Parish Bulletin

You are probably aware of the fact that the Catholic Church is the largest Church in the United States. Did you know the second largest number of Christians in the United States are “fallen away Catholics”? Lent, which begins this Wednesday, provides us with an excellent opportunity to invite our sisters and brothers back to Church. I challenge, encourage, and beg you to call, send a note or email to someone you know and politely invite them back. If each one of us would invite one person, our parish would surely be blessed. Like charity, evangelization begins at home. I suggest that one of our parish Lenten themes be, “Each one invite one.”

Masses and imposition of ashes will be at 7:00 & 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, 5:00, 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. (Spanish Mass). This is a day of Fast and Abstinence.

2:00 p.m. (children’s format) and 7:00 p.m. On First Fridays stations will follow the 7 p.m. Mass.

AS WE APPROACH LENT people ask for clarifications about individual obligations for Lenten Spiritual Practices, especially about fasting. Below are some traditional guidelines to help you enter more deeply into the spirit of Lent.

PENITENTIAL FAST and ABSTINENCE:

All persons who have reached their 14^th birthday are bound by the law of abstinence. All adults are bound by the law of fast up to their 60^th year. Good Friday is a day of abstinence from meat and also a day of fast; that is limited to a single full meal. The current canonical discipline of penance for the United States, in addition to the general character of the Lenten season, may be summed up by:

a) Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat and also days of fast; that is limited to a single full meal.

c) The Fridays of the year outside Lent remain days of penance but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat by some other practice of voluntary self-denial or personal penance: this may be physical mortification or temperance or acts of religion, charity or Christian witness.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Joseph Mahony, Mary Flaggs, Audrey Londeree, Theo Mallek, Dr. Charles Sheehe and Teresa Dawedeit and for their families and friends.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially Kara Ray, Tess Hupfeld, Ed Wheatley, Katie Hoffman, Joan North, Denise Floyd, Peter Holback, Andrew Shipton, Katie Marin, Dawn Teurke, Bruce Leonard, Albert Jones, Donald Acorn, Mary McManus, Jeannette Biddings, Mary Chubb, Tom Hartman, Baby Nathan Boner and Richard Lyons.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Kenechi Martin Ani, son of Ebere and Uchenna Ani; Hayden Eric Cochran, son of Lauren and Christopher Cochran; Rowan Grace Dorsey, daughter of Kathryn and Christopher Dorsey; and Jefferson Obeniel Elias, son of Adela Del Carmen Elias.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $29,591.54 Thank you.

STATUS of MORTGAGE:

Beginning Balance: 01/01/08 $1,885,655

Paid: Interest $11,392

Principal 15,170 -26,562

Interest Charged 11,392

Ending Balance 01/31/08............................................... $1,870,485 ..1,885,655

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

School Calendar

Feb. 6 – Ash Wednesday Liturgy – 9:30 a. m. Church

Feb. 7 – School Board Executive Committee Mtg., 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 – Open House for Prospective Kindergarten Parents

Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. - Stations at 2 p.m. - Church

Feb. 9 – Academic Tournament at Cardinal Gibbons

Feb. 11 – Market Day Orders pick-up at Portico

INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales. Shop at www.innisbrook.com. Our school ID is # 122169.

school by purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscov’s, and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved, but the school makes 5% from all sales. Cards are available in the school office.

ANNULMENT INFORMATION SESSION…Mon., Feb. 25

Fr. Gil Seitz from the Archdiocesan Tribunal will lead an information session regarding marriage annulments. This session will be held in the St. Therese Room from 7:00-8:30 p.m. For the last several years, Fr. Seitz has been coming annually to give this important and helpful presentation, which is open to anyone.

REMINDER FOR HOME STUDY STUDENTS…Home study will be meeting on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month of February (February 13^th) because of the Ash Wednesday schedule.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL… June 23-27

It’s not too early to start planning for our Vacation Bible School which will take place the week of June 23^rd from 9-noon. Please call the Religious Ed Office if you can help as a teacher, classroom assistant, snack person, music, or with crafts. We would also like to form a group that will help with decorations.

PARENTS of those students preparing for First Holy Communion: The Religious Education Office has several dresses and suits if anyone is in need of these for your child’s First Holy Communion. Please call the Religious Ed Office.

Sat., Feb. 16 – McDaniel Pool! We are going to the indoor pool from 3-5 p.m. If you have not filled out a liability form for Youth Alive, please make sure to turn one in so you can go. The cost will be $5 a person. Parents will drop their kids off at the McDaniel pool at 2:30 p.m. We will go over some rules, then it’s swimming fun for all! Liability forms can be found online at www.sjwest.org.

Fri., March 7 – St. Patrick’s Day Party – Don’t forget to Wear your green!

