Parish Bulletin

Our church is approaching three years old this fall. Each week the bulletin states the offertory collection and the capital campaign information. The monthly mortgage payment is possible from the generosity of parishioners each weekend, supplemented by the capital campaign funds by those who pledged a commitment. These campaigns allowed this beautiful church to be built. Many parishioners have joined the parish since the church was dedicated and the onset of the capital campaigns, which preceded it. It is still possible to make a pledge or a one-time gift to the ongoing campaign. The foyer of the church has the two large donor plaques for patrons and benefactors. Many of the white marble blocks are blank awaiting your name to be engraved. Every donation helps as the parish tries to balance both its capital expenses (e.g. mortgage) and its ordinary expenses (e.g. ministry programs, salaries, utilities).

Any one of these categories is a great way to honor a family member. If you are interested in making a capital campaign donation, contact Colleen Hattrup, Director of Development for the parish and school or Agnes Geraghty at 410-876-2248.

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 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.

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

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Daniel Scott Stallcup, son of Linda and Scott Stallcup.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,788.89.

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 second collection next weekend (Sept. 16-17) to support the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Biloxi, both of whom still suffer from hurricane Katrina’s devastation. This collection will assist in addressing rebuilding and recovery needs.

School Calendar

Sept. 10 – Catholic High School Fair at UMBC – 3-5 pm

Sept. 11 - Pastoral Council Meeting – Parish Center – 7:30 pm.

Sept. 12 – SCHOOL CLOSED – Election Day

Sept. 15 – Liturgy – 9:30 in the Church

PTF Family Fun Night – Cafeteria 7-9 pm

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.

Without a doubt, Dr. Scott Hahn is one of the most dynamic and well-known scripture scholars today. Please join us for his daylong visit to St. John on Saturday, September 23^rd. Participants will get the chance to hear Dr. Hahn explain the relationship between the Bible and Mass, how Mary plays an integral part in her Son’s kingdom, and finally, how God’s covenant love for us can have incredible implications for our relationships and daily living. Tickets are limited, and are available in the Religious Ed Office and Portico Bookstore. Cost is $20 per person, with proceeds going towards future adult faith formation opportunities in our parish.

Upcoming Bible Study: Do you wish you knew more about the Bible? How about learning about God’s covenant love and its implications for your life? Beginning this October, our parish will offer Dr. Scott Hahn’s Bible Study, “From Genesis to Jesus.” Over seven weeks, we’ll study God’s plan for the ages, beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing down through the generations to the coming of Christ and the birth of the Church. Sign up information will be in future bulletins. We are looking for people willing to be trained as facilitators (no prior experience necessary). The training will take place October 7-8^th here at St. John. If you would like to help, please call Paul Gallagher in the Parish Center.

Why Catholic Training: Just a reminder to all those who have already signed up to be facilitators for Why Catholic? There will be a Small Group Facilitator Training on Monday, September 18^th from 7:00-9:00 pm in The Portico. We are still looking for more facilitators; so if you would like to help with this exciting program that will begin in January, please call Paul Gallagher.

RCIA: If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Catholic Church, our fall session of RCIA (Rite Of Christian Initiation of Adults) is set to begin Sunday, October 1st. RCIA will meet weekly each Sunday morning from 9-12 until Easter. To learn more, or to receive a sign up packet, call Paul Gallagher.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PARENT MEETINGS will be held on Tuesday, September 12^th at both 4:30 & 6:45 and Thursday, September 14^th at both 4:30 & 6:45. If anyone misses the Parent Meetings, call the Religious Ed Office prior to the beginning of classes. Religious Ed classes begin on Tuesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 21.

RELIGIOUS ED TEACHERS NEEDED: We are still in need of 5 teachers and 8 assistants. Please prayerfully consider sharing your faith with the young people of the parish. Call the Religious Ed Office for more details.

This year our parish will mark Catechetical Sunday at the 11:15 a.m. Mass. We invite all those engaged in the passing on of our Faith, whether with children, teens, or adults, to join us to pray for our various ministries. A reception will be held in The Portico immediately following Mass.

Interested in learning more about our youth ministry programs here at St. John? Come and see us after Mass! Kate Harris and Kenn deMoll will be outside of the church after the 5 p.m. Mass on Sat., Sept. 16 and after each Mass on Sun., Sept. 17^th with information about our programs, how your child can get involved, volunteer opportunities, contests and more. Stop by to see us!

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

What’s wrong with this ad??? If you can figure it out by September 10^th and be the first person to report it at the life night then you will win a really cool prize Oh and what are we doing at life teen on that evening chances are if you like guessing games you will love this night Be sure to come and check us out.

That’s right, it’s time to start talking about next summer’s trip! We’ll be having a meeting at 4:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room. We’ll be talking about fundraising ideas! Join us!

Lend a Helping Hand: We’re looking for a few teens that would be interested in doing some service work for those in and around Westminster in the next couple of weeks. If this sounds interesting to you, send Kenn an email at kdemoll@sjwest.org.

Life Teen Talent Show: The date is Sept. 17^th! A talent show? You better believe it! Whatever your talent may be--magician, musician or just some kind of wacky talent, this Life Night is for you! Come for the fun as we find out just how cool that guy sitting next to you at church really is! Email Kenn to sign up your act!

