Parish Bulletin

Often in every generation it is assumed that the next younger generation is not as committed as the previous generation. About two years ago there was the 'National Study of Youth Religion’, which certainly states the opposite. It showed that most young people are following in their parent's footsteps. The best predictor of the religious and spiritual life of a teenager is the religious and spiritual life of the parents. The extended family and other significant adults certainly have impact, but parents are most important in forming their children's religious lives.

· 76% of Catholic youth report that they plan to attend and to remain Catholic in their adulthood;

Last weekend the confirmation candidates of St. John Parish went on retreat. The enthusiasm and commitment of the youth shows that the faith is in good hands with the younger generation. Please keep the parish youth in your prayers.

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 commit to adoration on Saturday morning from 6 to 7 a.m. The current scheduled adorer is no longer able to come during that time frame. If you are willing to cover this hour, please call Agnes at the parish center.

WE WILL HAVE an INTERPRETER at MASS: 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 Joe Corbett, Helen Forman, Charles G. Nicolaus, Jr., Robert Flynn, John Lusby and John Joseph Wallace and their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Hailey Hendon Clark, daughter of Kelly and Douglas Clark; Austin David Downs, son of Jennifer and David Downs; Maxx Anthony Franklin, son of Jennifer and Jarret Franklin; Gianna Lynn Griest, daughter of Christina and Jeffrey Griest; and Luke William Fick, son of Valerie and Ted Fick.

TOTAL: $29,000.90

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.

ELECTRONIC DONATIONS: As a follow-up to Fr. Patrick’s talks the weekend of January 7^th, please consider having your contributions debited electronically from your bank account. Contact George Hinkel at 410-848-4744 x249 to initiate this process.

THANK YOU to all who donated to the Christmas Flower Memorial Fund. The total collected was $2,941.00. The following names were inadvertently left off the list: James William Schultz, Sr., James William Schultz, III, Nellie Spononberg, Bryan Joseph Schultz, John Terry, The Carroll Family, The Terry Family and deceased members of the Savin and Gregorio Families.

School Calendar

Jan. 22– Prospective Kindergarten Parent Mtg.at 7 p.m. – Cafeteria

Jan. 25 – Early dismissal countywide

Jan. 26 – School closed – professional day

Jan. 29-Feb. 2 – Catholic Schools Week

Feb. 1 – Teacher Appreciation Day Tea

Feb. 2 – Student Appreciation Day

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.

ATTENTION ALUMNI OF ST. JOHN SCHOOL… If any individuals or graduating classes of St. John School have meet for reunions or if you have news, pictures or information for the St. John Alumni Newsletter that will be published this spring, please contact Darlene Smith at 410-876-7031 or 410-848-1508 or email Colleen Hattrup chattrup@sjwest.org

There will be a mandatory meeting for all facilitators for “Why Catholic?” at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room.

WHY CATHOLIC? There is still time to register for the first session of Why Catholic?, which begins the week of January 28. For more information and a registration form, please see the pamphlet rack next to the Liturgical Minister’s Room, stop by the Parish Center or go on our website. (Adult Faith Formation). Just a reminder, all participants must purchase a copy of “The Profession of Faith: What We Believe”, which is available in the Portico Bookstore. This first six-week session will look at the truths that we, as Catholics, believe. It will offer insights on what it means to be a Catholic following “the oldest Roman catechism, the Apostles’ Creed.”

REMINDER TO PARENTS of students preparing for First Holy Communion. You should have received an Invitation to the Instructional Mass to be held on Saturday, February 10^th at 9 a.m. (snow date is February 17^th at 9 a.m.). The children will be seated with their families. If you did not receive the invitation, please call the Religious Education Office.

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. Newcomers are welcome!

LIFE TEEN NEEDS YOU! Over the last several months, our Life Teen program has lost several long-serving Core Members. Two have moved away, and one entered the seminary in the fall. Because adult help is vital to the success of this important ministry, we are asking you to consider helping. We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help with various aspects of the ministry. If this is something you feel the Lord may be calling you to do, please email our youth minister, Kenn, at Kdemoll@sjwest.org. or call him at 410-848-8443. As we begin this New Year, we ask that everyone pray for the success of all our youth ministry programs, and that many new people will step forward and assist us.

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.

STEUBENVILLE SPONSORS NEEDED: Each year, many teens need financial assistance to attend the summer conference at Franciscan University. The cost for the trip this year is $220, and if you can either fully or partially sponsor a teen, please give your donation, payable to St. John Church, to Kenn de Moll in the Youth Ministry Office. Thank you for your consideration.

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.

Fri., Jan. 26 – Snow tubing trip at Ski Liberty from 6-8 p.m. Bring all your friends! Cost is $20 and payment must be received by the 19^th. No late registrations accepted. Call Kate for details.

Sun., Feb. 11 – Archdiocese of Baltimore Middle School Event Day Trip! Cost is $35 and payment is due by January 29^th. Parents are needed to chaperone and provide transportation.

Middle School Youth Ministry needs VOLUNTEERS!! Please contact Kate if you are interested in serving the young people of our parish in this very special way. This is a great opportunity to teach children by helping and setting the example of service. We will provide all necessary training. Please prayerfully consider making this commitment to serve the wonderful middle school youth of our parish. They need strong leaders like you!

— 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., Feb. 2 – Winter Family Dinner from 6:30 –8:00 p.m. Bring your whole family to this event. Youth Alive will provide dinner, all you have to do is RSVP by Monday, January 29^th.

Fri., Feb. 16 – Agape Party – Who was St. Valentine? And who is going to decorate all of these cookies!??? Bring all your friends.

