Parish Bulletin

As you know, one of our partners in this year’s Lenten Appeal is Our Lady of Pompei Parish in Highlandtown. The parish was established in 1924 to serve the recent Italian immigrants. Although a strong Italian identity remains, due to the changes in the neighborhood, the Hispanic community is rapidly growing. Next weekend, the Pastor, Father Lou Esposito and/or the Associate, Father Luis Cremis will preach at all our Masses. Our pledges and donations to the Archbishop’s Lenten Appeal will help support their ministry. The continued and faithful generosity of our parish is needed and appreciated.

Congratulations to all the organizers and participants in last Sunday’s Mother/Daughter Chastity Tea and Modesty Fashion Show. The sold out event was a success on every scale.

Please remember to schedule time for our parish Lenten Mission the week of March 9^th through 13^th. Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. will preach; additional information is inserted in bulletin..

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

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.

Masses are 7:00 & 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School) and 7:00 p.m. Confessions: 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. No morning confessions

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Maria Casalena, Catherine Adams, Father Wayne Funk 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 Katie Marin, Tess Hupfeld, Ed Wheatley, Mary McManus, Matt Peeling, Helen Rotondo, Tom Hartman, Robert Wellbrook, Mary Chub, Andrew Shipton, Charles Dukehart, Joan North, Baby Nathan Boner, and Bernadette Fritz.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Jarrett Russell Pulis Heard, son of Kendra and Christopher Heard; Raymond Fuhe Dang Seeley, son of Rosalie and Demian Seeley; and Maddox Charles Shuman, son of Lara and Kyle Shuman.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $29,704.90 Thank you.

ELECTRONIC DEBITING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Total February 2008 electronic contributions: $7,355.75

ARCHBISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL…Please give to the Lenten Appeal this year. The core of our St. John Mission Statement “witnessing to faith by service” demonstrates that St. John Parish exists to serve others. One Lenten opportunity for service to the most vulnerable is through a donation to the Archbishop’s Lenten Appeal. If you have donated in the past, you will receive your letter in the mail shortly as in the past. Or, if you are new to the Lenten Appeal, there will be envelopes in the pews one upcoming weekend in Lent for your convenience. Please prayerfully consider your participation this year!

School Calendar

Feb. 25 – PTF Board Meeting – 7 p.m.

Feb. 28 – Correction – No Parish Penance Service – Correct

Date is March 13

March 3 – School Closed

March 4 – St. John School group Photos taken

SCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR 2008-2009: St. John School (Grades K-8) will be accepting registration for new students for the 2008-2009 school year the week of March 4 - March 7. Those registering should bring birth and baptismal certificates as well as a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee.

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.

Order brunch items and win a free ham. This month only, when you order 1 item from the “brunch bonus day” form, you will be entered to win a free ham. Orders due to the school by Friday, February 29^th or place your order on line at www.marketday.com by noon on March 5^th (Acct.# 25762). Pick up date is Tuesday, March 11^th. Giving a ham for Easter, give a Market Day ham and you can win one for yourself. Market Day ships anywhere in the U.S. Love the corn pudding/soufflé served at the Fish Fry’s? You can only get this from Market Day. For more information on Market Day and how it benefits St. John School or to place an order, call Teresa Richardson at 410-857-9639.

ADULT CONFIRMATION: Classes will begin on Thursday, April 10 and continue to meet from 7-9 pm for four consecutive Thursdays. Those completing the sessions will be Confirmed by Archbishop O’Brien on Pentecost Sunday, May 10^th. Any adult (18+) who wishes to participate must have been baptized and received First Communion. More details available after Easter.

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.

PARENTS of those students preparing for First Holy Communion should have received information this week in the mail regarding our Morning of Preparation. Call the Religious Ed Office if you did not receive this or if you have any questions.

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.

