Parish Bulletin

Special thanks and appreciation to all who helped with the farewell reception and celebration for Father Leo on Sunday, July 22^nd. The cookies, cakes, vegetables and soft drinks were wonderful. The liturgy was beautiful, the participation was outstanding and our choir was at their best. Thank you for your generous response for the parish gift. Let us keep Father Leo in our prayers as he begins his new assignment at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.

I have invited Father Patrick Carrion to celebrate the 11:15 a.m. Mass on Sunday, August 19^th.This will give us an opportunity to express our appreciation for the work he did as our Temporary Administrator during the past year. There will be a reception following the Mass in the Portico. All parishioners are invited to attend. I am deeply grateful to Father Carrion for all his work, support and prayers.

THANK YOU FROM FR. LEO…A most sincere THANK YOU to all the parishioners for your generous gift, cards, prayers and for your presence at my farewell mass and reception. It was a bittersweet occasion for me and I hope that you will keep in touch through my website: www.gracebeforemeals.com. or by mail at: Fr. Leo Patalinghug, Director of Field Education, St. Mary’s Seminary, 16300 Old Emmitsburg, Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

Please remember me in your prayers and I will continue to offer prayers of thanksgiving for St. John Parish and all parish families.

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. Call the parish office if you can help with these hours.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially…Pat Davis, Baby Nathan Boner, Kristina Blye, Phyllis Speelman, James Miller, Cynthia King, Jonathan Brown, and Edward Mikalonis.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Addison Jane Vallandingham, daughter of Natalie and James Vallandingham.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Betty Kean, Justin Hook, Agnes Shifflett, Charles Thomas Acree, Jr. and Patrick J. Yox and for theirc families and friends.

Stewardship

STATUS of MORTGAGE:

Beginning Balance: 7/01/07: $1,974,780

Paid: Interest $11,931

Principal 14,631 -26,562

Interest Charged 11,931

Ending Balance 8/1/07...................................................... $1,960,149

NOTICE: The “5^th Sunday” envelope offerings are used to reduce the mortgage.

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.

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

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:

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.

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

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.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The Archdiocesan policy is that your child must have completed first grade Religious Education before going into the second grade and being prepared for Reconciliation and Eucharist. Please make sure that you have registered your first grader for Religious Education this coming year.

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!

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

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.

Sun., August 12 - There will be a meeting of all EDGE/Youth Alive participants and their parents after the 6:00 p.m. Mass. This will be an inspirational meeting to introduce all parents and members to the new Youth Alive and Edge Youth Minister. We are very excited for everyone to meet Mandy Komar, so don’t MISS IT!

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 to Religious Ed no later than Sept. 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.

Sun., August 12 -There will be a meeting of all Youth Alive/EDGE participants and their parents after the 6:00 p.m. Mass. This will be an inspirational meeting to introduce all parents and members to the new Youth Alive and Edge Youth Minister. We are very excited for everyone to meet Mandy Komar, so don’t MISS IT!

The Sodality will attend the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by the Rosary. There will be no meeting on the 12th. There will be a pot luck picnic for members and their families on Sunday, August 19^th at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Katherine Dukehart. Our next scheduled Mass and meeting will be Sunday, September 9^th. For additional information, call Caroline Keiner at 410-848-4563 or Martha Murphy at 410-871-9667.

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 pp day of picnic. For details regarding picnic/chili cook-off contest call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

MASS/RECEPTION for FR. PATRICK Sunday., Aug. 19 Fr. Patrick Carrion will celebrate Mass 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.

This spiritually based ministry is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We will meet in the Parish Center from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 pm. and have a continental breakfast. For information call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542. No registration required.

ALTAR SERVERS PICNIC…Wednesday, August 22 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.

The next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. All are welcome. For further information contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250. Hope to see you there!

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

RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY is now accepting donations of household items, small furniture, lamps, pictures, toys, games, etc.

(NO CLOTHES OR SHOES) for their white elephant booth at the KofC fleamarket. Clean out your attic, basement and closets before school starts and call Donna Brown at 410-848-0905 to arrange pick-up or drop-off of items.

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! 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.

As the song goes “Summertime and the living is easy” but that is not the case if you are poor and cannot meet your bills or buy food for your family. Please continue to help by contributing to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

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!” at St. Joseph Church, 105 Church Lane, Cockeysville, from 7:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. Refreshments and fellowship will follow talk. Austin Ruse is currently the President of Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute. Call 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.

Family style fried chicken and ham dinner from noon-5:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Thurmont – adults -$10.00, children 6-12- $5.00, 5 and under – free. Live music, air conditioned dining room, bingo, white elephant sale, bake sale & more. For info contact Sr. Culhane at 301-447-2367.

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.

Our Lady of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, Maryland will be hosting an Adoption Fair for families from 1:00-4:00 pm. For women in crisis, couples desiring to parent, children in need of homes--adoption can be God's grace and mercy to them in their time of need. Adoption is an option that has received little attention in the right to life movement. As children of God we believe it can make a profound difference in the spiritual and physical lives of families. We want to reach out to couples and families in the community by highlighting the blessing of adoption. The fair is sponsored jointly by the Respect Life Ministry, the Elizabeth Ministry and the Wellness Ministry of Our Lady of the Chesapeake Parish. There will be representatives from the community, including Catholic Charities and other domestic and international adoption agencies. For more information email Wellness@olchesapeake.org or visit the parish web site at www.olchesapeake.org

RESPECT LIFE CORNER

Unborn Victims of Violence Act: (Also known as “Laci and Conner’s Law”) was signed into law on April 1, 2004 by President George Bush. This law recognizes unborn children as victims when they are killed or injured during the commission of federal or military crimes of violence. This law lists 68 existing federal crimes to which the bill would apply, each of which already covers the pregnant woman. A great majority of crimes are governed by state law, not federal law. Maryland has a law that will soon be tried in court. Under this law a person can be charged with murder if the fetus is determined to have been viable at the time of death.

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: Portico Books + Gifts: All Books on Sale on Thursday, August 16th in honor of Bishop Malooly's visit to the Portico. Your parish bookstore will have extended hours to accommodate everyone who wants to shop after the Bishop's lecture.

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.