Parish Bulletin

As we continue to celebrate Easter, I keep thinking back to last weekend and how beautiful it was. It was great to celebrate with everyone Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Mass on Sunday here at St. John. Everybody did such a nice job of decorating, singing, praying and celebrating. I especially enjoyed welcoming the newly baptized and confirmed into the Church. I loved giving them their First Communion.

As you can imagine, quite a bit of organization goes into all of our celebrations. I know that on my own I couldn’t have gotten through it without difficulty. Everything went smoothly thanks to Fr. Leo. He has such a great understanding of how the liturgy flows. He put my mind at ease and helped me through the Vigil. I can’t thank him enough. I meant to thank him publicly when I thanked all those who helped make the Vigil so nice. I forgot! What a dope I was. So, thank you Fr. Leo!

I also appreciate the patience that everyone showed under such crowded conditions. I know it was tough to get a seat for many of you. It looked even more difficult trying to get out of the parking lot. To tell you the truth, one of the best reasons for becoming a priest is because you can always get a good seat at Mass. There are possibly some other good reasons too.

Msgr. Art seems to be slowly recovering from the chemotherapy. His blood pressure and his temperature, which were both high, have been going down. He is tired, but sounds good on the phone. He says that he can feel the prayers of everybody here at St. John. Let’s keep praying for him.

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.

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.

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.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Agnes Yeshnik, and Evelyn L. Meise 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 $29,736.14. 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.

School Calendar

April 25 - A & 8B Field Trip – 9-2:30 (Inner Harbor)

April 26 –1^st Eucharist Church Practice – 6:30 p.m.

Academic Team 6^th & 7^th only – Room 8B

April 29 –First Communion – 12:30 p.m.

May 1-4 - ACRE Testing -Grades 5-8

May 5 – All School Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. – Church

OPENINGS FOR SCHOOL FOR THIS FALL: Limited number of openings for kindergarten for this fall and also in some classes. Please call the school office at 410-848-7455 for details.

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 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.

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.

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.

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., 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 contact Kate to coordinate needed things to make this a successful event.

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.

As you know, Deacon Jack has moved to Charlestown Retirement Community to help care for his wife Ann. Jack will say a few words at all the Masses on the weekend of April 22-23. A reception for him will be held at The Portico after the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Please come to wish him well. If 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 are available at the doors of the church or at the parish center.

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. 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.

A Welcoming Session will be held at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. This is a great opportunity for new parishioners to meet our parish priests, to learn about our various programs, receive coupons for a free Knights of Columbus breakfast, and receive a warm welcome into this large and faith-filled parish. For further information call Fr. Leo in the parish office.

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. Contact Theresa Greene at 410-876-9578 or treegreene@msn.com

Boy Scout Troop 420 will hold their annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction from 4-8 p.m. at The Portico. Tickets are $6 for adults and children under 7 eat FREE. New this year – spaghetti and meatballs prepared by chef Bill Schroeder, owner of Giulianova Italian Groceria. For tickets or information call Andy Keefer at 410-876-2885 or Junella Spencer at 410-876-3298.

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.

Fr. Joe Breighner will be back at The Portico for another presentation. His topic this month will be “Does our Faith Make a Difference?” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for book signings and refreshments. Lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at The Portico Book Store, the parish office or.call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x 227.

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.

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. For reservations call Anne Brown at 410-840-8287.

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 or 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 next meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will take place on Wednesday, May 3rd 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!

On Thursday , May 4^th there will be a celebration for the Annual National Day of Prayer in Carroll County beginning at 12:00 Noon and again at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Museum For information contact Wayne Gadow at 410-857-1701.

On Sunday, May 7^th The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Carroll County Div. #1 presents Tae Domhnaigh (that’s Irish for “Sunday Tea”) from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Parish Center to benefit their building fund. A variety of hot teas and delicious pastries, soda breads, cakes and lunch fare will be available. For information call Anita Healey at 410-239-3693.

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 23

Thursday, April 26

9:30 a.m. .Leroy Adams

Friday, April 27

Saturday, April 28

From the Pastor

Activities in Our Parish