Parish Bulletin

This Wednesday, Lent begins. Traditionally a time for more focused prayer, intentional almsgiving and sacrificial fasting. There are ample times throughout the season to focus on the death and resurrection of Christ through Eucharist and the Stations of the Cross. Besides the days of fast (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) and Fridays as days of abstinence from meat, please consider another day to abstain or another food or beverage item to fast throughout all of Lent. Consider donating the money you saved by not buying that Starbucks coffee or having that glass of wine and donate that money to the poor to show solidarity with them.

Another opportunity for almsgiving is the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, which assists ministries globally and locally here in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and St. John Parish. One-quarter of your donation to the appeal comes directly back to the parish. This year a significant percentage of our portion is going to be donated to St. Michael School (Frostburg), which is Msgr. Art’s alma mater; the remainder will fund projects here at the parish. In addition to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, the parish is joining efforts with the US Bishops in Catholic Relief Services in their grass roots efforts with Operation Rice Bowl. A calendar of prayers and reflections from CRS will be in next week’s bulletin as a way to keep ourselves focused on the disciplines of Lent as we reach out to those in drastic need.

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.

OPERATION RICE BOWL…For 32 years Operation Rice Bowl has been extending the love of the Catholic Community in the U.S. to our neighbors in developing nations around the world. Operation Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program that helps us be one with our brothers and sisters in other countries through prayers, activities, and offerings. As we pray, we recognize how Jesus is present to those who suffer. When we fast, we understand how devastating hunger can be. We learn how much is being done by Catholic Relief Services to provide clean drinking water, basic health care, good farming techniques, and income-producing projects. And we give in honor of the many blessings we have received so that others may have life. Our parish is participating in Operation Rice Bowl this Lent. Please take a Home Calendar Guide and Rice Bowl for your family and follow the suggested activities during Lent.

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 6, a.m., 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 Karin Ellison, Edward Cosgrove, Charles Lewis and Mary Licato and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS : Congratulations and welcome to Mark S. Staylor, Jr., son of Jennifer and Mark Staylor, Sr.

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 this weekend (Feb. 17-18) for Catholic Relief Services and the Church in Latin America. We appreciate your generosity.

CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL…With Lent fast approaching, please prayerfully consider making a pledge or donation to the 2007 Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal as a form of almsgiving to help those most in need throughout the archdiocese, and the greater community. Our parish’s level of participation has increased annually and we ask you to consider helping us reach our very attainable goal of 803 families participating. If you have given in the past and plan to do so again, we thank you! If you haven’t had a chance to donate to the Lenten Appeal, make this the year to do so!

School Calendar

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

Feb. 20 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Feb. 21 – All School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. – Ash Wednesday

Feb. 23 – All School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m./Stations at 2 p.m.

Feb. 26 - PTF General Meeting

Feb. 27 – DUDE DAY (for Middle School)

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 4… This week, the participants of Why Catholic are focusing on the Trinity. Our Catechism says, "the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith... It is the mystery of God." As we contemplate this mystery, let us pray that we be open to His incredible and loving revelation.

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: There will be no Religious Education classes on Tuesday, February 20^th and Thursday, February 22^nd.

TEACHERS/CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS: Our In-Service meeting will take place on Thurs., Feb. 22^nd in the Portico beginning at 7:00 p.m. Our speaker will be Sr. Joan Marie Stief, O.S.B. Sr. Joan works for Catholic Charities in Parish Social Ministry. Food and drink to be provided by the Religious Ed Office.

PARENTS OF ALL FIRST COMMUNICANTS should have received notice for the Morning of Preparation, which takes place either Saturday, March 10 OR Saturday, March 24 from 9-12 p.m. Call the Religious Ed office if you did not receive this notice.

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!

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 SPRING RETREAT: Who’s ready for a retreat? Chances are you heard how great the winter retreat was and the spring retreat is promising to be just as awesome. We’re still nailing down the final cost but the date of the retreat is March 9-11^th. Call or email Kenn for details and to sign up.

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!)

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., 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.

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.

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.

Life Teen will host their annual “Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper” from 4-7 p.m. in The Portico. Give Mom a break this year and come enjoy this free “Fat Tuesday Meal” (not fat free)!! Donations are accepted, but not required. We still need some volunteers. Call or email Kenn de Moll if you can help Kdemoll@sjwest.org

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.

A Welcoming Session will be held at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. This is a great opportunity for new parishioners to meet our parish priests, to learn about our various programs, receive coupons for a free Knights of Columbus breakfast, and receive a warm welcome into this large and faith-filled parish. For further information call Fr. Leo in the parish office.

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.

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 4 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!

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a time of forgiveness, repentance and giving. During this holy season, please remember the poor boxes at the doors of the church so the St. Vincent de Paul Society can continue to help those in need, especially during these cold winter months when the needs are so great. You may also give directly to St. Vincent de Paul. Checks may be payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

THE DEER PARK LIONS CLUB, will collect used eyeglasses for recycling in developing countries. The eyeglasses will be distributed to those in need by Lion volunteers and other organizations hosting optical missions in developing countries. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church on the 4th weekend (Feb. 24-25) of this month.

Join Catholics at the 23^rd Annual Maryland Catholic Conference Lobby Night in Annapolis. Registration begins at 2:45 p.m. at St. Mary’s High School, 111 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis. Lobby Night features briefings on legislation under consideration by the Maryland Legislature, face-to-face meetings with state lawmakers and a legislative reception. Contact Chris Santo at 410-269-1155 or register online at www.mdcathcon.org.

A retreat for women ages 18 to 40 who are discerning a call to consecrated life will be held at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Emmitsburg, MD. Please contact Sr. Mary Catherine Warehime at

This year the Archdiocesan Annual Scout Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. at The Basilica of the Assumption. Cardinal Keeler will be the principal celebrant of the Liturgy. Your participation in the Liturgy will support and affirm our scout youth in their efforts to live and promote the Catholic Faith and Christian witness.

Cardinal William H. Keeler will celebrate a Mass of Recognition for Archdiocesan Health Care Ministers from 9:30-10 a.m. at the St. Ignatius Chapel of Grace, 740 North Calvert Street, Baltimore. Fr. James Casciotti, Pastor of St. Ignatius, invites clergy and health care ministers to join them for the traditional live broadcast of the Radio Mass. RSVP to Carolyn Dunne at 410-539-7812.

ETHICS HOTLINE…The Archdiocese will implement an ethics hotline so employees, volunteers, parishioners, vendors and other interested parties can report concerns regarding suspected financial and human resources issues. Reports can be filed via the web at www.archbalt.org by using the EthicsPoint link or by using the EthicsPoint website at www.ethicspoint.com or via one of EthicsPoint’s trained specialists at 1-888-572-8026.

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.