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.

This newly formed, spiritually based ministry is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. A continental breakfast will be held at the parish center following the 9:15 a.m. Mass. The meeting will be held from 11:00-12:30 p.m. For more information call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542.

The March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C. We will attend the 8 a.m. Mass (optional) and then meet in the cafeteria for a light breakfast. If you do not attend Mass, plan to arrive at 8:30 a.m. Our parish will sponsor two buses. The buses will depart from St. John’s at 9:00 a.m. Please call Surretha Uebel @ 410-871-3217 to reserve your space.

In January, 1973, the Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states. Last year in our country there were almost 1.3 million abortions, or about 2.5 each minute of every day. Can we spare a moment to pray daily for the safety of these helpless little ones, the least of our brothers and sisters?

Father, all life is in Your care. You have entrusted us to one another, that we may show our brothers and sisters the same love You have for us. We pray, then, for the least among us, children in the womb. Protect them from the violence of abortion. We pray for those who are scheduled to die by abortion today. Save them from death. Give new hope to their parents, that they may turn away from the desperate act of abortion. Grant conversion to abortionists and to their staffs. Show us how we are to respond to this bloodshed in our midst. Guard us with your joy and your peace, for in You, life is victorious. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Join us for Mass at noon, followed by lunch and meeting in the Portico. Since this is our first meeting of 2007, yearly dues will be collected. To date, no final decision has been made regarding the raising of dues, therefore, dues are still $5.00 per year. Don’t forget to bring your brown bag lunch. Desserts and beverages will be provided. New members are always welcome. Contact Eleanor at 410-875-3336 or Bonnie at 410-795-0786 for more details.

A meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. All interested persons are welcome. For details contact Jenny Woo at 410-751-6068.

This year’s retreat will be held at Carroll Community College beginning with Mass at 8:00 a.m., followed by registration and breakfast. Our guest speaker will be Fr. Peter Harman, who will speak on reconciliation and healing. The retreat will be over at noon. Invitations have been sent out. Please RSVP to the parish office to let us know if you plan to attend.

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.

Join us from 8-12 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Fire Hall for our annual dance sponsored by the St. John’s Boys Basketball Program.

Basket raffles, 50/50’s and door prizes, music by DJ Dennis Stem. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from Debbie Neal, 443-789-4159, Larry Baker, 410-876-1657 or Bo Yingling, 410-876-1162.

knights of columbus SPRING DANCE…sat., April 21

Come celebrate our 98^th year. Place: the Portico from 7-12 p.m. Featuring music by Clockwork. Buffet dinner, cash bar - $40.00 per person. Now taking reservations. For tickets call Lou Stachowiak-410-635-2583, Rich Nestor – 410-751-5258 or Tom Dorwart – 410-871-9208.

Very Limited Number of available spaces due to pre-booked passengers who could not come on the trip 2 year's ago! Pick up a brochure from the Information Rack, Parish Office, or call Fr. Leo for details. FYI: Due to the energetic itinerary, passengers must be free from any medical concerns that pose walking restrictions. This trip is always a sell out and loads of faith, inspiration and fun! Do not delay if you wish to come with us!

Winter is here and the temperatures have dropped. At this time of year we are often asked to help provide warmth and other services to those who might not be able to afford the necessities of day-to-day living. Please remember the poor boxes at the doors of the church as you leave to return to your warm homes OR you are always invited to give directly to the St Vincent De Paul Society for outreach projects to the community. Checks may be payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Lions Club will collect used eyeglasses for recycling in developing countries on the 4^th weekend of each month. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church.

If your relationship has grown cold and distant, if you are separated or thinking about separation or divorce, we believe that Retrouvaille can help. Retrouvaille is a proven and effective Catholic program that helps couples rebuild their trust and renew their communication. For details visit www.retrouvaille.org. or call 410-647-0350. All calls and inquiries are confidential.

Join other Christian remarried couples for a weekend of quality time, spiritual reflection with your spouse, your God and other remarried couples at the Holy Trinity Spiritual Center, 8400 Park Heights Avenue. The retreat master will be Fr. Timothy Kulbecki O.F.M. Conv. Vice Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary. The cost is $292.00 per couple and financial assistance is a possibility. For details or to register call Kay at 410-335-2897.

SUPPORT EQUAL TREATMENT OF OUR STUDENTS & TEACHERS: Throughout the Archdiocese, legislative forums will be conducted to rally support to advance legislation to support all non-public schools and especially our Catholic schools. Our focus this session will be on:

Go to http://www.mdcathcon.org/index.htm click on education and sign up for the Action Alerts so that you can contact your local legislator when key issues come up for a vote.

The 28^th Annual Archdiocesan Social Ministry Convocation will be held at Seton Keough High School from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to discuss The Prophetic Church: Marching Toward Practical Solutions. Keynote speakers are: Dr. Gina Hens-Piazza, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkley, CA will address the theme “Prophets: Foundations for Ministry in Local & Global Contexts.” Leo Achondo, from Justice for Immigrants, will present keynote and strategy session in Spanish. For inquiries in Spanish contact Maria Johnson at 410-547-5363 or mtpjohnson@archbalt.org. For English, contact Allison Stone at 410-261-6781 or asstone@cc-md.org

PORTICO BOOKS & GIFTS: After Christmas Sale While Supplies Last! 15% - 50% Off Selected Items. Rosary CD featuring Fr. Art, Sr. Bernadette, Fr. Brian, and Fr. Leo now available for $19.95 and Three Mary’s Production DVD- $20.00.

From the Administrator

TOTAL: $29,000.90

knights of columbus SPRING DANCE…sat., April 21