What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? When have I experienced a dryness in my faith life? How can I take time away to restore and renew my faith?
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. When have I tried to hide my beliefs to avoid criticism or mocking? How do I demonstrate my faith through my actions?
Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. How do my actions point toward God instead of myself? How do I place my God-given gifts in service to my brothers and sisters?
What's New at SJE?
Find Out in the Weekly Bulletin and Our Website!
There's a lot more news than what's highlighted in the weekly Flocknote! Be sure to check out the full Sunday bulletin to stay in the loop. Our website, www.sjehydes.org, is another great resource to stay connected.
Click here for the bulletin, where you'll find all the latest news and information, including information about:
Fr. Pete's Weekly Pastor's Notes
Religious Education Faith Formation News
Youth Ministry News
School News
Mass Intentions
Prayers for the Sick/Deceased
and MORE!
When you click here for the bulletin, you'll be able to "View Current Bulletin" as well as previous editions. If you submit your email address in the box under "Enter Email to Receive Current Bulletin," you'll receive an email each week with the bulletin link.
Ready! Set! Go!
Partnership in Mission
What is the foundation of partnership in mission initiatives?
You are called to partner in the mission of Jesus here at St. John. Remember that partnerships do not just happen by themselves. We need to say “yes” to it and leave behind the old ways or mindset of individualistic action. Scripture calls us to partner in the mission of Jesus as widely as possible as a fundamental expression of our faith.
Here are a few promises found in scripture that are offered to us when we work together.
- We demonstrate the power of the gospel to change lives, thus producing open, trusting relationships (see Philippians 2:1-11).
- The Holy Spirit’s power is released in ways only possible when we dwell in unity and work together (see Psalm 133; Galatians 5:16-26).
We demonstrate good stewardship. Working together, we maximize our use of the resources God has given us as costs drop and effectiveness increases (see Matthew 25:14-30).
- The credibility of our message is strengthened. Jesus says that those watching us are more likely to believe that he is who he says he is when we work together. (see John 5:31-47; 10:38; 17:23).
- St. John the Evangelist Church community becomes a powerful, unified community, demonstrating real love, commitment to each other, growth in Christ, and witness to the world (see Ephesians 4:1-16).
- We encourage the use of the full range of gifts and abilities distributed by the Holy Spirit among God’s people (see Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12).
Have you seen "The Chosen", yet?
“The Chosen” is a popular series about the life of Jesus. Season 1 is now on FORMED. In addition to the series, FORMED theologians, Dr. Michael Barber and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger offer a Catholic commentary on each episode. This series could be a great way for your family to prepare for the season of Lent or just a great way to spend some long winter nights watching TV together as a family. Watch the series and the commentary or just one or the other.
There are many videos and audio offerings on FORMED that are available to you and your family for free. To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps: Go to https://signup.formed.org/
Enter our parish’s zip code (21082)
Enter your name and your email address
That’s it! You’re in. Now you can get the free FORMED app for your phone by searching FORMED Catholic in your app store.
Fleece Donations
St. John the Evangelist’s youth ministry is asking for donations of 2-yard lengths of fleece fabric or no-sew blanket kits to make blankets for those in need of extra warmth this winter. Fleece material and no-sew blanket kits can be found at JoAnn Fabric, Michael’s Craft Store, Walmart, or Amazon. Please bring your donations to the parish office. We will be collecting materials ALL WINTER long! If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Sisolak at youthministry@sjehydes.org
Pro Tip: Coupons can be found at https://www.joann.com/coupon/ and https://www.michaels.com/coupons
Tech Ministry
Our livestream and tech ministry is looking for volunteers ages 14 and up to assist with the use of our new projection screens at all our weekend Masses. In order to make all our Masses more accessible and inclusive for parishioners and visitors, we would like to have song lyrics and prayers projected at all Masses. The projection software is simple to use and training will be provided. In addition, we would like more volunteers to run our Sunday livestream. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Megan Malkus at malkusmn@sjehydes.org or 410-592-6206 ext. 104. All volunteers must be Virtus certified.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
St. John is so excited to once again offer children ages 5 to 10 an opportunity to hear God’s word in a way that is designed just for them. The children will be called to the Altar for a blessing before being taken to the Church Hall for their own lesson on the day’s readings. The children return to celebrate the rest of the Mass with their families after the Homily.
We will have CLOW at 9 AM Mass on January 29.
For more information or to help serve in this ministry, contact Melanie Hecht at mlhecht927@protonmail.com. It is a great place for adults and teens to serve!
High School Small Group Our first High School Small Group activity of the year will be held in the Church Hall on February 5, after the 9:00 AM Mass. We will enjoy a light breakfast at Elgee’s Cafe before working together to make no-sew blankets for those who need a little extra warmth as the weather gets colder. All high school students are welcome to join us and bring friends! If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP to Colleen Sisolak.
Young Adult Small Group College-aged Small group continues to meet on Sundays beginning at 1 PM. Please attend 11:30 AM Mass, then head up the hill to the Koontz House for conversation and fellowship with others your age. (Being a college student is not a requirement to attend, being between the ages of 18-24 is.)
