Parish Bulletin

I am getting more familiar with things here at St. John all the time. Everyone seems to be devoted to serving our Lord in many ways. I am amazed at the spirit of prayer that exists at St. John. There are prayers going up to God from Westminster at all times.

I have enjoyed the many opportunities to participate in various activities since I arrived here just a few weeks ago. I have had the privilege of eating pancakes made by the Knights of Columbus, visiting and saying Mass at Carroll Lutheran Village, visiting the school and doing some of the school work and even taking quizzes with the kids, visiting and praying with people at the hospital, saying Daily Mass here, and even doing some desk work. The Lord has blessed me by allowing me to be with you all. I look forward to seeing what the coming weeks and months bring.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE! The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least two for each hour: Sundays – 4, 6, 7 & 8 a.m.; and 12,1,3,4,5 & 8 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3, 6 & 8 a.m.; and 2, 4 & 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2 & 7 a.m.; and 2 p.m.; Thursdays – 12, 1 & 2a.m.; and 12, 4 & 11 p.m.; Fridays – 2, 3, 5 & 9 a.m.; and 2, 6 & 9 p.m.; Saturdays – 12, 2, 3 & 10 a.m.; and 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 p.m. Please call the parish office.

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.

First Friday Devotion … A traditional day to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to ask His mercy especially through the sacrament of confession. The devotion began with a private revelation from Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during the 1600s.

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in this devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

Join with the Ladies Sodality to pray the Rosary on the 2^nd Sunday of each month after the 9:15 a.m. Mass, at the statue of the Blessed Mother in the church. Everyone is welcome.

Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.

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

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Ella Tierney Franklin, daughter of Amanda and Adam Franklin; Ryan Michael Jordan, son of Melissa and Mark Jordan; and Ashley Nicole-Marie Athey, daughter of Angela and Matthew Athey.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE Helen Zeminski, Donnie Langdon, Laura Steins Kreiner; and Mary Styer and for their families and friends.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $28,231.80. Thank you.

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 GENEROUS DONATIONS to the annual collection for the Special Care for Archdiocesan Priests. The total collected was $10,270.58.

THANKS to all parishioners who attended the Lenten Appeal Reception with Bishop Malooly last Tuesday evening. It was an enjoyable and informative meeting for all of us!

School Calendar

Jan. 28 Catholic Schools Week Liturgy – 5:00 p.m. - Church

Jan. 31 Catholic Schools Week – Open House

Jan. 31 Parents Meeting for 1^st Eucharist – 6:30 p.m. – Portico

Feb. 2 8^th Grade Field trip 8:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Feb. 2 Exec.Comm. School Board – 7:30 p.m.-Teacher’s Lnge.

Feb. 3 First Friday Mass at 9:30 a.m. (all school)

Feb. 4 Mass of Recognition –1^st Eucharist – 5:00 p.m.

INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales. Shop at www.innisbrook.com. Our school ID is # 122169.

school by 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. Cards are available in the school office.

PARENTS of students preparing for their First Holy Communion are reminded of the meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31st or Thursday, Feb. 2^nd. Both meetings are 6:45 p.m. in The Portico. You may attend whichever meeting is more convenient for you.

Steubenville 2006: Unchanging - This year Life Teen and all the teens in the parish are invited back to Franciscan University of Steubenville for the annual summer youth conference. We have made our initial deposit and still have spots left. The dates for the conference are July 7-9. A $60 deposit will reserve your spot. Sign up with Marty Link in the Religious Ed. Office.

Steubenville 2006 Sponsors Needed: We are looking for parishioners to sponsor a teen for our annual Steubenville retreat. If you can be a full or partial sponsor, please make your check payable to St. John and call or email Marty at mlink@sjwest.org.

We meet every 2^ndSunday and 4^th Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This ministry is open to all 7^th & 8^th graders.

Special Thanks to all those who have answered their call to service. THE EDGE appreciates all y ou do for us!

CLARIFICATION!!! Parents are invited to the Teacher’s Lounge to hear Joan McInerney speak about how to recognize teen depression and how you can help teens that are suffering. The regular EDGE night will be held in the cafeteria from 7:30-9 p.m. We will enjoy food, friends, games and raffles!! Bring your friends for a great time.

Fri., Feb. 24 - THE EDGE goes Snow Tubing!!!

LOOK FOR REGISTRATION PACKETS THIS WEEK!!!

