Parish Bulletin

I realize that 2006 has been a difficult year on the parish having two administrators in the midst of the concern for Msgr. Valenzano’s health. I appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Times of uncertainly are never easy on people or communities. The parish had a nice surprise on Christmas Day when Msgr. Valenzano was able to join us for the 11:15 a.m. mass. I knew he was hoping to come up for a Christmas mass if he felt strong enough to do so. He mentioned that on Christmas Day was his 87^th day since the bone marrow and the number “90” is a significant number in terms of monitoring. So far the donor marrow is producing blood cells and reproducing itself. He is still being monitored closely by his medical team and is extremely grateful for the parish’s prayers.

Additionally, I wish to express my thanks to all those who assured that the liturgies last weekend with the back to back masses for the 4^th Sunday and Christmas masses were so beautiful. It takes many volunteers to staff the multiple masses in three locations and without people willing to do double and triple duty and overtime hours it would never happen. The hard work and attention to it all does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

On behalf of the clergy and entire staff here at St John Parish, I hope the upcoming year brings good health and many blessings to you.

NOTICE: The parish offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 for the New Year Holiday.

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.

We need someone to sign up for the Wednesday morning 1-2 a.m. Adoration Hour as soon as possible. The current adorer’s work schedule will not allow him to continue filling that hour. Please call Agnes in the Parish Center if you are willing to cover this time slot.

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION . . . January 6

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.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY. . . Sunday, January 7

WE WILL HAVE an INTERPRETER at MASS: Beginning Sunday, January 7, at the 9:15 a.m. Mass, services of an interpreter will be available weekly for the deaf and hearing impaired. Anyone desiring to utilize this service will be seated in the angled pews near the Baptism Font. To be notified of events of particular interest to persons having a hearing deficit or of last minute unavailability of the interpreter, or if you have questions about services to the deaf community, call Fr. Leo in the parish office.

MASS OFFERINGS: The parish tries to accommodate the many intentions we receive. There are two types of mass intentions. The perpetual mass cards are offered through the Priests of the Sacred Heart and the parish submits the intentions and the free will $15 offering to that community. These intentions are part of a great number, which are remembered by the Priest of the Sacred Heart. The mass intentions, which are published in the bulletin, are assigned to a particular date. It is one intention per mass. The free will offering for this intention is $10. Mass cards and intentions are handled through the parish office.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Darriol Gagnon, Betty Walsh, Anna DoBranski and their families and friends.

TOTAL: $29,063.54

The last several weeks the weekly offering has topped $30,000. Thank you for your contributions and sacrifice for our many commitments to fulfill our mission.

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.

NEW FEDERAL TAX LAW AFFECTING OFFERTORY AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: Registered parishioners and other parish donors should be advised of the following recent changes to Federal Law affecting offertory and other contributions made to St. John Catholic Church.

Parishioners are encouraged to contact their tax and/or legal professionals to determine what effects these changes may have with regard to their income taxes and potential charitable contribution deductions.

** Only cash and checks received in weekly offertory envelopes that can be identified by envelope number, name or means of electronic records are recorded in your yearly contribution statement. Contributions for second collections, poor box, loose cash or gifts must be in an envelope with your identification number or name and address to be recorded and included in your yearly contribution statement. All donations of $250.00 or more are acknowledged in writing.

END OF YEAR GIVING: As the calendar year comes to a close, many people often use this time to make a larger donation to the church as a tax deduction from stocks that may have been redeemed or bonuses from work. We are appreciative of any donations that people are able to make to the parish. Please be advised that the donation needs to be submitted to the parish by December 28, 2006 so that it can clear the bank and be posted for IRS purposes on December 29, 2006 since December 30 and 31, 2006 are bank holidays. If one is audited, the IRS may ask for proof that the monies were processed in calendar year 2006.

ELECTRONIC DONATIONS: Start the New Year by having your contributions debited electronically from your bank account. Please contact George Hinkel at 410-848-4744 x 249 to initiate this process.

School Calendar

Dec. 22 – Jan. 1 School closed for Christmas Vacation

Jan. 5 – All School liturgy at 9:30 a.m. & HS applications due

Jan. 12 – All School Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

Family Fun Night – 7-9 p.m.

