Parish Bulletin

As we open the newspapers and see the “BACK TO SCHOOL” ads, some people are delighted that school is starting and some are sad that the summer is over. For many, each year going back to school is an anxious moment when they are starting at new schools and new adventures. It is hard for eighth graders now to be freshman in high school. All is new: buildings, teachers, for some a longer commute to school if going to a high outside of Westminster.

Going to college for the first time also is an anxious time. This is compounded when the young person is living on campus and away from the security and safety net of home. It is hard on families too having someone leave home

Please pray for all these young people. As they wind down their summer and begin new ventures, recognize there might be some anxiousness on their part, which they may not be able to articulate. Keep them in your prayers and sometimes just being there for them is enough support.

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.

REMINDER

Msgr. Art will be the Celebrant at the 11:15 a.m.

Mass on Sunday, August 27^th

Reception to follow in the Portico

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

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.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Matthew Joseph Fino, son of Christine and Jack Fino; Brianna Nicole Cheatham, daughter of Carrie and Ryan Cheatham; and Joshua Tyler Frank, son of Emily and Paul Frank.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Emma Hardesty and Charles R. Walsh and for their families and friends.

MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent: Helen Brozyna (11), Int. of Steve Ohler, Harold Caskie, Mary Piefer, Thomas Payne, Daniel O’Brien (2), David Poling, O. Grande, John Semler (4), Brian J. Evans (2), Benedict T. Opalski, Robert Berge, Kevin Glynn (2), William Mahoney, Terry Naeder, Gail Morse, Glenn Franck, Barbara Plotica, Mary Agnes Koelbl, Rosemary Malooly, Jessica Klemkowski, Jack Johnson, Michael Kenny, John Victor, Thomas Bishop, Sue Robertson, Richard Wiseman (2), Larry Henderson, Rex Harrison, Int. of Msgr. Arthur Valenzano, Int. of the Porbit Family, Richard Noone, Mary Catherine Kellner, William H. Harley, Patsey Marie Gladden, Robert Green, Dolores Claxton (4), Cleveland Dell, William Johnson, Harry M. Schleicher, Int. of Florence Semler, Int. of Judy Semler & Family, Nancy Nazelrod, Sally Barden, Rae Taylor, Alice Buss, Robert Reid, Gary White, Charles Arnold, Bernard Miciak, Int. of Jessica Piper, Joseph Nosek, J. Gordon Hall (2), Eddie Schreiber, Int. of Emily Czepinski, Int. of Watorek Family, Int. of Dennis Brozyna, Int. of The Fell Family, Int. of the Brozyna Family, Larry Hardesty, Int. of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fell, Int. of Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Watorek, Int. of Mr. & Mrs. Jim Opoka, Int. of Sarah Ripkin, Int. of Carol Goldbeck, Int. of Larry & Nola McBee, Int. of Charles & Katherine Dukehart and Int. of the Opoka Family.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,428.97 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.

THANK YOU for your generous donations to the Catholic Communications collection. The total collected was $5,317.25.

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.

School Lunch

Mon. August 28 – Cold Cut Sub $1.25 – half sub $.65

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. Proceeds will benefit the Adult Faith Formation Program of the parish.

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: Due to our large enrollment and the need to add another class for some of the grades, we are in need of teachers for the following sessions: Tuesday at 4:30 - 4 teachers; Tuesday at 6:45 - 2 teachers, Thursday at 4:30 – 3 teachers; Thursday at 6:45 - 3 teachers. Home Study – 3 teachers. We also need teachers for the following special classes: Older Eucharist, Spanish/English speaking RCIY. Please prayerfully consider sharing your faith with the young people of our parish. Call Religious Ed Office if you can help.

Our next new teacher & assistant training session will 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 if you will attend.

All parents of Home Study students are encouraged to attend this meeting in The Portico. (Note the change of meeting location).

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY: We regret to announce that the summer bible study has been cancelled. However, we are gearing up for something bigger and more exciting in the fall! Check the bulletin for more details.

Sun., August 20 –Are you ready to party Hawaiian style? Join us after the 6 p.m. Mass for our annual Luau party! Come for the fun, the food and the music! See you there.

Sun., Sept. 24 – Life Teen Fall Kick Off – after the 6 p.m. Mass. We will be taking a journey to Narnia! Join us as we climb through the Wardrobe and enter the magical land of Narnia where you are the heroes and stars of the adventure! If you have never been to Life Teen, this would be a great night to give it a shot. This is one event you don’t want to miss!

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!

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 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 18.

Sunday, Sept. 10 – Fall Kick Off-Let’s Kick Off the fall semester EDGE STYLE! Bring all of your friends to this awesome Kick Off. There will be a bonfire (weather permitting) and we will make S’mores and have a blast. You don’t want to miss it!

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., 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!

Fri., Sept. 15 – Fall Kick Off – Do you like having fun with your friends? Well then this is the event for you. Bring all of your friends to Kick Off the fall semester night! We will have games, food and lots of fun. You will want to be there, trust me!

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

The Class of 2005 will hold a one-year reunion from 3:00-7:00 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. To RSVP contact Anita Ritter at pumpkinpie@suscom.net or 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. Sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or the Parish Center if you wish to participate.

Forget Ricky Bobby; join Pack 420 from 1-4 p.m. at the St. John play fields for the “St. John’s 500”and become your own legend!! Fun, food and fast cub mobiles. Call Carey Scott at 410-239-6179 for more details.

Registration for the 2006-07 season will be held in the school gym the following dates: Saturday, Sept. 9 from 3-7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.and Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. A registration fee of $35 a child and $50 for 2 or more boys will be charged. For additional information call:

The next blood drive is from 2-8 p.m. at The Portico. We could still use some phone callers or to make an appointment call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107. Give the gift of love—DONATE!!

The school is holding a fundraiser in connection with Innisbrook and will earn 50% profit from each item sold during this time period. You can help support this effort by ordering online at www.innisbrook.com or through a catalog in the school office. The school ID # is 122169. Please support this effort.

There will be a meeting of the committee at 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Center. For more information contact Deacon Joe Cinquino at the Parish Center.

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.

Got Scout Spirit?? If not, come and get some at our recruiting open house starting at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Join your friends and have some fun. Call Carey Scott at 410-239-6179. It’s never to late to join scouts!

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. 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 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.

Give us this day our daily bread! When we pray the Our Father, we ask God to provide our food. The majority of us receive sufficient food. Others have very little. Your contributions to the poor boxes help the St. Vincent de Paul Society keep food on hand for emergency situations and to support Carroll County Food Sunday.

THE DEER PARK LIONS CLUB, will collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling in developing countries. The eyeglasses and hearing aids will be cleaned, repaired and classified by prescription and distributed to those in need. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church on the fourth Sunday (August 26 & 27^th) of the month.

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 web site link of the Maryland Catholic Conference. 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.

“SPEAK LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING”…Sat. Sept. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg. A day committed to deepening your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Speakers include Fr. Jack Lombardi, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, Fr. Larry Adamczyk. Reconciliation, Mass, Benediction also. The cost is free with a donation to The Grotto. Bring a bag lunch. Sponsored by the Cursillo Movement of Baltimore. For further information or to register call Maureen Tomcala at 410-969-6308 or email mtomcala@cablespeed.com.

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: Cat's Meows have arrived! New products arriving weekly. Check out our special sale table and save big $$$.