Parish Bulletin

Many thanks for the participation in the Carnival last week. We were very blessed with good weather, which helped immensely in providing many opportunities for people to attend. Of course, these events do not just happen, but happen because of countless volunteers who plan for months to make sure these few days are as productive as possible. I extend the parish’s appreciation to all those who gave of themselves to make the carnival a success.

As we begin the summer months, the parish is fortunate to have a seminarian with us for several weeks. Ned Conklin is just entering the seminary. This past Friday was his final day of work at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab where he was worked for nearly 19 years as an engineer. Ned will be entering St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore in the fall. While here he wishes to receive experience in health care ministry as well as outreach to the poor. In addition to these ministries he will have a general view of parish life. He will be introducing himself at all masses in upcoming weeks, so please take an opportunity to greet him when you do see him.

Portico part-time help needed for set-up crew. Must be 18 or older and be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Must be available to work day, night and weekend shifts. For application and more information, please contact Teresa Richardson at the parish center, 410-848-4744 x227.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE…We still need someone for the following hours of Adoration: Wednesday from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and Thursday from 12-1:00 p.m. Anyone willing to come for Adoration at these times please call the parish office.

FATHER’S DAY SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the doors of the Church and at the Parish Center.

DEAF MINISTRY: The parish offers an interpreter for those who request one at the 9:15 a.m. Sunday Mass. Due to the fluctuating number of people in need of this ministry, we are asking parishioners to inform the parish office when they plan on attending the 9:15 Mass and need this service. Although we have had an interpreter at every 9:15 Mass for a trial period of 2-3 months, there has not been a consistent number of people who would benefit from this service who were present for this Mass. Therefore, should any parishioner request an interpreter, one will be provided. Please contact Anna Kakel at: blondes39@yahoo.com or call the parish office to request an interpreter for Mass or other church events.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially…Dana Stango, Jeannette Goldston, Richard Flynn, Barbara Dyson, Margaret Davidson, Phyllis Speelman, Joe Brown, Kristina Blye, Lois Pettijohn, Albert Jones, Lisa Rippeon, Gavin Evans, Ann Williams, William Dyson, Helen Deleise, and Christine Blake, Chester Bower, Agnes Shifflet, Matt O’Donnell, Georgeanna Dean, Grace Fisher, William Bandorick, III and Charles Fisher.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Bernadette Foreman, Cecelia Hinkel, Gary Wheatley and Gary Carle and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Jonathan Motato, son of Jackeline Motato-Garcia and Cesar Benitez-Garcia; Matthew Evan Scholz, son of Sharon and John Scholz; Hunter Wayne Eichelberger, Matthew Edward Eichelberger, Travis Richard Eichelberger and Zachary Austin Eichelberger, sons of Sheila and Brian Eichelberger.

MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent: Mr. and Mrs. C. Edward Cootes (50), Edward & Lillian Swinderman (48), Marjorie B. Case (40), Charlie Diegel (6), Sarah Sadaka, Garrett Harthovsen, George Steven Bock (3), Daisy Godair, Ronald A. Lewis, Elise Verch, Patricia Ford, William Poland, Marry Spielman, Virginia M. Waddell, Peter DiClementi (2), Int. of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Loughrey, Jr., Int. of Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano (3), Int. of Stewardship Volunteers, Pat Domina, Francis Klunk (3), Buck Leilich (3), Int. of Fr. Patrick Carrion (2), Int. of Denise Diegel, Int. of Barbara Martin, Int. of Mary Davis, Int. of Marion Smyth, John McGloin (5), Bill Dulaney, Int. of Sr. Helen Anthony, Paul M. Cusker (2), Sr. Maureen Burns, Shirley Merkle, Libby Spicka, Joseph Napora, Katie O’Brien, Clark Brumbley, Nancy Nazelrod, Int. of Sophie Kosloskey, Aaron Smith, Allison Costa, Rory McCracken, Int. of Kieran & Tracey McCracken, Elizabeth Zizzo, Int. of the Ritcey Family, Roberta Arsenault (2) ,Lew Ellis and Joseph Donohue.

Stewardship

Amount collected in May from the 5^th Sunday of the month Envelope Program………………………………………$6,302.71

CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL- You still have time to donate to the Lenten Appeal! We are 70% of the way toward meeting our goal of $124,400 and with YOUR help, we will make it! Just drop your donation into the collection basket in an envelope marked "Lenten Appeal" and make sure to note "St John Church, Westminster - #3303" to ensure that we receive credit down at the archdiocese for your donation! Thanks to all who have so generously donated to date! Prayerfully consider a gift today!"

