Mass Intentions
Tuesday, March 14
9:30 a.m. Bernard Grunder
Wednesday, March 15
9:30 a.m. Donald Bantner
7:00 a.m. Intention of Laura Stiens
9:30 a.m. Rae Taylor
7:00 a.m. William Gillick
9:30 a.m. Gordon H. Mallonee
Saturday, March 18
I am glad that St. John’s is having the fish fry on Fridays. Now let me just say that it is not the fish that I’m glad about. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to eat one of those things. They should stay in the water and mind their own business and I’ll stay on the ground and mind my own. I like the fish fry because I love to see all the families and people that come to spend some time together. Seeing life is great! The past 4-1/2 years at the O’Dwyer Youth Retreat House were devoid of things like this. Young people would come and go and I rarely saw anyone more than once. That is why I’m loving life here at St. John’s. I get to see so many of you each week. Events like the fish fry and the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfasts help build our community. These events help make our parish into a family. It is great to have a community that prays and spends social time together. Maybe I’ll even try the fish!
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
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.
ROSARY PRAYED. . . 2nd Sunday of each month
Join with the Ladies Sodality to pray the Rosary on the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 9:15 a.m. Mass, at the statue of the Blessed Mother in the church. Everyone is welcome.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA…Thursday Mornings
Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.
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.
STATIONS of the CROSS. . . Fridays of Lent
2:00 p.m. (children’s format) and 7:00 p.m. On First Fridays stations will follow the 7:00 p.m. Mass.
PARISH MISSION. . . March 27-29
The Franciscan Friars of the Primitive Order will lead our Mission each evening at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Reconciliation will be available Monday-Wednesday throughout the day and evening.
We Pray …
BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Marissa Breanne Herrera, daughter of Rebecca and Charles Herrera.
WE PRAY for the REPOSE of John Coburn, Anna Pellish, Joyce Ingram, Curt Schmid, and Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder and for their families and friends.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … March 13 - 19
Mon. Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79; Lk 6:36-38
Tues. Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 50; Mt 23:1-12
Wed. Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31; Mt 20:17-28
Thur. Jer 17:5-10: Ps 1; Lk 16:19-31
Fri. Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Ps 105; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
Sat. Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 89; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Sun. Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 5, 2006:
Envelopes: $ 27,962.16 Attendance: 3,911
Loose: $ 5,631.10 Poor Box: $2,844.65
TOTAL: $ 33,593.26
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $28,193.15. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 7,351,753 Goal: $ 10,590,693
Paid to Date: 6,507,013 Paid to date: 6,507,013
Balance: $ 844,740 Interest Earned: 549,780
Cash needed: $ 3,533,900
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 CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL: We ask that you prayerfully consider your gift to this year’s Lenten Appeal. So many people have been helped through the many ministries made possible through your generosity. People like Kathy Black, Principal of St. Michael’s in Frostburg, shared with us how much our support means to their impoverished students and parishioners. Please join with Cardinal Keeler, all the clergy and fellow parishioners in extending and expanding how we care for others-especially those most in need. Lent is a time of sacrifice, prayers and almsgiving, and your donation to the Lenten Appeal is a way to practice all three! Thank you.
School News
School Calendar
March 13-14 Vision & Hearing Testing
March 15 – Early dismissal at 12:14 p.m. (entire county)
PM Kindergarten attends school
March 16 – Daffodil Days - School Board Mtg. at 7:30 p.m.
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day & Stations of the Cross at 2:00 p.m.
March 18 – PTF Dinner & Auction at The Portico – 6:30 p.m.
GROCERY CERTIFICATES PROGRAM: Please support the
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.
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.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
FIRST COMMUNION ATTIRE: If any parent is in need of a dress, suit, blazer or pants for their child’s First Communion, please call the Religious Ed. Office. We have some clothing for both girls and boys.
PARENTS OF FIRST COMMUNICANTS should have received a letter providing them with information regarding First Communion pictures. If you did not receive this information, please call the Religious Ed Office.
REMINDER: 2nd Parent Eucharist meeting will be held on either Tuesday, March 21st at 6:45 p.m. OR Thursday, March 23rd at 6:45 p.m. in The Portico.
HELP NEEDED: Vacation Bible School is scheduled for the week of June 26-June 30. If you can help, please call the Religious Ed. Office. We need teachers, assistants, crafts, snacks, music and babysitting. We will also need help in decorating the school and help on the 30th to take the decorations down.
Adult faith formation
RCIA: The Monday Session of RCIA begins on March 13 with orientation. The group will meet weekly from 7-9 p.m. in the St. Therese Room at the Parish Center. Anyone interested in joining this session should contact Paul Gallagher in Religious Ed. Office.
Scripture Study. . . Tuesday, March 14
Dr. Robert Miller, well known Scripture Scholar from The Mount will be offering a presentation on the Triduum and Easter Sunday Readings on March 14th from 7-9 p.m. in the St. Therese Room. Using the book “The Triduum and Easter Sunday” by John Pilch, Dr. Miller will help participants gain a deeper understanding of the powerful and thought-provoking scripture passages used during these Holy Days. Everyone planning to attend is asked to purchase and bring a copy of the book, which is available at Portico Books + Gifts. Prepare yourself for Holy Week and Easter by attending.