Jan. 15 - School Closed

INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales.

The school is participating in the grocery bonus programs for Giant, Martin’s and Safeway. Forms for this program are located at the entrances of the church. Please take a flyer for the appropriate store and fill out the information requested. You can place the forms in the collection basket or drop them off at school during the week. Call Darlene at 410-876-7031 or 410-848-1508.

GROCERY CERTIFICATES PROGRAMS: 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 as well as the Portico Book + Gifts Store.

WHY CATHOLIC? Right after the first of the year, St. John will begin it's first six week session of Why Catholic? a wonderful and informative Adult Faith Formation program that is being offered throughout the Archdiocese. Small groups of 10-12 will meet throughout the week. To register, or to learn more, please call or email Paul Gallagher.

The Religious Ed Staff wishes all of our students, their families, our teachers, classroom assistants, office helpers and hall monitors many blessings in the New Year.

REMINDER: There will be NO Religious Ed classes on Tuesday, Jan. 2 and Thursday, Jan 4^th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 9^th and Thursday, Jan. 11^th.

Life Teen is a High School Youth Ministry that meets every 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday at 7:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria. On the 3rd Sunday of each month we meet in the Portico at 7:15. New- comers are welcome!

Sun., Jan. 7 – As we start a new year, Life Teen is ready to start something new. You definitely want to be part of this mind blowing Life Night!

Sat., Jan. 20 – John Flynn Concert at 8 p.m. in the school gym. Check out his music at www.johnflynnband.com

Mon., Jan. 22 – March For Life. If you are interested in joining us for this daylong event in Washington, D.C. contact or email Kenn at Kdemoll@sjwest.org.

STEUBENVILLE 2007: Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out the flyer in the Life Teen box in the back of the Church about our annual trip to Franciscan University in Steubenville. For information, call Paul or Kenn at 410-848-8443.

Be sure to visit us on the web at www.sjwest.org and click the “youth” tab and then the “Life Teen” link!

— 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.

— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —

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., Jan. 5 –Celebrating the Epiphany – What Will You Bring? See you there for this very special Youth Alive Night!

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY… will not have a January meeting. Thanks for all that was done to make Christmas special for our shut-ins. We delivered 447 gifts bags to 13 facilities and 46 homes. Many thanks to all who assisted with the project, especially the Sodality and the kindergarten students who made stockings for us to deliver and all those who wrapped and assembled the bags.

As 2006 comes to a conclusion, Health Care Ministry has recognized Julia Ford for 30 years of dedicated service to the residents of Westminster Nursing Home. Mary Fiore and George Ziegler have been recognized for 25 years and 13 years, respectively, of dedicated service to the patients of Carroll Hospital Center. Many thanks to them and to all who continue this ministry!

The next scheduled Welcoming Session will be held Dec. 31st at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. Anyone interested in registering with the parish should attend this session.

Join the Knights of Columbus at The Portico from 8-11:30 for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults - $5, children $3. Your support of our monthly parish breakfasts has been tremendous. The Knights appreciate your continued support.

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, (2^nd Sunday of each month), followed by a meeting in the Parish Center. All ladies of the parish are invited. For information, call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.

St. John parish is again joining the International Orthodox Christian Charities & Habitat for Humanity to build homes in the Gulf Coast. The next trip is January 14-20. If you are over 18 years of age and are interested, contact Fran Rock at 410-876-1795. You may have to pay all or part of your travel expenses.

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY. . . Sun., Jan. 21 Starting at 2 PM at the Portico. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. All are welcome to join us for great food and fraternity! Huge screen TV, unlimited buffet, beer, soda, $20 per person. Limited seating. Call for tickets: Lou Stachowiak - 410-635-2583, Rich Nestor -410-751-5258, Tom Dorwart - 410-871-9208.

