Mass Intentions
Monday, March 26- Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 23; Heb 10:4-10;Lk 1:26-38
7:00 a.m. Gracia Sevilla
8:00 a.m. Patricia Gallagher
Tuesday, March 27 - Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102; Jn 8:21-30
7:00 a.m. Albina Skiber
8:00 a.m. Randy E. Rager
Wednesday, March 28 - Dn 3:14-20, 91-95; Dn 3:52- 56; Jn 8:31-42
7:00 a.m. Timothy Grybauskas
8:00 a.m. Karen Ambrose
Thursday, March 29 - Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59
7:00 a.m. Walter J. Hackett, Sr.
8:00 a.m. Charles Lewis, Jr.
Friday, March 30 - Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18; Jn 10:31-42
7:00 a.m. Dawn Baird
9:30 a.m. Elizabeth Devaud
Saturday, March 31 - Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10-13;Jn 11:45-56
8:00 a.m. Mary Licado
5:00 p.m. Mary and Raymond Garner
Sunday, April 1-Lk 19:28-40; Ps 22; Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14-23
7:15 a.m. Thomas M. Brown
9:15 a.m. Regina Hay
11:15 a.m. Solange Aversa
3:15 p.m. Lowell Haines
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John
From the Administrator
These next two weeks of Lent are packed with opportunities. Please refer to other places in bulletin for details. Try to balance your time allocating it to spend some time with St John Parish as we gather for the Mission this week, Living Stations, Tenebrae and most especially the Triduum, next week.
It is always a balancing act to make sure that the running to all the opportunities does not distract you at the same time from the very thing upon which you are trying to reflect—the Paschal Mystery. May the blessings from the Paschal Mystery be with you.
Peace,
Liturgy & Worship
PARISH MISSION …March 26- 28
Fr. Peter Harman will be speaking at all the masses this weekend and on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He will give the same talk in the morning immediately following the 8 a.m. mass as at the 7 p.m. service which will simply be an opening song, prayer, scripture passage and homily. The evening presentation will conclude by 8 pm for your planning purposes.
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.
LENTEN WEEKDAY RECONCILIATION SCHEDULES:
Thurs., March 29 – 7:00 p.m. Parish Penance Service (Multiple Priests available for Penance Service.). Please note there are no confessions prior to masses on Sunday of Palm Sunday weekend or the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday due to the length and /or additional masses. Please use the Parish Reconciliation.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY…Sunday, April 1
The 9:15 a.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
~ HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE ~
Monday: April 2
Tuesday: April 3
Morning Mass 7:00 & 8:00 a.m.
Reconciliation 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer & Rosary 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Wednesday: April 4
Morning Mass 7:00 & 8:00 a.m.
Reconciliation 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tenebrae Service 7:30 p.m. (Church)
~ Triduum Schedule ~
Thursday: April 5
Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m.
Adoration in Church 8:00 p.m. – midnight
Good Friday: April 6
Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross 3:00 p.m. Reconciliation 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 7:00 p.m.
(Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross & Holy Communion)
Holy Saturday: April 7
Morning Prayers 9:30 a.m.
Church ....... 7:15 a.m.; 9:15 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. & 3:15 p.m. (Spanish)
The Portico.................................................... 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday
EASTER FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are available at the doors of the church and in the parish office. Please print the names of those you wish to remember on the envelope and return to the parish office by April 4 to be included in the Bulletin.
We Pray …
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Thomas Schussler and for his family and friends.
BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Rhianna Shiloh Andres, daughter of Isabel and Miguel Andres; Leah Ben Chennat, daughter of Judy and Ben Chennat; Kearstin Michele DeCesare, daughter of Rachel and Matthew DeCesare; Kathleen Faith Diamond, daughter of Carrie and David Diamond; Jaxson Robert Differ, son of Carrie and Patrick Differ and Cameron Josephine Freiert, daughter of Jaimee and Gregory Freiert.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA …Thursday Mornings
Please join us after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church.
THE WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of March 18, 2007
Envelopes: $23,789.00 Attendance: 3,528
Loose: 5,532.27 Poor Box: $3,297.27
TOTAL: $29,321.27
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00.
Our current weekly average is $28,973.86.
ELECTRONIC DEBITING CONTRIBUTIONS:
Total March, 2007 electronic contributions: $6,461.00
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.
OPERATION RICE BOWL: 5th WEEK OF LENT…The Woman Caught in Adultery. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus forgave the sin and blessed the sinner. By doing this, He challenges us to first remember our own sin before we seek to punish other people for their sins. In this Gospel, the woman is given the opportunity of making a new beginning.
