Parish Bulletin

Please take note of the mortgage information under the offertory figures from last week. It is hoped that each weekend of the month there will be different information in this section. The first weekend will be an update of the mortgage as we pay the mortgage each month. As you can see one weekend’s collection pays the mortgage for the month. Another weekend we will post the monies that were offered through electronic debiting or credit card as those amounts are not represented in the weekly figures. One weekend there will be information on the capital pledge program.

I am hoping by next weekend to have placed in all the bulletins the 5^th Sunday of the Month envelope which is directly for the mortgage. I mentioned the first weekend of January that this new endeavor will begin this winter. Within the envelope packet starting in April there will be an extra envelope each month solely for the mortgage. It is hoped that many will give an extra week’s offering each month towards the $26,000+ mortgage payment. This will certainly aid the parish since such a significant portion of the operating budget goes to directly to the mortgage. The extra envelopes for January, February and March will be inserted in the upcoming bulletin.

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 11 p.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.

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.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Liam Aidan Harris, son of Mary and Brent Harris; Maeve Frances Martin, daughter of Larisa and Robert Martin; and Lindsay Grace McCrory, daughter of Heather and Patrick McCrory.

TOTAL: $25,550.51

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.

Ending Balance 2/1/07.................................................... $2,046,630.

NOTICE: The “5^th Sunday” envelope offerings are used to reduce the mortgage.

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.

YEAR END TAX STATEMENTS were mailed this week. If you do not receive yours in the next couple of days, please contact the Parish Office.

School Calendar

Feb. 4-6 - Scholastic Book Fair – Portico

Feb. 9 – All School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m.

Middle School Dance – 7-10 p.m. - gym

Feb. 10 – Grade 2 Instruction Mass – 9 a.m. – church

Middle School Academic Tournament

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.

WHY CATHOLIC… As Week 2 begins, we will be learning how both Sacred Scripture and Tradition help us grow in our relationship with God and one another. Thanks to all those who have joined our twelve small groups.

RCIA… If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Roman Catholic, our upcoming session of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin Monday, March 12^th at 7 p.m. To learn more about the RCIA process, please email Paul Gallagher at pgallagher@sjwest.org or you may visit the Faith Formation section of the parish website at www.sjwest.org

REMINDER: For those students and family preparing for their First Holy Communion, we will have our Instructional Mass on Saturday, February 10^th at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: VBS is the week of June 25-June 29^th from 9-12 noon. We will need volunteers for the following: teachers, classroom assistants, babysitting, snack, crafts, and music. If you can help with any of the above, please call the Religious Education Office at 410-848-8443.

— 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., Feb. 11 – It’s “Hot Coffee House Time!” What better way to spend a Sunday evening than chillin’, meeting some really cool new people,listening to great music & growing deeper in your faith. Join us at 7:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria for a really fun night!

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 join us for a fun time!

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 FUNDRAISER…Life Teen will be selling Yankee Candles from Feb. 12-26^th as a fundraiser for their trip to Rome this summer. To place an order, call Sally Lyons at 410-751-2945

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, email Kenn at Kdemoll@sjwest.org or call Kenn at 410-848-8443. Thank you to all who have already expressed interest in helping.

STEUBENVILLE 2007: The dates are now finalized…and we’re going on July 13-15^th! The total cost of the trip is $225, with a first deposit of $50 due by February 4^th (this Sunday). This is an awesome way to spend your summer. Financial assistance is available.

— 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. Parents are needed to chaperone and provide transportation. This should be a fantastic trip. No late registrations.

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

Fri., March 2 – Trip to Players Amusement Center! – Bring your friends to this totally fun night. Cost is $20 and sign- up sheets must be in by February 23^rd!!

HELP WANTED: Adult needed for paid position in St. John Nursery. Must be available to work every other weekend from 8:30a.m - 1:00 p.m. Position includes caring for children ages 1-5 as well as supervising a teenage volunteer. If interested, please call Frank Tontala at 410-848-9195.

