What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him. When have I encountered Christ? How can I become more aware of God’s presence in those I meet, especially those in need?
I did not know him. When have I felt far from God? How can I grow in my knowledge of and love for God?
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God. When have I testified to God’s actions in my life? How can I become more comfortable sharing my faith?
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.
Wedding Anniversary Blessing
The Blessing for those married in the month of January will take place next Sunday, January 15 after the 9:00 AM Mass.
Please contact the parish office to register.
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.
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
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 family after the Homily.
We will have CLOW at 9 AM Mass on January 15.
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!
Work at St. John
Administrative Assistant Position Available St. John the Evangelist is seeking an administrative assistant. This benefit-eligible position is scheduled for 36 hours per week. Typical duties include greeting and assisting parishioners, managing the phone system, preparing correspondence for the pastor, managing the office supplies, logging in receipts, and other duties as needed. Please contact Shawn Blair, business manager in the parish office if interested.
410-592-6206 ext. 113
High School Small Group Our first High School Small Group activity of the year will be held in the Church Hall on January 8, 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 Sunday’s 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 aged 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.
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 St. John has and be able to 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, Jan 15: Classes - School
Sunday, Jan 22: Classes - School
Sunday, Jan 29: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 5: Classes - School
First Communion Information Session If you were unable to attend the First Communion Parent Information Session on January 5, please contact the Faith Formation Office at 410-592-6206, Ext. 107.
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 a.m. – 12:00 noon in the Church Hall. Rising Preschool 4 to Grade 5 are invited to
participate.
Students rising to grades 6 – 12 are invited to be crew leaders.
Note: All students 14 years old 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.
See flyer in next week’s bulletin.
KofC Spaghetti Dinner
The Knights of Columbus will be holding its annual Spaghetti Dinner to support The Pregnancy Center North on Saturday, January 14 after the 5 PM Mass in the Church Hall. Admission is a free-will offering, with all proceeds going to the charity.
The Pregnancy Center North helps provide women with the care they need, and over the past years, the Knights have provided an ultrasound machine that helps women see the beauty of life blessed within their womb.
Come join us for an evening of food, wine, and fun. No reservations required. We hope to see you there. Thank You!
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. 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 and after Masses on the weekend of January 28/29. 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.
Eucharistic Adoration
“In the Holy Eucharist we enter into this movement of love from which all interior progress and all apostolic efficacy springs.” –St. Pope John Paul II
In the Eucharist, Jesus offers Himself to the Father and He deserves our worship and adoration. Pray as you like. Reading and meditation lead to communion with the Lord or just bask in the light of the Eucharist. Come before the Blessed Sacrament to share your pure love on Wednesday, January, 18, at 7:00 PM in the Chapel.
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.
Home Communion
Eucharistic Ministers bring Holy Communion to homebound or hospitalized parishioners.
Please contact Barbara Anderson, 410-592-6206, ext. 106, for
arrangements.
SJE Winter Policy
Office: If Baltimore County OR Harford County Schools open one or two hours late, the office will open accordingly, one or two hours late. If Baltimore County OR Harford County Schools are closed, the office will open at noon if conditions permit. Please call after 12:00 PM to make sure before coming to the office.
Weekday Mass: Should Baltimore OR Harford County public schools open late or be closed due to inclement weather, there will be no 8:30 AM weekday Mass.
Activities: Should Baltimore OR Harford County public schools be closed due to inclement weather, there will be no afternoon or evening activities or events at St. John, including Religious Education classes and Youth Ministry activities.
Sunday Religious Education classes will be canceled if Phase 1 or 2 of the Snow Emergency Plan is in effect.
That Man is You
That Man is You is an excellent program for men. We discuss the pressures and temptations that most men face in our times, especially, when talking about the roles of husbands and fathers. There is so much creativity in presenting current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the holies to develop the vision of man fully alive!
Join the fellowship of men of our parish every Sunday, starting January 15, 2023. The program starts at 6 AM with breakfast, followed by a 30-minute session and 30-minute group discussion/sharing. By 7:30 AM the program is done.
Altar Server Training
Thank you to all those who showed interest in becoming Altar Servers. There will be a training held on Saturday, January 21, at 3:00 PM and Monday, January 23, at 3:30 PM in the Church. If you have any questions, please contact Christine
Thompson at cthompson@stjohnschoollgv.org
These colorful booklets and activity sheets are available to help young children better understand the Mass and the weekly readings. These free resources can be found in the narthex.
New Year, New Opportunity to Live Your Faith
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!
Respect Life Corner
Washington, DC March for Life 2023 Friday, January 20 The theme for this year is Next Steps: Marching in a Post-Roe America According to Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life, “Abortion is expected to take well over 700,000 lives nationwide in the coming year. Even though the overturning of Roe v. Wade is an enormous victory for the pro-life movement, we have a duty to fearlessly continue marching because our work as the largest and longest-running human rights march nationwide is far from finished. We will continue to courageously and joyfully march until the grave injustice of abortion is unthinkable, and every life is valued and protected.”
If you would like to join the March for Life, there is information below on a few local groups that will be attending.
Bus information:
St. Margaret Church, Bel Air: Email Deacon Jim at jdecapit@stmargaret.org or call parish office 410-838-6969 to reserve a seat
Immaculate Conception, Towson: Call 443-470-2250 to reserve a seat
St. Ursula/St. Joseph Fullerton: Contact Liz at ajwalz1@verizon.net
Prayer Ministry Next Weekend
Prayer Ministry consists of teams of trained Prayer Ministers who are able to pray with you and for you regarding specific requests or special intentions.
Prayer Ministers serve as intercessors in the parish community to fulfill the call to pray for one another. After all Masses on the last weekend of each month, Prayer Teams will be stationed around the sides of the church sanctuary. Simply approach a Prayer Team member, tell them your concerns, and allow them to pray with you and for you, knowing that God hears and answers our prayers. Prayer Ministers will be available after all Masses next weekend, January 21/22.
MERCI From Haiti
On behalf of Fr. Antione, the new pastor of St. Michel, and Fr. Jacson, the pastor of the new parish, St. Anthony of Padua, the Haiti Committee and Fr. Pete would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity during our Haiti Outreach weekend.
Solely because of your generosity, we are able to increase our monthly support to our sister parishes by about 10%.
In addition, both priests asked for help in funding new projects; Catechist training in St. Michel and Church benches for St. Anthony. They are currently using school desks there. Again, due only to your charity, we will be able to fund these two projects over the course of the coming year.
Watch for an update in our next Newsletter which will be forthcoming in February.
Finally, the Haiti Committee is looking for a new member who can speak French at the conversational level. In addition, ideally, this person would be younger than 50 years old and would be willing at some point to assume some administrative responsibility given the average age of the current committee is 70+.
If interested, please contact Jim Taneyhill at taneydds@gmail.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry has blessed shawls and lap blankets made by hand with prayers stitched in for the person who uses them. If you or someone you know needs to feel God’s love, strength and comfort, please take advantage of this opportunity to feel His blessings and be carried through a tough time. Blessed Prayer Shawls will be available in the Narthex after all Masses the weekend of January 21/22. Shawls are always available in our parish office. To see our large selection of colors, sizes, and designs, ask a staff person to assist you. Office hours are Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM to 4 PM and Fridays 8:30 AM to noon. Donations are optional but appreciated to purchase more yarn.
Also, join our group of caring ladies, to learn a new craft, or use your talents to spread God’s love. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10 am in the Koontz Center. Carol Calvert 410-592-6696, ccalvert543@aol.com
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.