Mass Intentions
Monday, March 19-2 Sm 7:4-16; Ps 89; Rom 4:13-22; Mt 1:16,18-24a
7:00 a.m. Randy E. Rager
8:00 a.m. Adelaida Muneses
Tuesday, March 20 - Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46; Jn 5:-1-16
7:00 a.m. Thomas Brown
8:00 a.m. Rev. John Kilmartin
Wednesday, March 21 - Is 49:8-15; Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30
7:00 a.m. Intention of Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano
8:00 a.m. Mary T. Holloway
Thursday, March 22 - Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106; Jn 5:31-47
7:00 a.m. Edward and Lillian Swinderman
8:00 a.m. Charles Young
Friday, March 23 - Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
7:00 a.m. Jane Pavlock
9:30 a.m. Raphael Schreiber
Saturday, March 24 - Jer 11:18-20; Ps 40; Jn 7:40-53
8:00 a.m. Charles Lewis, Jr.
5:00 p.m. Wilhelmina Kammel
Sunday, March 25 - Is 43:16-21; Ps 126; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11
7:15 a.m. Mary Licado
9:15 a.m. Parishioners of St. John
11:15 a.m. Charles J. Bonanno
3:15 p.m. Elizabeth M. Devaud
6:00 p.m. Helen Kaminski
From the Administrator
Hopefully your spirit of almsgiving is integral to your Lenten practice this year. The parish is making a concerted effort to bring a heightened awareness to the plight of the poor through the weekly articles in the bulletin from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and its program of Operation Rice Bowl. The personal stories from people like Iqra in Pakistan, or Jenita in Africa in the Rice Bowl material lets you see real names of real people who need real help to lift them up from their poverty.
This weekend during our hospitality Sunday, CRS will have materials available as well as coffee!!! One of the many efforts of CRS is to help the small coffee farmer have a place to sell their coffee fairly. The FairTrade program encourages us to purchase those typical things we purchase anyway but to do so in a way that unites you to those who need that extra assistance—SOLIDARITY is one of the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Often we wonder, ‘what can I do for one farmer when I am half a world away?- you could buy his coffee!!!. The coffee you drink at hospitality Sunday is FairTrade coffee and it will be available for purchase to take home. See www.crsfairtrade.org for more detail information.
Peace,
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 4th Street, Baltimore, MD 21225.
Liturgy & Worship
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 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.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS…Fridays of Lent
At 2:00 p.m. (children’s format) and 7:00 p.m. (on First Fridays, Stations will follow the 7 p.m. Mass.)
LENTEN WEEKDAY RECONCILIATION SCHEDULES:
Mon., March 19 – 11:00 a.m. -12 p.m. (Multiple Priests)
Thurs., March 22–10:30–11:30 a.m. prior to Wisdom Club Mass
Thurs., March 29 – 7:00 p.m. Parish Penance Service (Multiple Priests available after Penance Service.)
PARISH MISSION …March 26- 28
Our parish Mission will begin on Monday, March 26 and continue each evening at 7:00 p.m. through Wednesday, March 28. Fr. Peter Harman, STL, a priest of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, and presently a doctoral candidate in moral theology at Catholic University, will lead our Mission.
We Pray …
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Thomas Price, Dianne Skalnek, Linda Robey, Grace Phillips and Fr. John Kelmartin and for their families and friends.
BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Rose Allyn Kennedy Danovich, daughter of Leslie Ellis and Jeffrey Danovich; Benjamin Jacob Lanning, son of Pamela and Coy Lanning, Jr.; Megan Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of Michelle and Chad Rogers; and Austyn Jacob Stephens, son of Heather and Paul Stephens.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA …Thursday Mornings
Please join us after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church.
Stewardship
THE WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 11, 2007
Envelopes: $25,747.60 Attendance: 3,628
Loose: 6,109.17 Poor Box: $1,898.15
TOTAL: $31,856.77
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00.
Our current weekly average is $28,973.86.
CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 7,460,735
Paid to Date: 6,797,799
Balance: $ 662,936
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 OR Electronic Debiting Envelopes are available in the narthex of the church. We appreciate your generosity.
CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL…All of us share in the life of the Archdiocese. We are many people, but one Church, one family. If you have not yet made your pledge or gift to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, please do so today. This appeal is an opportunity to reach out and help provide the ministries and service by which our Archdiocese does the work of Christ in our community.
OPERATION RICE BOWL: 4th WEEK OF LENT…The Lost Son: Jesus uses the image of the prodigal son returning to his father to explain how much our Father in heaven loves us. God wants us to know that in His love we must reach out to those who have offended us and invite them back into full participation in our community.
In Cambodia, Catholic Relief Services helps rebuild and improve community structures. One way CRS has helped Cambodians strengthen their communities is through sustainable agriculture. Improved agricultural systems provide food and income for families and encourage people to participate in community activities. Please support CRS’s agriculture projects with your prayers, fasting, learning, and giving to Operation Rice Bowl.
School News
March 21 – Early dismissal at 12:15 pm
March 23 - All school Liturgy – 9:30 – Church
Stations of the Cross – 2 p.m. – Church
March 27 - Living Stations – 10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – gym
PTF Exec. Committee Mtg. 7:30 p.m.
INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales.
Shop at www.innisbrook.com. Our school ID is # 122169.
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 dropped 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.
adult faith formation
RCIA… If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Roman Catholic, and have not yet began our latest session of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) there are still a few openings. We meet on Monday, March 19th at 7 p.m. To learn more about the RCIA process, contact Paul Gallagher at pgallagher@sjwest.org or visit the Faith Formation section of the parish website at www.sjwest.org
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
MORNING OF PREPARATION will be Saturday, March 24th from 9-12:00 for all of Thursday Religious Education 2nd grade classes and St. John School 2nd grade classes. We will all meet in the Portico. Any further questions, call the Religious Ed Office.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: VBS is the week of June 25-June 29th 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., March 18 – Hunger Banquet: Have you ever wondered how the rest of the world lives? Just what is a hunger banquet? Stop by this night for an eye opening experience.
Sun., March 25 – “Soul Wars:” What can Star Wars teach you about your faith? A whole lot! A rouge sith is on the loose and the Life Teen Jedi Knights are out to stop him! Bring your light saber and blaster because it’s going to be a night that is out of this universe!
Sat., March 31 – Cardinal’s Pilgrimage: Celebrate Palm Sunday by joining Life Teen as we head to Baltimore for a day filled with Adoration, a rally, keynote speakers and finish up the day at the Basilica with Mass. Call or email Kenn to sign up. The deadline to register is March 19th!
STEUBENVILLE 2007: Just a reminder the 2nd payment of $90 is due to Kenn by March 25th.
ITALY TRIP…June 26-July 5th
There are a few open spots for our pilgrimage to Italy. To learn more, contact Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed Office.
LIFE TEEN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP: All Juniors and Seniors interested in applying to Benedictine College in Atchison, KA, be sure to check out Life Teen’s web site (www.lifeteen.com) to apply for a $7,500 a year scholarship to this college!
— THE EDGE (grades 7 & 8) —
We meet every 2nd Sunday and 4th Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This ministry is open to all 6th, 7th & 8th graders.
Fri., March 23 – Holy Week-est Link– Get ready for a great time! Bring all of your friends and join us for this EDGE Game Show Trivia Challenge! How much do you know about Holy Week?
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —
We meet in the Cafeteria from 7-8:30 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Friday. Bring your friends and join the fun! Contact Kate for details.
Fri., April 6 – No Youth Alive – Good Friday.
Fri., April 20 – Men in Black Game – Youth Alive encourages you to go to the Men in Black Basketball game at Westminster High School. This game is a ton of fun and I hope to see there!
activities in Our Parish
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP…sunday, March 18
This newly formed spiritually based ministry is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We meet the 3rd Sunday of each month after the 9:15 a.m. Mass. Continental breakfast served. For details call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542.No registration is required.
WISDOM CLUB MONTHLY MEETING…Thurs., March 22
Join us for Mass at Noon, followed by our St. Patrick’s Pot Luck luncheon in The Portico. Members and non-members are urged to attend this festive occasion. Bring in handmade crafts for the “Crafter’s Table.” Contact Eleanor at 410-875-3336 for details.
PARISH FRIDAY FISH FRYs…Friday, March 23
Fish Fry in the Portico on Friday’s during Lent. Time: 4-7 p.m. Adults $6.50, Kids $3.25 and under 5 free. Family pricing available. Fish dinners (fried or baked) include fish, roll, potato and vegetable. Shrimp dinners available, too. Take a night off and have dinner with us! Call Teresa at 410-848-4744 x 227 for details.
CLOTHing TRUCK pickup… March 24-25
St. Vincent de Paul Society will have a truck on campus the 4th weekend of each month. The truck should be here on Saturday afternoon (2:00 p.m. to Sunday afternoon). Only donations of clothes, outerwear and shoes will be accepted. For more information, call the St. Vincent de Paul office at 410-848-8693.
MEN IN BLACK POSTER CONTEST: Deadline March 30 For students from K-8th Grade. Create an 11x17 poster to encourage religious vocations, using crayons, colored pencil, markers or paint. This year’s theme is “Get on the ball and answer the Call! Pray. Listen. Respond.” All participants receive a gift. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Men in Black game. Deadline is March 30. Call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391 for info.
Annual Teachers Banquet…Sunday, April 15
The James Cardinal Gibbons Assembly #379 of the Knights of Columbus is hosting the Annual Teachers Banquet at the Portico. This event honors our Catholic School and Religious Education teachers in our parish and in Carroll County. Tickets are $22. Contact Lou Stachowiak at 410-635-2583, lwstack@comcast.net.
MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL GAME… Friday, April 20
5th Annual Event at 7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School. Come enjoy an exciting game and watch our Archdiocesan priests and seminarians play against St. John parishioners. Don’t miss the special half-time show! Any high school-aged through young adults interested in playing in the game should contact Betty Belk at 410-848-9391 to be placed in a random drawing.
