Parish Bulletin

I am deeply grateful for all your prayers, letters and cards. Your prayers have been the source of my strength and continue to support my faith. Among the powerful prayers and most creative cards that I received are those that were offered and crafted by the children of our parish. I am particularly grateful for the 65 minute CD entitled, "Praise Jesus," that was the work of the children in our parish school.

As we begin the national celebration of Catholic School Week, I invite you to join me in expressing our appreciation and support of our parish school. The children, parents, administration, faculty, staff and volunteers are an important part of our parish, and they give a powerful witness to the Good News. I hope that many of you will have an opportunity to participate in the events that our parish school offers during Catholic Schools week. I pray that all of us will continue to support Catholic Education.

Thank God, my health continues to improve and I have been gaining strength each day. One of my doctors finally used the word, remission, last week. Although I still have a way to go, I am feeling much better. Thank you for your continued prayers and patience.

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 Thursday from 11p.m. to midnight. The current scheduled adorer is temporarily unable to come during that time frame. If you are willing to cover this hour, please call Agnes at the parish center.

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION . . . February 3

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, February 4

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK…We ask you to call the parish office if you know of a Catholic who is…

If you have someone who should be included in the prayers for the sick or deceased, please call the Parish Office by noon on Friday. We also invite you to include the person’s name in the Book of the Sick in the narthex of the Church.

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 Thomas Norton, Agnes Singer, and Philip Wampler and their families and friends.

TOTAL: $32,380.71

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.

School Calendar

Jan. 29-Feb. 2 – Catholic Schools Week

Feb. 1 – Teacher Appreciation Day Tea

Feb. 2 – Student Appreciation Day

Feb. 4-6 - Scholastic Book Fair - Portico

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

The school participates in the grocery bonus programs for Giant, Martin’s and Safeway. Forms for this program are located at the entrances of the Church. Take a flyer for the appropriate store and fill out the information requested. Forms can be placed 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.

ATTN: 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 to be published this spring, contact Darlene Smith at 410-876-7031 or email Colleen Hattrup chattrup@sjwest.org.

Why Catholic? Sessions for this exciting adult faith formation program begin this week, and will continue for five more weeks. Over 100 people have signed up to participate, but there is still room for more. Please contact Paul Gallagher right away if you want to participate. He can be reached in the Religious Ed. Office.

REMINDER: Religious Ed. classes will be cancelled when Carroll County Public Schools are closed or have early dismissal due to weather. If it is announced that Carroll County will be going into a Snow Advisory/Warning at any time between 3-9 p.m., we will cancel classes. Our policy is that we will cancel both sessions. If we make the decision to cancel classes, we do so with your family’s safety in mind. Tune into WTTR (1470AM) and/or WLIF (102FM) to hear cancellations or refer to your parent handbook on how to utilize the closing alert system.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —

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!

Sun., Jan. 28…Ancient history says that a large treasure was hidden many years ago here at St. John! This life night we’re going to track it down. Join us for this really fun night on this treasure hunt as we “Discover the Sacred!”

Sun., Feb. 11 – 1^st Pasta Dinner … As a fundraiser for Life Teen, we will be serving monthly, all you can eat, Pasta dinners immediately following the 6:00 p.m. Mass on Sundays in the Portico. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a wonderful time of food and fellowship!

Mon., Feb. 19 – Snow Tubin…Life Teen is heading up to Ski Liberty to go Snow Tubin!! This is going to be a great day, filled with some awesome fun. Plans are now being finalized as to cost, but if you’re interested, email Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org

LIFE TEEN NEEDS YOU…Have you ever thought about becoming involved in youth ministry? Life Teen, St. John’s High School Youth Ministry program, is looking for volunteers of all ages to help with all aspects of this ministry. If this is something you feel the Lord may be calling you to, please email Kenn at Kdemoll@sjwest.org or call Kenn at 410-848-8443.

STEUBENVILLE 2007: The dates are now finalized…and we’re going on July 13-15^th! If this is something you feel the Lord may be calling you to do, email Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org or call him at 410-848-8443.

STEUBENVILLE SPONSORS NEEDED: This year’s trip will cost $225, 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. Thanks for your consideration.

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.

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. This should be a fantastic trip. Registration deadline is MONDAY! No late registrations please. Final count must be in by Monday!

