Parish Bulletin

Please see the column welcoming the seminarians from St. Mary Seminary and University. The three seminarians will be here throughout the academic year assisting in many ways and gaining further experience about pastoral ministry. Please welcome them when you see them. We are very grateful to St. Mary’s for including us in their internship program.

I am very appreciative to those who participated in the Bone Marrow Drive conducted last weekend. There were 104 donors and another 50+ plus who sponsored donors. The parish is grateful to the Bone Marrow Committee of Bobbie Sandusky, Jane Kaczmarski, Betty Belk and Nancy Little who cared for all the details with Johns Hopkins Hospital staff, Sue Crabben, RN. Their efforts have now made it possible for more people to be placed on the national registry, giving more chances to grant hope to those who are sick.

Please continue to keep Msgr. Valenzano in your prayers. Last week a prayer card was distributed to parishioners at all Masses to support him as he undergoes another round of chemotherapy as a prelude to his bone marrow transplant. Cards are still available in the church if you need one.

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 Faith Nicole Boschert, daughter of Britnie and Joshua Boshert.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Catherine Evans, Raymond Bechler, Mary Ellen Jaskot and Corey Redding and for their families and friends.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are in memory of Jeffrey W. Graham and John R. Graham, Jr. and were donated by their loving family.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,625.23.

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 this weekend 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.

THANK YOU to all the parishioners who contributed to the special collection for the works of the Holy Father (known as Peter’s Pence). The total collected was $7,328.47.

School Calendar

Sept. 18 - Back to School Night - @ 7 pm -Portico & K-5 classes

Sept. 20 - Back to School Night @ 7 pm -Gr. 6-8 classrooms

Sept. 21 - School Board Mtg. @ 7:30 pm - Parish Center

Sept. 22 - Liturgy @ 9:30 am – Grades 1-8 - Church

Sept. 28 - Archdiocesan HS Fair at Sacred Heart – Glyndon

Sept. 29 - Liturgy @ 9:30 am – Grades 1-8 – Church

PTF Family Fun Night – 7-9 pm – Cafeteria

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.

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 at St. John.

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: Religious Ed classes begin on Tuesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 21.

We would like to thank all our volunteers engaged in the passing on of our Faith to the children, teens, or adults of our parish. Please join us at the 11:15 am. Mass to honor those who help in this ministry. A reception will be held in The Portico immediately following this Mass.

PARENTS of students preparing for Reconciliation and Eucharist should have received a letter inviting them to a meeting on either Tuesday, October 10 or Thursday, October 12^th at 6:45 pm in the cafeteria. This is a very important meeting at which changes in the Sacramental Preparation classes will be explained.

The Middle School and High School Youth Ministers will be visiting the weekend Masses this weekend to hand out information about their ministry and the really cool events they have going on. Be sure to look for information at ALL EXITS OF THE CHURCH. Note: Information will only be available on a table in the Narthex after the 7:15 am. Mass on Sunday.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

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 after the 6 p.m. Mass. This is a chance to show off that amazing talent you have and find out just how cool those people sitting next to you at Mass really are! Email kdemoll@sjwest.org to sign up!

Attn: Life Teen Parents: WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Our annual fall kick off is Sept. 24^th and it is promising to be one of our biggest nights ever and we need some help to make it happen. Call Kenn at 410-848-8443.

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 6^th , 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!!

* 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., 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

Welcome to the seminarians from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD, who will be with us here at St John. All three are here to experience parish life and its many facets.

· Deacon Michael Galuppi was born and raised in Syracuse, attended LeMoyne College where he graduated in 1995. Michael worked for four years for the Salvation Army of Syracuse as a Case Manager for homebound elderly. He began priesthood formation with the Diocese of Syracuse in 2001 and was assigned to St. Mary's Seminary in Roland Park where he was ordained a deacon on April 1, 2006. Michael is in his fourth year of theology and is anticipating ordination in Syracuse in June 2007. Michael will be assisting the parish with sacramental and liturgical ministry, as he is ordained a deacon. He will be presiding at baptisms, weddings and will also be on the preaching schedule while experiencing the administrative side of parish life as well.

· Marc Lanoue is the ninth of nine children and grew up in Western Massachusetts. After graduating from college, he worked for twelve years in the computer industry and then returned to school to study for a doctorate in Biblical Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. While in Washington, he worked for Archbishop Edwin O'Brien of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Archbishop O'Brien recommended Marc to Cardinal Keeler as a priesthood candidate that brought him to Baltimore to study for the priesthood, where he now makes his home. Marc will be a ministering with Paul Gallagher (DRE) with RCIA as well with Gay Hart (Health Ministry) visiting the sick at Carroll Hospital.

· David Wood was born and raised in Massachusetts and is studying for the diocese of Portland ME. After high school he entered St. John’s Seminary in Boston MA and simultaneously took classes at Boston College. In his junior year he transferred to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia PA where he completed his BA in philosophy. David is now in his first year of theology at St. Mary’s Seminary. He is interested in helping with the RCIA program as well as being available for other ministries.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY of the WORD is seeking volunteers to help during the 9:15 am. Mass. To volunteer or for more information call Nancy at 410-876-2173.

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

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.

All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which will be held the last Sunday of the month, at 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at The Portico. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our 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. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.

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!

The meeting will start at 12 noon in The Portico. Mass will be held after the meeting and speaker. Our speaker will be John Price, who will speak on the life and achievements of Dr. Mary Walker, a Civil War doctor. Remember to bring a brown bag lunch-drinks and dessert are provided. New members are always welcome. Any questions contact Eleanor at 410-875-3336.

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 call Michael Dvorak at mak@dvorak.net, or Frederick Dvorak at 410-876-1292. Proceeds benefit St. John Catholic Church organizations.

Call or stop by The Portico Bookstore to make reservations. Price is $50 per person. Call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227 for details. Doors open at 7 pm. Enjoy an evening of Italian cuisine, wine bar, bread station and cheese table. Proceeds benefit St. John Building Fund.

Members will meet for a day of prayer, meditation and reflection from 9-3 pm at Bon Secours Retreat House in Marriottsville. Our moderator will be Fr. Patrick. The price is $22.00 and includes lunch. Transportation is by private automobile. Members are requested to pay at the September meeting. Non-members are welcome. For details call Irene at 410-848-0489.

Three Marys musical production needs guitar, bass, percussion & woodwind players for pit band. Written music and flexible rehearsal times. Dates of show are October, 20-22. Contact JLLMickey@aol.com or Stacy at 240-298-6767 for details and for ticket information.

Tickets are $40 per person and are available at the Parish Center and at the Portico Bookstore. Proceeds benefit St. John Church. For more information call the Parish Center at 410-848-4744 or Anna at 410-876-2652.

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 crib). 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. Call Lynn Pavlock at 410-871-0813 for more information.

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.

THE MARKET PLACE is now accepting useable donations of small furniture, lamps, pictures, linens, toys, games, household items (NO CLOTHES OR SHOES) for the Christmas Bazaar until Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the school basement. Call Regina Sell at 410-876-6170 for more details.

To all members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society: We will celebrate St. Vincent De Paul’s feast day on Sunday, October 1^st at the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by breakfast in The Portico. Please plan on attending and bring your families.

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). 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. Training is provided. Call Sarah Andrews at Westminster Elementary School at 410-751-3222.