Parish Bulletin

Please join me in welcoming two new staff members for our parish Youth Ministry. Jordan Tippett has been hired as the Coordinator for Middle School Religious Education. She will also be responsible for RCIY (Rite of Christian Initiation for Youth). Jordan grew up with our Youth Ministry Program, graduated from McDaniel College, and has worked in our parish previously as an Intern, and with the High School Youth Ministry and Coordinator of the Confirmation Program. Jordan and her husband Jeremy are the proud parents of three beautiful little girls. Welcome back Jordan.

Mandy Komar has accepted the position of Middle School Youth Minister. She will begin in mid-August. Presently Mandy is working as a soccer coach at a camp in North Carolina. Mandy was also raised in our parish, and has been a volunteer core member for Life Teen for the past three years. Prior to her summer job, Mandy was the Athletic Director at the New Windsor Middle School. Mandy will continue her graduate studies in education at Mc Daniel College. Welcome Mandy.

MASS AND RECEPTION FOR FR. PATRICK CARRION: Fr. Patrick will celebrate Mass on Sunday, August 19^th at 11:15 a.m. followed by a reception in the Portico. We hope you will join us to say thank you to Fr. Patrick for his work and support as Administrator during the past year.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE…The following hours of adoration are currently being covered by volunteers. We need at least one (preferably two people) to commit to adoration during these time periods: Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:00 a.m., Wednesday 1:00 to 2:00 a.m. and Friday 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Also starting mid-August, the person currently scheduled for adoration on Sunday from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. will no longer be able to continue. Therefore, we need one or more people to cover that hour.

Please call the parish center if you are willing to sign up for adoration for these or any other hours.

Masses are 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Confessions: 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. & 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially…Pat Davis, Karen Coale, Kristina Blye, Phyllis Speelman, Justin Hook, Marty Gramlich, Murry Gramlich, Baby Nathan Boner, Mary Joanne Robinson, Joan Wisniewski and Thommy Thomas.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Abigail Araujo-Sanchez, daughter of Maura Sanchez-Ovando and Bonifacio Araujo-Ramiro; Robert Alton Whitcomb, II, son of Catherine Creamer and Robert Whitcomb and Alyssa Marie Whitcomb, daughter of Catherine Creamer and Robert Whitcomb.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Eleanor Lovell, Eleanora Publisi, Doris Smelser, Baby Peyton E. Reter, Christopher Scott, Donald Hill, and Timothy Casey and for their families and friends.

Stewardship

WHAT IS A VACATION?

A vacation is a succession of 2’s. It consists of 2 weeks, which may be 2 short. Afterwards, you are 2 tired 2 return 2 work, but 2 broke not 2. Therefore, be sure 2 bring or mail 2 the church 2 weeks’ offering before you leave. If not, we will be 2 far behind 2 do all the things for the Lord that He wants us 2 do.

SUMMER BENEFIT: Summer benefit envelopes are at the doors of the church or in the parish office, or mail your contribution to St. John Church, attention “Summer Benefit.” Thank you for your generosity.

LENTEN APPEAL UPDATE: Thank you to all parishioners who donated to the Lenten Appeal this year! So far, we have reached $93,165 - a very generous amount indeed! God bless you and thank you for remembering those in need!

SECOND COLLECTION next weekend (August 4-5) for Catholic Communications Campaign and Catholic University of America.

TEST SCORES AVAILABLE…Students who were in grades 3-7 in the 2006-07 school year took standardized test in April. These test scores have arrived, and parent reports of scores may be picked up in the school office on any Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

REMINDER: The fees for school families for next year are now due. The amount is $250.00 for 1^st through 8^th grades. The fee for Kindergarten is $225.00. If you have any questions, please call the school office 410-848-7455.

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

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

INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales.

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.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Catholic Church, our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes are set to begin September 16. Our weekly classes meet on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Center. Babysitting is available with advance notice. For more information, please contact Paul Gallagher in the Parish Center.

