Parish Bulletin

Fr. John and I both had the chance to go on field trips with some of the kids in the school this week. Fr. John went with the 5^th grade to Annapolis to tour the Naval Academy. From what he and the kids told me they had a great time. I went with the 8^th grade to the Lloyd St. synagogue, the oldest in Baltimore. Interestingly, the building was a Catholic church for many years in the later 1800’s. It is located on the east side of Baltimore near Lombard St. (Corn Beef Row). There are still a few deli’s down there. I remember, when I was a kid, they used to sell live chickens on the street there. After our tour, we had lunch at the inner harbor.

I have one serious question. Why did Fr. John’s group get to ride on high class, deluxe, streamlined, fabulous motor coaches, and our group had low class school buses with no stewardesses or anything? This will have to be delved into.

I talked to Msgr. Art recently and he sounded good but tired. They have finally taken all of the tubes out of him and he has eaten for the first time since being sick. He has also been able to sit up in a chair. This is another first for him. This has helped his spirits and he still hopes to come home soon. He appreciates all of our prayers. 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.

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.

BAPTISMS…Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Andrew James Kay, son of Christine and Jonathan Kay and Gabriela Perez, daughter of Rubi Villavicenco and Juan Carlos Perez.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Fr. Joseph L. McManus, John F. Curran, Donald H. Sparklin and Edmond Lafferty and for their families and friends.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are donated by St. John Ladies Sodality on behalf of Bea Wolf in memory of Sarah & William Hoffman, and Ann Grzasko in memory of Stanley Grzasko.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $29,557.52. Thank you.

THE SPECIAL COLLECTION this 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.

LENT MAY BE OVER…but the LENTEN APPEAL is NOT!!

Please make your donation to the Lenten Appeal - there is STILL time for your donation to count toward our goal! We are $39,000 from our goal - your gift can help to get us there! Checks may be made out to the "Cardinal's Lenten Appeal" indicating "St John Church-Westminster" in the memo line so our parish can get credit for your donation. The address is: Cardinal's Lenten Appeal, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4421. Or, drop your donation off at the parish center. Thank for your help and support! Your gift makes a difference for those in need!

School Calendar

May 8 K1 & K2 Field Trip –CC Library 9:15-10:50 a.m. and 12:45 –2:20 p.m.

Parent Mtg. on Human Sexuality – 7-8 p.m – Portico

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

May 15 Spring & Band Performance – 6:30 p.m. in the Gym

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 has never received the Sacrament of Confirmation can still participate in our classes (5 sessions) on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. in the St. Therese Room. Confirmation will take place on Pentecost Sunday, June 4^th at 11 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.

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: 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 our young people who made their First Holy Communion this past weekend. We pray you will always stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist.

THANK YOU to all who contributed so generously to Operation Rice Bowl. We collected $2,216.71.

REMINDER: Parent Meeting for Human Sexuality classes for students will be held on Monday, May 8^th at 7:00 p.m. in The Portico. Classes to be held the week of June 19-23 OR July 17-21. For those parents who wish to register their child(ren) you may choose which week will work best for your family. The sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

STEUBENVILLE PAYMENTS: The final payment is now overdue! We still have several spots open, so if you haven’t signed up yet but want to go, 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!

ATTENTION MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS: Please feel free to close the night in prayer with us. Just come on in and grab a seat and pray with us. Prayer is a very powerful thing, especially when we pray together!

Special thanks to all who support our middle school ministry with prayers and volunteering. We couldn’t do it without you!

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.

May 19 – Domino Effect – How high can you go? Come on out and show us what you’ve got! Bring your friends to compete in a tower building competition.

June 2 – Details to come – Plan on bringing your friends to this end of the school year event! See you there!

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.

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

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.

This is a new date from one originally scheduled. We will meet in the Parish Center at 6:30 p.m. All representatives of the various ministries are asked to attend and make a report.

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 at the Cozy Restaurant following Mass. Cost is $17.00. Transportation by private auto. Everyone is invited. Call 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.

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass and Rosary. There will be no meeting in May. For Info, call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655.

The Knights will be giving a marigold plant to each mother after Masses on Mother’s Day. If children are present, they would like the youngest child to present the flower on behalf of all the children.

All registered parishioners, aged 16 and older, are encouraged to complete one of the ballots in the pews at all Masses during both weekends, and place it in one of the ballot boxes at the entry areas of the church by the conclusion of the 6:00 Mass on Sunday, May 21. We ask you to prayerfully consider the following candidates: Bobbi Sandusky; Dean Ditman; Debbie Middleton; Janet Tenney; Jay Zeminski; Jim O’Donnell; John Bryan, Rebecca Maurio; Tim Watkins; and Vickie Stark. More detailed information on each candidate is posted in the entry areas of the church. Thank you.

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.

Have you been discerning a call to ministry here at St. John? Have you been thinking about getting involved and are just not sure which ministry is right for you? Stop by The Portico after all Masses and talk with current ministers…12 liturgical ministries will be represented. For more info, call Jeannie at 410-840-8205.

Discounted advanced sale tickets available at St. John School M-F 9a.m.– 4 p.m. Bracelets $7, individual tickets 20 for $5. Volunteer sign-up and tickets will be sold after all May 13-14 Masses. Check bulletin insert that weekend for details. Call 410-848-4744 for other ticket locations.

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 Maureen at 410-840-4676.

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

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 to go to needy families in the area.

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.

Silent weekend retreat for men & women, laity & religious, at Seton Retreat Center in Emmitsburg. Dr. Thelma Steiger, PhD, explores the profound call of every baptized person to “image the Christ.” $150/weekend (day hop option available). Call 301-447-7051.

Weekend retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion . Confidential and emotionally safe environment for those struggling after abortion. Contact Denis or Deacon Frank at 1-800-286-4224 or email: projectrachel@archbalt.org

Come and join our monthly 2nd Tuesday tea at 2 p.m. Caritas house is run by Catholic Charities, but welcomes all faiths. Located at 3308 Benson Ave., (behind St. Agnes Hospital). Call 410-646-800 to reserve your place for this free event.

Savor cuisines from 11 different countries and enjoy ethnic entertainment throughout the day at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Hanover, PA from noon to 6 p.m. (rain or shine).Take-out available.

TRAVELERS LOOKING for MASS TIMES: To look for Mass times and church locations in the USA, call 1-410-676-6000 or go to www.MassTimes.org

La Oficina de Ministerio Hispano de la Arquidióesis invita a toda la Comunidad Hispana a participar de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. en en la Casa de Retiros Shrine of St. Anthony, Ellicott City. El Costo es de $15 (almuerzo incluido). El cupo es limitado. No habrá inscripciones en la entrada. Ultimo día para inscribirse: 15 de Mayo. Regístrese llamando a 410-547-5423.

ATTN: PARISHIONERS ON MEDICARE: Medicare Part D Prescription coverage is available to all parishioners on Medicare through Catholic Golden Age. Call 1-800-706-1268 or 1-800-836-5699 for more information.

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.

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.

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.

Monday, May 8

Thursday, May 11

9:30 a.m. Romolo DiBlasio

Friday, May 12

Saturday, May 13

From the Pastor

LENT MAY BE OVER…but the LENTEN APPEAL is NOT!!

CONGRATULATIONS to our young people who made their First Holy Communion this past weekend. We pray you will always stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist.

Activities in Our Parish