Parish Bulletin

As most of you know by now, our Pastor, Msgr. Art has been diagnosed with acute leukemia while still in Rome on his sabbatical. He had been sick and felt bad enough to go to the hospital. It is fortunate that he went to the hospital. They were able to discover the leukemia before any serious problems could occur. He has gone under an eight day period of chemotherapy and will spend the rest of the month recuperating. There are four common types of leukemia. Msgr. Art has acute myeloid leukemia. Fortunately, this form of leukemia is not as bad as the others. After Msgr. has recuperated and is well enough to travel, he will return home. We do not know whether he will return to the parish, go to the hospital, or continue his recuperation elsewhere.

He appears to be in good spirits and feels better now than he had been feeling for a few weeks. He tires easily because of the chemotherapy. He wants us to know that he does not think it is as bad as it seems. He doesn’t even mind the hospital food. His brother and Msgr. Tewes and another friend are there with him now. I know that they are a great comfort for him.

PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED: The Parish Offices will close at noon on Good Friday and will be closed until Tuesday, April 17, except for Adoration.

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.

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and at the parish office. Envelopes must be returned to the parish office by noon on Monday, April 10^thto be included in the bulletin insert.

EASTER SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the back of the church or at the parish center. Offering envelopes may be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office.

Morning Mass 7:00 & 9:30 a.m.

Living Stations 7:00 p.m. (School Gym)

Adoration Chapel Closes at 12 Midnight

Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m.

Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross 3:00 p.m. Reconciliation 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES

The Portico.................................................... 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Patrick Nilsen, Gertrude Nicely, Baby Kaylee Price, Stephen Mobley and Solange Aversa and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Emily Alice Backof, daughter of Jennifer and Michael Backof; Kailyn Catherine Custance, daughter of Mary and Thomas Custance, Jr.; Andrew Ryan Jenkins, son of Laura and Robert Jenkins; Rachel Michelle Ross, daughter of Kathleen and Dennis Ross; Ayden Riley Schaefer, son of Nicole and Ronald Schaefer, Jr.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $28,383.19. 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.

LENTEN APPEAL UPDATE: This year, we can reach our parish goal of $119,000 with YOUR help! We are requesting, that every family participate with a Lenten Offering to help those in need! Brochures with attached envelopes are still available in church if you have not yet had the opportunity to contribute! Please join us and participate today! Special thanks to all who have already given!

School Calendar

April 10 – Living Stations at 7:00 p.m. in the gym

April 11 – Walk-A-Thon

April 12 -17 School Closed – Reopens on the 18th

April 18 – Internet Safety & Cyber bulling – 7 p.m. in Cafeteria

OPENINGS FOR SCHOOL FOR THIS FALL: There are still a few openings for kindergarten for this fall as well as a limited number of openings in some classes. If you or anyone you know is interested, please call the school office at 410-848-7455.

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.

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 30^th to take the decorations down.

BANNER KITS for 2^nd graders were given out in class this past week. Please call the Religious Ed. Office if your child did not receive his/hers.

NOTE: There will be NO Religious Ed classes during Holy Week. Classes will resume on Tues., April 18^th and Thurs., April 20^th.

REMINDER: Monday, April 24^th at 6:30 p.m. there will be practice for those students receiving First Holy Communion on April 29^th at the 10 a.m. Mass. On Wednesday, April 26^th practice will be at 6:30 for those students receiving First Communion on Saturday, April 29^th at the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Students MUST attend practice with at least one parent.

CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL: Rehearsal at 6:15 p.m. on April 20^th for Tuesday students and at 7:45 p.m. for Thursday students in The Portico. Sponsors (no substitutes) must attend.

why catholic? For the last several weeks, articles have been appearing in The Catholic Review about an exciting adult faith formation program entitled “Why Catholic?” Using the four parts of the Catechism, small groups will meet regularly in 6-week sessions to draw on this rich resource. Cardinal Keeler has asked every parish in the Archdiocese to implement the program, and our parish plans to begin the first session in January of 2007. Watch for future bulletin updates with more specifics about the program.

FACILITATORS NEEDED: When we begin “Why Catholic?” in January 2007,many trained facilitators will be needed. Training will be provided by the Archdiocese and will begin this June here at St. John. If anyone is interested in being a facilitator, email Paul Gallagher at pgallagher@sjwest.org or call Religious Ed. Office.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

ITALY PILGRIMAGE: If you missed our meeting last Sunday regarding our Italy trip scheduled for June 26-July 5, 2007, please pick up a brochure in the back of the church. Call Paul Gallagher if you have any questions.

