Mass Intentions
Monday, November 25
7:00 a.m. Mergo & Harcharufka Families
8:00 a.m. Marjorie B. Case
Tuesday, November 26
7:00 a.m. Carl W. Wagman
8:00 a.m. Mary Wells
Wednesday, November 27
7:00 a.m. John Flahavan
8:00 a.m. Rose Savino
Thursday, November 28
9:00 a.m. Charles McFadden
Friday, November 29
7:00 a.m. Peter Foley
8:00 a.m. Maureen Brothers
Saturday, November 30
8:00 a.m. Walter Ward
4:30 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
6:30 p.m. Int. of Mary Jo Hutson
Sunday, December 1
7:15 a.m. Edward & Lillian Swinderman
8:45 a.m. Charles McFadden
10:30 a.m. Anna Lona
12:00 noon Rose, Nicolas, & Elizabeth Savino
6:00 p.m. C. Edward Drechsler, Jr.
From the Pastor
Happy Thanksgiving. The traditional beginning of the shopping and holiday seasons is also the commencement of our liturgical year. This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, the feast that brings the Church year to its conclusion. Recognizing the role that Our Lord has in our lives, and in the world, enables us to focus on the kingdom of God. The holiday season is truly a wonderful time of year. Keeping it a holy season makes it a season of blessings. Thank you for all you are doing for our parish.
May God bless you,
THE PARISH OFFICES will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Liturgy & Worship
LITURGICAL STUDY FORUM … Tuesday, November 26
From 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the church. Join Fr. Leo as he leads this discussion on the history of the Mass, basics of the Eucharist, and a Church tour. All are invited to attend, especially in light of the new liturgical document from the Vatican.
THANKSGIVING DAY … Thursday, November 28
Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. in the church. Blessing of your Thanksgiving food will be immediately after Mass.
ADVENT PARISH PENANCE SERVICE … Thurs., Dec. 19
At 7:00 p.m. in the church. Several visiting priests will be here to assist with individual confessions. All are encouraged to attend this beautiful service in preparation for the coming of the Lord.
IMPORTANT LITURGY UPDATES: Beginning the 1st week of Advent, our parish (and the Archdiocese) will be going through some liturgy updates. These are simple and helpful in making our Mass more focused and prayerful. Please take home an information sheet located at the doors of the church detailing these changes.
THOSE WHO WISH TO LIGHT THE ADVENT CANDLES at the beginning of weekend Masses are asked to sign up on the poster in the back of church.
THE CHILDREN’S LITURGY COMMITTEE is looking for actors, readers, and gift bearers for the Christmas Eve Liturgy at Westminster High School. Actors must be able to attend two rehearsals; one on December 14th in the parish center and one on December 21st at WHS. Readers must be able to attend the December 21st rehearsal at WHS. Please call Mrs. Carbo at 410-840-8205 or 410-236-8206 if you are interested in participating.
PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 4 & 5 p.m.; Tuesdays – 1 a.m.; Wednesdays – 1 a.m. and 10 p.m.; Thursdays – 5 p.m.; and Saturdays – 10 a.m., 12, 1, 6 p.m. If you are willing to spend 1 hour or ½ hour each week with the Lord, please call the parish center to give us your name, phone number and the day and time that we may schedule you for Adoration.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS MINI-RETREAT and REVIEW: Please reserve Saturday, January 18 (snow date January 25), for a Mini-Retreat and Review. All Liturgical Ministers (Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Music Ministers, Lectors, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Children’s Liturgy, Art & Environment) are urged to attend. If you cannot, please let your coordinator know. This important and necessary event will focus on prayer and ministry, and also help us organize ourselves as we prepare for the transition to the new church. The keynote address will be given by Msgr. Valenzano. This event will be a unique opportunity for you to grow in faith and be more effective in ministry. At Carroll Community College from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. All Liturgical Ministers will receive a personal invitation in December. Please assist us in our preparation, and RSVP at that time.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … Nov. 25-Dec. 1
Mon.: Rv 14:1-3,4-5; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 21:1-4
Tues.: Rv 14:14-19; Ps 96:10-13; Lk 21:5-11
Wed.: Rv 15:1-4; Ps 98:1-3,7-9; Lk 21:12-19
Thurs.: Rv 18:1-2,21-23;19:1-3,9-20; Ps 100:2-5; Lk 21:20-28
Fri.: Rv 20:1-4,11-21,:2; Ps 84:3-6,8; Lk 21:29-33
Sat.: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 4:18-22
Sun.: Is 63:16-17,19;64:2-7; 1Cor 1:3-9; Mt 13:33-37
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
Lord, rend the heavens and come down. Come and save us from our sins. Let us turn again to You and so be found blameless when You return in glory. All are invited in the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of November 17, 2002:
Envelopes: $17,100.81 Attendance: 3520
Loose: 4,817.66 Poor Box: $1,429.99
TOTAL: $21,918.47
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $20,993.43. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 5,753,951. VISION 2003
Paid to Date: 4,590,372. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Balance: $ 1,163,579. Pledged to date: 5,753,951.
Pledges Needed: $2,302,649.
Thank you to all parishioners who have made a pledge. Many more are needed. Memorial opportunities are still available. Please call the parish office to make, renew or extend your pledge.
School News
School Calendar
Nov. 25-26 School Closed – Professional Days
Nov. 27-29 School Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday
GROCERY CERTIFICATES: Please support the school through purchasing certificates to local grocery stores. They are available in the school office, and before and after school in the parking lot.
PROSPECTIVE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: If you would like to serve on the St. John School Board, you are asked to call the membership chairman, Tess Hupfeld, at 410-876-2961 for more information and an application. We are currently in need of both parent and non-parent members with a background in technology and finance.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no Religious Education classes on Tuesday, November 26 or Thursday, November 28 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Religious Education Staff continues to keep our volunteers, students and their families in prayer this Thanksgiving and always. Have a blessed holiday!
NOTE TO THURSDAY STUDENTS: Due to the Christmas Bazaar set-up the scheduled Thursday, December 5th class is held on Wednesday, December 4, this week only. Thank you.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES BEGIN for the Tuesday session on Tuesday, December 2nd and for the Thursday sessions on Wednesday, December 4th (due to the Christmas Bazaar). Students are asked to come prepared with a pen and a folder.
CONFIRMATION MASS OF INITIATION … Sun., Dec. 8
At 6:00 p.m. in the church. All Confirmation students are expected to attend. Please sit up front in the pews reserved for you. If you would like, please stay for the Life Teen Life Coffee House, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.
CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS ARE NEEDED in the Religious Education Program. If you can help, please call the office ASAP.
REMINDER to PARENTS of 2nd GRADERS: Baptismal information forms are due in the Religious Ed. Office by Nov. 25.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
POST-THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL … Saturday, Nov. 30
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join our 2nd annual “After Turkey Day” flag football game, on the field behind the parish center. Everyone, including Life Teen Alumni, is invited to play and then share some food. Please bring a bag of chips or a 2-liter soda.
ANNUAL COFFEE HOUSE … Sunday, December 8
After the 6:00 p.m. Mass. If you would like to do something for this really cool night, please e-mail Jordan at jtippett@sjwest.org.
LIVE NATIVITY: Life Teen and the Edge will be teaming up to present a Live Nativity for our parish the weekend before Christmas. If you would like to help (parents too), please call/e-mail Paul.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 - 8) —
EDGE NIGHT … Sunday, December 8
After the 6:00 p.m. Mass. This is going to be an awesome night focusing on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Come learn everything you want to know and have a blast with your friends! The person who brings the most friends will win a cool prize!