June 11- Gr. 7 – Ghost Walk – all day/ Kindergarten – Last Day

June 12- Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. – School Dismissal after Liturgy

Confirmation students: Parents of all incoming 8th graders should have recently received a letter regarding our parish's Confirmation Program. If you have a student who will be in the 8th grade this fall and didn't receive this important letter, call Barbara Maranto in the Religious Ed. Office, 410-848-8443.

The school will also be conducting STAND training for any one involved in any of St. John ministries on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 – St. Matthew 7-9 pm

SIGN UP TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL…Get on the bus with Box tops. and win 10,000 bonus Box Tops for our school. Go to www.boxtops4education.com/bus

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 dropped off at school during the week. Call Darlene at 410-876-7031 or 410-848-1508.

REGISTRATION FORMS for 2007/2008 school year is currently being accepted. If you need a registration form, please call the Religious Ed office.

Religious Ed will be conducting STAND training for any person involved with any of St. John ministries. The following dates have been confirmed for training:

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!

Steubenville Parent Meetings: We will be holding our Steubenville parent meetings after the 6:00 pm Mass on June 10th and June 24th in the Portico. If you are coming to Steubenville, you MUST come to one of these two meetings.

Wed., June 20^{th -} Life Teen beach trip. Life Teen is heading to the beach this summer! We’re going to a beach in DE with another Life Teen Parish! Not only do you get to go to the beach, but we’re also going to be doing a lot of fun stuff like a pirate treasure hunt and a bon fire! The cost is $30. Call/Email Kenn to sign up!

Missed Steubenville Money: Anyone still owing money for Steubenville must contact Kenn/pay by June 17^th. You should already have received a letter in the mail telling you how much was still owed.

New Lectors Needed: Do you feel the call to read during Mass? If so, now is your chance to serve the Church in this powerful way! Life Teen is in need of some more lectors to help read at the 6:00 pm Mass. If interested, contact Kenn!

— 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.

Sun., June 10^th – Family Night at the Orioles Game – That’s right, we are going to Baltimore! We have a whole section reserved for THE EDGE for the 1:35 p.m. game. We will meet at St. John’s at noon and take a bus to the stadium. Tickets will be on sale through Kate in the Religious Ed Office for $12.00 (includes transportation).We only have 50 tickets so get them while you can!

Fri., June 22 – White Water Rafting day trip! More information to come…

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., June 15 – Twin Kiss Night – Meet in the cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. and then we will walk down the hill to Twin Kiss. Parents are welcome to join us if you like for this summer treat!

THANK YOU: The Carnival Committee would like to extend a great big “Thank You” to all the carnival volunteers and to all who patronized the carnival and helped in any way to make it a success. We really appreciate all the support and dedication especially during the week of the carnival. Thanks again!

The Sodality will meet for 9:15 am. Mass, followed by the Rosary. There will be no meetings during June, July & August.

This newly formed spiritually based ministry is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We meet from 10:30-12:00 noon in the Parish Center. No registration required. For more information, call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542.

The next blood drive will be from 2- 8 p.m. at The Portico. We will be entering our 33^rd year! We need phone callers. To help call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107. Give the gift of life—DONATE!!

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 needed. For details call John Stephens 410-848-3722 or Dean Ditman 410-875-4221.

ST. JOHN COOKBOOK- St. John Roses (Ladies Auxiliary of KoC) is collecting favorite recipes for a cookbook to be published in October. Submit no more than 3 of your favorite recipes by going to www.fundcraft.com (Enter Web ID: 23995-06DJ) OR print/type on forms available in the narthex of the church or parish center. Mail to Christine Mort, 357 Winged Foot Drive, Westminster, MD 21158. One recipe per form, please.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED… If you can help one Sunday a month call Nancy at 410-876-2173 for details. Adults and older teens are welcome to join this ministry.

JOIN THE PRE-CANA TEAM…We are looking for couples who have been married for a minimum of 5 years and have the desire to share their love and experience with those who are preparing for marriage. Contact Rosalie.seeley@verizon.net if you are interested in joining this ministry.