STEUBENVILLE PAYMENTS: 2^nd payments are now past due for trip to Steubenville. Please get your money in as soon as possible, or risk loosing your spot.

GOOD FRIDAY WALK: Life Teen will be joining our community’s annual Good Friday Walk on April 14^th. The walk begins at 11 a.m. at St. John and ends with a noon service at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ on Bond and Green Street. Teens can return to St. John for a light lunch and time for reflection.

YOUNG APOSTLE APPLICATIONS: Any teen that will be in the 11^th or 12^th grade this fall is encouraged to pick up an application to be a Young Apostle. Those chosen will work closely with the Core Team to implement Life Nights, skits, service projects, etc. throughout the year. Please email Paul to request an application.

EASTER SUNDAY: Just a reminder that there will be no 6 p.m. Mass and Life Night on Easter Sunday.

— THE EDGE (Grades 7 & 8) —

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.

More information on the rescheduling of our speaker from our February 12^th meeting is still to come.

TONIGHT April 9 – Holy Week-est Link - Want to show off what you know? Ready to find out who IS the Holy Week-est Link? Come out to The EDGE and compete with your friends to see who should strut their stuff and who should be eliminated. Start brushing up on your Holy Week facts and we will battle it out, that’s right, PALM SUNDAY!!! We will be joined by Fr. Jerry Francik who will talk, pray and play with the group.

Fri., April 28 – Movie Night – We all love going to the movies don’t we? But what if we could go to the movies with our friends and not have to worry about the sticky floor! The long lines! The terrible ticket prices! The person behind you who keeps kicking your chair! WE CAN!! The EDGE is having a movie night complete with popcorn and candy. Bring your friends!

ATTENTION 7^th & 8^th GRADERS: What do you want to do this year with The EDGE? Please write down your ideas and give them to Kate. Remember—The EDGE is what you make of it, so bring your ideas and your friends. The EDGE welcomes everyone!

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.

Fri., April 21 – Men in Black –We will not have our usual Youth Alive night. I encourage all to go to the game with your families and I will see you there!! See the bulletin for details.

Fri., May 5 – Cinco de Mayo – Bring your friends to Youth Alive for this special holiday party event. Join us for games, a little bit of Mexican history and authentic Mexican foods. Parents willing to donate items for this event are encouraged to call Kate about what is needed. Thanks in advance for making this a fun evening!

Activities in Our Parish

BAKER-YINGLING SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are awarded to students who have been participants in a St. John Youth Athletic Program for a minimum of two years and may be used for either college tuition, or for private high school tuition assistance. Applications are available at the Parish Center. Completed applications must be received by Friday, May 5, 2006 for consideration. Please call Bo at 410-876-1162 if you need further information.

There will be a prayer vigil from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. (every 2^nd Saturday of every month) in front of a local abortion clinic in Reisterstown. Call 410-848-0146 for more information.

The Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass followed by a meeting in the Parish Center. All ladies of the parish are invited. There will be no Rosary recited after Mass on April 9. For information, call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655.

This meeting is for St. John parents and parishioners and is for ADULTS ONLY. You cannot afford to miss this presentation! The more knowledgeable you are about the internet and cyber bullying, the safer your children will be. Sgt. Patrick McCrory with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Maryland State Police will talk with parents about the internet and children’s safety. The presentation will be accompanied by a power point presentation and is interactive and includes a question & answer period. Join us at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria.

4^th Annual Game at 7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School. Come enjoy an exciting game and watch our Archdiocesan priests and seminarians play against St. John parishioners. Don’t miss the special half-time show! Volunteers are needed—if you can help before or during the game call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

There will be a Divine Mercy Devotion after the 6:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday, April 23rd (7:30p.m.) lead by Deacon Jack Coster.

DEACON JACK UPDATE/RECEPTION. . . Sunday, April 23 As you may know, Deacon Jack will be moving to Charlestown Retirement Community to help care for his wife Ann. Deacon Jack will say a few words to the parish at all the Masses on the weekend of April 22-23. A reception for him is planned at The Portico after the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Please come to wish him well. Should you wish to offer him a token of your thanks for his many years of service, you may use one of the pre-printed envelopes that will be available at the doors of the church beginning this weekend.