LIVE NATIVITY: The Edge will team up with Life Teen to present a Live Nativity for our parish the weekend before Christmas. If you would like to help, please e-mail Mrs. Brown at abrown@sjwest.org.
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —
NEXT ACTIVITY NIGHT ... Friday, December 20
From 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. in the cafeteria of the school. All 5 – 6 graders are welcome. No need to sign up. Come and bring a friend!
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
SHEPHERD’S STAFF THANKSGIVING DINNER … Nov. 28
The Shepherd’s Staff Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held here, at St. John, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, at 12:00 noon. This holiday meal has been created to bring together those who wish to share the blessings of feasting and fellowship on Thanksgiving Day. There is no charge and all are welcome. St. Vincent de Paul has been asked to supply the canned goods. Please help us provide the canned vegetables (101 ounce cans-#10 cans) for this dinner. The vegetables that are needed are string beans, whole kernel corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, and cranberry sauce. Please bring them to the school cafeteria by November 25 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please call Joe Wade at 410-876-2785. We depend on your help and thank you for your continued support.
ST. JOHN ADOPT-A-FAMILY Caring and Sharing Tree is in the narthex of the church. This program helps to provide families and individuals with a Christmas they would not otherwise have. Deadline to bring your gifts is December 9th.
Activities in Our Parish
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP … Sunday, November 24
After the 6:00 p.m. Mass. Encourage and strengthen Catholic men in faith and spirit through prayer, sharing and support. For more information, call Lawrence Solarczyk at 410-751-6477.
NEW BEGINNINGS: New Beginnings is being held in the parish center on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month from 7–9 p.m., to provide separated or divorced people a forum to exchange experiences, ideas and opinions on subjects of interest to singles. For information, call Karen F. at 410-871-7247 or 410-857-1010.
BLOODMOBILE at ST. JOHN … Monday, December 2
From 2-8 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Come donate blood at this very critical time–only a 1-day supply is on hand. Phone callers needed to make appointments. To make an appointment, call Ted at 410-876-2107. To help in the canteen, call Marianne at 410-875-2437. He shed His blood for us. Let us share ours for our neighbor.
WISDOM CLUB 24th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY …
Thursday, December 12
At Martins Westminster from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $20.00 for members and $22 for non-members (all are welcome) Included is a delicious buffet, installation of officers, door prizes and entertainment. For additional information, call Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307 or Frances at 410-876-6411.
SUNDAY NURSERY … During the 8:45 & 10:30 Masses Childcare will be provided for ages 1-5 in the St. Matthew Room of the school building. No need to sign up in advance! Thank you to those who gave donations. We still need a child’s kitchen and child’s size table. For additional information, call Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790 or Ann Messina at 410-751-9844.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION: St. John Catholic Church will begin Pre-Cana Classes to assist couples preparing for marriage. We’re looking for married couples to help. Couples must be married at least 5 years and have a sincere desire (notice: we’re not asking for “perfect”) to promote and strengthen marriage values. Training will be provided. Time requirements are very limited for this ministry. For more information, contact Fr. Leo Patalinghug.
AA MEETING ... Every Friday Evening
AA meets at 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. There are no fees or dues. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. For more information or someone to talk to if you perceive you may have this disease, call Bob K. at 410‑857‑1782.
From the Archdiocese
DO YOU KNOW WHERE GOD IS CALLING YOU? If you have any questions about discerning a vocation to the priesthood or women’s religious life, contact Fr. Gerard Francik, the Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, at 410-547-5354.
MARRIAGE – A VOCATION TO HOLINESS: Married couples experiencing some difficulties in the marriage, but willing to put their best effort into living their vows, are encouraged to participate in a retreat called “Retrouvaille” on February 7-9, 2003. To receive more info, please call 410-647-0350 or 301-468-6764.
ADVENT EVENING OF DISCERNMENT … Tues., Nov. 26
At 7:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen Parish Center.