Scott Hahn Returns to St. John. Mark your calendars for Dr. Scott Hahn’s return on Saturday, Sept. 23. More details to follow about topic and ticket price.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —
Steubenville 2006: Unchanging: March 15th is the deadline to sign up! Everyone must turn in their registration form by March 15th- We will be heading to Steubenville July 7-9 for this retreat and the total cost is $220. Registration forms are available in the back of the church.
THANKS TO EVERYONE for supporting our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. The turnout was tremendous! We sincerely apologize to those who experienced some of the food shortage problems. Again, thanks for your support!
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 & 8) —
We meet every 2nd Sunday and 4th Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This ministry is open to all 7th & 8th graders.
More information on the rescheduling of our speaker from our February 12th meeting is still to come.
Sun., March 12 – St. Patrick’s Day Dinner – Join us for an assortment of interesting foods, including GREEN spaghetti and bread, Jell-o and much more. There will be something for everyone! Wear your green and bring your friends. Contributions to our dinner are greatly appreciated. Please call Kate if you would like to contribute so that we can coordinate. We especially need anyone who can contribute the use of their crock-pot!
Fri., March 24 – Fear Factor Kick Off – Come and see if Fear is a Factor for you. Teams will battle it out in exciting competitions to prove that Fear is not a Factor. Bring your friends and be ready to show your bravery.
FOR 7th and 8th GRADERS: What do you want to do this year with THE EDGE? Please write down your ideas and give them to Kate at the next EDGE meeting.
ATTENTION ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS: There will be a training day on April 1st here at St. John. Mark your calendars and plan on attending. More details to come. I would love to see all of you there!
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 & 6) —
We meet in the Cafeteria from 7-8:30 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Friday. Bring your friends and join the fun! Contact Kate for details.
ST. JOHN SODALITY. . . Sun., March 12
Join the Ladies Sodality to pray the Rosary after the 9:15 a.m. Mass, at the statue of the Blessed Mother in the church.
HEALTH CARE MINISTERS MEETING. . . Tues., March 14
Jennette Ellis, from Carroll Hospice will be our speaker at this meeting at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Therese room of the Parish Center. All Health Care Ministers are encouraged to attend.
PTF LIVE & SILENT AUCTION/DINNER. . . Sat., March 18
Join the PTF at The Portico from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.00 per person and include hor’doeuvres, buffet style dinner, dessert, open bar and silent auction. Donations of all kinds needed. Call Michele Kirk at 410-795-9632 or kirkfamilymd@netzero.com
WOMEN’S LENTEN SERIES. . . begins Tues., March 21
Join the Lenten series sponsored by Filiae Mariae, featuring Mary Ann Budnik’s workbook “How to Become a Saint.” This beautiful series begins March 21st (skipping March 28th due to Parish Mission) and concludes in time for Easter. Mary Ann will visit for our Communion Breakfast on April 30th. Session choices are Tuesday a.m. or p.m. Call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 or email dwalsh33@juno.com to register so we have enough workbooks.
FRANKLIN GRAHAM FESTIVAL MEETING. . Sun., Apr. 2
Cardinal Keeler has asked Catholics in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to get involved in learning about the Franklin Graham Praise Festival (the son of Billy Graham) which will take place at Camden Yards from July 7-9. To learn more about how and why Catholics are asked to become involved, please attend this meeting from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room at the Parish Center or call Fr. Leo for more details.
ANNUAL SPRING DINNER/DANCE. . . Fri., April 7
The Knights of Columbus are holding their annual dinner/dance featuring a seafood dinner and live music by the Daryl Davis Band from 7 to midnight at The Portico. Tickets are $40 per person in advance. Contact Rich Nestor at 410-751-5258 or Lou Stachowiak at 410-635-2583 for tickets and information.
MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL. . . Fri., April 21
Something new this year--a poster contest! Create a 11x17 poster to encourage religious vocations, using crayons, colored pencil or paint. This year’s theme is “Fishers of Men” from Matthew 4:18-19. “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the game. Deadline for poster contest is March 31. Call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391 for more details.
CURSILLO WEEKEND RETREAT. . .April 27-30
If you are looking for an authentic Catholic spiritual retreat, consider participating in the Cursillo Movement of Baltimore. Grow in discipleship to Christ Jesus by attending a weekend experience. Men’s weekend is April 27-30. Women’s weekend is May 4-7. For more information contact Fr. Leo in the Parish Center or Doris Graybeal at 410-848-3891.
ST. JOHN 10th BASKET BINGO. . . Fri., April 28
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. We still need sponsors for door prizes and baskets. Call Anna at 410-876-2652 or the parish office to help.
WISDOM CLUB OUTING. . . Sun., April 30
Join the Wisdom Club for dinner and a show “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Toby’s Dinner Theater. The Cost is $49.00 and includes, show, dinner and the bus. The bus leaves St. John at 9:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:00 p.m. Money is due by March 23. Everyone is welcome. Call Rosemary at 410-795-8491 for details.
