Parish Bulletin

It is definitely summer as the days have been hot. To distract ourselves from the summer heat, many of our young children will be participating in this week’s Vacation Bible School. The focus of the activities is the Adventures of St. Patrick. (I was not the one who chose which Saint). Through scripture, games and activities, the young people will learn about St. Patrick and the call we have to holiness.

Another group is really escaping the hot humid days of Maryland and they are off to Italy. After a year and a half of preparation, a group of teens and their families from Life Teen are making a pilgrimage to Italy leaving on Tuesday. The group of thirty-six will be visiting Florence, Assisi and Rome, along with several hill towns. Some of the highlights will be Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and the chance to attend a Papal Audience on the 4^th of July. Several teens were able to make the trip through the kindness of many people participating in their fundraising activities (Yankee Candles sales, spaghetti dinners etc.). The parish wishes them well as they go on this trip of a lifetime. We will keep them in prayer for their safety, as they will pray for us at these holy sites.

NOTE: The parish offices and the school will be closed on Wednesday, July 4^thfor the holiday.

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 has 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…Herbert Miller, Charlene Leopold, Helen Deleise, Mary Carland, Matt O’Donnell, Richard Guarnara, Marie Isaac, Daniel Dincher, Jennifer Barlow, William Bandorick, II, Jack Buonauro, John Kane & Barbara Dyson.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Eva Warren, David Thompson, Orville Long and Daphine Purdum and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Ayden Christine Buchanan, daughter of Jessica Buchanan and Gregory Lamp; Alexander William Mentzell and Nicholas George Mentzell, sons of Kimberly and Jonathan Mentzell.

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: Marie Cerame, Carl C. Ripetti (2), Mary Wade (2), Dianne Skalnek, Joseph Smith, Albert Pietryka, Van Shields, Eileen Gibbons, Grace Phillips, Sanny Michels, Erinn McCarthy, Thomas Schussler (2),Dennis Rohe, Alois Skiber, Harold Welcher, Elizabeth Pierpoint, Nellie Shortall, Irma Miller.

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND were donated in memory of Jim Ford from his living wife, Julia.

Stewardship

ELECTRONIC DEBITING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Total June, 2007 electronic contributions: $7,016.42

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 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 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 . Call Darlene at 410-876-7031.

ST. JOHN GIFT CARD PROGRAM: Thank you for your support of the grocery and department store gift card program. Since the beginning of the school year $213,000 in gift cards have been purchased, for a profit of $10,650. We hope the momentum will continue throughout the summer. During the summer gift cards are available for purchase every Wednesday in the school office, the 1^st and 3^rd “hospitality” Sundays at the Portico or by calling the parish office.

ARE ALL YOUR CHILDREN REGISTERED at ST. JOHN? If you have young children who were baptized at a parish other than St. John since registering here, or have a child baptized at another location in the future, please be certain they are represented within your family records at St. John by notifying the parish office. This information will be important as they grow up in the parish, and in their enrollment in St. John School or in Religious Education classes.

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, 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 thru July 25 from 9a.m-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 (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!

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 (this Sunday) after the 6:00 p.m. Mass.

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! No charge!

— 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., 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 it’s free!

Friday, July 27 – 4 Seasons 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. Only $12 for this event! Call for more info.

— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 4-5) —

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 Paul for details.

Sun., July 8–Tag Party – Join us from 1-3 for food, fun, laser tag, music and more! Don’t miss this blow out event! It’s free!

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

Fri., Aug 3 – 4 Seasons 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. Only $12 for this event! Call for more info.

This is a one-day summer camp like program designed for 12-14 year old male youths and will be held here at St. John. It is free for the participants. The day includes prayer, Mass, adoration, games, discussions, food (small breakfast and lunch) and fun. Chaperoned by the Vocation Office and seminarians of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Registration forms are available in the narthex of the church or at the parish center or call Andrew Veveiros at 410-547-5302) or email aveveiros@archbalt.org

This is a one-day summer camp like program designed for 15-17 year old male youths and follows a similar schedule as Operation Genesis and will also be held here at St. John. Registration forms are available in the narthex of the church or at the parish center or you can call Andrew Veveiros at 410-547-5302).

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!!

Becky Martin will be offering her fundamental skills basketball clinic for girls entering grades 5 thru 9. The clinic will be held July 9, 10, & 12 from 7:00-9:00PM each evening at the St. John School Gym. The pre-clinic registration cost for St. John parishioners is $30 for the 3 evening sessions. For more information contact Coach Becky Martin @ 410-857-2577 or pick-up a registration form at the Parish Center Office.

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 Greene at 410-876-9578.

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.

ST. JOHN COOKBOOK- St. John Roses 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. Deadline to submit recipes are July 16^th.

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.

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.

Give us this day our daily bread! When we pray the Our Father, we ask God to provide our food. The majority of us receive sufficient food. Others have very little. Your contributions to the poor boxes help St. Vincent de Paul Society keep food on hand for emergency situations and also to support Carroll County Food Sunday.

Westminster Ridge invites you to come and celebrate their first anniversary from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at 505-507 High Acre Drive, Westminster. RSVP by July 5 to 410-871-2225.

Join us for a good old fashion Conewago Chapel Picnic on Saturday, July 21 in Hanover, PA (9:30 a.m. chicken corn soup (carry-out); 11 a.m. lunch only (soup & sandwich); 12 noon picnic officially begins, 3 p.m. fried chicken dinners served $8.00 (adults) $4.00 (children). Live music by Hat Creek Country from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Call Nancy Fahnestock at 717-259-6624 for details.

MISSION OF MERCY of CARROLL COUNTY SEEKS DENTISTS: Mission of Mercy's mobile medical clinics seek to restore dignity to the sick, poor, and homeless by providing basic healthcare and "healing through Love." They are currently seeking dentists to volunteer in this endeavor. For further information contact KLyons@aMission of Mercy.org. or call 301-682-5683.

The annual EXPO at the Baltimore Convention Center is an exciting event for ALL Catholics combining fun, fellowship, information, and spiritual renewal .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 peach 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!