Kristen Witte, Archdiocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Care & Youth Ministries will be here on Sunday, March 2^nd from 1:00pm – 4:00pm in the Portico for a training entitled “Helping Hurting Kids”. If you wish to attend, please contact the Religious Ed office or email Jordan Tippett at jtippett@sjwest.org. The presentation will give 3 clock hours in area B.

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.

Sat., March 8 –The Edge is going to the McDaniel Pool from 3-5 p.m. Cost is $5.00 for each person to swim. Contact Mandy for more information at mkomar@sjwest.org

THE EDGE SUMMER CAMP…July 13-19

That’s right, The Edge is once again heading down to Covecrest, Georgia for a whole week, July 13^th-19^th. During the day, the camp is filled with a variety of adventures on rope courses, frisbee, golf, volleyball, basketball, crafts, even a rafting trip! At night, all are invited to participate in music, talks, skits and other great faith-based activities. As of this date, almost all of our 28 spots are filled—so reserve now. The cost is an unbelievable $435, which includes bus transportation, all meals, activities and lodging. We’ll need to do a few fundraisers, so that everyone can come, regardless of ability to pay. If you would like your 7^th or 8^th grader to participate, email Mandy Komar at mkomar@sjwest.org.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —

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!

Sunday, March 2… Pick a Clique: Christ came to heal all divisions through His death on the cross. But what does this mean to you? Make sure you join us tonight as we look at the Crucifixion in a way that you’ll never forget!

STEUBENVILLE DONORS STILL NEEDED: To all those who have donated, thank you very much! For the past 12 years, St. John has sent a group of teenagers to Steubenville Ohio for a life changing conference. Unfortunately, the cost of such a retreat is very high. We are still in a need of a few donations for our trip. Any amount is greatly appreciated and is completely tax deductible. To donate, contact Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org .

Our next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Please contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 for more details.

Join us every Friday during Lent at the Portico. Fish, shrimp & vegetable lasagna dinners served from 4-7 p.m. For details call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227. Service hours available.

The Roses will be hosting a bake sale at this Lenten Fish Fry at the Portico and the desserts will be from recipes in the St. John Parish cookbook, which will also be on sale that evening. Please join us!

in the St. John's Portico from 8:00 am until 11:30 am. Please join us for a great breakfast of French toast, pancakes, eggs and much more. Adults - $5. Children - $3. Proceeds from this breakfast will be donated to students from Christendon College, Allison, Meghan and Lauren Kavanagh, to support their missionary work in the Dominican Republic this summer.

ST. JOHN BLOOD DRIVE…Monday, March 3

The next blood drive is from 2- 8 p.m. in the Portico. We received 93 pints at the last drive. Thanks to the many donors. We can still use phone callers. If you can help or to make an appointment call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107. Give the gift of life. DONATE!!

Save the date! 6thannual event at Westminster High School. Team MIB takes on our St. John’s team for a night of fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this free, fun filled evening! More details later.

Save the date! Be sure to join us at 7 p.m. at the Portico for great fun and prizes of Longaberger baskets and Vera Bradley handbags. Proceeds to benefit St. John Building Fund. We still need sponsors for door prizes. Call Anna for details 410-876-2652.

BE NOT AFRAID FAMILY HOUR…every Monday night

During Lent, please consider bringing your family to the “Be Not Afraid” Family Hour from 7-8 p.m. every Monday in the Parish Center. The hour includes a video with a pictorial rosary and our catechism explained by Francis Cardinal Arinze (the topic is purgatory), Blessed Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. All parishioners are welcome to attend.

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PROGRAM... One Month Developing Baby. Your spiritually adopted baby has been quite active over the past month. Already your baby is 10,000 times bigger than at conception. Your baby has developed the foundations of his brain, spinal cord and nervous system by the 20th day. His heart began to beat on the 21st day and is pumping blood through its own circulatory system. His blood type can be different from his mother's. During the next month your baby is most vulnerable to being aborted. Pray that the Lord of Life may move the heart of his mother to give him the most precious gift of all--the gift of life.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is looking for new members. If you are interested in learning more about our work, please call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473 or come to one of our meetings which take place the 1^st Wednesday of the month. We’d love to know about your interest in helping the poor.

