Parish Bulletin

The Easter Season is one of many sacramental moments. We began the season welcoming 13 people through either the waters of baptism or reception in the Church with all being confirmed. This weekend Bishop Malooly confirmed 165 of our youth who have been preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation for many months. Besides the catechetical work, there have been service projects and a retreat. We continue with celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation over the next weeks as we welcome for the first time to the table of the Lord 171 of our young people who have been preparing for their First Communion. Besides their catechetical moments they have had special events as in the ‘teaching mass’ and ‘banner making.’

We congratulate all these people as they continue their faith journey. We thank the many catechists who have devoted their time and effort to help in the sacramental formation. Please keep all in your prayers.

NOTICE: Next weekend, April 21-22, The Little Sisters of the Poor will be here and ask for your support of the elderly at St. Martin’s Home. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Also on April 21-22, Seminarian Dan Taylor will speak on behalf of the Vocation Office in support of their formation program.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE… The scheduled adorer for Sunday afternoon from 4-5 p.m. can no longer cover this hour because of illness in her family. Anyone willing to come for Adoration at this time please call the parish office.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Ann L. Koller, Mary Riesette, John Morrison and Adele Reichard and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Mary Elaine DiFatta, daughter of Mary and Frank DiFatta; Matthew Cullen Foran, son of Jennifer and John Foran; Ariel Denay Sykes, daughter of Tosha Nusbaum and Timothy Sykes and John Wayne Pangborn, son of Gabriel Zimmer.

Stewardship

CAMPAIGN UPDATE as of April 3,2007:

Total Pledged: $ 7,460,935

Paid to Date: 6,805,001

Balance: $ 655,934

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.

April 18 – Walkathon for Catholic Education – 1-3 p.m.

April 19 – Gr. 7 – Civil War presentation in afternoon

April 20 – All school Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

Gr. 8 – Field Trip

April 21 – First Communion in Church at 1:15 p.m.

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.

All those who assisted Why Catholic as Small Group Leaders are invited to an Archdiocesan Gathering from 7-9 p.m. The gathering will provide an opportunity to reflect on the first session. The event will be held in the St. John Portico. RSVP to Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

Any adult who is interested in completing their Sacraments of Initiation are invited to participate in our Adult Confirmation Classes. The classes meet on five consecutive Thursdays beginning April 26th, and are held in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center from 7-9:00 pm. All those who complete the classes are Confirmed by Cardinal Keeler at the Cathedral on Sunday, May 27th, the Feast of Pentecost. To register for these classes, please contact Paul Gallagher.

St. John will host an Archdiocesan Evening of Reflection for all those who participated in our first session of Why Catholic. The theme is "Discovering God in Ordinary Life" and will take place in the Portico from 7:00-9:30 pm. Please RSVP to Paul Gallagher.

All practices will be in the Church at 6:30 p.m. The children MUST be at practice with at least one parent.

CONGRATULATIONS to our students who made their First Holy Communion this weekend. We pray these students and their families will always receive the Risen Lord and spread His love among all people.

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., April 15: Tarzan Ball – You’ve heard of kickball right? Well Tarzan ball is just like kickball with a little extra twist. This is going to be one great night of fun and fellowship. Check us out!

Sun., April 22: COLD Coffee House – Life Teen is gonna chill this night by letting you guys perform! Whether you sing, play a musical instrument, can do magic or are the world’s champion gum chewer, we want to hear about it! This is the night you have been waiting for to show everyone else how cool you can be. E-mail Kenn to sign your act up! See you at the Portico by 7:30 p.m.!

Sun., April 22 - 2007- 2008 Young Apostles Info Session: Calling all 10^th and 11^th 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.

— THE EDGE (grades 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., 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!

Fri., May 25 – Twin Kiss Night – We will meet at the cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. and walk down the hill to Twin Kiss for ice cream! Start Memorial Day weekend off right by relaxing with your friends and laughing over a sundae, snowball, or even a milkshake! Join us!

