Parish Bulletin

Next weekend we will welcome Father Jude Winkler, who will preach our Lenten Mission. The theme of the Mission, “Making Jesus the Center of Our Lives,” offers something to all of us. I encourage and invite you to take advantage of this opportunity. The complete schedule of the Mission was included in last week’s bulletin insert, it is advertised in the local paper, the Catholic Review and on WTTR. We still need your voice and your presence. Please invite a friend, neighbor, family member and/or a co-worker; “each one, invite one.”

Registration for our parish school is currently taking place. Catholic Education has been and continues to be a hallmark of our parish. Alumni from our school continue to serve in leadership roles in our parish and our community. Ask a teacher, a parent, a student and/or contact the school for information.

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

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

mission which will be led by Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. A schedule of all of the events is available at the doors of the church.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Ed Wheatley, Sophie Polinsky, Dr. Kevin Lawyer, Fernando Ciadl, David DeAngelo, Inez Parsons, Catherine Singer and Harry Swartz 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 Matt Peeling, Beatrice Wolf, Andrew Shipton, Bernadette Fritz, Mary Chubb, Mary McManus, Shirley Duffy and Patrick Burke.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Aloysius J. Sebian and Anastasia L. Sebian, son and daughter of Elizabeth and Michael Sebian; and Henry E. Lucero-Sarabia, son of Linares Sarabia-Gonzalez and Bartolo Lucero-Reyes.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $29,681.26 Thank you.

STATUS of MORTGAGE:

Beginning Balance: 02/01/08 $1,869,844

Paid: Interest $9,738

Principal 15,895 -26,633

Interest Charged 9,738

Ending Balance 02/29/08............................................... $1,853,949

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

THANK YOU to all who donated to the Catholic Relief Services special collection. The amount collected was $8,094.76.

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 available at the church for your convenience. Please prayerfully consider your participation this year!

School Calendar

March 3 – School Closed

March 4 – St. John School group photos taken

March 4-7 – Registration for new students

March 5 – High School Registration Deadline

March 7 – School Liturgy– 9:30 a.m./2 p.m. Living Stations -gym

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 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.

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. Don’t forget to 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.

For Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. session. If you can help, please call Religious Ed office.

PARENTS of those students preparing for First Holy Communion should have received information 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.

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.

REMINDER: The Human Sexuality classes will be taught on Tuesday, March 4^th and Thursday, March 6^th. If you have chosen not to have your child participate in these classes, please make sure they do not come to class on these dates. Also, all parents are asked to make up the lesson at home according to the Planning Calendar for your particular grades.

HOME STUDY CLASSES will meet on Wednesday, March 5^th at 6:45 p.m.

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.

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 (6^th to 8^th grades).Liability form will need to be filled out at the pool. MEET AT THE POOL!

Apr. 5-6 Reschedule of Edge Retreat – “Go and Be” Cost is $50.00. begins with 5 p.m. Mass at St. John with parents and kids, then heading up to Hashawaha for the night, pickup Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Contact Mandy at mkomar@sjwest.org for more details

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 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!

PICK UP THE LATEST LT NEWLETTER IN BACK OF CHURCH FOR ALL THE UPCOMING EVENTS.

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… 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 .

The Knights of Columbus will make breakfast for the Parish 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!!

Our monthly meeting will be 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. Fish, shrimp & vegetable lasagna dinners served from 4-7 p.m. Note: When Carroll County Schools are closed for inclement weather, fish fry will be cancelled. For details call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227. Service hours available.

Sodality will meet for the 9:15 a.m. Mass and Rosary. A meeting will follow in the Parish Center. All women 18 and over are invited to join us as we make plans for our annual Spring Retreat and the May Procession. For further information, please call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.

Our parish is delighted to host a concert of spiritual music from around the world and ranging in musical styles from chant to spirituals and folk songs. Performed by the internationally acclaimed University of Minnesota Concert Choir, this all “a cappella” concert will be performed in the Church beginning at 7:30 p.m. A free will offering will be accepted. If you can provide a home stay for two or more choir members on Sunday evening, please call Sarah Howes at 443-605-3538 or Regina McCurdy at 410-876-3850 as soon as possible.

The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Heart Safe Church Program for employees and volunteers to be part of an emergency response team. These trained responders will be prepared to use an AED with confidence. If you’d like to be part of this team, please contact Margie Conner in the parish office to sign up for training. Mike Dvorak will be the team leader. The training will take place at 7 p.m. in the parish center. The class size is limited to 15 students. A second class can be scheduled as needed.

MEN IN BLACK POSTER CONTEST…Deadline March 30 For students from K-8th Grade. Create an 11x17 poster to encourage religious vocations, using crayons, colored pencil, markers or paint. This year’s theme is “Your vocation...His calling...Are you ready for the Mission?” Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Men in Black game. Call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391 for information.

6^th Annual Event at 7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School. Come enjoy an exciting game and watch our Archdiocesan priests and seminarians play against St. John parishioners. Don’t miss the special half-time show! If you would like to play on the St. John Parish team (high school-aged through young adults), please contact Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

NEED SOME PARENTING TIPS…Wednesday, April 23

We’re bringing the nationally acclaimed “Smart Discipline” workshop to St. John from 7-9 p.m. at the Portico. This dynamic program helps equip parents to make peace in their homes and raise happy successful children. If you want to attend, you may purchase tickets from the Religious Ed Office. The cost is $10.00. For more information, call Jordon Tippett at 410-848-8443.

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.

RANGER ROSARY MINISTRY…A group has formed to make Ranger Rosaries to send to the armed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. We are collecting donations to support this project after Mass at the Knight’s breakfast and on Hospitality Sundays in the Portico. For information call Carolyn Peters at 410-876-8268.

Through your almsgiving you are giving signs of grace to others, far greater than you think. Know that your nickel, dime or quarter is multiplied by the coins placed by others in the St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box.

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.

LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS…If you are interested in learning more about our work, call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473

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.

Fr. Leo invites you to participate in a unique pilgrimage opportunity that will feed your body, mind and soul. This trip is called “Feeding Your Faith Pilgrimage” and will venture to Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa, Taormina, Sorrento, Pompeii and Rome. Pick up a brochure from the Parish Center, in the narthex of 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 one. You will learn about your faith, have a better grasp of history and live the beauty of this culture, the cities and the people! Tour departs from Washington, D.C. Spaces are very limited so please sign up as soon as possible.

Come and show your support for pregnant women and for the life of the unborn! Meet at the parking lot of St. Mary’s Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis. Begins with 6 p.m. Mass in the Church, (Christian Prayer Service in the school hall), 7 p.m. begin march to the State House, 8:30 p.m. reception back to St. Mary’s Church. Featured speakers: Senator Andy Harris, Kristin Cline (client of a pregnancy center in Maryland) and Dr. Nancy Paltell, Associate Director, Maryland Catholic Conference. For more information call 410-269-6397 or 301-858-8304 or go to www.marylandmarchforlife.org

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 with this weekend? For details or to register call Sharon Bryan, 410-848-7126, or email Scout381@aol.com. Deadline is March 1^st. No cost to scouts, Chaperones: $20.00.