Parish Bulletin

It sounds to me like all had a great time at the “Men in Black” basketball game. I was unable to attend because of plans I made before I came to the parish. It is probably good that I was not there. If the other players had seen my physique and my fabulous skill on court, they would have been overcome with jealousy as well as fear. In reality, they would have died laughing. Whenever I play a sport, I always have someone holding a phone with 9 and 1 already dialed and their finger on 1. Sounds like I missed some fun.

Have you seen our new outside Stations of the Cross? They are behind the parking lot east of the church. They were built as an Eagle Scout project that was coordinated by Richard Lyons. If the stations look familiar, they should. They came from the 1970s church that is now the Portico. Thank you, Richard, for putting this project together for us. You did a beautiful job.

Update on Msgr. Art: After some difficulty with high temperature and high blood pressure previously reported, Msgr. is doing better. His body has much adjusting as a result of the chemotherapy. Fevers, inability to eat or drink, nausea, etc., made the needed rising of his white blood cell count slow in coming. This has finally started. Normal white blood count is about 4000. At the height of his illness, his count was in the single digits. Last week, his counts have, in a short time, gone into the triple digits…a good sign his body is making its own cells. Let us continue to keep him in our prayers. God bless,

Masses are 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School) and 7:00 p.m. Confessions will be heard from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.

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 the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

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.

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 Ethel McLean, William Conner, Anna Carhart, Nancy Nazelrod, Kimberly Macy, Helen Bass, Jennifer Morelock, and Ethan Jacob Dodson, and for their families and friends.

Development Update: Your baby is quite active in the womb now, although her mother won’t feel her for a couple of months. If her mother’s womb had a window, you could watch your spiritually adopted baby squint, swallow and move her tongue. She can make a tight fist if you touch her palm. She is breathing amniotic fluid which continues until birth, although she obtains the oxygen her body needs through the umbilical cord. The baby you are praying for weighs one ounce.

A “Thank you note” from your baby: Hi! I am three months old now. I’m about 3 inches long and could easily fit in your hand. I weigh one ounce. That’s not much, but I’m fully formed and can even suck my thumb! Keep praying!

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $29,581.61. Thank you.

THE SPECIAL COLLECTION next weekend will be for the support of the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Thank you for your generous support of vocations.

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 donations on Good Friday for the Shrines in the Holy Land. Total collected was $4,758.00.

LENT MAY BE OVER…but the LENTEN APPEAL is NOT!! You still have time to make a donation to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal and help St. John Church reach our goal! To date, we have collected $73,000 toward our goal of $119,000. Please make your donation today! Checks may be made out to the “Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal” indicating “St. John Church” in the Memo line so we can get credit for your donation. The address is: Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4421. Or use one of the envelopes still available in the church lobby, or feel free to drop your donation off at the parish center. Thanks for your help and support—and special thanks to all who have already donated! Your gift will make a difference for those in need!

School Calendar

May 9 No bus service at dismissal for Wm. Winchester due to early dismissal in County

May 11 Fun Day – Grades K to 5

May 12 Fun Day – Grades 6 to 8

Middle School Dance

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.

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.

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

FACILITATORS NEEDED: Thanks to all who have already volunteered to be a Facilitator for the “Why Catholic?” program. We still need many additional people to help, so if you are interested, please email Paul Gallagher at pgallagher@sjwest.org. There will be a facilitator orientation session led by the Archdiocese on Monday, June 12, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in the Portico.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our young people who made their First Holy Communion these past two weekends. We pray you will always stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist.

HOME STUDY REMINDER: Home Study will meet for their last class on Wednesday, May 3, at 6:45 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m. in the church, for those students making their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 6, at 12:30 p.m.

HELP NEEDED: Vacation Bible School, the week of June 26 - 30, still needs teachers, classroom assistants and a person for music and crafts. If you can help, please call the Rel. Ed. Office.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

STEUBENVILLE PAYMENTS: The final payment is due this weekend. We still have several spots still open, so if you haven’t signed up yet but want to come, please email Paul Gallagher.

