico. All current members and prospective members are invited. If you would like to attend, please contact Larry McBee at 410-875-0883 for details.

 

THE DEER PARK LIONS CLUB, will collect used eyeglasses for recycling in developing countries. The eyeglasses will be distributed to those in need by Lion volunteers and other organizations hosting optical missions in developing countries.  Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church on the fourth Sunday of each month. 

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES PROGRAM: Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscov’s, and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved but the school makes 5% from all sales. They are available through the school office and before school.

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

LAST DAY for RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES: Tuesday, May 17^th and Thursday, May 19^th.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL … June 20-24

Registration forms are at the doors of the Church. We still need two teachers and one craft person to help. Please call the Religious Ed. Office if you can help!

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the young people who made their First Holy Communion last weekend. We pray that they will continue to be close to Jesus in the Eucharist.

 

 

ANNUAL SIX FLAGS TRIP … Tuesday, June 28

For Teens and their families. Register early by June 1^st and the tickets for the park and bus are only $20, after that they are $23.

 

PARISH CARNIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Youth Ministry/Religious Ed. is responsible for a booth carnival week and need volunteers. There are two shifts, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. and 8 – 10:30 p.m.  A part of the proceeds from the carnival will go to youth ministry. So please consider taking a shift. Contact Scott to sign-up at slink@sjwest.org.

 

 

 

 

SIX FLAGS TRIP  … Tuesday, June 28

Kick-off the summer with an awesome trip to Six Flags! See info under Life Teen. Edge members must have a chaperone. 

 

 

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

PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS … May 14/15 & 21/22

All registered parishioners sixteen years of age and older are encouraged to vote in the Pastoral Council Elections. We ask you to prayerfully consider the following candidates: Frank Tontala, Demian Seeley, Hank Wheeler, Rosalie Gardner, John Michaels, Bobbie Sandusky, Bob Repsher, Mike Fisher, Mary Mussari, Chris Gallagher, Florence Polinsky, and Frances Kane. More detailed information regarding the candidates is posted in each of the entry areas of the church. The ballots will be located in the pews during all Masses the weekends of May 14/15 and May 21/22. Completed ballots must be placed in the ballot boxes at the entry areas of the church by the conclusion of the 6 p.m. Mass on Sunday, May 22.

 

PRO-LIFE INFO & PLANNING MEETING … Tues., May 17

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. If you would like to learn about Pro-Life at St. John and share your ideas about activities, and see what is planned throughout the year, attend this meeting or call Joanne Bohli for more information. Pope John Paul II called us all to defend life!

 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Day at the Track … Sun., May 21

See the 130^th running of the Preakness at Pimlico. Ushers are needed for the Grandstand area. Anyone over the age of 18 is invited. Transportation, lunch, and a golf shirt will be provided. A $50 donation to the Building Fund will be given to parishioners attending. For information, call Rich at 410-751-5258.

 

WISDOM CLUB MONTHLY MEETING … Thurs., May 26

Good News! The Wisdom Club of St. John will be meeting again on campus at the new hall…The Portico at St. John. This will be the first meeting at home since September 2000. Let’s have a “Big” turnout! Mass will be celebrated by Msgr. Art at 12 Noon in the Church followed by lunch and our meeting in the Portico. Our speaker is Becky Herman speaking on Health issues for seniors. Please remember to bring your brown-bag lunch, dessert and beverage will be provided. New members always welcome!

 

ST. JOHN CARNIVAL 2005 … May 30 – June 4

Monday Matinee 12-5 p.m.; Evenings Mon-Thurs, 6-10, Friday, 6-11, Sat., 7 – 11. Parishioner fellowship and participation is a plus! Thank you to all who are helping! Community service hours are awarded to middle and high school students in the Kid’s Korral. Call Mary Clare Hoerl at 410-526-3804. Raffle tickets, ride tickets and coupons are available through the School, Religious Ed & Youth Ministry. Contact Jenny Scott to volunteer at 410-239-6179. Check the parish web site for more information.

 

FILIAE MARIAE SUMMER APOLOGETICS SERIES … Beginning Mon., June 6

At 7 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room. Join other women of our parish along with Fr. Leo for refreshments, fellowship and the 1^st Summer Apologetics series, topic Life Issues: Fr. Leo will discuss the sacredness of life, covering such issues of Social Justice and reproduction to medical research and the issues pertaining to the end of life. To register, contact Theresa Greene at 410-876-9578 or treegreene@msn.com.

 

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 $25 cost to cover the bus and gratuity. Meals are not included. Pilgrims may bring or buy lunch at the Shrine. Contact, Deana at 410-876-1007 for info.

 

GIRL’S BASKETBALL CLINIC … July 12,13,14 & 19,20,21

From 7 – 9 p.m. in the school gym: Coach Becky Martin will hold her annual clinic for girls in grades 5-9. This clinic is designed to help girls improve their basketball skills as individuals and team players through individual instruction, drills, and team play. Registration forms are available in the parish office. For additional info call Becky Martin at 410-857-2577.

 

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.

 

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING for new or current servers: If you are in the 4^th grade or older and wish to become an altar server, please attend the following training sessions:

 

Session 1: Mon., May 23 & Tues., May 24, from 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Session 2: Wed., May 25 & Thurs., May 26, from 4 –5:30 p.m.

Session 3: make-up session; Sat., June 4, from 9 – 11 a.m.

 

All new servers are required to attend 2 days of the training session. If you are already an altar server and wish to continue, you must attend ONE day of the training days. New and current servers are asked to pick up an information/sign-up/renewal form at the parish center and return by Sunday, June 5. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Leo Patalinghug in the parish office.

 

BAKER/YINGLING SCHOLARSHIPS are being accepting until June 7^th 2005 for any boy or girl who has participated in a St. John basketball program for 2 years or more and is entering high school or college this fall. Forms must be returned by June 7, 2005. For more information, call 410-876-1657 or 410-935-4964.

 

NEW CHURCH CAT’S MEOW on sale now in the parish center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on the first Sunday of June after Masses. Also available are the Main St. Church and the old Church.

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR DONATIONS will not be accepted until September 1^st due to construction in the basement. Please watch the bulletin this fall for donation information.

 

PRE-CANA: Couples needing to complete marriage preparation may attend the June Pre-Cana sessions at St. John. For more info or registration, contact Rosalie Seeley at 410-848-2884.

SPRING CLEANING? Check your closets, attics, basements, and drawers for religious articles. Bibles, Rosaries, Medals, Prayer cards, and statues are needed for the Christmas Bazaar. For information, call Nina at 410-635-6422.

 

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.

 

TOPS HALF PRICE MEMBERSHIP: TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) is offering ½ off the annual membership when a husband and wife join together. The first partner is $20 the second is only $10. Weekly dues are just $1. Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. in the school. There is still time to lose weight before summer.

 

In our Community

WESTMINSTER RESCUE MISSION “MAY DAYS”…

Friday and Saturday, May 20 & 21

From 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., 658 Lucabaugh Mill Road. Help raise money for those less fortunate! There is something for everyone…Household items, clothes, baskets, flowers, toys, and food. Rain or Shine!

 

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.