Parish Bulletin

I am deeply grateful to the members of our parish who serve on our Pastoral Council. They, along with parishioners who serve on the various council committees, (Liturgy, Religious Education, School Board, Finance, Maintenance, Development, Strategic Planning, Evangelization/Outreach and Executive) provide leadership to the ministry and support to our pastoral staff. If one of your goals this Lent is to become active in the parish, I encourage you to contact the parish office for additional information. There is always room at the table for you.

Congratulations to our school children, particularly our eighth graders! They helped raise $40,000 for our school’s computer lab, and with the help of our development director the school received a $40,000 matching grant from the Knott Foundation. The 8^th graders helped with the installation process and the result is a state of the art technology program for our parish school!

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.

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

EASTER SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the back of the church or at the parish center. Offering envelopes may be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office.

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church and at the parish office. Please print the names of each loved one you wish remembered, your donation, and envelope number and place the envelope in the collection basket or bring to the parish office. Please return envelopes to the parish office by noon on Monday, March 17^th to meet the bulletin insert deadline.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Dr. M. Dana, Elizabeth Morris, Erma Bender, Frances Groves, Mary Chubb and Msgr. James Cronin 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 Bea Wolf, Orea Koontz, Mary Hereth, Andrew Shipton, Earl Oyer, Shirley Duffy, Robert Lester, Mary McManus, Joseph Ridge, William Barrett, Helen Rotondo, James Barrett, Jr., John Corbett, Regina Hoffman, Benedict Brown, William Strasburg and Joseph Notich.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Benjamin Raymond Kuhta, son of Shannon and Christopher Kuhta; Camryn Marie Littlejohn, daughter of Sarah Ludvigsen and Sean Littlejohn; and Steven Edward Zbignewich, son of Jacqueline and Michael Zbignewich.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $29,713.94 Thank you.

Amount collected in February from the 5^th Sunday of the month

Envelope Program………………………… $5,557.23

ARCHBISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL…Within the Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, we are many people; we are many parishes – but we are ONE FAMILY. If you have not yet had a chance to make your pledge or monetary gift to the Archbishop’s Lenten Appeal, please prayerfully consider doing so today. The Appeal is a real opportunity to reach out and help provide vital ministries and services to those in need and this is a wonderful almsgiving opportunity during Lent! Thank you!”

School Calendar

March 11 – Living Stations – gym – 2 p.m.

March 13 – School Penance Service – 10 a.m. (Grades 2-5)

- Parish Penance Service – 7 p.m.

March 14 - School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. (12:15 school dismissal)

March 17 - Gr. 5-7 Field trip to hear Dr. Ben Carson

- Living Stations 7 p.m. - gym

Mar. 20-24 – School closed for Easter vacation

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.

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.

See What Great Things Are Happening at St. John School This Month!…Pick up a copy of the monthly St. John School PTF Newsletter in the back of the Church to see the latest things going on at our school. The PTF Newsletter is a great way of staying up-to-date with our school as it highlights SJ's best. Maybe you had children go through the school and want to see what's going on today, or maybe you have children or grandchildren that might be interested in coming to our school - take a copy today and see the difference why Catholic Schools Light the Way!

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.

REMINDER: Morning of Preparation will be Saturday, March 15^th from 9-12 noon (all Tuesday Religious Ed students including older Eucharist and home school students). We will all gather in the Portico for Opening Prayer. Please remember student and one parent because of limited space in the cafeteria. Remember to bring a regular pringle potato chip can for your child. Any questions please call the Religious Ed office.

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 21 – No Youth Alive, Good Friday - attend 7 p.m. Mass and try the Good Friday walk at 11 a.m. For details on the walk call 410-848-6330.

Fri., Apr. 4 – Win, Lose or Draw/Treasure Hunt – learn about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Sweet Charity.

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

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 Hashawha for the night, pickup Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Contact Mandy at mkomar@sjwest.org for more details

Sun., Apr. 13 – Obstacle courses/treasure hunt-learn about the importance of PSALMS!

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!

STEUBENVILLE DONORS STILL NEEDED… We are still in a need of a few donations for our trip and it’s tax deductible. To donate, contact Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org .

Our parish is delighted to host a concert of spiritual music from around the world and ranging in musical styles from chants 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. Please join us!

We will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Convent House and will be cleaning the house and sharing lunch! All are welcome to come and join the fun. Questions?? Call Gay at the Parish Center x. 220.

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.

Come and join us for a fun-filled evening with family and friends from the St. John Community. We will be holding our roller skating family fun night from 6-8pm at Sportman's Hall Roller Skating Club located at 15500 Hanover Rd in Upperco (about 15 minutes from St. John). The hall will be exclusively reserved for St. John School. Admission is free if you bring your own skates (no inline skates allowed), or you can rent them for $3.00. Snack bar is available to purchase any snacks. As always we'll have family-friendly music. So grab your skates and join us for fun!

The Knights of Columbus are 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. The training will take place at 7 p.m. in the parish center and is. Limited to 15 students.

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. Tickets can be purchased from the Religious Ed Office. The cost is $10.00. For more details, 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.

Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brings joy, peace, forgiveness, mercy and kindness to the hurting hearts of 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.

LOAVES and FISHES SOUP KITCHEN is updating its volunteer and contributor listings for the period April 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008. If you will not be participating, please leave a message with Mike Radov at 410-857-9526

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. Spaces are very limited so please sign up as soon as possible.

JESUIT COLLEGE NIGHT IN MARYLAND…Thurs.,Mar. 13

Loyola College will sponsor a college information program hosted by Georgetown Preparatory School from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Georgetown Preparatory School, Hanley Athletic Center, 10900 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. Visit with representatives from 20 of the nation’s Jesuit colleges and universities. For more information contact The Loyola College Admissions Office at 410-617-5012.

Come and show your support for pregnant women and for the life of the unborn! The march will focus on opposing HB 1146/SB 690, which makes it more difficult for pregnant women to obtain the free services they may need to continue a pregnancy. 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, celebrated by Archbishop O’Brien, (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

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT… March 14-16

Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries and Project Rachel of Baltimore invite you to attend a healing weekend (Friday evening until Sunday afternoon.) This confidential, supportive retreat is for anyone hurting due to the trauma of abortion. Next Retreat date is May 30-June 1. Contact Denise and Deacon Frank at 410-354-6900 or email: projectrachel@archbalt.org. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS…Friday, March 21

This annual prayer procession will be lead by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien and will begin at St. Alphonsus Church. We will pray the Stations while walking to Planned Parenthood at 330 N. Howard Street, pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary while standing across the street from Planned Parenthood and then return to St. Alphonsus for dismissal. The event should take a little over an hour. For details call 410-547-5537.

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. No cost to scouts, Chaperones: $20.00.

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.