Parish Bulletin

Do you realize that in any given week as many as 200 people are visited by St. John health care ministers at the hospital and another 35 people are visited at their home? In addition to these, the ministers visit nearly a dozen long-term care facilities to minister with individuals and/or have a liturgical service. The parish lives out the corporeal work of mercy of “visiting the sick” and we are very fortunate that these ministers are committed to such a ministry.

Sometimes the parish does not know that you have been admitted to the hospital and with the shorter stays at hospitals people are discharged before we know they were admitted. If you know you are going into Carroll Hospital Center, please notify the office to assure that a health care minister stops by. If you are being admitted to another hospital, the parish can contact the pastoral care office there to assure that the hospital knows of your arrival. If you wish to be anointed prior to admittance to the hospital contact the parish office to schedule reception of the sacrament. If you wait until you have been admitted, the opportunity to be anointed is lessened considerably.

The parish wishes to make sure it is praying for those who are sick so please let us know how we can support you or a family member during a time of illness.

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 evening division has only one scheduled adorer for each of the following hours:

Sunday 6 & 8 p.m.; Monday 6 & 10 p.m.; Tuesday 2, 6 & 11 p.m.; Thursday 9 & 11 p.m.; Friday 6 & 8 p.m.; and Saturday 6, 8 & 9 p.m. We would like to have two or more scheduled adorers for each hour in order to be certain that the Lord will never be left alone. If you are willing to commit to one of the above hours, 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.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Eleanor Willis, Rosa Bozic, Mary Wade, Ingrid Welch, Joseph Hobbs and Mary T. Holloway and their families and friends.

TOTAL: $37,057.76

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: Please consider having your contributions debited electronically from your bank account. Call George Hinkel at 410-848-4744 x249 to initiate this process.

SECOND COLLECTION: There will be a second collection next weekend (Feb. 17-18) for Catholic Relief Services and the Church in Latin America. We appreciate your generosity.

School Calendar

Feb. 15 – School Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 – All School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m.

Open House for Prospective Kindergarten Parents

Feb. 19 –20 School Closed – President’s Day/Professional Day

Feb. 20 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

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: WEEK 3… As we continue to study the Catechism, the underlying question for us is, "do we believe?" God constantly invites us into a grace-filled life of love and goodness. We have a choice, and by faith we can respond to God's infinite mercy. Let us continue to pray for one another as we deepen our understanding of the creed we profess each week.

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

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!

Sun., Feb. 18 – With Lent almost on us, Life Teen wants to do its part to help you get ready. Ready to learn some cool new ways to pray? How about learning some of the traditions of Lent? Do you want to make this lent the best one yet? Then this is a night for you!

Mon., Feb. 19 – Snow Tubin…Any teen interested in joining us for our tubing trip from 5:30-10:00 p.m. just email Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org. The cost of the trip is $25 for tubing and the bus, $17 just for tubing or $8 for just the bus (remember, if you came on the winter retreat, your tubing cost is covered!)

LIFE TEEN FUNDRAISER…As a fundraiser for our upcoming Italy Pilgrimage, we are selling Yankee Candles from Feb. 12-26^th. 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 NOW! 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.

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!)

Sun., March 11 – Jesus and Accepting Myself – Want to feel loved, valued, and accepted for who you are? Then you definitely don’t want to miss this night designed to do just that. EVERYONE is welcome!

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! (Yes, this message is for you! We need 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. 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!!

CONGRATULATIONS…to Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Richards, who are being honored as the longest married couple in the Baltimore archdiocese. A Mass and recognition of their marriage will take place on February 11^th at 3 p.m. at The Cathedral of Mary our Queen with Bishop Malooly as the celebrant. Mr. and Mrs. Richards were married at Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo, NY on Sept. 27, 1933. They are the parents of Pat (husband Dan) Rafferty.

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.

PASTORAL COUNCIL UPCOMING ELECTIONS… The Pastoral Council is looking for YOU! What can you bring to the table? Are you a life-long parishioner? One who know the history of St. John? Are you one who’s been here for 20 years? 10 years? Can you offer your time? Are you a new parishioner who wants to get involved and wants to serve the parish and learn as you serve? If you or someone you know would like to serve on the Pastoral Council, please e-mail pastoralcouncil@sjwest.org or call Jeannie at 410-840-8205 for details.

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.

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, (2^nd Sunday of each month) followed by a meeting in the Parish Center. Call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563 for details.

The next Health Care meeting will be at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. Ms. Dorothy Carpenter, from Meals on Wheels will be our guest speaker. All Health Care Ministers are encouraged to attend. All are welcome to attend.

This newly formed spiritually based ministry is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We meet the 3^rd Sunday of each month for a continental breakfast and meeting in the parish center following the 9:15 a.m. Mass. For details call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542. No registration is required.

Join us for Mass at noon, followed by lunch and meeting in the Portico. Bring your brown bag lunch. Desserts and beverages are provided. New members are always welcome. Contact Eleanor (410-875-3336) or Bonnie (410-795-0786) for more details.

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!

Guest Speaker: Msgr. Arthur Valenzano will be speaking on “Second Spiritual Journeys”. Tickets are $15.00 and will be available in the Portico bookstore and the Parish Center. This breakfast is anticipated to be a sellout. No reserve tickets at the door. Tables of 10 may be purchased in advance. Contact Theresa Greene 410-876-9578 or Dawn Walsh 410-876-0250 for details.

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! 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!

Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next weekend the 3rd weekend of the month is Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the baskets by the doors. Thanks for you generosity!

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

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 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.