WOMEN’S COMMUNION BREAKFAST. . . Sun., April 30
Bring your moms, sisters and friends together for a special day as we join our wonderful guest speaker, Mary Ann Budnik. Mary Ann is the author of the book series, “How to become a Saint.” Tickets are $15.00 and will be sold after Masses by Filiae Mariae the weekends of April 1st and 22nd and are also available at the Portico bookstore. Reserve your table now by contacting Theresa Greene at 410-876-9578 or treegreene@msn.com
Your spiritually adopted baby has been quite active over the past month. Already your baby is 10,000 times bigger than at conception. Your baby has developed the foundations of his/her brain, spinal cords and nervous system by the 20th day. His/her heart began to beat on the 21st day, pumping blood through its own circulatory system and the blood type can be different from his/her mother’s. Pray that the Lord of Life might move the heart of his/her mother to give the most precious gift of all –the gift of life!
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
In an effort to provide children with an Easter message that reflects the true meaning of the Resurrection, we are collecting the following items so that Shepherd’s Staff can assemble “Spiritual Easter Baskets.” These baskets will be distributed to area children during Holy Week, to families who use the services of Shepherds Staff. Items requested are: Christian coloring books, story books or bookmarks, crayons, puzzles, prayer books, prayer cards, small toys, bubbles, play dough, school supplies, non-candy snacks, socks, and personal care items. Please leave these items in the Food Baskets by the doors of the church no later than April 2nd. If you choose to assemble a finished basket, please deliver it directly to Shepherd’s Staff between April 3 and 6th. Thank you.
In Our Community
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HEAD START: Catholic Charities Head Start of Carroll County needs volunteers as receptionists and classroom helpers. If you can give 1 morning or afternoon a week, call Sr. Nancy or Lisa at 410-871-2450.
GABRIEL PROJECT COORDINATOR NEEDED: The Gabriel Project is a pregnancy support network of churches, volunteers and maternity homes is in need of a new Program Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator. Men or women eligible. Work from home about 1-2 hours per week to set-up and maintain the program and manage a small group of motivated volunteers. Excellent training & network support provided. Contact Gabriel Project at 410-741-1228 or director@gabrielproject.org
SERIES OF LENTEN DAY RETREATS. . . Wed., March 15
The Seton Retreat & Conference Center in Emmitsburg is offering a series of four Wednesday-Day Retreats in Lent from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Next dates are March 29 and April 12. Fee is $25 each day (includes retreat program, lunch and 1:30 Mass). The retreats will be directed by Dr. Thelma Steiger, PhD. For details call 301-447-3121 or email: dsauvageau@doc.org.
MARRIED COUPLES RETREAT @ Priestfield – March 24
This is the 4th of six retreats for Married Couples. Other retreats are: April 7 and May 5. For details call Elaine at 410-252-5355.
CONFERENCE ON FAITH IN COMMUNICATION . . . March 30-April 1
Check out this national conference on faith in the field of communication that’s coming to Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg. Screenwriters, journalists, editors, and professors will contemplate how faith and vocation shape the field of communication. For more details or to register go to www.msmary.edu/callings
GOOD FRIDAY WALK. . . Friday, April 14
The annual Good Friday Walk sponsored by the Westminster Ministerium starts at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church and ends with a noon special Taize worship service at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Everyone is welcome to join in at the beginning of the walk, along the way, or for the noon service.
VOCATION HOSPITALITY WEEKEND. . . April 21-23
The Sisters of Bon Secours are hosting a “Come and See Vocation Hospitality Weekend for single Catholic women interested in exploring religious life beginning on Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23 at their Provincial House in Marriottsville. You can register on-line at www.bonsecours.org/vocations. Deadline is April 13th.
From the Archdiocese
Since St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, falls on a Friday in Lent this year, Cardinal Keeler has granted Catholics in the Archdiocese of Baltimore a dispensation from their Lenten obligation to abstain from eating meat that day. Lenten guidelines require Catholics age 14 and older to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays during Lent, and to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. These guidelines remind us of the importance of the Lenten Season and help to draw us closer to Christ through sacrifice and self-denial.
Reminders
BULLETIN DEADLINE: Deadline for submitting notices is 12:00 noon on each Monday for the weekend prior to distribution. Send articles to bulletin@sjwest.org or fax to 410-857-1519.
THANK YOU: Through the kindness of the sponsors that appear, this bulletin is furnished to the parish without charge. We feel the sponsors get good coverage with their ads, and at a relatively low cost and we urge you to patronize them. Diocesan Publications has done a fine job in publishing our weekly bulletin and we hope our present sponsors renew their ads. Also, if others are interested, please contact the Parish Office.
HOLY COMMUNION will be brought to you during Mass, if you are unable to come to the altar. Please inform an usher.
PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: Be sure to stop by our gift shop and place your orders for First Communion & Confirmation gifts. 10% discounts on all confirmation and communion gifts until March 15! We will be closed Easter Sunday but open Easter Monday.