Parish Bulletin

The last week of Lent is the best week of Lent. Welcome to Holy Week. We are not celebrating the fact that Lent is almost over, but the reality that Easter is almost here. Beginning with Palm Sunday, continuing through Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, we celebrate the mystery of our faith. The liturgies of Holy Week embody our Catholic heritage, witness to the significance of our tradition and enrich our lives. Please consider inviting someone to join us this year. Your prayerful presence is welcomed and needed. Let each one invite one.

Please join me in thanking our Liturgy Committee, and all the ministries whose dedicated service, hard work and faithful service are deeply appreciated.

NOTICE: The parish offices will close at noon on Good Friday, March 21, 2008 for the Easter Holiday. A receptionist will be on duty from 9-6 on Saturday only. The parish offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET will NOT be prayed on Holy Thursday, March 20^th. Divine Mercy Devotion will resume the following Thursday, March 27^th and will continue to be held each Thursday at 3:00 in the Church.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY…Sunday, March 30

The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction will be held in the Church immediately after the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Come join us for this beautiful devotion on the day chosen by Our Lord to commemorate His Merciful Love for the whole world.

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.

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.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Clare Mosmiller, Rosealie Link, Leonard Thomas Rill and David Lee Fletcher 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, Stacy Brown, Mary McManus, William Bandorick, Allen Zier, Shirley Duffy, Andrew Shipton, Barbara Ehrenstrom, Jessie Waters, Robert Lester, Patricia Callahan and Samantha Strahotsky.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Cassidy Lynn Kucan, daughter of Jennifer and Nicholas Kucan.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $29,678.78 Thank you.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged: $ 7,512,662

Paid to Date: 6,973,984

Balance $ 521,606

ARCHBISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL…The Lenten season presents us with a unique opportunity to help those in need through the Archbishop’s Lenten Appeal. This year’s theme, ONE FAMILY, reminds us that we can make a difference in our Archdiocese and the world through our personal sacrifices. This year, the archdiocese will concentrate on three crucial areas: Educating children & youth; Ministering to those in need both financially and spiritually; and Strengthening parishes through Evangelization and Social Ministries. Our specific parish partners this year are St. Michael’s, Frostburg and Our Lady of Pompei, Highlandtown. Lenten Appeal envelopes are still available at the entrances to church. Thank you for your commitment.

School Calendar

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

Join us for a walk-through of our new computer lab on April 15^thfrom 6:30-8:00. This Open House will feature our new equipment, remodeled lab, and student demonstrations showing the curriculum from Kindergarten through 8^th grade. All are welcome!”

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.

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 how 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: No Religious Ed classes next week (Tues., March 18^th or Thurs., March 20). Classes to resume the following week.

REMINDER…Our next Morning of Preparation will take place on Saturday, April 5^th from 9:00-12 noon (for our Thursday Religious Ed Students and St. John School students). We will meet in the GYM for our Opening Prayer. We ask that one parent and child attend since we have limited space in our cafeteria (where most of the morning will be spent). Please 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

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!

STEUBENVILLE 2008… 2^nd Payment NOW DUE: This is just a reminder that if you haven’t paid your second payment, it is now past due. Contact Kenn for more information.

STEUBENVILLE DONORS … Thanks to all who donated funds to our trip. Our needs have been met this year! We appreciate your generosity.

We will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Parish Center in the Emmaus Room. For more information, please call Frank Tontala at 410-848-9195 or email ftontala@sjwest.org

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.

We will meet at 11:00 a.m. for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Edwin O’Brien followed by our St. Patrick’s Day Pot Luck Luncheon (names M to Z) in The Portico. For information call Eleanor Wood, 410-875-3336 or Bonnie Bach, 410-795-0786.

This spiritually based group is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We meet in the Parish Center from 10:30-noon. No registration required. For details call Janet Tenney, 410-833-1542.

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.

FILIAE MARIAE COMMUNION BREAKFAST..Sun. Apr.13

Men and women are invited to attend a breakfast and hear Fr. Leo Patalinghug’s presentation for his “Grace Before Meals”, a new movement of the evangelization to strengthen families in their faith and their appreciation of the blessing that God provides when feeding His children, body, mind and soul. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Parish Center and by calling Joanne 443-324-0308 or Sarah 410-857-0830.

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.

Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can help the poor as they carry their cross of suffering and pain.

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.

DEER PARK LIONS CLUB, will be collecting used eyeglasses/ hearing aids for recycling in developing countries. The eyeglasses/hearing aids will be distributed to those in need by volunteers and other organizations hosting optical missions in developing countries. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes near the doors of the church on the fourth Sunday (March 22-23) of this month.

One of the finest collegiate choirs in Pennsylvania & the nation in concert at Sacred Heart Basilica, Conewago, PA, sponsored by Delone Catholic High. This month, the 60-member choir performed a “sold-out” concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall. A free-will offering will be taken for the benefit of the Student Assistance Fund of Delone Catholic. First-come, first-seated.

The Little Community Theater presents “The Hartburn Hotel”, the third in the Calamity Gulch western melodrama series at Fellowship Hall of St. Paul’s UCC, Bond Street. Also includes a silent auction at 6 p.m., a round-up supper at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit Shepherd’s Staff. Seating is by pre-paid reservations. Tickets can be purchased by calling 410-857-4107 or e-mail tickets@tletheater.com

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.

GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS…Friday, March 21

Join us in the Stations with Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien leading the procession from St. Alphonsus Church in Baltimore to Planned Parenthood at 330 N. Howard Street where we will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and then return to St. Alphonsus. For details call 410-547-5537.

QUOTE FROM ARCHBISHOP EDWIN O’BRIEN: “No one has to have an abortion. To all of those in crisis pregnancies, I pledge our support and our financial help. Come to the Catholic Church. Let us walk with you through your time of trouble. Let us help you affirm life. Let us help you find a new life with your child, or let us help you place that child in a loving home. But please, I beg you; let us help you affirm life.” (Oct. 1, 2007 Installation Mass)

ASSOCIATED CATHOLIC CHARITIES is in need of small groups of women (5-10) willing to provide and or serve one meal per month starting in August at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center, a day shelter for homeless women on Cathedral Street. We will be providing 50 meals for breakfast, 75 for lunch, and 50 for dinner. On or off site cooking. Please e-mail Jackie Reid at jreid@cc-md.or or call 410-261-6762 for more information. We need your help!

Colon cancer affects men, women and people of all races. It is the third most common cancer and our # 2 cancer killer. Perhaps the least understood and most compelling aspect of this cancer is that it can be stopped before it starts by removing pre-cancerous polyps during the colonoscopy procedure. If you are 50 or older (or younger with risk factors such as family history), please talk to your doctor about having a colonoscopy. Do the test…find the polyp…stop the cancer! Uninsured and income eligible Carroll County residents may qualify for free services. Please call the Carroll County Health Department at 410-876-4966.

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.

NEW VOCATIONS WEBSITE: Check out the new 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. Be sure to click on the calendar of events to get involved with discernment activities.