Parish Bulletin

I am very thankful to the team of parishioners who did so much to make the parish picnic a success last weekend. A lot of people hours go into the coordination of such events to assure that all goes smoothly. The Picnic Team coordinated ticket sales, food purchasing, volunteer staffing, and that was even before the day started with the pitching of party tents for the eating and preparing of the food, and then after a long day of tearing it all down. Though it was a hot day, it seemed cool compared to the 3 digit degree days earlier in the week.

Several hundred parishioners of all ages came out to enjoy the food, the chili contest, win cakes as well as to sing or listen to karaoke. I am very appreciative of the efforts of so many. Many of our parishioners who own businesses or “business friends” of St. John sponsored the picnic helping to underwrite the costs to make the day affordable for families and the parish as well.

Check the bulletin for parish events that will be happening in the fall and winter. Once next year’s picnic date is determined it will be announced so that you can mark your calendars. Peace,

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.

MASS SCHEDULE FOR ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: (Holy Day of Obligation)

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE! The following hours are being filled by substitutes until we can get scheduled adorers for them:

Please call Agnes at the parish center if you are willing to commit to one of these hours.

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.

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 Riley Katherine England, daughter of Kathleen and Kirby England; Christian James Gucwa, son of Danielle and Keith Gucwa; Reagan Josephine Fertitta, daughter of Nicole and Anthony Fertitta; Victoria Lynn Ward, daughter of Lilian and Eugene Ward, Jr. and Abigail Lynn Johnson, daughter of Sandra and Michael Johnson.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Baby Brendon Joseph Palm and for his family and friends.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND were donated in loving memory of Mary Ann Murray by her husband.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,833.36. 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.

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.

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.

New teachers & assistants are required to attend one of these meetings to be held at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room at the Parish Center. Call the Religious Ed office to let us know which session you will attend.

All parents of Home Study students are encouraged to attend this meeting in the cafeteria.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

MATT MAHER CONCERT: Friday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. 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 for details.

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!

Friday, Aug. 25 – Players Night – Registrations are being collected in the Religious Ed Office. Just drop off a completed liability form (which can be found outside of the Youth Ministry Office in the Parish Center) along with a check for $15. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18.

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

Fri., Sept. 1 – Ice Cream Party – Bring your favorite ice cream topping to share and get ready to make the best sundae ever! Invite your friends too…everyone likes ice cream!

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

Sodality will meet for the 9:15 a.m. Mass. There will be no meeting after Mass. A pot luck picnic will be held at the home of Katherine Dukehart beginning at 1:00 p.m. For details, call Martha Murphy at 410-871-9667.

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

The Class of 2005 will hold a one-year reunion from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Westminster Community Pool, located at 325 Royer Road, Westminster. The cost is $5.00 per person (includes admission, sodas, pizza and subs. Contact Anita Ritter at pumpkinpie@suscom.net or rsvp to: Debby Shuffler at 410-857-1238 or Kim Geho at 410-840-8245 if you need transportation.

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.

Be sure to mark your calendars as Msgr. Art will be the celebrant at the 11:15 a.m. Mass. After the liturgy there will be a reception in The Portico to allow all to visit with him for awhile.

We will be offering a 9 week spiritually based program for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Our trained facilitators will be using the book “A New Day.” We will meet at the Parish Center from 7:15-9:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Registration is required. Call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542 to register.

In case you missed the bulletin insert last weekend containing information regarding the upcoming bone marrow drive on behalf of Msgr. Art and all persons facing the need of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, the parish is hosting a drive at The Portico from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 9. Copies of the flyer with the necessary information to be a donor or sponsor are available at the parish center or in the back of the church. Please prayerfully consider this gift of life.

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 details 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.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR: The St. John Children’s Choir 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 more details, call Jane Schmidt at 410-848-5365.

STITCHIN’ NOOK BOOTH NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: If you can do some 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, call the office. Christmas items, stockings, scarves, crochet items, baby items and other items that would be attractive for sale at the booth would be appreciated.

Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next weekend (the 3^rd weekend of the month) is Food Sunday. Please bring your donation of non-perishable food to church and place in the baskets by the door of the church. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, peanut butter, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods, such as toilet paper, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you for your generosity!

As part of the Catholic evangelization effort following the Franklin Graham Festival, a Catholic Festival entitled, “The One Thing Celebration” is being held at St. Louis Parish, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD from 6-8 p.m. to celebrate with praise and worship, listen to music and testimonies witnessing to Christ’s love, connect with friends who are seeking Christ, pray with those who are following Christ and discover courses and organizations to help you follow Christ. Contact ChristLife: 410-531-7701 or www.christlife.org/onething.html for details.

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.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PROGRAMS:

CLI is a formation process that provides lay leaders with a basic foundation and formation in theology, spirituality and ministry specific leadership skills. CLI has three levels: CORE, THEOLOGY and MINISTRY SKILLS. This year courses will begin in September and will be offered at 15 parish sites. For more details contact cli@archbalt.org. or call 410-547-5470.

PROJECT RACHEL is a program of counseling, compassion and healing for women and men who have been involved in an abortion. Completely confidential. For help, call 1-800-286-4224.

Join Carroll Hospice for this tour during August. Contact Debbie Zepp at 410-871-7228 for more information.

A 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. Elizabeths and Elizabeth Anns of all ages are invited to join in the procession into church –register in the Shrine at 12:45 p.m. Volunteers needed-call the Shrine at 301-447-6606 or 301-447-7121 if you can help. Service credits given.

Are you feeling helpless because you think your marriage is heading downhill? Don’t despair. There is a Catholic Program that can help. Retrouvaille (French for Rediscovery) is a proven and effective program to help hurting couples rebuild their trust and renew their communication. All calls and inquiries are confidential. For information call 410-647-0350 or 301-468-6764 Spanish weekends are also available – call 703-471-1199. For more details visit our web site at: www.retrouvaille.org

In order to vote in this year’s primary election, you must be registered by August 22. Participation in the November 7th general election requires registration by October 17. Parishioners who are not registered can do so via 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.

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.

HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from either the parish office, ushers, school, Religious Education or Baptism Preparation Class. A Welcoming Session is held the last Sunday of each month from 10:30-11:00 a.m. in the Portico. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of the parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: All Scott Hahn Books on Sale (does not include textbooks), plus many other items at great prices! Come early, limited supplies available.