Parish Bulletin

“The Lord chose seventy-two other followers and sent them out two by two to every town and village …” ( Luke 10:1) The Lord definitely was not at St John Parish as 72 certainly would not be enough here. Last weekend, for Catechetical Sunday we honored the hundreds who make it possible for the faith to be passed on to the next generation.

When you think of the 4 sessions of Religious Education (2 on Tuesday and Thursdays) as well as all the sacramental preparation catechists and the leadership groups for our youth, the number of people is close to 300 involved in spreading the faith. On top of that, when we add all the teachers and assistants in St John Catholic School, the parish has close to 400 people involved in assuring that Christ’s mandate, “Go teach all disciples” (Matthew 28:19) is fulfilled in word and in deed.

Many thanks to all those involved in spreading the faith. Without your dedication and commitment, the many and varied programs of faith formation would not exist. A special honor goes to Ruth Hartman on the parish staff who celebrates 25 years of service to St. John Parish in Religious Education. If you wish to be numbered among the hundreds who teach, please contact Paul Gallagher, the Director of Religious Education, 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 this time.

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

An anointing with Holy and Healing Oils will take place at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, October 14^th and after the 11:15 Mass on Sunday, October 15^th. Those who should receive this Sacrament at our annual masses of anointing include: Those with a chronic illness which affects day to day life; those elderly persons who are experiencing diminishing health; those who are experiencing a mental or emotional illness; those who have received a diagnosis of a serious health issue; those anticipating a serious surgery; women who are pregnant. Throughout the year we invite parishioners with any of the above conditions, or who are entering into hospice care to request the Sacrament of the Sick. Kindly let the parish office know that you wish to be anointed, and arrangements can be made. A good time to be anointed is when you attend mass at the parish - on weekends or weekdays.

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

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Reese Gabrielle Athey, daughter of Angela and Matthew Athey; Daphne Julia Coven, daughter of Rachel and Abraham Coven; Olivia Evelyn Dayhoff, daughter of Andrea and Douglas Dayhoff; Ryan Christopher Haines, son of Janet and Dennis Haines; Lolek Joseph Hoff, son of Wendy and William Hoff and Juliette Noelle Tippett, daughter of Jordan and Jeremy Tippett.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Henrietta Guralnick, Mary Balsamo, and Mary Bailey and for their families and friends.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are in memory of Charles and Evelyn Young.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,459.64.

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.

School Calendar

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.

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.

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: 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.

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 at 6:45 pm in the cafeteria. This is a very important meeting at which changes in the Sacramental Preparation classes will be explained.

RELIGIOUS ED ASSISTANTS NEEDED: We are still in need of several assistants for classes on both Tuesdays and Thursday. Please call the Religious Ed office for information.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped plan, organize and celebrate my 25 years at St. John. You are truly a blessing to me.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

Sunday, September 24th: Narnia: Enter the Wardrobe. Life Teen is going through the wardrobe and into the magical land of Narnia! Narnia is facing a new evil and we need your help to stop it! Who know? You might even find yourselves as the next kings and queens of Narnia! Best part of all, you have a chance to win some really cool prizes! This is really one night you don’t want to miss! If you’ve never been to Life Teen, this would be a great night to check us out!

Sunday, October 1st: Uganda Awareness: Have you ever wanted to just help those in great need? Well, this Life Night is going to allow you to do just that! Join us this evening as we learn about the perils and dangers facing the children of Uganda and then reach across the Atlantic to help our Brothers and Sisters. Truly, this is one Life Night you don't want to miss!

Congratulations, You Win! The Life Teen newsletter just went out last week. It’s a totally sweet edition with some information about how you can win yourself some great stuff! If you want a newsletter, grab one in the back of the Church or e-mail Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org to get one.

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.

SAVE YOUR OLD CELL PHONES FOR LIFE TEEN: We will be collecting old cell phones in October as a project to help fund our trip to Italy next year. Watch the bulletin for more details.

— THE EDGE (Grades 6, 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 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!!

*Oct. 28-29 – Fall Retreat – “A Game Plan for Life”- Deadline for registration is October 20^th. Register by October 1^st and requires a liability form. Call Kate for more details.

— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 4 & 5) —

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. 6 – Mystery Fun Night – Join us for a chance to make a difference. We will have a guest speaker and learn more about how to help others. You don’t want to miss this!

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

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.

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!

Please Note: this is a change from previous schedule: 5th Grade Girls are Tuesday the 26th only from 3:30 to 5:30. There will be no tryout on the 28th.

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 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.

Don’t forget to come to the flea market sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds benefit St. John parish organizations.

If you are not registered to vote, take advantage of the opportunity to register for the General Election this weekend. For your convenience, The Knights of Columbus will have tables set up at the Crafter Fair and the Parish Breakfast. Absentee ballots will also be available. Any questions, call John Bryan at 410-848-7126.

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. Car raffle tickets and Christmas cards will also be available. The Knights appreciate your continued support.

October is Respect Life Month. Join us for this peaceful hour of prayer as we silently pray for an end to abortion. No graphic signs are used. From 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Rt. 140 and Sullivan Road by the St. John Church sign. For more information, call 410-848-9391.

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 anyone would like to volunteer their services to either sew or crochet items for the booth, Mrs. Pat Davis would be willing to donate the material to anyone who would be interested. Please contact her at 410-876-1483. We also need committee volunteers for all the booths for Friday and Saturday, December 1^st and 2^nd. Please call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576 for more information.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – STUFFED ANIMALS: We need new or clean used stuffed animals, dolls, doll clothes and other stuffed toys. Any questions, please call Cathy Hoos 410-876-2442.

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.

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.

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. The cost is $5.00 per person. Hope to see you there. RSVP to Dan Rafferty at 410-876-2865.

You are now in the home stretch with your spiritually adopted baby. He is completely formed, and, in fact, has been since 8 weeks. All he is doing now is gaining weight—and making his mother uncomfortable with his size. He will need a layer of fat to help him stay warm after he leaves the perfect temperature inside his mother’s womb. In a short time, her baby will be born. Your baby’s mother appreciated the prayers you have said for her and her baby throughout the pregnancy.

Thank you note: Thank you for praying for me. I am 7 months old now. I am growing every day. I’m between 14 and 17 inches long and weigh about 4 lbs. I move around a lot and sometimes I get the hiccups!

FAITH IN ACTION is a Carroll County faith community project that assists homebound residents of the community by providing volunteer services such as friendly visits, daily telephone reassurance, household care, etc. An information session will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 7-8 pm. For details call Mike Rodgers at 410-857-5891.

Doors open at noon and bingo will begin at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Hot roast beef dinners will be available for $5.00, either eat-in or carry-out. Other food and drinks available during the bingo. Proceeds benefit Delone Catholic Speech & Debate Team. Call Larry Gray at 410-775-0650 for tickets or information.

An evening of prayer in honor of St. Therese, The Little Flower will be held at 7 p.m. at Annunciation B.V.M Church in McSherrystown, PA. Anyone wishing to bring a rose symbolizing their intentions may do so.

MASS OF REMEMBRANCE, HEALING & HOPE…The Respect Life Committee and Madonna Ministry at Sacred Heart Parish of Glyndon are planning a special Mass on Wednesday, Oct. 4^th at 7:00 p.m. to provide a place for those who have lost a child to grieve, remember and experience the love of God through the Eucharist. If you would like the name of your child to be included in the reading of the deceased at the Mass, contact the parish office at 410-833-1696.

St. Joseph’s–Eldersburg presents Dr. Ray Guarendi, a home-schooling father of 10, clinical psychologist, author, public speaker and radio host at 7:00 pm. Price is $10/person, $15/couple. Seating is limited. For information call Kathy at 410-549-2007.

St. Peter’s Libertytown is holding this seminar from 8 a.m.-2 pm. and follow-up classes on Men and Women are from Eden. The seminar begins with Mass in the parish center at 8 a.m. and continues thru lunch. The cost is $28 per person for the seminar and follow-up classes. For details call Carolyn at 301-898-5111 x 14 or email: nolanck@hotmail.com