Parish Bulletin

Happy Easter to everyone! What a wonderful day. Our Lord gives us the Easter gift of Eternal Life. Let us thank Him by giving our lives to Him. This has been a busy and enjoyable Holy Week here at St. John. I want to thank all who participated in our celebrations these past few days. We are especially happy for those who were welcomed into the Church last night at the Vigil. May God continue to bless them as they journey with Him through life.

Now, for an update on Msgr. Art. (For those visiting us this Easter who may not be aware, our Pastor, Msgr Art Valenzano, has been diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia.) The chemotherapy treatments were finished over a week ago and he physically showed some early positive response. After the chemo, the blood counts were low, as was expected. He has received transfusions and platelets. Presently, the wait is for the blood counts to go up while hoping that the leukemic cells do not. Let us continue to pray for Msgr. as he rests. Let’s also ask our Lord to bless him with His presence, strength and healing.

PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED: The Parish Offices will be closed Easter Monday, 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.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Geraldine Kraus, Kimberly Pettis, Baby Gavin Daniel Evans, Michael J. Kitko, Dorothy J. Ohler and Eric Jan Paulson and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Faith Marie Bissen, daughter of Melissa and Ronald Bissen; Bradley Thomas Burns, son of Jennifer and Thomas Burns; Kaitlin Beatrice Clements, daughter of Erin and James Clements, Jr.; Dane Patrick Lyons, son of Denise and Steven Lyons; and Jennifer Paige Zicha, daughter of Lorraine and David Zicha.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $28,606.22. 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! We are now about halfway to our goal. Special thanks to all who have already given.

School Calendar

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

April 20 –1B Field Trip – Carroll County Hospital 12:15-2:45 p.m.

April 21 – Men In Black Basketball – Westminister High 7 p.m.

April 22 – Sacrament of Confirmation 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

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.

The Religious Education staff wishes all of our volunteers, students and their families a very joyous Easter. May the Risen Lord continue to bless each of you.

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 still need teachers, classroom assistants, and a person for music and crafts. Please call the Religious Ed. office for more information.

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.

RCIA: Congratulations to the 22 adults who were fully received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. The thoughts and prayers of our entire parish are with each of you. A special word of thanks to the RCIA team for their faithfulness!

Any Catholic adult who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation may participate in our Adult Confirmation Classes, which will be held Thursday, May 4^th. The group will meet for 5 Thursday sessions, which will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the St. Therese Room. Confirmation will take place on Pentecost Sunday, June 4^th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen. Cardinal Keeler will be the celebrant. To sign up for the classes, please call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

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) —

STEUBENVILLE PAYMENTS: Just a reminder that final payments are due by Sunday, April 30^th.

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.

XLT: Our next XLT will be Wednesday, April 26^th from 7-9 in The Portico. Our guest speaker will be Kristen Witte, from the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Office. Kristen is a fun and dynamic speaker, so please try to make it.

— 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.

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!

Sun., May 14–Mother’s Day–We will NOT meet for our regular EDGE night this week. Spend some time with the special women in your life.

Fri., May 26 – There’s Just Something About Mary – If you have ever been told or heard that Catholics “worship Mary like a god,” then you definitely want to come to this EDGE night. The EDGE will take the opportunity during the month of May to pay special attention to Mary as we talk about the common misconceptions about our devotion to her. We will be making rosaries and figuring out just what that “Something About Mary” really is. You don’t want to miss it!

FYI: We will try to have Karaoke at our Summer Kick-Off in June. If you would like to sign up to show us what you’ve got please contact Kate in the Religious Ed. Office. We will most likely also have sign up on May 26^th at The EDGE. We need at least 10 people to sign up as soon as possible to make this happen!

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!

ATTENTION 5^th and 6^th GRADERS: Please feel free to bring your friends to any Youth Alive nights. The more people we have, the more fun stuff we can do. We welcome everyone!

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.

This meeting is for St. John parents and parishioners and is for ADULTS ONLY. You cannot afford to miss this presentation! 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 begin at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria and is accompanied by a power point presentation that is interactive and includes a Q&A period.

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.

As you may know,Deacon Jack has moved to Charlestown Retirement Community to help care for his wife Ann. 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.

A breakfast for knights and their families will be held at The Portico following the 9:15 a.m. Mass. Plan to attend with your families. Call Lou Stachowiak at 410-635-2583 or Rich Nestor at 410-751-5258 with the number of those in your family that plan to attend this important opportunity to pray together as a council.

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 details or to register, email Myra at 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. Since the 2^nd Wednesday fell during Holy Week our 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. 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 weekend of April 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. Fr. Leo is looking for parent chaperones that have a van and have had the STAND training to car pool. If you would like to help by making a donation to offset costs, or to RSVP,call Fr. Leo at 410-876-2248 x241.

St. John Ladies Sodality invites All Parishioners to the May Procession at 1:00 p.m. Children from the parish are invited to take part in this special day honoring our Blessed Mother. First Communicants are asked to wear their First Communion attire. Children should meet in The Portico at 12:45 p.m. for the procession. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony. For details call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655.

Join the Wisdom Club for our annual celebration of Mass by Fr. Kevin Mueller at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be at the Cozy Restaurant following Mass. Cost is $17.00 and is due at the April 27^th meeting. Transportation is by private automobile. Everyone is invited. Contact Irene at 410-848-0489 for reservations.

Prayer Vigil held 2^nd Saturday in front of a local abortion clinic in Reisterstown at 7:30-9:00 a.m. Call 410-848-0146 for information.

Treat Mom to brunch at The Portico! Two seatings--10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. by reservations only. Tickets now available or to make a reservation call Terese Richardson at 410-949-4744 x227. Adults and children over 10 - $24.95, children 5-10 - $12.95, children under 5 - $3.95 (Master Card and Visa Accepted).

Join Fr. John and fellow parishioners for a morning of reflection for married couples in Emmitsburg. 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 reservations call Anne Brown at 410-840-8287 or email birdbrown@adelphia.net.

Discounted advanced sale tickets and bracelets available in May. To volunteer, call Tina Leimbach at 410-848-7271. To be a carnival sponsor, call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179. Watch the bulletin for updates.

Save the date! 14^th Annual Golf Tournament – sponsored by the Knights of Columbus on Friday, August 4, 2006 at the Francis Scott Key golf course. $80 fee covers green fees, cart, pit beef and chicken lunch. Trophies and prizes to be awarded. Contact Brian Crowley at 410- 795-5147, Rich Nestor at 410- 751-5258.

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.

The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank all of our parishioners for their magnificent generosity and wish you a very Happy Easter!

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.

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.

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.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: Be sure to stop by our gift shop and place your orders for First Communion & Confirmation gifts

Monday, April 17

Thursday, April 20

9:30 a.m. John Warren, Sr.

Friday, April 21

Saturday, April 22

From the Pastor

Activities in Our Parish