Parish Bulletin

I join with Father Patrick and the entire Pastoral Staff of our Parish and our Parish School to wish you and your families Happy Easter! Please join me in thanking all who have helped make the Liturgies of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter prayerful, meaningful and beautiful. I am especially grateful to the Liturgy Committee, Arts and Environment, Liturgical Ministers, Music Ministry, Ushers, Altar Servers and many volunteers. I pray that the Easter Season will be a source of blessing and grace for our parish.

Archbishop O’Brien will make his first official visit to St. John’s this Thursday, March 27^th. He will celebrate Mass at 11a.m. All are welcomed to attend the Mass, which will include the children of our parish school and the members of the Wisdom Club. Bishop Rozanski will celebrate Mass and the Sacrament of Confirmation for 142 young people of our parish on Saturday, March 29^th. Please join me in offering congratulations to these young people and their families, and expressing appreciations to Paul Gallagher, Kenn deMoll and our Religious Education Staff.

NOTICE: The parish offices will be closed on Easter Sunday and on Monday, March 24^th. 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.

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.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Dustin Bauer, Dona Connelly, Chester E. Jackson, Jr., Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rohho and Jaye Hernandez 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, Jessie Borders, Alexia McKissic, Anna Marie Tollen, Patsy Storg, Barbara Doyle, Andrew Shipton, Mary McManus, Patricia Callahan, Kendall Clagg, Jr., Steve Strahotsky, Sr., and Samantha Strahotsky.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Teagan James Baralo, son of Ellen and Douglas Baralo; Ellie Marie Garner, daughter of Lisa Garner and Steven Connolly; Miranda Catherine King, daughter of Sarah and Sean King; Jaylan Michael Werner, son of Amanda Marie Billups; Loren DeAngelo Werner, son of Amanda Billups and Herman Horne; and Olivia Marie Billups, daughter of Amanda and Charles Billups.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $29,780.71. Thank you.

ARCHBISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL… Happy Easter to you and your families! Please consider your faithful generosity to this year’s Lenten Appeal. When we make a gift that causes us some meaningful self-sacrifice, then we give of ourselves from the heart. That kind of self-giving, especially for the less fortunate, blesses us greatly with a fulfilling sense of purpose and a deep spirit of contentment which is reflective of our Easter joy! Please give generously to the Lenten Appeal – and thank you!

School Calendar

Mar. 20-24 – School closed for Easter vacation

Mar. 25 - Cantare Show – gym – 9:30 (gr. 5-8) 10:30 (Gr. K-4)

Mar. 26 – PTF General Mtg. 7 p.m. Portico

March 27–Liturgy with Archbishop O’Brien– 11 a.m. – Church

- Confirmation Rehearsal at 6:15 and 7:45 p.m. - Church

- School Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m. – Parish Center

Mar. 28 - Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. – Church

Mar. 29 - Confirmation – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Mar. 31 - Gr. 6 Camp Hashawha 3/31-4/4/08

- Vision/hearing – Gr. K,4, 8 & new students 3/31-4/2/08

Join us for a walk-through of our new computer lab on April 15^thfrom 6:30-8:00 pm. 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.

Need someone for Tuesday for 4:30 p.m. session. If you can help, please call Religious Ed office.

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS: This is a reminder that your Confirmation Rehearsal is March 27^th in the Portico. Tuesday students should be there at 6:15 pm and Thursday students should be there at 7:45 pm. Please be on time and bring your sponsor!

Confirmation Mass is March 29^th. Tuesday students will be Confirmed at 10:00 am (please be in the Portico by 9:15 am) and Thursday students will be Confirmed at 2:00 pm (please be in the Portico by 1:15 pm). Please be on time and dressed appropriately!

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., 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There will be an informational meeting at the Parish Center for any boy or girl who would like to join the Altar Server Program. We would like for one or both parents to also be present. There will be one meeting at 4 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. The meeting will be about 1 hour. It is only necessary to attend one of these meetings. Those interested must be going into the 5^th grade in September or older. Any questions call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576.

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. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Parish Center, St. John School or call Anna at 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.

As you place your gift in the Society of St. Vincent DePaul Poor Box, know that you are a sign of God’s love to those who are suffering and you give them Easter hope and joy.

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

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.

Join us for a Healing Mass at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Community, 915 Liberty Road, Sykesville, MD.

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

Join us at Mount de Sales to help continue the work of Tara Howard’s Loving Heart and Helping Hands, Inc. project working with the poor and disadvantaged and striving for social justice. The auction will feature fine art, sports memorabilia, music memorabilia and more. Preview 7-8 p.m. and auction at 8 p.m. admission is $15 per person, $25.00 per couple. For tickets call Debbie Abel 410-461-3038.

This day long conference for those who are separated, widowed, divorced or remarried will be held at Loyola College Graduate Center in Columbia, MD. The keynote speaker is Dr. Ann Kaiser Stearns, a nationally published author. Workshops covering grief recovery, spirituality, relationships, intimacy, communication skills as well as complimentary holistic services will also be offered. Fr. Joe Breighner, will be the Liturgy celebrant as well as do a workshop on “Am I My Best Friend or Worse Enemy.” Fr. Bart A. Karwacki, O.F.M. Conv. will also be one of the presenters. For more details on the workshops or to register see www.ConferenceInColumbia.Itgo.com. Brochures are available at the Parish Center or in the narthex of the church.

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.

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!

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.

HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register with the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from either the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which is held the last Sunday of the month, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the Portico. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact the parish office

THE PORTICO OF ST. JOHN is a full banquet facility available for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, anniversary 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.

From the Pastor

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY…Sunday, March 30

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL… June 23-27

THE EDGE SUMMER CAMP…July 13-19

FILIAE MARIAE COMMUNION BREAKFAST..Sun. Apr.13

NEED SOME PARENTING TIPS…Wednesday, April 23