Small groups will begin meeting again to complete the second part of “The Profession of Faith.” The groups will meet for 6 weeks, finishing the week of November 11^th. Anyone can participate, even if you didn’t participate last spring. More information will be available the end of August.

NEW TEACHER/ASSISTANT TRAINING will take place on Thursday, August 9^th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Parish Center or Tuesday, August 21^st from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Parish Center.

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:

Religious Education Teachers and Assistants needed!!! Please prayerfully consider serving our parish by teaching or assisting in Religious Ed.! We must comply with the archdiocesan policy to have a teacher and assistant in every class. If we do not have these teachers by September 8^th, we may be unable to give every student his/her first choice. Our teachers receive free tuition and assistants get half off! We have the following openings:

HOMESCHOOL PARENTS: If you have a child who will be preparing for a Reconciliation and Eucharist this year, please call the Religious Education Office for a registration form. Your child will not have to come to classes, but you MUST be part of our Immediate Catechesis Program (attend parent meetings, special Mass, etc). You will be given an information sheet when all the details for Immediate Catechesis have been finalized. If you have any questions, please call Ruth in the Religious Education Office.

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 p.m. Newcomers are welcome!

Sun., July 29 – Twin Kiss Night- Yup, we moved the Twin Kiss night to this Sunday! Feel up for ice cream? Don’t forget your $5!

6 PM Mass Lectors Needed: If you have a desire to serve your Church by reading at Mass call Kenn at 410-848-8443!

THANKS to all who contributed through donations or helped in any way to make our Steubenville trip so successful.

— 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.

We will be traveling with well-experienced guides on an amazing, wet and wild trip where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac River!! The cost is $48 (bring a bagged lunch). Money and liability form due no later than August 1st. For more info grab a flyer in the back of church or call Jordan at 410-848-8443 x 235.

The cost is $40 per person. You arrive Friday evening and will be picked up Saturday afternoon. This weekend will ROCK with cool meals, awesome games, fun, & friends. Invite a new friend and get $5.00 off your retreat cost! Sign up NOW!! Money and liability/release form due in Religious Ed Office no later than September 21st!!

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.

Fri., Aug 3 – 4 Seasons Golf and Pool Party 6-8 p.m.! We will meet at 4 Seasons Sports Complex in Hampstead for pool and mini golf fun. The cost is $12.00/person and is due to Religious Ed Office NOW! You MUST have an updated liability form to participate (available at www.sjwest.org under “Youth.).

St. Vincent de Paul Society will have a truck on campus the 4^th Saturdays of each month. Sorry about the confusion! The truck will be here on Saturday afternoon (noon to Sunday afternoon). Only donations of clothes, outerwear and shoes will be accepted.

A Welcoming Session will be held at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. This is a great opportunity for new parishioners to meet our parish priests, to learn about our various programs, receive coupons for a free Knights of Columbus breakfast, and receive a warm welcome into this large and faith-filled parish. For further information call the parish office.

Last chance to sign up for Golf Tournament to be held at Bear Creek Golf Club in Westminster. Shot gun start at 1:00 p.m. For details call John Stephens 410-848-3722 or Dean Ditman 410-875-4221.

LECTURE BY BISHOP MALOOLY…Thursday, August 16

Bishop Francis Malooly will host a lecture/dialogue in the Portico entitled “Why we are called to lead a Eucharistic Life; Why the celebration of Mass is important to us.” Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Lecture begins at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Must be 18 and older to attend. Tap beer and beef sandwiches will be on sale prior and during the lecture. For tickets or more information, call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x 227.

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC…Saturday, August 18

The 5^th annual parish picnic will be held again this year from 4-8:00 p.m. on grounds in front of the Portico. Tickets are $3.00 per person NOW ($15.00 max per family) or $5.00 per person day of picnic. See enclosed flyer for details regarding tickets, activities and chili cook-off contest or call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

Reminder to please return your waiver form and information sheet to the Parish Center before August 17^th for the picnic to be held from 12- 6:00 p.m. at Cascade Lake. If you did not receive a form in the mail, call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED… If you can help one Sunday a month call Nancy at 410-876-2173 for details.

