May the Peace of Christ be with you as we journey together through the season of Lent.
IN THE NEWS
† The Archdiocese of Baltimore is taking several steps this week to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus as more cases are reported in the United States. Read more here about precautionary practices that we already started!
† La Feria de Salud este sábado se pospondrá para septiembre debido a las preocupaciones sobre el Coronavirus. Cuidense. Bendiciones. The Latino Health Fair scheduled this Saturday will be postponed to September due to concerns about Coronavirus.
† Learn more about how the Catholic Church in the US is responding to the coronavirus
† In these times, please consider sharing in a prayer related to the coronavirus.
† In these times, please consider sharing in a prayer related to the coronavirus.
† The Archdiocese of Baltimore is taking several steps this week to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus as more cases are reported in the United States. Read more here about precautionary practices that we already started!
SENIORS AT ST. JOHN
The Pastoral Council has formed a committee to address the needs and concerns of our seniors. The first step is to find out what faith-based and socialization programs are relevant to our senior community. Please take a few minutes to complete the short questionnaire -- either, online through survey monkey OR the paper version that's available at WLIFC and OMIFC. The deadline for submitting completed questionnaires is March 29th. Your time and input are highly valued. You can contact the Council by emailing PastoralCouncil@sjerc.com.
OUR FORTY DAYS OF LENT CONTINUE
A Regional Celebration for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is scheduled for March 30 at 7pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Throughout Lent, you are invited to put your faith in action with CRS Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services' Lenten program to pray, fast, learn and give. Below is a video introducing you to three girls in three countries who show us what all of God’s children have in common and what you can do to build a healthier, happier world with Catholic Relief Services.
THIS WEEK...
† This weekend, we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent. Jesus satisfies our thirst for eternal life. Through his Spirit his grace has been poured into our hearts. God satisfies the thirst of the Israelites whose hearts had become hardened and rebellious. You can review this weekend's scripture readings as well as consider this commentary.
† St. John’s full choir is scheduled to sing at the 10:30 Mass on March 15.
COMING SOON
† There are two upcoming ACTS retreats for adults sponsored by Saint Louis. ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. The goals of an ACTS retreat are to strengthen our faith, to renew ourselves spiritually and to build lasting friendships. The Spring Men's ACTS is March 19-22. The Spring Women's ACTS is April 23-26. Learn more here.
† Please reserve March 28 for the All's Well That Ends Well Conference. This workshop is an introduction to having the conversation that will help you think through your medical care preferences, discuss them with your loved ones and name your Health Care Agent. Learn more and register here.
† Reserve April 4 for the 2020 Annual Vincentian Retreat at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. It starts with a 8:00am mass and continues with food and retreat until 2pm and will involve many local St. Vincent de Paul groups.
SOCIAL JUSTICE - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITES
In a world where some speak mostly of "rights" and others mostly of "responsibilities," the Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities, to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. While public debate in our nation is often divided between those who focus on personal responsibility and those who focus on social responsibilities, our tradition insists that both are necessary.
from: Sharing Catholic Social Teaching:
Challenges and Directions-USCCB
Challenges and Directions-USCCB
AND...
Due to continuing health concerns regarding Coronavirus, we regret to announce that the annual St. Patrick's Day fundraiser for the Tanzanian Children's Project has been canceled. The Knights of Columbus will be in the lobby after Mass to answer your questions as well as consider options for refunds.
Donations are being accepted to offset the loss of funds from the celebration which will be used to drill a water well in a remote village in Tanzania.
THE "VIRTUAL" PARISH COMMUNITY
Find Saint John on-line with
† Our daily noon mass, as well as some of the weekend WL masses (especially the 9:00am and 10:30 am) are available via live-streaming.
† Our daily noon mass, as well as some of the weekend WL masses (especially the 9:00am and 10:30 am) are available via live-streaming.
You can also find archives of previous masses and special events here.
† You can review previous homilies as well as our weekend announcements delivered by our young people on our YouTube channel.