Parish Bulletin

Msgr. Art has asked us to share his ongoing appreciation for the thoughtful and plentiful cards and notes he has been receiving, and especially for the prayers, asking that all continue to pray for him.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 27, 2006 as Msgr. Valenzano will be celebrating the 11:15 a.m. Mass. He has always wanted to celebrate, but was waiting for his strength, both physical and emotional, to be such that he would be strong enough to return. After the liturgy there will be a social in The Portico to allow all to visit with Msgr. Art for a while.

Knowing that in the near future he most likely will be having the bone marrow transplant and his immunity will be very compromised, it was felt that this date would be the best time to come or he would need to wait for several more months after the transplant.

Please refer to the flyer in the bulletin for the details on the Bone Marrow Drive which is scheduled for September 9, 2006. There are many ways for each person to help: be a donor, sponsor and/or volunteer to assist during the day.

If you are unable to greet Msgr. Art on August 27^th, his address is listed below, if you wish to send a card.

MSGR. ART’S ADDRESS: If you would like to send a card or note to Msgr. Art, the address is: St. Rose of Lima Rectory, 3803 4^th Street, Baltimore, MD 21225.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE! The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least two for each hour: Sundays – 2, 4, 6, & 8 a.m.; and 12,1,3,4,6,7 & 8 p.m.; Mondays – 1, 2 & 6 a.m.; 4 & 6 p.m.; Tuesdays – 3, 6, 8 & 11a.m.; and 4 & 5 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2, 7 & 11 a.m.; and 12, 2 & 3 p.m.; Thursdays – 12, 1, 2,5, 6 & 9 a.m.; and 12,3,4 & 11 p.m.; Fridays – 2, 3, 5 & 9 a.m.; and 12,2,3,4,5 & 6 p.m. Saturday-1,3 & 6 a.m., 2,3,4,5,6 & 9 p.m. Please call the parish office.

The Ladies Sodality prays 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 to participate.

Immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to John Brendan Vollaro, son of Rosemarie and Richard Vollaro, Joseph Timothy Peloquin, son of Joanna and Michael Peloquin, Charles Allan Petruzzi, son of Roselyn and John Petruzzi, John Patrick Delgado, son of Omayra Ortiz and John Delgado, Gustavo Flores, son of Emilia Flores Perez and Gustavo Flores-Torres, Odalis I. Ramirez, son of Isabel Sarabia and Bonfilio Ramirez.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Anthony Lewis Totis, Sydney Renehan and Genevieve Krupinski 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 $27,560.36. 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.

There will be a special collection for the Catholic Communications annual campaign. Thank you for your generosity.

SUMMER BENEFIT: When Mass attendance decreases during summer months as families vacation and attend other churches, families have been asked to assist the parish in the payment of continuing utility bills through our annual Summer Benefit Collection. Your response is again requested. If you did not receive an envelope for this purpose, please pick one up at the doors of the church or in the parish office, or mail your contribution to St. John Church, “Summer Benefit.” Thank you for your generosity.

School Calendar

Check the St. John web page www.sjwest.org for details regarding the school calendar, supply list, class lists, etc. The supply lists can also be found in the local stores. The school office will be open from 9-3 on Wednesdays during the summer for purchasing necessary items. There will be NO packet pickup day in August. Be sure to fill out the pink emergency card and send it back to us ASAP. If you do not have one for each child, stop by 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.

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% on all sales. Cards are for sale in the school office only.

why catholic? There will be a meeting on August 7^th at 7:00 p.m. in The Portico for all those interested in being a small group facilitator for Why Catholic. This adult faith formation program will start at St. John in January, 2007. If you are interested call Paul Gallagher. Training will be provided.

Tickets are now on sale for Scott Hahn’s visit. Tickets are $20 per person & will be sold on a first come, first served basis at the Religious Ed Office in the Parish Center and at The Portico Bookstore during regular business hours. Tickets are limited--so purchase early, as last year was an immediate sell out. A box lunch can be purchased at the Portico. Check bulletins for more details.

Bible Study: Shortly after Dr. Scott Hahn’s visit to our parish on September 23^rd, we will begin a parish-wide, seven week Bible study using his “From Genesis to Jesus” study. Everyone in the parish is invited to join a group. More information will be found in future bulletins, with registrations taking place in September.