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY is in need of wheelchairs to loan to those who need them. If you have one that you would like to donate, please call the Parish Center.

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 details email wingedteresa@verizon.net or call Terry at the parish office on X216. We need your help!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BAPTISM MINISTRY… We are in need of volunteers to assist once a month at the weekly Baptisms held each Saturday at 10:30 a.m. It is a rewarding experience to participate in this beautiful Sacrament. For information, call Mary Allen at 410-857-3703.

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!

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.

THANK YOU…The St. John team of volunteers thanks each and every parishioner who made the trip to the Gulf Coast possible! Nine parishioners worked in Biloxi, MS, the week of January 14^th, building houses for those who lost their homes in the hurricanes. This year Habitat for Humanity will build 125 homes and projects completion of 200 homes next fiscal year! There is still much work to be done and we are proud that we could be a part of this effort!

PASTORAL COUNCIL UPCOMING ELECTIONS… If you are interested in running for a position on the Pastoral Council (elections to be held in May) we are looking for nominees. For more information or to nominate someone, please send an email to: pastoralcouncil@sjwest.org.

WINNERS OF RESPECT LIFE ESSAY/POSTER CONTEST:

Congratulation to the following students: 1^st place for the essay contest was Daniel Woo and second place was Adam Yastrzemsky. First place winner for the poster contest was Maggie Payne and tied for second place were Sara Deckelbaum and Conner Nealon. Thank you to all who submitted such beautiful entries.

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.

Calling all parish families who love reading! Scholastic Books on sale for 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 next meeting of Health Care Ministers will be at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. Ms. Dorothy Carpenter will be our guest speaker from the Meals on Wheels Program. All Health Care Ministers are encouraged to attend, as well as any parishioners interested in health care.

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.

Mark your calendars for our annual basket bingo at the Portico. This year we will be doing Longaberger baskets as well as Vera Bradley handbags. Anyone interested in sponsoring a basket or handbag contact the parish center or Anna Ludwig at 410-876-2652.

There is still a little time left to participate in a life-changing pilgrimage to Italy with parishioners and friends. There are only 10 spaces left -- so 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 join us!

St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet in the Portico on Wednesday, February 7^th at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing all of our members at this meeting. If you are interested in learning more about our work, come join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

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 more details or call Fr. Leo 410-848-4744, Marc Heppding 410-871-0721 or Doris Graybeal at 410-848-2891.

POLISH HERITAGE ASSN. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR YEAR 2007-08… This year we will award four $1,500 and one $1,000 grants to full-time students working toward their BA degree. Selections will be made on the basis of financial need, academic standing (GPA, SAT scores) and leadership potential. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 31, 2007. The application and complete instructions are only available at our website: PHA-MD.org. OR for more details contact: Thomas L. Hollowak at historyk@comcaset.net

All couples are invited to participate in a special Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen at 3 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate and pray for all married couples and their families. Marriage preparation leaders will also be recognized. A reception with the bishop will follow. Couples wishing to receive special recognition from the Archdiocese for 25, 50 years or longer should contact: Charlie & Joanne Haitmanek, at 410-683-0288 or email jm345@verizon.net.

Join Catholics at the 23^rd Annual Maryland Catholic Conference 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 schedule appointments with the lawmakers representing your particular legislative district.

The Portico Books + Gifts: Please stop by early to see our special gifts, books, bibles, rosaries, and many keepsakes for those making their first Holy Communion and Confirmation. Special discounts will be given for orders placed before February 27. Catalogs available in store.

TOTAL: $25,550.51

PASTORAL COUNCIL UPCOMING ELECTIONS… If you are interested in running for a position on the Pastoral Council (elections to be held in May) we are looking for nominees. For more information or to nominate someone, please send an email to: pastoralcouncil@sjwest.org.

WINNERS OF RESPECT LIFE ESSAY/POSTER CONTEST:

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.