What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
On those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death/ light has arisen. How can I maintain a sense of hope in a world where despair is more common? How can I share that hope with others?
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” What sinful behaviors keep me from following God and obeying his will? What near occasions of sin do I need to avoid?
At once they left their nets and followed him. What distracts me from following the Lord? How can I become more docile to God’s will for me?
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.
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 22.
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 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 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 22: Classes - School
Sunday, Jan 29: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 5: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 12: Classes - School
First Communion Families Please complete and return the First Communion Preparation Form which can be found on the Parish Website, if you have not already done so, and pick up your child’s pamphlet. Also, remember that on January 29, 2023, all children enrolled in the First Communion Preparation Program are to attend the Rite of Enrollment on Sunday, January 19, 2023, at the 11:30 AM Mass in the Church.
The Rite of Enrollment marks the beginning of the journey the child takes in preparing for the sacrament of Eucharist which is a sacrament of initiation. It also is a reminder to the community of our role in helping and supporting these children and their families through this process.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
Ready! Set! Go!
Our Pastorate plan is READY to be implemented. Our Advocate Teams (leaders) are SET to develop action plans to accomplish our strategies. We’re about to GO forward with our plan to strengthen the parish mission and vision. Your prayers and support are needed to succeed. Here’s a prayer that we will be using throughout the full implementation process. Please add it to your daily prayers.
Dear Jesus, set me ablaze with the fire of your divine love. I commit my life to you and praise you. I repent of all my sins and resolve to follow you through a life of virtue, prayer, and mission. Grant me the grace to love others with a sacrificial heart as I serve my sisters and brothers in parish ministry. Set our parish ablaze with your Holy Spirit so that all who gather to worship, grow in faith, and serve others may become lights brightly visible. May our parish radiate your love and mercy to the world and serve to draw all into the household of the Church. Blessed Mother, we entrust our parish to your maternal care and ask your intercession through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Seminar for the Sunday of the Word of God
Do you want to learn more about the Bible? This Sunday we celebrate the Word of God. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is sharing 5 video seminars by top Bible scholars that will be available beginning Sunday, January 22, 2023. Below are the topics of the seminars. Here’s the link to watch them: https://catholic.bible/sunday-of-the-word-of-god/
*Who actually wrote the Bible? - Father Felix Just, SJ, Ongoing Formation of Priests and Theological and Liturgical Formation of Deacons, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
*What are the Synoptic Gospels? - Sister Barbara Reid, OP, President, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
What parts of the Bible are also read by our Jewish and Protestant friends? – Sr. Mary Kate Birge, SSJ, Associate Professor of Theology, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD
How is the Catholic approach to reading the bible different than other approaches? - Father Ronald Witherup, SS, Former Superior General, Society of Priests of Saint Sulpice
How can I practice the Lectio Divina method of Scriptural meditation? - Dr. Jaime Waters, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
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.