Fri., Feb. 23 – Putting Down Put-Downs…Since God created all of us in His image, when we pass up an opportunity to build each other up instead of jumping on the chance to put each other down, in essence we are putting down God. Let’s work together to break open the word and see what Jesus meant in Matthew 25:31-45 (Go look it up!)

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.

— 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 the main dish, all you have to do is RSVP by Monday, January 29^th. Donations of side dishes are welcome, please let Kate know what you might be able to bring. Thank you. We can’t wait to see you!

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

Grand Prize $3,200 – Winner: Stacy Kunert

PARISH CARNIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED…We are in need of fun people to help plan this year’s carnival. Chairperson and committee members are needed to work with eager co-chairs. For more details please respond to wingedteresa@verizon.net or call Terry at the parish office on x 216. Let’s chip in and make this year’s carnival a big success.

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.

Our next meet will be at 7 p.m. in the Marian Room at the Parish Center. For info call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

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. For tickets call Debbie Neal, 443-789-4159, Larry Baker, 410-876-1657 or Bo Yingling, 410-876-1162. Tickets are $15.00.

parish breakfast…sun., Feb. 4

Join the Knights at the Portico for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Adults - $5, children -$3. Your support for our breakfasts has been tremendous. Please continue to join us on the 1^st Sunday of each month.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PRISON MINISTRY…The Prison Ministry brings the love of Jesus and our Catholic faith to the men and women in the Carroll County Detention Center. This is an opportunity to share God’s love, hope and forgiveness with those in need, to use your time and talents in service to our brothers and sisters in the detention center. To learn more about this ministry stop by the information table at the Portico on Sun., Feb. 4^th and speak to a representative. Volunteers urgently needed!

Calling all parish families who love reading! Scholastic Books on sale for all readers of all ages in the Portico on Sunday Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (after a.m. Masses), Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Portico. The Fair is sponsored by the PTF to raise money for school computers. Thanks for your continued support.

The first session of Pre-Cana still has openings. Contact Rosalie Seeley to register at Rosalie.Seeley@verizon.net.

The next blood drive will be held at The Portico from 2- 8 p.m. We could still use some people to make phone calls. If you can help or to make an appointment, call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107. Please consider giving the gift of life. Jesus shed his blood for us; so let’s do the same for our community. DONATE!

Be sure to mark your calendars for this event to be held at Westminster High School. If you know anyone who would be interested in helping with the planning of this vocations awareness event, have him/her contact Betty Belk at ebelk@verizon.net.

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!

“Give us this day our daily bread.” When we pray the Our Father, we ask God to provide our food. The majority of us receive sufficient food. Others have very little. Your contributions to the poor boxes or directly to St. Vincent de Paul Society help us to help those who cannot afford some of the basic necessities of life.

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.

The Cursillo Movement invites you to consider growing in discipleship to Christ Jesus by attending one of their yearly weekend experiences. Men’s weekend: Feb. 8-11; Women’s weekend: Feb. 15-18. Visit www.baltimorecursillo.org for current newsletter, calendar of events and monthly Ultreyas. Call Fr. Leo 410-848-4744, Marc Heppding 410-871-0721 or Doris Graybeal at 410-848-2891 for more details.

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.

Join Catholics at the Maryland Catholic Conference’s 23^rd Annual Lobby Night in Annapolis. This event is scheduled for Presidents’ Day – a state and federal holiday. Registration begins at 2:45 p.m. at St. Mary’s High School, 111 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. Lobby Night features briefings on legislation under consideration by the Maryland Legislature, face-to-face meetings with state lawmakers and a legislative reception. To register, contact Chris Santo at 410-269-1155 or 301-261-1979 or register online at www.mdcathcon.org. The Conference will make appointments with the lawmakers representing your legislative district.

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 Pastor

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION . . . February 3

CHILDREN’S LITURGY. . . Sunday, February 4

TOTAL: $32,380.71

Grand Prize $3,200 – Winner: Stacy Kunert

parish breakfast…sun., Feb. 4

Join the Knights at the Portico for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Adults - $5, children -$3. Your support for our breakfasts has been tremendous. Please continue to join us on the 1st Sunday of each month.

knights of columbus SPRING DANCE…sat., April 21

Join the Knights at the Portico for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Adults - $5, children -$3. Your support for our breakfasts has been tremendous. Please continue to join us on the 1^st Sunday of each month.