Confirmation 2023 Our next Confirmation preparation session will be held on Tuesday, February 7, at 6:45 PM in the Church Hall.
Confirmation Retreat Our Confirmation Retreat will take place on Saturday, March 11 from 9 AM - 5 PM and Sunday, March 12 from 9 AM - 1 PM. All candidates are required to attend both days of this retreat. Sponsors and parents are asked to join the candidates for the second day where we will attend Mass together and gather for a picnic-style lunch.
Join our Tech Team Are you tech-savvy? Do you want to learn more about live video production? We are looking for young people to join our Livestream and Tech Ministry. You will learn how to operate all the new, state-of-the-art technology at St. John and make our Masses more accessible. We are looking for a minimum of a once-per-month commitment but you can volunteer as much as you would like. This is also a great opportunity to get service hours and learn valuable skills. If you are interested, please contact Megan Malkus at malkusmn@sjehydes.org
The schedule for Faith Formation classes for the next four weeks is as follows:
Grades K - 8 Sunday, Feb 5: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 12: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 19: No Classes - Presidents Day
Sunday, Feb 26: Classes - School
First Communion Families Registration forms are now past due. Please remember to pick up your child’s preparation material.
Vacation Bible School 2023 We are pleased to announce St. John the Evangelist’s Vacation Bible School Program “Hero Hotline” for Summer 2023 – June 26 – 30 from 9:00 AM. – 12:00 PM in the Church Hall. Students rising to Preschool 4 through Grade 5 as of September 2023 are invited to participate.
Students rising to grades 6 – 12 are invited to be crew leaders.
Note: All students age 14 and older must be Worthy of the Call trained and certified to work with younger children. If you are interested in helping with the program, please contact Theresa Konitzer no later than May 30, 2023.
Cost: $50.00 for First Child and $25.00 for each sibling.
Registration and Permission forms can be found on the parish website at
https://sjehydes.org/vacation-bible-school
Paint & Sip Night
The Adult Faith Formation Ministry will be hosting a Paint & Sip Night for adults on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 6:30-8:30 PM. Just when you think winter will never end, we invite you to come to the church hall to paint a Spring scene (seen below). It’s an opportunity to gather with friends and friends you haven’t yet met. Cost will be $20 for painters and $5 for non-painters. The cost includes paint, brushes, canvas, easel, and light snacks. Please bring your own beverage (soft drinks, beer, or wine) and an apron to protect your clothing or wear something that may get paint on it. Tickets are available in the parish office. Deadline to register is February 7 to ensure we have enough materials. If you have any questions, contact Barbara Anderson at andersonbh@sjehydes.org or 410-592-6206 x106.
Our Daily Bread
We have pledged to provide 100+ casseroles on the first Monday of every other month to Our Daily Bread in Baltimore. Could you help us keep our commitment to feed the needy? Baking is done right in the disposable pan which is available in the narthex. Please bring the frozen casserole to the church hall kitchen prior to February 5.
Short on time? A family size Stouffer’s Mac ‘n Cheese or “Wish list” items – cereal, sugar, tea bags, iced tea mix, lunch bags, zipper sandwich bags, or plastic forks are also welcome donations.
Lectors Needed
When contemplating your sacred purpose, did you ever consider proclaiming the Word of God at Mass?
Our lector ministry is such a rewarding opportunity to take an active role in parish life and to give back in thanksgiving for your own blessings.
Minimal training is provided, and you sign up to serve whenever you’re available.
Anyone high school age and older is most welcome.
If you have questions or would like more information, please call Debbie Jenkins at the parish office (410-592-6206, X100.)
Eucharistic Ministers Needed
You’ve seen us at all Masses helping the priest give Eucharist to the assembly. How many times have you thought about becoming an EM? If you’re a fully-initiated Catholic (having been baptized, received First Communion, and Confirmation)
you’re eligible! All training is done at your convenience after the Mass of your choice. What a perfect time to join all the SJE Ministers of Holy Communion during this year as we strive to be Eucharistic people!
Interested? Contact Christine Longhenry by emailing clonghenry@verizon.net or calling 443 391-3953. You’ll be so glad you did!
Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries
Next weekend, parishioners at St. John Church and other parishes across the Archdiocese will be asked to pledge support to the 2022 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries, Let Us Give Thanks to the Lord Our God. In advance of next weekend, please prayerfully consider how you will support the 2022 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. Making a pledge, which can be paid in monthly installments is a powerful way to maximize your contribution. For more information on the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries, and to make a gift or pledge online, please visit www.archbalt.org/appeal/. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Anointing of the Sick
Those in ill health or preparing for medical procedures may receive this sacrament after the 9:00 AM Mass next Sunday, February 12, or on the 2nd Sunday of any month.
Sunday 9 AM Live-stream on YouTube for the Sick/Homebound
The live-streamed 9 AM Mass continues as a ministry for the sick and homebound.