Attn: Life Teen Parents: The annual fall kick off is Sept. 24^th and we need some help! The night promises to be so big that we can use your help to make it happen. Call Kenn at 410-848-8443.

— 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 welcomes everyone! The more friends you bring to The EDGE, the bigger and better we can make it!

NOTICE: The Collect All Four Extravaganza has begun! Come to all four EDGE events (noted with an *) and win a Blockbuster gift card instantly!! Everyone who attends all four events (*) will also be entered in a drawing for an IPOD Shuffle! You don’t want to miss this opportunity! Bring all of your friends!!

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

* Friday, Sept. 22 – Movie Night –Movies, popcorn, candy and all of your friends. What more could you ask for? Weather permitting this will be an outdoor movie--so bring a blanket and a folding chair if you have one. More details later.

* Oct. 28-29 – Fall Retreat – “A Game Plan for Life”- Deadline for registration is October 20^th. Register by October 1^st and get the discounted rate of $35. After October 1^st the fee is $45—so HURRY AND SAVE!! Call Kate for more details.

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. 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!

Fri., Oct. 20 – What’s in a Pumpkin? It’s more than seeds and slime! Join us for some fun-filled pumpkin madness!

Fri., Nov. 3 – Fall Family Dinner – Bring the whole family to this Youth Alive event. If you carrot all, you’ll turnip! Please RSVP to Kate by Oct. 30^th, so that we can make sure we have enough food for everyone! See you there! Food donations always appreciated. Call Kate to make arrangements if you can help out!

Activities in Our Parish

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.

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:

Join the Knights at The Portico for a great breakfast from 8-11:30 for pancakes, french toast, eggs and more. Adults-$5, children-$3. Raffle tickets for our annual car raffle will also be available at the breakfast. We appreciate your support.

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!!

Our next meeting will be held at 1:00 pm in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. All Health Care Ministers are encouraged to attend, and anyone interested in this ministry is invited.

There will be a meeting for the committee chairs and any interested volunteers at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. It is only necessary to attend ONE of the meetings. Call Jim Diggs for more details at 410-346-6576.

Fr. Joe returns to The Portico to discuss this month’s topic: “Coping with the Loss of a Loved One.” 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.

There will be a meeting of the committee at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. All members are asked to attend this first meeting of the year so that all liturgical ministries will be represented. Members should get their tickets for the Scott Hahn presentation on Sept. 23.

Any basketball players in Grades 4-8 interested in representing St. John Eagles throughout the Baltimore Archdiocese, can come to tryouts in the gym at St. John School. There is also an opening for a 4^th grade coach in this league. For info call Lisa Hurley at 443-277-3983 or email lwhurley@hurleyir.com

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!

New for this year…a program prepared exclusively for St. John by Art Bennett, marriage and family therapist, who integrates the best of psychology and the Catholic faith. All St. John married couples are welcome to take part in this five evening course (begins Sept. 30 and ends in Nov.) to strengthen your marriage, your family and your faith. Contact Betty Belk at ebelk@verizon.net for details or to register or call 410-848-9391.

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. 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.

This production is a work of fiction based on the Bible’s reference to the two thieves crucified along side Jesus and the mothers who loved them. This original musical showcases the talents of local writers, composers, musicians and actors. Tickets for the Three Marys will be available September 1^st; order forms will be in the back of the church and at The Portico. For more information contact JLLMickey@aol.com

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.

DONATION CONNECTION: The Gabriel Project is in need of furniture, clothing, children’s items, etc., on an as needed basis for families in need. We are setting up a church network that will allow anyone interested to simply receive an email when an urgent need arises for a specific item (example: we currently need a dresser). If you or anyone you know has the item to donate, we will make arrangements to pick it up. If you have a truck that could be made available for an occasional transport of items, we need your help. We have some space available to store some things immediately. Call Lynn Pavlock at 410-871-0813 if you can help.

FALL CLEANING TIME: Check your attics, basements, closets, etc. for used and new religious articles/rosaries, pictures, bibles, statues, medals, prayer cards, etc. for our 2007 Christmas Bazaar. For information call Nina at 410-635.6422.

LOAVES AND FISHES SOUP KITCHEN is updating its volunteer and contributor listings for the period October 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007. If you will not be participating, please leave a message with Mike Radov at 410-857-9528.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: Cat's Meows have arrived! New products arriving weekly.

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. Bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place them in the baskets by the doors of the church. We especially need canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, peanut butter, powered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. Paper goods, such as toilet paper, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. are also needed. Thank you for your generosity!

The Deer Park Lions Club, will collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling on the 4^th weekend of each month (Sept. 23 and 24). These used eyeglasses and hearing aids will be sent to Lions Recycling Centers where they are cleaned, repaired and classified by prescription. The eyeglasses and hearing aids are then distributed to those in need by Lion volunteers and other organizations hosting missions in developing countries. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR LITERACY TUTORING PROGRAM: Westminster Elementary School is looking for volunteers to provide tutoring for reading and writing skills during the school day. The times will be determined by the schedules of the classroom teacher and tutor. Training is provided. Call Sarah Andrews at Westminster Elementary School at 410-751-3222.