Parish Bulletin

This past week the parish funded the St. John Westminster Parish Endowment Fund. The school has several endowment funds to which people can donate. This is the first for the parish itself. Recently, the parish received $20,000 from the estate of the late Mark Case. The funds were not restricted so after consultation with the Chair of the Development Committee and a Parish Corporator, I initiated the endowment. The principal of the fund will always remain intact and the parish receives the interest from the fund. Though it will not generate a substantial amount of interest, the $20,000 is a seed for many others to consider the same. The gift from the Case estate allowed us to open the fund to which anyone can donate. You may give an amount as small as $10 or as large as $10,000. It is a great way to have a donation not only be a gift for a moment but forever as all donations remain as principal and never touched.

For more information as to how you can donate to the fund, please call Colleen Hattrup, Development Director, 410-876-2248. x218.

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…The following afternoon and evening hours have only one scheduled Adorer. Please call the parish office if you are willing to come for Adoration during one of these hours:

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…Chester Bower, Agnes Shifflet, Matt O’Donnell, Georgeanna Dean, Grace Fisher, William Bandorick, III , Charles Fisher, Bob Bolesta, Lenard Stango, Marty Kwedar, Betty Jean Gahan, Herbert Miller, and Charlene Leopold.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Elsie Delac, Fr. Bernard Bak, Anne Seibel and Eugenio Aetaserre and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Michalina Agnes Miller, daughter of Cynthia and Cary Miller; Stella Mae Schoberg, daughter of Tara and Edmund Schoberg; Clara Rose Fenlon, daughter of Lauren and Cregan Felon; and Scott Anthony Blakeslee, son of Cynthia and Christopher Blakeslee.

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: Edward Kryzneski, Betty Adamczyk, Lilia Medina (2), John Menkyk, Ralph O’Connell, Marion Miller, Steven Moring, Charles Bonanno, Nellie A. Murphy, Helen K. Sweeney, Nancy Brennan, Diane Thwaits, Randy Rager (7) Bob Priest (2) Thomas Norton, Thomas Brown, Ann Marie Hallinan, Int. of Joe Cinquino (3) Int. of Walter Hackett, Frederick Lynch, William Cannon, Nick Simon, Richard Johnson, Estelle A. Klemkowski, Joseph Hobbs, Sr., Mary Wade (2), Charles (Pat) Gary (2), Andy Betro, Scott McCloud, Richard K. Warner(2), Dawn Baird, Elizabeth Devaud, Concepcion Madrinan, John Kane, John Rice, Int. of William Kuhn, Int. of Ada Goodwin, Int. of Alex Krone, Gertrude T. Stelmeck (3), Elizabeth Zizzo, Josephine Aquilino, Robert Stopeck, Michael Kenny, John Victor, Mary Janicko, Herbert Smith, Anthony Smith, John Lubens, Edgar & Emily Erdman, James Lorigan, Chip Yeager, Lucretia Weidman, Jean Hardesty, Int. of Ken Trufer, Int. of J. C. Gilbert, Erma Stonesifer, Clarence Zylla, Int. of Jon & Alesa Wegzrin, Int. of Debbie Cremen, Robert Anotonetti, Sr., David Bridgett, Anthony Welsh, Stella Trischuk, Jane Pavlock and Howard Wittbecker, Sr.

Stewardship

CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged: $ 7,473.807

Paid to Date: 6,836,941

Balance: $ 636,866

THANK YOU to all who contributed to the special collection for Black and Indian Missions. The total collected was $6,147.40.

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! If you haven’t yet made a donation, please prayerfully consider a gift today! Thanks to all who have so generously donated to date!

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 Rm. 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 years is currently being accepted. Deadline is June 30^th. If you need a registration form, please call the Religious Ed office.

SPECIAL ED TEACHER NEEDED for religious ed classes held on Thursdays from 4:30-5:15 p.m. beginning in Sept. If you are able to volunteer for this special needs class, please call our office.

Parent meeting for Human Sexuality classes for students will be held at 7 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the parish center. Classes to be held for students in K-8^th grade on July 23 through July 25 from 9-12 p.m. Call the Religious Ed office for registration form.

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: If you missed our first parent meeting, you NEED to attend the second one which is in the Portico on JUNE 24 after the 6:00 p.m. Mass.