100% fun with zero effort! Zoom down the perfectly carved lane and relax on the moving carpet as it brings you back to the top. Fun for everyone! Bring your friends. Registration packets and money are due by February 17^th.

We meet in the Cafeteria from 7-8:30 p.m. every 1^st and 3^rd Friday. Bring your friends and join the fun! Contact Kate for details.

Friday, Feb. 3 – Games and God: Does it get much better than that? Join us for food, fun, and bring your friends for a great evening!

Fri., Feb. 17 – This week we will celebrate February birthdays and have a blast. You never know what we have in store for you…until you join us, of course!

Parent volunteers are needed to help with Youth Alive. The young people of our parish are having lots of fun at Youth Alive and our numbers are growing, but we need a few more adults to help us each week. If you are interested in helping our young people, call Kate in the Religious Ed Office.

MINISTRY for the DEAF: We are in the process of forming a ministry to serve the needs of the deaf in our community. If you know of anyone who could use these services to actively participate in Mass or other events here at St. John, please contact Fr. Leo at the parish center. We also encourage anyone who has interpreting skills and could help with this ministry to also contact Fr. Leo at 410-848- 4744 x 241.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY is seeking adults and older teen volunteers to help one Sunday a month with this ministry for the children. For details call Nancy Merrill at 410-876-2173.

Support the teens of St. John and their trip to the Steubenville Youth Conference by purchasing your subs for Super Bowl Sunday after Masses this weekend. All subs can then be picked up from Church after Masses on Feb. 4 and 5^th. All subs are made fresh at a local Subway. Call Marty Link in Religious Ed. if you have any questions.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS - SUPER SALE . . . Jan. 28 & 29

Come celebrate Catholic Schools Week at The Portico Books + Gifts Store! Special Discounts for students and teachers. Come early, free gifts for first 15 customers. Sale dates Jan. 28 and 29.

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Mt. 21-22. The St. John Pro-Life Committee will be sponsoring a parish-wide Spiritual Adoption Program. This is a nine-month, pro-life initiative developed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore for the purposes of praying for the unborn, providing education about prenatal development and helping mothers in need. Parishioners will be asked to pray daily for one unborn child. At the end of nine months, a birthday party or baby shower will be given in honor of all the babies. Parishioners will be invited to bring in gifts, which will be donated to the local pregnancy center. For details about this program go to: http://archbalt.org/respect-life/spiritual-adoption/

Join the Knights of Columbus at The Portico for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Adults - $5.00, Children - $3. The Knights appreciate your support. All proceeds are used for the benefit of St. John Parish.

Fr. Joe, a well known author and radio personality, will give a talk on “Relationships” at The Portico. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, and are available at Portico Book + Gifts, parish center or call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 ext. 227.

Sodality meets for the 9:15 am. Mass (2^nd Sunday of each month), 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.

There will be a meeting of the St. John School Board at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.

We will offer two Pre-Cana sessions this year. Session 1 will be held February 25, March 3 & 4. Session 2 will be June 3, 9 & 10. Couples who wish to register, should contact Rosalie Seeley via email at: rosalie.seeley@verizon.net

Save the date! 4^thannual event at Westminister High School. Don’t miss this free, fun filled evening! More details later.

Mark your calendars and join us at 7:00 p.m. in The Portico. Proceeds to date have totaled over $32,000 and benefit the Church Building Fund. Prizes will include filled current and retired Longaberger baskets. You can help by sponsoring a door prize or basket to help decrease our expenses and increase profits. Call Anna at 410-876-2652 or the parish office.

The next meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will take place on Wednesday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. We hope to see all of our members in attendance. If any parishioners would like to learn more about the work our organization does, please join us at this meeting. You may also call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473. We’d love to see you there!

FAITH IN ACTION: Carroll County Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Assist homebound residents in our community by providing volunteer services such as: Daily Telephone/E-mail Reassurance-Friendly Visits –Household Care – Transportation–Link Services. A neighbor’s independence depends on you. A one hour training session will be held on February 4. For details, contact Mike Rodgers at 410-857-5891.

Are you feeling helpless because you think your marriage is heading downhill? Retrouvaille is a proven and effective Catholic program that helps couples rebuild their trust and renew their communication. All calls and inquires are confidential. For details call 410-647-0350 or visit the website at www.retrouvaille.org.

This retreat will be held at Holy Trinity Spiritual Center, 8400 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore and conducted by Fr. Timothy Kulbicki, OFM.Conv., Spiritual Director, Vice Rector and Dir. of Continuing Formation at St. Mary’s Seminary. It is a great opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal. For further details call 410-335-2897.