Christmas bazaar 2002
Saturday, December 7
ANGELS MINI-MALL needs donations as soon as possible of appropriate gift items: candy, microwave popcorn, candles, jewelry, cookbooks, religious items, ornaments, etc. To donate items, or get volunteer info, call Christine Myers at 410-876-5627.
BAKE TABLE needs cakes, pies, bread, brownies, cupcakes, loaf cakes… also homemade jams and jellies. If you have any questions or would like to help, please call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655.
BASKET BOUTIQUE will raffle several Longaberger® Baskets at Christmas Bazaar this year. Don’t miss your opportunity to win one! Chances are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.
COOKIES, COOKIES, COOKIES…hundreds of cookies are needed to make the Christmas Bazaar a success. If you can bake any kind of cookies, please call Mary Mussari at 410-848-3354. If you can donate any time that day, please call.
COMPUTERS, gently used systems, are needed. Call John Paris at 410-751-7581 (h) or 410-857-7666 (w).
MARKET PLACE is now accepting gently used household items, small working appliances, furniture, bed/bath/table linens, tins, baskets, toys, games. Donations may be left in the basement of the new school building on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Deadline for donations is Tuesday, November 26. For information, call Regina Sell at 410-876-6170.
RELIGIOUS ARTICLES, new and used, are needed, such as crucifixes, medals, statues, pictures, Bibles, rosaries, etc. Items should be marked “Religious Articles” and may be left in the white food buckets at the doors of the church. For larger items or for further information, call Nina at 410-635-6422.
STITCHIN’ NOOK is in need of handmade items for their table this year. Any items may be dropped off at the parish center office. Please clearly mark your donation. For information, call Nancy Buell at 410-848-4744, ext. 236.
STUFFED ANIMALS & DOLLS are needed for the Christmas Bazaar. For information, please call Cathy Hoos at 410-876-2442.
DONATIONS REQUESTED of crewel or embroidery kits not yet completed. These will be completed and donated to the Christmas Bazaar. Mark donations, “Plants and Posies”.
ALL DONATIONS should be clearly marked with the name of the group for which they are intended. For daytime drop-off, please call Al Wilder at 410-596-3608 (Mon - Fri. 8 a.m. –3 p.m.).
Our Sesquicentennial
DEDICATION COMMITTEE MEETING … Thurs., Jan. 23
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. Members please plan to give your report.
CELEBRATE 150 YEARS with a ST. JOHN commemorative sweatshirt. Members of the Wisdom club will be taking orders after all Masses this weekend. Shirts will be here in time for Christmas. Prices are $20 (S-XL) $22 (2X) and $23 (3X). Phone orders will be taken through Dec. 8 by calling Lois at 410-840-0451, Frances at 410-876-6411, or Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307.
ST. JOHN ALUMNI are planning a giant celebration for all St. John Alumni and need your help in locating them. We also need chairpersons for various committees. For information, call Darlene Smith at 410-876-7031 or 410-848-1508.
MEMORIAL BRICK DEADLINE is December 15 for the first order of pavers. The 4” x 8” bricks are $75 and forms are available in the narthex of the Church and in the parish center. The 8” x 8” are $150 and forms for these can be mailed to you. Please call Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469 for further information. Proceeds will go toward the furnishings of our new Church.
At Other Parishes
HEALING MASS at ST. JOSEPH’S … Wednesday, Dec. 4
At 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Eldersburg. Come join us and experience the Lord’s healing love. For more information, call Fr. Pat Tonry at 410-795-7838.
In the Community
PARIS TRIP … January 11 – 19, 2003
Spaces available to see the “City of Lights” of Paris, France. Join this local group for their third organized trip. For information, call Jack at 410-848-3675 or Paul at 410-840-1914.
SPRING 2003 LACROSSE in WESTMINSTER: Experienced and beginners, boys and girls ages 5-14. For information for boys, call Stew at 410-876-5066. For girls call, Beth at 410-857-9363.