ST. JOHN YOUTH CHOIR…The newly renamed Youth Choir that sings at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass needs some additional singers (5^th grade and up). The commitment is 6 hours per month – rehearsal Monday nights from 7-8 p.m. and then Liturgy on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays of each month. Consider joining just for the summer! For more details call Jane Schmidt 410-848-5365.

Blanket of Love…St. John Parish Respect Life Committee invites you to create a square for a Blanket of Love to remember your child who died prior to birth, either through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. The Blanket of Love is a loving memorial to pre-born children. The Blanket of Love reaches out to grieving mothers and fathers, bringing restoration and healing. Program information and confidential request forms are displayed in the narthex of the church.

Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next Saturday and Sunday, the 3rd of the month is Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the baskets by the doors. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, peanut butter, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods, such as toilet paper, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you for you generosity!

Join The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County from 5-10 pm at Westminster City Park for a day of fun geared toward youth ages 11-18 featuring an art show and contest, music by local bands/performers, obstacle course, basketball challenge, rock climbing wall, food and much, much more. Free admission for youth ages 11-18. (Youth are encouraged to bring donations of school supplies, canned goods or personal products) which will be given to area agencies. Cost of admission $3.00 for children under age 11 & over age 18. Adults and adults with children under age 11 must accompany a youth attendee.

An information/training session to assist homebound residents by providing services such as visits, daily telephone reassurance or household care will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the parish center. We need your help. For information/register, contact Mike Rodgers at 410-857-5891.

FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED…Do you have room in your heart and home to assist a teenager (10-18) who needs guidance and support? Have you ever thought of being a foster parent? The Dept. of Juvenile Services needs you to make a difference in the life of a young person. Please contact Melissa Rice for further information at 240-420-1734. Free training and a monthly stipend for those who qualify!

STAND TRAINING for volunteers…Listed below is dates, times and places for upcoming STAND training:

A day of reflection entitled “Next level of fitness for our marriages” will be held from 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth School, 801 Argonne Dr., Baltimore. The cost is $10 per couple and includes lunch. Call Kay at 410-335-2897 for details.

The Sisters of Bon Secours are having a “Come and See Vocation Hospitality Weekend” at their Provincial House in Marriottsville. During that weekend, women are invited to explore the possibility of religious life by spending time with the sisters and other interested women in group discussions, share prayer and community. An optional tour is also available on Friday, June 22 from 1-4 pm. Register online at www.bonsecoursvocations.org

Calvert Hall will once again offer a coeducational summer school program that includes enrichment courses for students in the 7^th through 9^th grades in Reading, Study Skills, Composition, Math, English Review and Intro to Algebra. Remedial courses for students completing grades 9 through 12 also offered. Camps in baseball, basketball and water polo also offered. For more info call 410-825-4266 or visit on line at www.calverthall.com

Catholic Engaged Encounter is an international program committed to preparing couples for the sacrament of marriage. Engaged couples attend a weekend retreat that fosters openness and communication through a series of presentations, private reflection and dialog time. Catholic Engaged Encounter is an approved marriage preparation program within the Baltimore Archdiocese. Below is a list of upcoming retreat dates during 2007. Aug 10-12; Sept 14-16; Nov 9-11; Dec 7-9. For more information or to register for a weekend, please visit our website at www.mdcee.org or call 410-439-4217.

This summer, Mount de Sales will offer camps for girls of all ages. Camps include: basketball, dance, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, strength and conditioning and volleyball. For specific dates and times contact Janet McKinnon, Assistant. Athletic Director at: jmckinnon@mountdesales.org or call 410-744-8498-x152.

August 6 – STAND training – Parish Center

September 6 – STAND training – Parish Center

THE PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS…Many new products and bargains. All statues 10% off through June 17^th! Check out our Catholic books and find books on topics such as Catechist Faith Formation books, Prayer Books, Catholic Bibles, Saints Books, Books on Church History, Catholic Family Books to help your family grow in the Catholic faith, Catholic Books for Teenagers, Children's books and much more!

TRAVELERS LOOKING for MASS TIMES: To look for Mass times and church locations in the USA, call 1-410-676-6000 or go to www.MassTimes.org

Stewardship

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 – St. Matthew 7-9 pm

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED… If you can help one Sunday a month call Nancy at 410-876-2173 for details. Adults and older teens are welcome to join this ministry.

August 6 – STAND training – Parish Center

September 6 – STAND training – Parish Center