Come celebrate our 98th year. Place: The Portico from 7-12 p.m. Music by Clockwork. Buffet dinner, cash bar - $40.00 per person. For tickets call Lou Stachowiak-410-635-2583.
“GEORGE M. COHAN” SHOW…Sunday, April 22
The Wisdom Club is sponsoring a trip to Toby’s Dinner theatre with brunch. The cost is $54.00 and money is due by March 22. The bus will leave from the entrance to St. John’s School at 9:30 a.m. For reservations call Maureen Fugate at 410-840-4676.
11th Annual Basket Bingo… Friday, April 27
Tickets are now available at parish center, school and Portico Bookstore. Price is $12.00. 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.
"Italian Pilgrimage" MEETING…Sunday, April 29
The passenger list is now full. Those who are registered passengers are asked to come to an information planning meeting on April 29th at 12:30 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center.
2007 BAKER-YINGLING SCHOLARSHIP...Deadline Apr. 30
Scholarship Applications are available at the parish center and the school office. Any girl or boy who has participated in a St. John’s athletic program for two or more years and is entering a private school or college may apply. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2007. For questions, call Bo Yingling at 410-876-1162.
PASTORAL COUNCIL elections… May 12 and 19
Thank you to the following parishioners who are candidates: Ralph Arnold, Dave Geiman, Jerry Hynson, Jack Lusby, Becky Martin, Jim O’Donnell, Damien Seeley, Lou Stachowiak and Christy Tenney. If you are interested in running for the Council or know someone who is, email pastoral council@sjwest.or or call Jeannie Carbo at 410-840-8205.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
St. Vincent de Paul is collecting items for Easter baskets for the poor. These baskets will be given to Shepherd’s Staff to be distributed to area children. The following items are needed: Christian coloring books, story books, bookmarks, puzzles, prayer books, crayons, play dough, small toys, school supplies, non-candy snacks, socks, personal care items, and religious items for kids. NO CANDY PLEASE! Donations can be placed in the food baskets located at the doors of the church or dropped off at the parish center. The deadline for donations is the weekend of March 24-25. If you or your group would like to assemble a finished basket, please take it directly to Shepherd’s Staff.
LOAVES and FISHES SOUP KITCHEN is updating its volunteer and contributor listings for the period April 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007. If you will not be participating, please leave a message with Mike Radov at 410-857-9528.
The March meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the Portico. If you are interested in learning more about our work, join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.
In our Community
THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHOIR…Sat., March 24 The National Christian Choir, For Worship and Praise, will perform at Baker Memorial Chapel, McDaniel College, at 4:00 p.m. The performance is sponsored by the Westminster Ministerium. A free will offering is appreciated.
The Little Sisters of the Poor will hold their annual Spring Ceramic Sale & Craft Bazaar from 9-4 p.m. at St. Martin’s Home, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228. For further information contact Peggy Bocklage, A.J.J. at 410-744-9367.
THE DEER PARK LIONS CLUB…March 24 and 25
The Lions Club will collect used eyeglasses for recycling in developing countries on the 4th weekend of each month. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church.
FAITH IN ACTION…Saturday, March 31
An information/training session to assist homebound residents by providing services such as visits, daily telephone reassurance or household care will be held from 11-12 p.m. We need your help. For information/register, contact Mike Rodgers at 410-857-5891.
ATTENTION MT. ST. JOSEPH ALUMNI…Sat., March 31
Fr. Leo (class of '88) and Kevin Keeley (class of '89) invite you to join them for Saturday morning Mass (at St. John’s) followed by breakfast at Harry's Main Street. Reconnect with your classmates and reminisce about the good old days as we discuss the Mount's role in our lives. For details, call Kevin at 410-840-0188 or e-mail at knskeeley@comcast.net.
Vocations/Archdiocese
V.I.P. DAY…Monday, April 2
Vocations in Progress Day is a vocation awareness event sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore Vocation Office for young men in high school and college. Those attending will engage in prayer; tour Mount St. Mary’s Seminary (Emmitsburg), St. Mary’s Seminary and University (Roland Park), and the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen; attend the Chrism Mass, and have the opportunity to personally greet Cardinal Keeler following the Mass. To register contact the Vocation Office at 410-547-5426.
DINNER WITH CARDINAL KEELER…Monday, April 30
Young men who are juniors in high school through college age are invited to dinner with Cardinal Keeler at the Msgr. O’Dwyer Retreat House from 6-8:30 p.m. The evening will include a discussion about the vocation of priesthood. To register contact the Office of Vocations, 410-547-5426.
Reminders
UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS: HOLD THESE DATES:
March 18 – Hospitality Sunday - Portico
March 23 – Parish Fish Fry – Portico
March 25 - Welcome Session - Portico
March 26-28 – Parish Mission
March 29 – Parish Penance Service
March 30 – Parish Fish Fry - Portico
HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from either the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which are held the last Sunday of the each month, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.
The Portico Books + Gifts: Give the gift of faith! We are expanding our book selection, many new titles and more on the way! Check out our new outdoor garden statuary. 10% discount on purchases over $95 through March 31st. Plus, many individual items on sale. Thanks for supporting your Parish Store.