— 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., April 20–Men in Black Game - Youth Alive encourages you to go to the Men in Black Basketball game. Hope to see you there!

Fri., May 4 – Cinco de Mayo Party – Bring your friends and join us for tacos, and lots of games. You don’t want to miss this night!

The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction will be celebrated following the 11:15 a.m. Mass in the Church. Come join us for this beautiful devotion, which centers on Our Lord’s merciful love for the whole world and affords the opportunity to pray for specific intentions before the Blessed Sacrament. The chaplet is also celebrated every Thursday at 3:00 p.m., the traditional hour of Our Lord’s death upon the Cross.

WALKATHON for CATHOLIC EDUCATION..Wed., Apr.18
St. John School is looking for any parishioners and alumni who would like to sponsor students to walk in the Walkathon this year. Grades K-8 will walk with their class to raise money for computers for the computer lab. Our goal is $12,000. If you would like to contribute in some way to enable our students to walk for your sponsorship, please call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.

MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL GAME…Friday, April 20 5^th 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 young adults interested in playing in the game should contact Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SPRING DANCE…Sat.,April 21 Come celebrate our 98^th Anniversary at the Portico. All are welcome. Music by Clockwork, Buffet Dinner by Harry’s Main Street Restaurant. Cash bar. Tickets $40 in advance only. Tables of 10 available. Contact Lou Stachowiak at 410- 635-2583, email: lwstack@comcast.net, or call Rich Nestor at 410-751-5258.

If you are a member of the choir and are interested in performing for any, both, or all of the First Communion Masses on Sunday, April 22, Saturday, April 28, or Sunday, April 29, contact Jane Schmidt at 410-848-5365. Mandatory rehearsal will be Monday, April 16^th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church.

FINANCIAL & ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR..Tues.,Apr.24 All parishioners are invited to this important information session about wills, estate planning, endowments, charitable gift annuities and other financial planning modules to assist both your family and our parish. Please join us at the Portico beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are now available at parish center, school and Portico Bookstore. Price is $12.00. This year Longaberger baskets as well as Vera Bradley handbags. Anyone interested in sponsoring a basket or handbag call the parish center or Anna at 410-876-2652.

St. Vincent de Paul Society will have a truck on campus the 4^th weekend of each month on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to Sunday afternoon. Only donations of clothes, outerwear & shoes accepted.

Those who are registered passengers are invited to come to an information planning meeting with Fr. Leo on April 29^th at 12:30 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center.

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.

The Sodality invites ALL PARISHIONERS to the Annual May procession and Benediction at 1:00 p.m. Children are invited to take part in the procession honoring our Blessed Mother. First Communicants are asked to wear their First Communion attire. Children should meet in The Portico at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments immediately following the ceremony in the Portico. For more details call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.

Join the Wisdom Club for Mass celebrated by Fr. Patrick Carrion at the Grotto Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Following Mass we will have lunch at the Cozy Restaurant. The cost is $15. Money is due by Thurs., April 26. Reservations required. Call Irene: 410-848-0489.

Join St. John Roses for a leisurely afternoon of tea, scones, and more at the Portico. A certified plant designer will discuss how to design and plant a perennial garden. Cost: $15 per person. Time: 2-4 p.m. Tickets are limited. For reservations call Cathy Hoffman 410-840-3659 or Linda Nester 410-751-5258 Proceeds to benefit Head Start. Come “Bloom and Grow” with us.

Join the Wisdom’s Club for a trip to Charlestown Slots for a fun day! Cost is $36 and includes the bus and buffet. Deadline for payment is May 24^th. The bus leaves St. John parking lot (across from the church) at 9 a.m. returning at approximately 5 p.m. For more info contact Maureen Fugate at 410-4676.