Wed., June 20^{th –} MAJOR CORRECTION: The cost of the LT beach trip has been reduced! Now, the trip is only $20! If you haven’t signed up yet –do it now! Deadline is June 17^th! We’re going to a great beach in DE for the day where we’re going to do fun stuff like go on a pirate treasure hunt! Kick off your summer at the beach! Call/email Kenn to sign up!

Sun., July 8 – Laser Tag Party: Normally to play laser tag, you have to go to Players. But, this time, we’re bringing laser tag to us! Join us after the 6:00 p.m. Mass as we play laser tag in our own back yard! There will be food, friends and fun! See you there!

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.

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

Sun., July 8 – Tag Party! We are bringing Laser Tag to you! Join us from 3:30-5:30 pm for laser tag, music, food and more!

Friday, July 27 – 4 Season Golf and POOL Party! Sign up for a great time. We will have an open pool and mini golf party from 6-8 p.m. Call for more info.

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.

Sun., July 8 – Tag Party – Join us from 1-3 for food, fun, laser tag, music and more! You don’t want to miss this blow out event! Bring all of your friends.

Fri., July 20 – H2Olympics – Is the summer heat getting to you yet? Join us as we cool off the Youth Alive way!

Join us for Mass at Noon, followed by lunch and meeting. Our guest speaker will be Jim Edwards, Director of the Catholic Family Foundation for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Bring your brown bag lunch. Desserts and beverages will be provided. New members are always welcome. Money due for trip to the Basilica at this meeting. Contact Eleanor (410-875-3336) or Bonnie (410- 795-0786) for more details.

Sunday, July 1^st is the anniversary of Sr. Bern’s death, and the 7:15 a.m. Mass will be offered for the peaceful repose of her soul. After Mass the rosary will be recited and then a continental breakfast will be available to all in the Portico.

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 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.

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC…Saturday, August 18

The annual parish picnic will be held again this year at St. John. Mark the date on your calendar! More details forthcoming. We are looking for some new faces and counting on our return volunteers to help on the committee, volunteer at a wheel or bake cakes for the cake wheel. Call Tom or Theresa Green at 410-876-9578.

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.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society greatly appreciates your constant support by donations to the Poor Box. We could not accomplish the work we do without it. God Bless you and thank you for your continued generosity.

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. 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!

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

Bring a picnic, blanket/chairs and enjoy supper on the grounds at Bon Secours Spiritual Center and enjoy the film “Two Brothers,” one of three films that Spirituality and Health magazine has named among the most spiritually literate films of 2004-2006. “It is an extraordinary film about two wild tigers and the human beings who are changed irreparably by their encounters with these magnificent and mysterious creatures.” Spiritual Center Grounds open to picnickers at 5 p.m., film begins at 7 p.m. (free, no admission charge) and optional discussion afterward. RSVP to 410-442-1320.

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. Many camp opportunities offered. For more info call 410-825-4266.

The annual EXPO at the Baltimore Convention Center is an exciting event for ALL Catholics combining fun, fellowship, information, and spiritual renewal. Over 50 speakers and 100 exhibitors. Mass and keynote by Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington,DC. Speakers include marriage therapists, relationship experts, business executives, life coaches, priests, educators, parents and many others. Visit www.catholicfamilyexpo.org .

Rev. Jack Lombardi will conduct a retreat at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg. Retreat topics include: Finding peace amidst a stressful world; Choosing stresses or spirit in daily life; Practicing peace through meditation. The retreat includes: Masses and confessions, healing service, meditation periods, literature, five spiritual conferences, holy hours, room and meals. The cost is $170. For more information, call 301-447-5318.

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.

A Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held in Maryland August 3-5 and November 16-18. The confidential, supportive retreat is for anyone hurting inside due to abortion trauma. For more information, call 410-354-6900 or email: projectrachel@archbalt.org., local website is www.project-rachel.net. National Rachel’s Vineyard contact is 1-877-HOPE-4-ME or www.rachelsvineyard.,org.

August 6 – STAND training – Parish Center

August 18 – Parish Picnic – St. John grounds

September 6 – STAND training – Parish Center

THE PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS… We are now carrying The Word Among Us magazine. This monthly magazine offers daily meditations based on the Mass readings of the Catholic Church, inspirational essays and stories of the saints and other Christian heroes and more!