Mark your calendars! The March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C. and our parish will sponsor two buses. Join us for this national event that marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

For many people, the process of marriage annulment is often approached with fear and anxiety. Sadly, people avoid going through the process because of misconceptions as to what an annulment really is. Fr. Gil Seitz, an Archdiocesan expert on annulments, will be offering a session to explain the process and the spiritual and emotional healing that can occur through it. We will meet on Monday, January 29th from 7-9 pm in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. All are welcome to join us.

The members of St. Vincent DePaul Society would like to wish all St. John’s parishioners a very Happy and Healthy New Year. All of you make it possible for our organization to help needy families and individuals throughout Carroll County not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the year. You are always invited to give directly to the St Vincent De Paul Society works for outreach to the community. Checks may be payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The next meeting of the St. Vincent DePaul Society will be on January 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Portico. If you are interested in learning more about our work, please join us or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1474 for more information.

Placement tests are scheduled for those 8^th grade students currently attending public schools who are interested in attending Delone Catholic High School for the 2007-08 school year. Tests for English, Foreign Language, Math and Science will be administered on Saturday, Jan. 6^th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the school, 140 S. Oxford Ave., McSherrystown, PA. Call Sr. Maria Jude, CSJ, or Mrs. Donna Groft at Delone at 717-637-5969 for details.

CATHOLIC ALUMNI CLUB OF BALTIMORE…Sat., Jan. 13

A tour of the newly renovated Basilica, and lunch is currently being planned. For more information call Jacqui at 410-356-2898 or Mike at 410-480-9877.The Catholic Alumni Club is a social organization for those free to marry in the church, and have college and/or professional experience. Monthly activities include dinners, movies, culture events, dances, sports, religious and charitable activities.

INTEREST-FREE COLLEGE LOANS: The Ruth Gosnell Education Fund, directed by the Springfield Presbyterian Church, provides interest-free loans to full-time college juniors, seniors and graduate students. Regardless of religion, all applicants will receive impartial consideration; and repayment of the interest-free loan does not start until 6 months after you graduate. Interested students can download the RGEF Form C, “Ruth Gosnell Education Fund Loan Application” at: www.springfield-church.org. or call SPC on 410-795-6152. Completed applications must be received by March 1, 2007. Loan applications will be evaluated on academic performance, financial need, and a short essay. The only limitation is that students must attain junior status in an accredited institution of higher education by the Fall 2007 semester.

The Vocation Office of Baltimore will be starting a series of retreats that will be held in Bethany Beach, Delaware. The Retreat at the Beach series, kicking off January 4- 6, and held again in June, is a great opportunity for men between the ages of 18-35, single or married, to develop a deeper spiritual life. January's retreat theme, "Forming a Man for All Seasons," will offer participants a chance to better understand their spiritual life, and provide ways to further enrich it. Even though the Vocation Office is conducting this retreat, the focus of the retreat is spirituality, not necessarily priesthood discernment. Contact Fr. Leo at the Parish Center at 410-848-4744 x 241 for more information.

Please see the Vocation Poster on the Church bulletin board picturing the seminarians studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. St. John Parish presently has 3 young men who are parishioners in formation.

Joseph Langan- 3^rd year of College Seminary, St. Andrew Hall, Seton Hall University Ordination Class of 2013.

Christoher Little – 2^nd year of College Seminary, Our Lady of Providence College Seminary, Providence College Ordination Class of 2014.

Jonathan Gibbons (not pictured as he was recently accepted) Mount St. Mary’s University, 1^st year College Candidate Ordination Class of 2017.

We encourage you to keep these men in prayer. If you have ever considered the priesthood, please contact on the priests at St. John or call Fr. Jerry Francik or Mr. Andrew Veveiros in the Vocation Office at 410-547-5354.

Michael Fehle has been in formation for the diaconate for several years and is approaching his final year as he anticipates being ordained in the spring, 2008. Michael and his wife, Stacey, and their children are parishioners of St. John. Michael studies theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University about 2 Saturdays per month with about 12 other men preparing for ordination. Additionally, Michael and the other men have a pastoral internship. Please Keep Michael in your prayers as he continues his formation.

If interested in finding out more about the diaconate, contact Fr. Patrick Carrion, who directs the Deacon Formation Program, at 410-876-2248.