Parish Bulletin

It occurs to me that by now many of you have grown accustomed to me asking for more money, although it is always for a worthy cause. I have also regularly invited you to increase your level of participation, although always with good reason. I have hesitated to encourage you to pray more faithfully, partly because I have been the primary beneficiary of so many of your prayers. I deeply appreciate your continued prayers; however, I am asking for more prayer, not for me, but for the Church, the world and our parish. Prayer is the most effective method and powerful means that we can employ to effect change, facilitate healing and promote peace.

I am asking and inviting you to pray more. Those who attended weekday Mass during Lent need not stop now; there are many good seats available and all are welcome.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed every Thursday afternoon. Praying the rosary daily is very important and effective. The Liturgy of the Hours is not only for priests and religious. Grace before Meals is a wonderful website and worthy practice. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is available 24/7 and we need additional adorers. Prayer changes lives…for the better

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of John Zavoyna, Shirlely Borkoski, Anna Tollen, John Clunk, Oscar E. Keefer, Jr., Patrick V. Burke and Marion Rose Marino 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, Grace Fischer, Warren Clifton, Esther Kirchner, Tony Tabor, McKala Krauss, Mary McManus, Steve Strahotsky, Sr., Rosemary Klunk, Andrew Shipton, Samantha Strahotsky, Robert Scott, Charles Fischer and James Barrett, Jr.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $31,500.00. Our current weekly average is $30,833.52. Thank you.

STATUS of MORTGAGE:

Beginning Balance: 03/01/08 $1,853,949

Paid: Interest $ 9,656

Principal 15,977 -25,633

Interest Charged 9,656

Ending Balance 03/31/08............................................... $1,837,972 ..1,885,655

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

ARCHBISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL… There’s still time....The Lenten Appeal provides essential funding to programs and ministries that help in the education of our children, programs that reach out to people in need and to programs that strengthen our church. We are striving to inspire 600 families to make a sacrificial Lenten gift to the Lenten Appeal! Please join us – there are brochure-envelopes in church – or you can make a check out to the “Lenten Appeal” and drop it in the collection basket. Be sure to place the #3303 on the check to ensure that St John, Westminster receives proper credit for your gift! Thank you to all who have given – and all who will give!

THIS WEEKEND…April 5-6: The Little Sisters of the Poor will be making their annual visit to St. John this weekend, April 5-6, after all Masses, and ask for your financial support for their work in taking care of the elderly. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

easter flower memorials…We sincerely regret that many names did not get printed in the original list of names for flower memorials and have republished the entire listing in this week’s bulletin with all names that have been submitted to date.

School Calendar

Apr. 7-11 – Stanford 10 Testing – Grades 3 to 8

Apr. 11 – All school Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. – Church

- Men in Black Basketball game–7 p.m.Westminster High

Apr. 15 – Open House-Computer Lab 6:30-8 p.m.

Apr. 16 - First Communion Rehearsal – 6:30 - 8 p.m. – Church

Apr. 18 – All school Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. - Church

- 4A Field Trip to Quarry

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

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: Anyone over 18 who would like to complete their Sacraments of Initiation may participate in our classes set to begin on Thursday, April 10^th, and continue for four additional Thursdays. The classes will meet in the St. Therese Room 7-9 pm. Forms and additional information may be found on the parish website under “faith formation”. Those completing the classes will be confirmed by Archbishop O’Brien at the Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday, May 11^th. To register for the classes, please contact Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

REMINDER…to those students who will be making their First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 20^th at 1:15 p.m. Your practice will be Wednesday, April 16^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Church. You must attend this practice with at least one adult.

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. 18 – This night we are going to play some indoor soccer and some basketball games. We are also going to learn about PSALMS and what it tells us about God!

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

Sun., Apr. 13 – We are going to learn about PSALMS and what psalms tell us about God. This night is really important and there will be a lot of fun obstacle relays you and your friends will have to conquer.

THE EDGE SUMMER CAMP…July 13-19

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. Reserve now. The cost is $435, and includes bus transportation, all meals, activities and lodging. 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!

Sun., Apr. 6 – Read into it! What do famous movie lines have in common with Sacred Scripture? A lot! Join us this night for a great movie trivia game and some good quality prayer time.

Sun., Apr. 20 – Gaming for Missions: Systems Needed! Do you have an Xbox 360 or a Nintendo Game Cube? Would you be willing to let Life Teen borrow it for the tournament? All donations will be carefully guarded by an adult for the duration of the night. Also, you get into the tournament for FREE! Nice! Contact Kenn at 410-848-8443 or kdemoll@sjwest.org for details.

STEUBENVILLE 2008… 3^rd and final payment due April 20^th. Some people still owe the 2^nd payment. Please contact Kenn if you have any questions.

The Knights of Columbus will make breakfast for the Parish in the Portico from 8:00 am until 11:30 am. Join us for a great breakfast of French toast, pancakes, eggs and much more. Adults - $5. Children - $3. Proceeds from this month's breakfast will be used to benefit a St. John's Parish family who has recently experienced a personal financial crisis. Thank you for your support.