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.

Knights of Columbus Council 1393 are looking for vendors for their 3rd annual event being held on St. John parking lot from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. No rain date. For details contact Michael Dvorak at mak@dvorak.net, or Frederick Dvorak at 410-876-1292. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Carroll Hospice Courage Lion Program.

The spirit of St. Vincent de Paul is alive and well in St. John’s Parish due to your support. Thanks for your continued generosity!

Sorry for the confusion last week –The SVD clothing truck will be on campus this weekend to accept donations.

Join the Westminster portion of the Defend Life Face the Truth Tour from 3:45PM to 5:30 PM, rain or shine, meeting in the Longwell Ave. Municipal Parking Lot and proceeding to intersection of Westminster's Main Street and Route 27 (Railroad Ave.) This is a peaceful, prayerful demonstration. For more information, please call Maria DeCesare, 410-848-0716.

A MASS OF RECONCILIATION…Thurs., August 2

A mass of reconciliation will be celebrated by Fr. Bart A. Karwacki, OFM Conv. in honor of the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula at 7:30 p.m. at the Shrine of St. Anthony, 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD. Refreshments will be served in the Shrine Dining Room immediately after Mass. For information call 410-531-2800 ext. 0.

LECTURE BY AUSTIN RUSE…Wed., Aug. 8

“The Future Depends on Love” Tour & The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal invite you to a lecture “No Finer Time to be a Faithful Catholic!” from 7:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 105 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD. Refreshments and fellowship will follow talk. Austin Ruse is currently the President of Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute. For more information contact Cookie Harris at 410-666-9411.

Join the Franciscans in honoring Clare of Assisi, her life, spirit, and spirituality. Eucharist at 12 noon, Celebrant: Fr. Noel Danielewicz, OFM, Conv., Concelebrated Eucharist at 7:30 p.m., reception to follow. For information visit Shrine of St. Anthony website at www.companionsofstanthony.org or call 410-531-2800.

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.

HEARTS FULL OF LOVE…Tues. Aug. 14 & Wed., Aug. 15 Summer Days for Girls: Hearts Full of Love is a summer day camp for girls in middle and high schools. The HFL for middle school girls will be held on Tuesday, August 14 and HFL for high school aged girls will be Wednesday, August 15 at St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Pasadena. These days are designed to help develop a healthy spiritual life and will include a light breakfast, lunch, Mass, and other activities. There is no cost to participate. Religious Sisters and the Youth Minister at St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Melissa Serafin, will be the chaperones. For info contact MSerafin@stjane.org or call 410-255-4646.

THE GABRIEL NETWORK IS GROWING! We are looking for men and women who seek to live their faith through service to women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Those with interest, skills or experience related to volunteer management, social work and development are strongly encouraged to inquire about current openings. You, or someone you know, can submit your resume via email to office@garbielnetwork.org., by fax to 301-262-5389, or via mail to P. O. Box 2116, Bowie, MD 20718.

Reminders

August 5 – Hospitality Sunday - Portico

August 6 – STAND training – Parish Center

August 16 – Lecture by Bishop Malooly - Portico

August 18 – Parish Picnic – St. John grounds

The Portico Books + Gifts: Reserve your copy of Magnificat & Magnifikid Monthly Magazines today! Magnificat is a monthly missalette that contains all the Masses, morning and night prayers for the entire month in a convenient, easy-to-use format. The missal also contains spiritual readings, hymns and information about the saints. Magnifikid Magazine reaches children from 6 to 12, in a booklet of 16 color pages for each Sunday and special issues for all major feast days.

Word Up! CD NOW available at THE Bookstore: Word Up! is a new music group made up of Fr. Leo's adorable and talented nieces and nephews. These kids entertained at the Men In Black half-time show. Their music is a big hit with families with children who want to hear modern music but with a positive message! Price is $10.00.