What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
Blessed are the meek,/ for they will inherit the land. When have I depended too much on my own strength and abilities? When have I built myself up by diminishing others?
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,/ for they will be satisfied. What injustices do I see around me? What actions can I take against violence and injustice?
Blessed are the merciful,/ for they will be shown mercy. Who do I need to forgive? From whom do I need to see forgiveness?
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!
2023 is our commitment year to strengthen our partnership in mission with the Lord Jesus. “Ready, Set, Go Sunday” is a critical and important day for all parishioners of St. John to start thinking about how they can support and help in the implementation of pastoral plans to realize the vision and mission of St. John the Evangelist community.
Everyone is invited to participate in the mission of Jesus. We call this our “partnership in mission.”
In the coming days, meetings will be held, invitations will be sent out, appeals to participate in the mission will be made, and ministries will be reviewed and reorganized to boost the partnership initiatives of staff and parishioners. This pastoral initiative is especially important for us to make the work of evangelization in our parish better and mission-driven. It takes significant work to set up this partnership. But the only way to accomplish this goal is for all parishioners of St. John to pray for and to collaborate with the plan. Yes, it is also through you that the mission of St. John will be realized.
Know that formation and growth process of a partnership grew from a vision and mission. Partnership brings to life the mission and vision of St. John. St. John the Evangelist Church, considered a medium size parish, can fulfill the Great Commission when parishioners and staff are willing to work together in the mission. With our partnership, resources are multiplied. Cooperation brings excellent benefits. Good partnership leads to learning from each other’s experiences, sharing resources for ministry, and clear communication and collaboration between the staff and parish leadership.
Parish lay-leadership involvement determines the growth of partnership. Our cooperation advances the gifts of leaders and members of our community. With the commitment of pastor, staff, and mission-driven leaders, we can bring to life the core mission areas of our faith community, such as our Membership, Maturity, Ministry, Mission, and Vibrant Community Worship up to the next level.
Yes, our partnership requires commitment in the long term.
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.
Blessing of Candles and Throats
Bring your candles from home to be blessed at Morning Mass on The Presentation of the Lord on Thursday, February 2 at 8:30 AM. There will also be Blessing of Throats for the Feast of St. Blaise at the 8:30 AM Morning Mass on Friday, February 3.
We will also be doing a blessing of candles and throats after 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, February 5.
First Friday Mass and Holy Hour
Join us for Mass followed by Holy Hour on Friday, February 3 at 8:30 AM in the church. The celebrant will give a brief talk before Benediction.
All are invited for this period of prayer, fasting, and penance in the Holy Presence of Jesus.
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!
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 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, Jan 29: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 5: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 12: Classes - School
Sunday, Feb 19: No Classes - Presidents Day
First Communion Families Registration forms are now past due. Please remember to pick up your child’s preparation material.
January 29, 2023
All children enrolled in the First Communion Preparation Program are to attend the Rite of Enrollment on Sunday, January 29, 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 reminds 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.
Knights of Columbus Wheelchair
The Knights of Columbus Long Green Valley Council is pleased to announce it will be acquiring a wheelchair for use in our church. Feel free to use it while attending mass, but kindly sit in the pew as others may wish to use it as well. Do you know of someone in our Parish community that would benefit from having a wheelchair at home for their daily use? Your Knights Of Columbus Council may be able to assist. Please contact: Chuck Wenger / 443-829-3085
Donation Letters
Donation letters for income tax purposes were mailed to those families who contributed a total of $500 or more in 2022 to St. John Parish. Those who have donated any amount and are in need of this financial information may request a letter by phoning 410-592-6206 or emailing office@sjehydes.org the parish office.
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!
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.