“Welcome Home” Committee Forming: Anyone interested in helping with our annual “Welcome Home” gathering on Thursday, December 28^th from 7:00-9:00 p.m., please email Paul Gallagher at pgallagher@sjwest.org. This gathering is held right after the Christmas Liturgies as a way to reach out to anyone who is no longer practicing their Catholic faith or is interested in becoming a Catholic.

RELIGIOUS ED REGISTRATION: If you have not yet registered your child for religious education classes--please contact the Religious Ed Office to assure a spot for the fall.

RELIGIOUS ED TEACHERS NEEDED: Anyone wishing to teach/assist with religious education classes for this coming year, please call the office for more details. We specifically need an older Eucharist teacher and a Spanish/English speaking RCIY teacher. Call the Religious Ed office for more details.

SPECIAL ED TEACHER NEEDED: Beginning in September, our Special Needs class that meets on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m., needs a special education teacher. Call the office if you can help.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

MATT MAHER VISIT: On Friday, August 11, Matt Maher, a nationally known musician, will be performing a concert here in The Portico. The cost will be $15 per person, with money collected at the door. This event is open to everyone in middle school or older. Call Kenn if you need additional information.

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY: Have you ever wanted to get a little more out of Sacred Scripture or the Mass? If you said yes, then this summer is your chance! We will be meeting at the Parish Center every Thursday from 7:00-8 p.m. We will be looking at the readings for that week’s Mass. It will not only give you a better look at your faith, but a better look at Christ himself.

— 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.

FYI: The EDGE and Youth Alive WILL meet all summer, so don’t miss these opportunities to get together with your friends. The EDGE welcomes everyone! The more friends you bring to The EDGE, the bigger and better we can make it!

Sun., Aug. 13 – H2Olympics – Come on down and beat the heat with this EDGE night. Bring your water guns and dress to get wet (old shorts and T-shirts please). This relay style competition is sure to knock your socks off!

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., Aug. 25 – Popsicle Party – Join us for some new games, and maybe even some old ones with a Youth Alive twist.

ATTENTION 5^th and 6^th GRADERS: Please feel free to bring your friends to any Youth Alive nights. We welcome everyone!

Activities in Our Parish

THANK YOU to all the donors that came to the July blood drive. We received 98 pints, so it was a great success! The next drive will be held on Monday, September 11^th.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR: The St. John Children’s Choir, which leads the sung prayer at the Saturday 5:00 Liturgy on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays of each month, is seeking new members. Children going in to 5^th grade (and older) are welcome to join without an audition, and must be able to rehearse Monday nights in the church from 7-8 p.m. To join, or for details, call Jane Schmidt at 410-848-5365.

STITCHIN’ NOOK BOOTH NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: If you would like to do any knitting or sewing during the next few months for the Christmas Bazaar, call the Parish Center and leave your name and phone number. We will pay for the materials, or if you have any knitting or sewing materials you would like to donate, please call the office. Christmas items, stockings, scarves, crochet items, baby items and any item that would be attractive for sale at the booth would be most appreciated.

2007 CARNIVAL CHAIRPERSON NEEDED: Looking for a Chairperson to oversee various committees from each parish ministry, plan monthly meetings, budgets and lead through the fellowship of the parish. For more information call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.

Fr. Jim Sorra, who was just recently ordained, will be the celebrant at a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, August 6 at 6:00 p.m. We hope you will join him in celebrating this Mass at St. John.

Warning: You will get Wet and Have Fun!!! – Water guns, water balloons, sailboat races & watermelon eating contests and more! Join St. John’s Cub Scouts from 1-4 pm for an afternoon of fun. Contact Carey Scott at 410-239-6179 for details.

The Executive Committee will meet at 10 a.m. at Baugher’s. All officers and committee chairpersons are urged to attend. For details

Couples married in August are invited to renew their marriage vows at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or the parish office in advance of the weekend.

Knights of Columbus Council 1393 is looking for vendors for this 2^nd annual event being held on St. John parking lot from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Vendors may begin setting up at 5:30 a.m.). Spaces (17’ by 20’) are $35 each or 2/$60. More space can be arranged if requested in advance. Spots are pre-paid and non-refundable. No rain date. For information or to reserve space, contact Michael Dvorak at mak@dvorak.net, or Frederick Dvorak at 410-876-1292. Proceeds benefit St. John Catholic Church organizations.