This is the first of six retreats for Married Couples. Fr. Akers, S.J. will be the Retreat Master. Other weekend retreats are: March 3, March 10, March 24, April 7 and May 5. For details call Elaine at 410-252-5355.

Mount Aloysius College is holding 2 open house events this Spring: Mon., February 20^th and Sat., April 8^th. Activities begin at 10 a.m. on both days. Students will have the opportunity to learn about academic programs, financial aid, the admissions process and extra-curricular activities. Tours of the campus will be given and lunch will be provided to all of guests. Students can register or get details by contacting the Admissions Office at 1-888-823-2220 or go to www.mtaloy.edu.

The Carmelite Sisters of Baltimore will be hosting a “Come & See Weekend” for women ages 18 to 25 at 1318 Dulaney Valley Road, Baltimore. The weekend will offer an opportunity for praying with the community, silent prayer and personal reflection, interaction with the nuns and other participants, presentations on prayer, Carmelite life and history and a tour of archives, monastery and grounds. For more details call Sr. Judy Murray, at 410-823-7415 or visit the website at www.baltimorecarmel.org.

The Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Maryland will hold its 9^th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference at Archbishop Curley High School from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Speakers include: Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Fr. Gerard Francik and Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. There will be an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Holy Mass will be presided over by Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski at 4:00 p.m. The $30 admission includes a continental breakfast and lunch. To register call Gil Hoffman at 410-252-5737 or Tom Weigand at 410-836-9638.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: The Polish Heritage Association of Maryland Inc. announces it will award six (6) grants of various amounts to full time students for the academic year 2006-07 at any accredited college or university in the United States. To be eligible for a grant the applicant must be of Polish descent (i.e., have at least two Polish grandparents, any generation), must be a resident of the State of Maryland and attending an accredited high school as a senior or college or university in the U.S. and pursuing studies leading to a baccalaureate degree. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 31, 2006. For more details contact: Thomas Hollowak at 410-837-4268 or via email at thollowak@ubalt.edu.

All married couples are invited to join Bishop Francis Malooly for the special World Marriage Day Mass and Reception at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, February 12, 2006 at 3:00 P.M. Mass will be interpreted for the hearing-impaired. Couples wishing to receive special recognition from the Archdiocese for 25 and 50 years of marriage should contact: Charlie & Joanne Haitmanek, 3 Harlow Ct., Cockeysville, MD 21030 at (410) 683-0288.

A Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held in Baltimore. This confidential retreat is for anyone hurting emotionally after abortion. For more information, call Denise or Kathie at 410-354-6900 or 1-800-286-4224, email: Projectrachel@archbalt.org or visit the website at www.rachelsvineyar.org.

St. Ambrose Parish is preparing to celebrate 100 years of service in the Lord's Vineyard (2007). In preparation for the celebration the parish is seeking all former parishioners and graduates. We would like to welcome everyone back for a homecoming but need to know where you are. If you or a relative or friend have called St. Ambrose your spiritual home in the past contact us soon by calling Barbara at St. Ambrose (410-367-9918) to leave your name, address and phone number. The opening celebration of our 100th Anniversary is set for July-2006 and will close on the actual anniversary in July of 2007. We look forward to hearing from you.

BULLETIN DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting notices is 12:00 noon on each Monday for the weekend prior to distribution. Please send articles via email to bulletin@sjwest.org or you may fax articles to 410-857-1519.

SUNDAY NURSERY for 1-5 year olds will be held in Classroom 2A of the school during the 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. For information, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

HOLY COMMUNION will be brought to you during Mass, if you are unable to come to the altar. Please inform an usher.

LARGE PRINT MISSALETTES are available at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass to pick up a copy.

TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ILL REMEMBERED during the Prayer of the Faithful at Masses, please call the parish office.

ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIAL: Our parish invites memorial donations for altar flowers. You may wish to memorialize a deceased loved one, commemorate an anniversary, etc. Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Call the parish office to schedule.

THE ROSARY PRAYED at a FUNERAL HOME for a deceased loved one is a service offered to parishioners of St. John by the Ladies Sodality. Contact the parish office to make request.

Monday, January 30

Thursday, February 2

Friday, February 3

From the Pastor

Fri., Feb. 24 - THE EDGE goes Snow Tubing!!!

LOOK FOR REGISTRATION PACKETS THIS WEEK!!!

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS - SUPER SALE . . . Jan. 28 & 29