Mark your calendar now for St. John’s Annual Golf Tournament to be held at the much-improved Bear Creek Golf Club in Westminster. Cost per golfer is $80.00 ($100 after July 22) and includes all fees, food, beverages and trophies. Shot gun start at 1:00 p.m. Hole sponsors and door prizes are needed. For details call John Stephens 410-848-3722 or Dean Ditman 410-875-4221.

2007 PARISH CARNIVAL NEEDS YOUR HELP: If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity to use your talents and meet lots of fun people – then the Carnival Committee is for you! Call Bob Detrow at 410-840-0307 for more details.

SPRING CLEANING TIME: Check your closets, drawers, attics, basements for any new or used religious pictures, statues, medals, bibles, etc. for our 2007 Christmas Bazaar. Call Nina at 410-635-6422 for more information.

RESPECT LIFE CORNER

In Memory of Pope John Paul II: April 2^nd was the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. Let us never forget his faithfulness in proclaiming The Gospel of Life. May the Holy Spirit move us to emulate his dedication to protecting all life, particularly those who have no voice – the unborn babies, the disabled and dying.

Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that the 3^rd weekend of each month is Food Sunday. Thank you for your generosity!

CARROLL COUNTY HUNGER WALK…Sunday, April 22

This year’s walk will begin with registration at 1:30 p.m. and the walk at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in New Windsor. Contact call Jim Benedict at 410-775-2717 or email benedict@verizon.net

Join us at we honor Cardinal Keeler and others at the 10^th anniversary dinner at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, MD. Contact Jacqueline Johnson at 301-262-9011 for details.

CONFERENCE FOR SEPARATED/WIDOWED/DIVORCED OR REMARRIED … Saturday, April 28

The Catholic Single Again Council of Baltimore, Inc. is holding a daylong 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 communication skills. Visit www.ConferenceInColumbia.itgo.com or call Myra Fecteau at 410-724-0073 for more details.

Attn: Parents: A presentation on teenage drug and alcohol issues will be presented by Adams County District Attorney Wagner and PA State Trooper Asbury at 7:00 p.m. at Delone High School cafeteria. For details call Annie Kilkelly 717-637-0933.

There will be a series of seminars and expositions from 5:30 until 10:00 p.m. sponsored by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce at The Portico dealing with topics on Elder Law, Senior Living Options, and Long Term Care Planning. Pre-registration is required – deadline to register is April 30^th. Call the Chamber at 410-848-9050 for more details and to register.

Cursillistas regularly meet together to share life of Christ through piety, study and evangelical action. It helps the Christian grow in their Faith. If you have participated in a Cursillo weekend, but are not currently in a group, or if you are interested in Cursillo, contact Bryan or Barbara Jacobs at 410-751-6796 or Doris Graybeal at 410-848-2891.

INTERESTED IN BEING A DEACON…Saturday, April 21 The Archdiocese is offering an information session for those men who have contemplated being a deacon. Session will be held at St. Mary’s Seminary and University (5400 Roland Avenue, 21210) from 10 am – 11:30 am. Please call the Office of Clergy Personnel (Cindy Orr) to RSVP. 410-547-5550.

SEMINAR FOR VISITORS of SICK AND HOMEBOUND Saturday, April 21… A seminar on the basic introduction of pastoral visiting for parishioners who are new to it or have begun with limited skills; is being sponsored by Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry and hosted by St. Timothy, Walkersville from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Dr. Patricia Fosarelli will be the presenter. To register, or for more info contact Allison Stone 410-261-6781 or astone@cc-md.org

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.

May 6 - May Procession at 1:00 - Church

June 10 - Garden Tea Party – 2-4 p.m. – 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 is held the last Sunday of the each month, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at The Portico.

THE PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: MOTHER ANGELICA'S LITTLE BOOK of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality just released and in stock. Raymond Arroyo presents an inspiring collection of Mother's powerful spiritual insights and no-nonsense advice. We can also order any of your favorite shows filmed by EWTN and any books you see advertised on their network. Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) Global Catholic Network airs family and religious programming from a Catholic point of view in English and Spanish.