VENTURE CREW 420 (Boy Scouts of America) sponsored by St. John Church, recently returned from a high adventure expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmarron, NM. Crew members Nick Wagman, Richard Lyons, Paul Friedel, Ben Brown, Chas Hofmeister, Sam O’Farrell, Evan Uebel and Jamie Short, accompanied by adult leaders Dave Brown, Jay Uebel, Kevin Wagman and Tom O’Fqrrell, accomplished a 64-mile “rugged” itinerary in the mountains, ranging from 5000’ to 12,500’ in altitude. Additionally, they toured attractions near Albuquerque, including the National Atomic Bomb Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum and Sandia Peak, home of the longest cable car in the U.S. Venturing is a coed program under the auspices of Boy Scouts of America for boys and girls ages 14-21. For more details contact Jim Short at 410-875-5918 or hjshort@adelphia.net.

Since we are all tying to put the Gospel into action in our own lives, we need to remember the poor boxes every Sunday. The St. Vincent de Paul Society thanks you for your continued help.

Dare to Follow! Is a one-day summer vocation awareness program for male youth aged 15-17 to be held Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at St. John, Westminster. This event runs from 9-5, and there is no charge and (lunch & light snacks are included). Participants will engage in prayer, celebrate Mass, take part in discussions, play games, and enjoy the fellowship of priests and seminarians from the Archdiocese. For details contact the Vocation Office at 410-547-5426, Seminarian Chris Little or Fr. Leo at the Parish Office.

AFRICAN NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: The First African National Eucharistic Congress will be held on September 2-3 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. For information contact: Mary Ellen Davey at 202-541-3350 or Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ at 202-541-3359.

August 7-15 at 7:00 p.m. annual novena in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mass on Sunday and Feast Day) conducted by the Franciscans of the Primitive Order. Contact Carol Kortisses via email at spoonhou@msmary.edu. or call 301-447-5318.

Celebration commemorating the 232^nd birthday will be held beginning with Mass at 1:30 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, followed by a family fun day in the courtyard. Special recognition given to “Elizabeth Anns.” Volunteers are needed to help with face-painting. Call the Shrine at 301-447-6606 or 301-447-7121 if you can help. Students can earn service credits.

This year’s Primary Election occurs on Tuesday, September 12. The General Election will occur on Tuesday, November 7. In order to vote in this year’s election, you must be registered. If you are registered prior to August 22, you may vote in both the primary and general elections. Participation in the November 7 general election requires registration by October 17. Parishioners who are not registered are encouraged to do so through the internet. The web site of the Maryland Catholic Conference includes a link to on-line registration. Go to www.mdcathcon.org and click the “Register To Vote” icon. Under “Voter Registration” click, “application,” then follow the instructions for filling out, printing, and mailing a voter registration form. You will receive a voter registration card in the mail to confirm receipt of your registration. Use the same procedure (and the same registration form) if your name or address has changed since the last time you voted, or if you wish to change your party affiliation.

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER needs volunteers who can make a commitment of minimal weekly time. Call Maria DeCesar if you can help –410-848-0716.

Couples who attend Marriage Encounter weekends rediscover the joy, intimacy and romance in their relationships and also become more active in their parish. Upcoming weekends are scheduled for August 11-13 and November 10-12. Visit www.me.net or call 1-877-558-LOVE (5683).

Family style fried chicken and ham dinner (adults - $10.00, children 6-12 - $5.00 and 5 and under – free) held from 12 – 5:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Thurmont, MD. Live music by Home Comfort Bluegrass Band, and much more.

If your relationship has grown cold and distant, if you are separated or thinking about separation or divorce, Retrouvaille can help. Retrouvaille is a Catholic program designed to help hurting couples mend and heal their brokenness. For more information call 410-647-0350 or 301-468-6764. All calls and inquiries are confidential. Website address is: www.retrouvaille.org

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

DEADLINE FOR BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon each Monday. All announcements and articles are requested in writing and can be sent via email to bulletin@sjwest.org or faxed 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. Call the parish office to request this service.

ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: Our parish invites memorial donations for altar flowers. You may wish to memorialize a deceased loved one, commemorate an anniversary, etc. Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Call the parish office to schedule.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: All Scott Hahn Books on sale (does not include textbooks), plus new shipments of great gifts arriving daily!