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. Email Paul to request an application.

— 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.

Sun., May 14- Mother’s Day–We will NOT meet for our regular EDGE night. Spend 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,” you definitely want to come to this EDGE night, taking the opportunity during the month of May to pay special attention to Mary as we talk about 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 this special holiday party event. Join us for games, a little bit of Mexican history and authentic Mexican foods. Parents willing to donate items, please contact Kate to determine what’s needed 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: Awarded to students who have been participants in a St. John Youth Athletic Program for a minimum of two years. May be used for either college tuition, or for private high school tuition assistance. Applications, available at the Parish Center, must be completed and returned by Friday, May 5 for consideration. Call Bo (410-876-1162) for further info.

Register with the parish at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. 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 more information, call Fr. Leo in the parish office.

Annual event sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 420, from 4-8 p.m. at The Portico. Tickets are $6/adults, and children under 7 eat FREE. New this year…spaghetti & meatballs prepared by chef Bill Schroeder, owner of Giulianova Italian Groceria. For tickets or info, call Andy Keefer (410-876-2885) or Junella Spencer (410-876-3298).

From 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., in the Portico. The Knights of Columbus Council 1393 wants to express our appreciation for the support we have received from the parishioners of St. John. There will be no charge for this month’s Parish Breakfast. So bring your family and join the Knights of Columbus for a great breakfast of french toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage and more!

At 1:00 p.m. All parishioners invited, and children from the parish are asked 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. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony. For details, call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655.

At 1:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. Our speaker will be Monica, one of the parish nurses from St. Joseph Parish in Sykesville. All are encouraged to attend to learn about the Parish Nursing Program.

Fr. Joe returns to The Portico to discuss this month’s topic, “Does our Faith Make a Difference?” Doors open 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. 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.

Mon. & Sat. matinees ($1 rides), Mon-Thurs. 6-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 6-11 p.m. Raffle tickets now on sale in the school office and parish center. Advance sale tickets and ride bracelets for Tues., Wed. and Thurs. will be available early May. For more info, call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179. We are in need of parish ministries to help with food & game booths. Please call Tina Leimbach at 410-848-7271.

The Wisdom Club is sponsoring a trip to the “Midway Slots.” The cost is $20. Each person gets back a $15 cash voucher! For information and to sign up, please call Rosemary at 410-795-8491.

Save the date! At the Francis Scott Key Golf Course, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. $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.

IT’S SPRING CLEANING TIME! Look ahead to the 2006 Christmas Bazaar! Check attics, basements, closets, etc. for new & used religious articles. For info, please call Nina at 410-635-6422.

At 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. We hope to see all our members in attendance. If you are interested in learning more about the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473. We’d love to see you there!

BLESSINGS CLOSET: During May, St. Vincent de Paul is asking your help in supporting the Shepherd’s Staff Blessings Closet. Please place the following items in the baskets at the doors of the church: Bath tissue, shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, napkins, tissues, all-purpose cleaners, trash bags, feminine supplies, baby care items, light bulbs and liquid food supplements. Items will be delivered to Shepherd Staff for distribution to needy families in the area. Thank you for your generosity!

Celebration at 12:00 Noon and again at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Museum. For info, call Wayne Gadow (410-857-1701).

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taneytown. Doors open 6:00 p.m.; Begins 7:00 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15 (door). Call Terry 410-756-6758.

From 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Gypsy’s Tea Room. Sponsored by Concerned Women for America. Guest speaker Robin Frazier. Cost $14.93. Reservations necessary. Call Gerrye 410-549-8511.

Carroll County Div. #1 presents Tae Domhnaigh (Irish for “Sunday Tea”), 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew 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 prior to the weekend of distribution. Please send articles via email to bulletin@sjwest.org or you may fax articles to 410-857-1519.

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

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, May 1

Thursday, May 4

9:30 a.m. Carmella Rush

Friday, May 5

Saturday, May 6

From the Pastor

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our young people who made their First Holy Communion these past two weekends. We pray you will always stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist.

Activities in Our Parish