EASTER BASKET PROJECT…In an effort to provide children with an Easter Message that reflects the true meaning of the Resurrection, we are collecting items so that Shepherd's Staff can assemble "Spiritual Easter Baskets.” These will be distributed to area children whose families use the services of Shepherd's Staff during Holy Week. Items requested are: Christian coloring books, story books, or bookmarks, crayons, puzzles, prayer books, prayer cards, small toys, bubbles, play dough, school supplies, non candy snacks, socks, and personal care products. Please leave these donation items in the Food Baskets by the doors of the church no later then March 9, 2008. If you choose to assemble a finished basket, please deliver them directly to Shepherd's Staff between March 10 and 14. Thank you.

For three & four year olds and kindergarten through 8^th grade children (with trained adult facilitators). These six sessions starting March 13 through April 17 on Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Community in Eldersburg offer a free support group (not therapy) for children who have experienced loss-death of a loved one, separation/divorce of parents, difficult family transitions. Also “When Children Grieve” a series of seminars for parents is offered while children are in classes beginning March 20^th. For more information call Jackie Antkowiak at 443-920-9107 or email jantkowiak@saintjoseph.cc

The annual Good Friday Walk sponsored by the Westminster Ministerium starts at 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Episcopal Church, 23 North Court Street and ends with a noon service at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street. Everyone is welcome to join in at the beginning of the walk, along the way, or for the noon service (rain or shine). For information call Westminster Baptist Church at 410-848-6330.

Join Fr. Leo on his latest “Feeding Your Faith Pilgrimage” to Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa, Taormina, Sorrento, Pompeii and Rome. Pick up a brochure from the Parish Center, in the narthex or the church or contact Fr. Leo at frleopatalinghug@yahool.com. Due to the energetic itinerary, passengers must be free from any medical concerns that pose walking restrictions. This trip is a different itinerary from the last ones. You will learn about your faith, have a better grasp of history and live the beauty of this culture, the cities and the people! Spaces are very limited so please sign up as soon as possible.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL BOY SCOUTS…April 4-6

Region 4 National Catholic Committee on Scouting invites high school age Boy Scouts to attend a vocations awareness weekend at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg. Listen to your heart. Where is Jesus calling you? If you listen to your heart, you will realize you can be an individual with special gifts and talents, using your strengths to go where Jesus is calling you to do His work. What do a Delta Force Major, Martial Arts Specialist, Gourmet Cook with a PBS TV show and an 82^nd airborne paratrooper have to do this weekend? For details or to register call Sharon Bryan, 410-848-7126, or email Scout381@aol.com

Join Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien on a pilgrimage to Rome as he receives the pallium (a collar-like vestment conferred on a new metropolitan archbishop that signifies his communion with the Holy Father, successor of St. Peter and shepherd of the universal Church) from Pope Benedict XVI during a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Highlights of the pilgrimage include: Mass at each of the four major Basilicas in Rome, weekly papal audience, Pallium Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, optional excursions to Assisi and the summer Papal residence. For details, pick up a brochure in the narthex of St. John Church or download a copy at www.archbalt.org. Space is limited so make reservation now.

PAPAL VISIT AND MASSES IN WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK…Requests for tickets to Masses are no longer being accepted. To learn more about the Holy Father's visit to the United States visit www.archbalt.com

NEW VOCATIONS WEBSITE: Check out the new Archdiocese of Baltimore Vocation Office website by going to www.becomeapriest.org. Learn more about becoming a priest from the seminarians by viewing their blogs on the seminarian pages. Make sure to click on the updated calendar of events to get involved with discernment activities.

ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIAL: Our parish invites memorial donations for altar flowers. You may wish to memorialize a deceased loved one, commemorate an anniversary, etc. Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Call the parish office to schedule.

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.