We meet every 2^nd Sunday and every 4^th Friday in the Cafeteria/Gym from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

LENTEN RETREAT will be Feb. 22-23 at Camp Hashawa. Register early! The cost is $50. Please send payment, payable to St. John, to Mandy Komar in the Religious Ed Office. If you have any questions, please email Mandy at mkomar@sjwest.org.

Life Teen is a High School Youth Ministry that meets every 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th Sunday at 7:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria. On the 3^rd Sunday we meet in the Portico at 7:15 p.m. Newcomers are welcome!

Life Teen is once again hosting our parish Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 5^th from 4-7 pm in the Portico. We are looking for additional volunteer help, so any young person over 13 looking for service hours should contact Kenn deMoll at kdemoll@sjwest.org.

STEUBENVILLE 2008 SPONSORS NEEDED: For the past 12 years, St. John has sent teenagers to the Steubenville Annual Youth Conference. Unfortunately, the cost of the retreat is expensive and many teenagers often cannot afford to come with us. We need you! Any donation you make to this worthy cause is completely tax deductible. Any donation is greatly appreciated!

NEEDED: A sign language interpreter for the 9:15a.m. Mass on Sundays beginning on March 2, 2008. If you know how to sign and would like to become involved in this ministry, please contact Fr. Patrick at the parish center.

ST. JOHN ROSES COOKBOOKS…We still have Taste and See Parish Cookbooks for sale. Price $15.00. To purchase call Chris Mort at 410-876-2014.

PARISHIONERS: Please check the Westminster City Government website for a very special 60-second video describing our very own St. John Church, School and Parish Community! Go to http://www.westgov.com and click on the square logo “Community Videos” – that will bring up an elocal link that shows “St John Catholic Church” in green. Click right onto the St John Church name and enjoy the One-Minute Video highlighting the good news of our St. John parish community!

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PROGRAM…Thank you to the parishioners and the students of St. John School who have promised to pray daily for an unborn baby. Watch the bulletin for monthly updates on the development of your spiritually adopted baby, as well as monthly thank you notes. If you haven't yet filled out a prayer pledge card, pick one up, (pink or blue,) in the narthex of the church. Please leave the completed card in the basket in front of the statue of Our Blessed Mother. First Month update - Feb. 24th.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS of KofC FREE-THROW CONTEST…The recent free-throw contest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus was a big success. Thanks to all who participated and helped out. The winners are:

The winners will be moving onto the District Level in Taneytown on February 17^th. We wish you good luck!!

Join the Knights of Columbus at The Portico for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more from 8:00-11:30 a.m. Adults- $5.00, Children - $3. The Knights appreciate your support.

Life Teen is hosting their annual “Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper” from 4-7 p.m. in The Portico. Take a break and come enjoy this free “Fat Tuesday Meal” (not fat free)!! Donations are accepted, but not required. We still need volunteers. Call or email Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org , if you can help.

A reminder to all health care ministers to ask their shut-ins whether or not they wish to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. If you need help with visits on Wednesday, February 6^th, call the Health Care Ministry office as soon as possible. Also, if you are able to help with distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, let us know promptly.

The monthly meeting will be held in the Marian Room of the Parish Center at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to join us.

Join us every Friday during Lent at the Portico of St. John. Fish and shrimp dinners served from 4-7 p.m. For more information call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227. Service hours available.

The Sodality will meet for the 9:15 a.m. Mass and Rosary. A meeting will follow in the Parish Center. For further information, call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.

Our February meeting will be at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center.

Join us for tea, punch and light refreshments and a dynamic talk on chastity by Judi McLane of Generation Life, for girls 11-17, followed by a fashion show at the Portico from 3:30-5:30 p.m.! Door prizes and free gift bags for all girls! Tickets are $5.00 and tables of 10 are available for group purchases. Call Patti Spaar for information and tickets at 410-861-8510. A representative will be selling tickets at the Portico Books + Gifts. See you there!

Save the date! 6^thannual event at Westminster High School. Don’t miss this free, fun filled evening! More details later.

BAPTISM VIDEO… would whoever borrowed the baptism video from the parish center, please return it to the receptionist at the parish office as soon as possible. We need it for the baptism class. Thank you.

RANGER ROSARY MINISTRY DONATIONS NEEDED for supplies to make Rosaries to send to the military in Iraq. Thank you to everyone who has been so generous in donating to pay for supplies to make the Rosaries. So far we have shipped about 400 Rosaries. There is still a need for more Rosaries as more troops are deploying each month. We are specifically sending to Fr. Tyson Wood who is serving in the area of Baghdad. Donations can be made at the Knight's Breakfast, on Hospitality Sunday, dropped off at the Parish Center or by contacting Carolyn Peters at 410-876-8268.

BLANKET OF LOVE…It is not too late to request your memorial square for the St. John Blanket of Love. Our Respect Life Committee invites you to create a square to remember your child who died prior to birth, either through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. The Blanket of Love reaches out to grieving mothers and fathers, to bring restoration and healing. Program information and confidential request forms are in the narthex of the church.