People in countries such as Niger who live on the edge of the desert are working to steward their resources wisely so all members in their communities have access to basic necessities. Working with CRS to dig new wells and access new sources of clean water, people in Niger are given a new beginning, one that allows villages and communities to thrive. Fresh water can be used for cooking, drinking and farming, which are all necessary for healthy villages and livelihoods. Support CRS’ water management projects with your prayers, fasting, learning and giving to Operation Rice Bowl. Visit www.crs.org/orb to learn more.
CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL gives our parish a chance to shine within the faith family. Many people’s lives are impacted by the appeal ministries. Please make your pledge today.
School News
March 27 - Living Stations – 10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – gym
PTF Exec. Committee Mtg. 7:30 p.m.
March 30 – All School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m.
Living Stations – 7:00 p.m. - gym
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.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
PARENTS OF FIRST COMMUNICANTS: If you were not able to attend the Morning of Preparation, please call the Religious Education Office for important information. Also, postcards went out this week verifying your child’s First Communion date and practice. If you did not receive this, please call the 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 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: Have you missed a chance to see the new Basillica? Are you looking for a special way to start your holy week? Join us as we participate in the annual Cardinal's pilgrimage! Best part is, it's free! Call Kenn by March 29th to sign up! Even if you have never been with St. John youth ministry, we would love to have you!
Sun., April 22 - 2007- 2008 Young Apostles Info Session: Calling all 10th and 11th graders! Have you ever wanted to learn more about how to be a leader in your community? Do you want to serve the Church in a deeper way? Do you feel God is calling you to be a witness to your peers? If so, this day is for you! Life Teen is going to be sponsoring an information session for our Young Apostles group on April 22 .For details call or e-mail Kenn
STEUBENVILLE FINANCIAL AID 2007: There are still a few teens going to Steubenville that could use some financial aide. If you feel this may be a way God is calling you to give, please contact Kenn or Paul.
— 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., April 27 – Game Night – You never know what The EDGE will do next. You do NOT want to miss this FUN night of games, food and good times with your friends. Everyone is welcome!
Sun., May 13 – NO EDGE – Mother’s Day.
— 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.Hope to see you there!
activities in Our Parish
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.
PARISH FRIDAY FISH FRYs…Friday, March 30
This will be the last Fish Fry in the Portico 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.
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. Call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391 for info.
There will be a meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the church for all MC’s.
Ladies Sodality … Sunday, April 1
The Sodality will meet for 9:15 am. Mass . There will be no rosary after Mass this month. A meeting follows in the Parish Center. All ladies are invited. For details call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.
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.
WISDOM CLUB TRIP/SHOW…Sunday, April 22
The Wisdom Club is sponsoring a trip to Toby’s Dinner theatre to see “George M. Cohan.” The cost is $54.00 (includes brunch). Bus leaves from 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. Call Bo Yingling at 410-876-1162.
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE to the GROTTO…Thurs., May 10
Join the Wisdom Club for Mass celebrated by Fr. Patrick Carrion at the Grotto Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Following Mass, we will meet at the Cozy Restaurant for lunch. The cost is $15 per person and money is due by Thursday, April 26. Reservations required. Call Irene at 410-848-0489.
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. NO CANDY PLEASE! The deadline for donations is this weekend - March 24-25.
CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRIES at McDaniel College, in collaboration with Fr. John and St. John Church, made a trip to help Msgr. Beiting's Appalachian Mission Service in Louisa, KY during McDaniel College's spring break. Photos of the work they accomplished can be seen on the following web site: http://student.mcdaniel.edu/%7eccm/Scrapbook/SB2007Main.html
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.
CONFERENCE FOR SEPARATED/WIDOWED/DIVORCED OR REMARRIED … Saturday, April 28
The Catholic Single Again Council of Baltimore, Inc. is holding a day-long conference entitled “And now…the Rest of the Story…” for those who are separated, widowed, divorced or remarried. The conference will be held at Loyola College Graduate Center in Columbia, MD and begins with registration at 8:15 a.m. It features numerous workshops with well-known speakers covering grief recovery, spirituality, relationships, intimacy and communications skills. Visit www.ConferenceInColumbia.itgo.com or call Myra Fecteau at 410-724-0073 or Mary Ann Leard at 410-485-8313 for further details regarding this conference.
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 26-28 – Parish Mission
March 29 – Parish Penance Service
March 30 – Last Lenten Parish Fish Fry - Portico
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.
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 is 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, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.