Pack 420 is holding their 2008 Pinewood Derby at noon in the school cafeteria. Young, young at heart or just anyone interested are welcome to join in the fun. For more details contact Cary Scott at 410-239-6179. It’s never too late to join (or rejoin) cub scouts!

Join us at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Rm. at the Parish Center. George Hinkel will be joining us. All Health Care Ministers and all other interested parishioners are encouraged to attend.

6^th Annual Event at 7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School. Free for the whole family! Come watch our Archdiocesan priests and seminarians play against St. John parishioners, enjoy the half time show and a special video after the game. Please bring donations of cookies, cupcakes, and brownies for the refreshment table. For more information, call Betty Belk at 410-848-9391.

FILIAE MARIAE COMMUNION BREAKFAST..Sun. Apr.13

All are invited to attend a breakfast from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to 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, the KofC parish breakfast (Apr. 6) or the Portico Bookstore and by calling Joanne 443-324-0308 or Dawn at 410-876-0250.

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY…Sun., April 13

The Sodality will meet for the 9:15 a.m. Mass and Rosary. A meeting will follow in the Parish Center. All women of the parish 18 and over are invited to join us. For more information, please call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.

IN SEARCH OF…St. John 8^th grade students are looking for our most “senior” parishioners who would be willing to share their stories and artifacts for an oral history project. If you were involved in WWII, were a child during WWII or were students at the old St. John School on Main Street we would love to hear and record your story! We will conduct the interviews on Thursday, April 17^th at the Portico. If interested, call 410-848-7455 and leave a message for Mrs. Chilcoat and she will contact you with all the details.

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.

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, SJ School and Portico Books + Gifts or call Anna at 410-876-2652.

Scholarship applications are available at the Parish Center and at the school office or at www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org. Any boy or girl who has participated in a St. John athletic program for three (3) or more years and is entering a private high school, or any college may apply. Call Bo Yingling at 410-876-1162 for details.

St. John Sodality is planning our May Crowning of Mary at the beginning of the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Please mark your calendars now. We hope you will be able to attend. If you have questions, call Carolyn Keiner at 410-848-4563.

Join the Wisdom Club for Mass celebrated by Msgr. Art Valenzano at the Grotto Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Following Mass we will have a family style lunch at the Cozy Restaurant. The cost is $16 and is due by Thursday, April 24^th. Reservations are required. For details call Martha Murphy at 410-871-9667.

IT’S SPRING CLEANING TIME!! Check your attics, basements and drawers for new and used religious items (medals, statues, pictures, rosaries, crosses, crucifixes, etc.) for our 2008 Christmas Bazaar. Call Nina at 410-635-6422 for information.

TIME TO GET READY FOR THE CARNIVAL…May 26-31

We’re excited to announce the dates for our carnival. This is one event that allows us to slow down from our hectic place and create good fellowship and service among others. To allow the children and their parents to fully participate, Ms. Brink has agreed that no homework or testing will be given that week! Some of the proceeds will be used to make facility repairs to the school which is utilized by various ministries. Planning is underway and your help is needed! You can participate through monetary donation, coordination, volunteering or attendance at the carnival. Contact Bob Detrow at 410-840-0307 or RFDetrow@hotmail.com for more details.

COOKBOOKS STILL AVAILABLE…Don’t miss out-only 60 left-Cost $15.00. Contact Chris Mort at 410-876-2014.

RANGER ROSARY MINISTRY…Our group is making Ranger Rosaries to send to the armed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. We are collecting donations after Mass at the Knight’s breakfast at the Portico. Call Carolyn Peters at 410-876-8268.

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PROGRAM (month 2 )…Your baby is making progress developing all of his/her external features and internal organs. The brain is functioning at 40 days. Mom can hear the heartbeat now on an ultrasonic stethoscope. Baby-teeth buds are present at 6 ½ weeks. It has been reported that a 2- month old baby can suck its thumb. From this moment, your spiritually adopted baby grows and refines its body. Everything needed to survive after birth is already present by the end of the 8^th week.

The members of St. Vincent de Paul thank all of our parishioners for their wonderful generosity throughout the year and pray that you experienced the Blessing of Easter and the Risen Lord.

The Little Community Theater presents “The Hartburn Hotel”, 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

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. Visit www.ConferenceInColumbia.Itgo.com. for details about the workshops or to register. Brochures available in narthex of church.

Empower your children with the best messages about sex, love, and marriage by attending a free parent seminar at 8:30 p.m. on W.A.I.T. (Why am I Tempted) at Winters Mill H.S. For more information call the Marriage Resource Center, 410-876-8740.

IN MEMORY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II… O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life; Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of Life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.

The following events have been announced by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien to celebrate the historic anniversary of the Archdiocese of Baltimore:

SUMMER TERM AT THE ECUMENICAL INSTITUE OF THEOLOGY…The Ecumenical Institute of Theology offers graduate theological education to qualified men and women from throughout the Baltimore area. Classes can be taken for credit or audited. Applications for the summer term (June 9- July 17) will be accepted until May 15. The spring shadowing program April 14-17 provides an opportunity for prospective students to sit in on classes. Reservations required. For more details or to make a reservation for the shadowing program, contact Patty Rath at 410-864-4299 or prath@stmarys.edu.

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 Terry Jones at 410-848-4744 x216.

From the Pastor