The next meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is on Wednesday, Feb. 13^th at 7 p.m. in the Portico. If you are interested in learning more about our work, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

Remember that during this week Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a time of forgiveness, repentance and giving. During this holy season, please remember the poor boxes at the doors of the church so that the St. Vincent de Paul Society can continue to help those in need.

Treat your “love” to an enjoyable Valentine’s evening to benefit St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. Sample a wide selection of wines from around the world, taste gourmet food, listen to live music, attend educational seminars, and bid on silent auction items featuring jewelry, a painting by Thomas Stiltz and much more! Receive discounts on any wine purchased that evening! The event is being held at The Belvedere, One East Chase Street, Baltimore from 7:00-11:00 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person. For tickets call 410-547-5548 or visit www.vincentbaltimore.org and click on events.

Fr. Joe Breighner will be the presenter at St. Joseph’s parish retreat, 915 Liberty Road, Eldersburg from 7:30-8:30 p.m. each evening. Babysitting will be provided. For information call 443-920-9191.

A placement test has been scheduled for those 8^th grade students who are interested in attending Delone Catholic High for the 2008-2009 school year. The test will be administered from 8:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at the school, 140 S. Oxford Ave., McSherrystown, PA. For more information please contact Sr. Maria Jude, CSJ at 717-637-5969. All 8^th grader applicants to Delone must take this test.

COME AND SEE WEEKEND … Feb. 15-18

Come share in the life of the Carmelite Sisters of Baltimore. Open to women ages 18-35. Apply online at www.baltimorecarmel.org.

WANT TICKETS TO SEE THE HOLY FATHER IN APRIL?

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, will celebrate Masses in Washington on April 17 and New York on April 20 during his inaugural visit to the United States. The Archdiocese of Baltimore is receiving a limited number of tickets to both Masses. Those requesting tickets may only do so via the Archdiocese’s website, www.archbalt.org, beginning February 6 at 9 a.m. Tickets to each Mass are free, though there is a $53/person charge for those attending the Mass in New York—the fee covers mandatory transportation via bus to and from New York. More information will be posted on the Archdiocese’s website on Feb. 6.

“YOURS TRULY: THE POWER OF COMMITMENT FOR LIFE-LONG MARRIAGE”… Thurs., Feb. 14

Join Lauri and John Przybysz, the president couple of the Christian Family Movement-USA, at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, from 6:45-8:45 p.m. for Dinner for two: Your Marriage-The Great Adventure. Cost is $60 per couple (includes dinner). For more details or to register call 410-442-1320 or visit: www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

Join Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien on a pilgrimage to Rome as he receives the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI during a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Space is limited so make your reservations now. For details of this trip, pick up a brochure in the narthex of the church or download a copy of the itinerary at www.archbalt.org. You may also call 1-800-908 BEST (2378) for more details.

THE PORTICO OF ST. JOHN is a full banquet facility available for wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, baptismal and communion celebrations. With Wi-Fi capabilities you can host your next business meeting in The Portico of St. John. Call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227.

The Portico Books + Gifts: Lent, the season of preparation for Christ’s Resurrection at Easter begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6. During this time we are encouraged to place special focus on the role of repentance, prayer, and renewed spiritual focus. We have all the resources you and your family may need for a richer experience of the 40 days before Easter. Thanks for supporting your parish store.

From the Pastor

AS WE APPROACH LENT people ask for clarifications about individual obligations for Lenten Spiritual Practices, especially about fasting. Below are some traditional guidelines to help you enter more deeply into the spirit of Lent.

PENITENTIAL FAST and ABSTINENCE:

ANNULMENT INFORMATION SESSION…Mon., Feb. 25

REMINDER FOR HOME STUDY STUDENTS…Home study will be meeting on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month of February (February 13^th) because of the Ash Wednesday schedule.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL… June 23-27

COME AND SEE WEEKEND … Feb. 15-18

WANT TICKETS TO SEE THE HOLY FATHER IN APRIL?

From the Pastor

AS WE APPROACH LENT people ask for clarifications about individual obligations for Lenten Spiritual Practices, especially about fasting. Below are some traditional guidelines to help you enter more deeply into the spirit of Lent.

PENITENTIAL FAST and ABSTINENCE:

ANNULMENT INFORMATION SESSION…Mon., Feb. 25

REMINDER FOR HOME STUDY STUDENTS…Home study will be meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month of February (February 13th) because of the Ash Wednesday schedule.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL… June 23-27

COME AND SEE WEEKEND … Feb. 15-18

WANT TICKETS TO SEE THE HOLY FATHER IN APRIL?

REMINDER FOR HOME STUDY STUDENTS…Home study will be meeting on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month of February (February 13^th) because of the Ash Wednesday schedule.