Together We Can Make It ...first session Wed. April 26th at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The group will meet 8-10 weeks on Wednesday evenings, with 2 trained facilitators and covers material suitable for newly separated/divorced adults. For more information and to register, please contact Myra at 410-302-0754 or email singleagaincouncil@yahoo.com .

We will have our regular meeting on April 27. In fact, this meeting will have a special highlight--Mass at noon and lunch to follow in The Portico. Bring your brown bag lunch, desserts and beverages provided. There will NOT be a Wisdom Club Movie Lunch Bunch, this month as the 2^nd Wednesday falls during Holy Week. The next Movie Lunch Bunch will be May 10^th.

Grow in discipleship to Christ Jesus by attending a Cursillo weekend spiritual retreat. Men’s weekend is April 27-30. Women’s weekend is May 4-7. For details contact Fr. Leo or Doris Graybeal at 410-848-2891.

Join us at 7:00 p.m. in The Portico. Proceeds benefit the Church Building Fund. We are still in need of 8 basket sponsors (cost $60) and items to fill the baskets. Great prizes, including filled current and retired Longaberger baskets. We still need sponsors for door prizes and baskets. Tickets are available at the Parish Center, school office and The Portico Bookstore. Call Anna at 410-876-2652 for information and to help.

Join us for 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 by Filiae Mariae after Masses on weekends of April 1^st and 22^nd. and at The Portico Bookstore. Reserve your table now! Contact Theresa Greene at 410-876-9578 or treegreene@msn.com

ALTAR SERVERS HERSHEY TRIP: Tentative plans are being made to have a trip to Hershey Park on Wednesday, June 28th, 2006 as a “thank you” for their services to the parish. The parish needs a response from all the altar servers by APRIL 17 to reserve your spot. Also, Fr. Leo is looking for parent chaperones that have a van and have had the STAND training for a possible car pool. Also, would you like to help sponsor this trip by offering a donation to offset the cost? To RSVP, help or donate toward the cost of the trip, please call Fr. Leo at 410-876-2248.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: Several of our parishioners will be going on a prayerful pilgrimage to Lourdes at the end of April. If you have any intentions you would like them to take to Lourdes please write them in the book located in the narthex of the church.

Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next Saturday and Sunday (the 3^rd weekend of the month) is Food Sunday. Bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the baskets by the doors of the church. Items needed are: canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce,

canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods. Thank you for your generosity!

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 (rain or shine). For information call 410-876-2124.

Assist homebound residents in our community by providing volunteer services such as daily telephone/e-mail reassurances, friendly visits, household care, transportation or link services. A neighbor’s independence depends on you. This is a Carroll County Faith Community project supported by various churches in the community. An information/training session will be held at St. John from 7-9 p.m. in the parish center. For information call Mike Rodgers at 410-857-5891.

This is an all day conference presented by the Catholic Single Again Council of Baltimore for those who are separated, divorced, widowed or remarried and will be held at Loyola College Graduate Center in Columbia, MD. This year’s conference theme is “Accept the Challenge – Capture Today” and features 23 workshops covering grief recovery, spirituality, relationships, intimacy, communication skills and a special workshop for men only, on how men deal with their loss during separation, divorce and widowhood. For details about the conference visit our website at www.ConferenceInColumbia.itgo.com or call 410-485-8313.

Monday, April 10

Thursday, April 13

7:00 p.m. For the Parishioners of St. John

From the Pastor

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and at the parish office. Envelopes must be returned to the parish office by noon on Monday, April 10^thto be included in the bulletin insert.

Morning Mass 7:00 & 9:30 a.m.

Living Stations 7:00 p.m. (School Gym)

Adoration Chapel Closes at 12 Midnight

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES

There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday

Activities in Our Parish

Monday, April 10

Thursday, April 13

7:00 p.m. For the Parishioners of St. John

From the Pastor

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and at the parish office. Envelopes must be returned to the parish office by noon on Monday, April 10th to be included in the bulletin insert.

Morning Mass 7:00 & 9:30 a.m.

Living Stations 7:00 p.m. (School Gym)

Adoration Chapel Closes at 12 Midnight

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES

There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday

Activities in Our Parish

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and at the parish office. Envelopes must be returned to the parish office by noon on Monday, April 10^thto be included in the bulletin insert.