Mass Intentions
Monday, December 2
7:00 a.m. Joan Bosley
8:00 a.m. Peyton & Madaline Carr
Tuesday, December 3
7:00 a.m. T.R. O’Farrell
8:00 a.m. Benedetta DiBlasio
Wednesday, December 4
7:00 a.m. Peg Rattie
8:00 a.m. Int. of Margaret Fisher
Thursday, December 5
7:00 a.m. Stanley W. Grzasko
8:00 a.m. Edward Hanses
Friday, December 6 (First Friday)
7:00 a.m. Int. of Tyler
9:15 a.m. Harry Viet
Saturday, December 7
8:00 a.m. Linda Herring
4:30 p.m. Harcharufka & Mergo Families
6:30 p.m. Earl Crehan, Sr.
Sunday, December 8
7:15 a.m. Stella Murray
8:45 a.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
10:30 a.m. Helen Cronauer
12:00 noon Sydney & Elizabeth Renehan
6:00 p.m. William Taymans
From the Pastor
Welcome to Advent. This holy season of prayer and preparation gives a much-needed focus to what has become the “holiday season.” I encourage you to participate in the opportunities for prayer, Mass, adoration, reconciliation and charity that are available here in our parish. Time and patience are two of the most needed qualities of the season. Spiritual renewal is the foundation of all our advent preparation, and the inexhaustible sources of grace…try it, it works. Time, patience and finances may run out… God’s grace is always available.
Hope to see you at our Christmas Bazaar next Saturday.
May God bless you,
Rev. Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano, Pastor
Liturgy & Worship
FIRST FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ... December 6
Morning Masses will be at 7:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. in the church.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Saturday, December 7
The 4:30 p.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
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 with details located at the doors of the church.
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.
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.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS MEMORIALS should be received in the parish office by noon on Monday, December 16. Flower offering envelopes are available at the doors of the church. Please include (print or type) the names of the loved ones you wish remembered, your donation and envelope number (if you use weekly offering envelopes). You may place your envelope in the collection basket or bring it to the parish office.
CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the doors of the church. Offering envelopes may be placed in the collection basket or bring to the parish office.
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.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS MINI-RETREAT and REVIEW: Please reserve Saturday, January 18 (snow date January 25), for a Mini-Retreat and Review at Carroll Community College from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. All Liturgical Ministers will receive a personal invitation in December.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … December 2 - 8
Mon.: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11
Tues.: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:7-8,12-13,17; Lk 10:21-24
Wed.: Is 25:6-10; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37
Thurs.: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27; Mt 7:21,24-27
Fri.: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; Mt 9:27-31
Sat.: Is 30:19-21,23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35-10:1,5,6-8
Sun.: Is 40:1-5,9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mt 1:1-8
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
As we await new heavens and a new earth, let us make clear the way of the Lord by being servants of justice, truth, and peace. All are invited in the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING for weekend of November 24, will be included in next week’s bulletin.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 5,830,381. VISION 2003
Paid to Date: 4,615,491. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Balance: $ 1,214,890. Pledged to date: 5,830,381.
Pledges Needed: $2,226,219.
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.
THANK YOU for your DONATIONS to the Special Collection for the Campaign for Human Development. Collected was $4,276.64.
School News
School Calendar
Dec. 2-5 Grade 6 Dare Program
Dec. 2 Academic Team Mtg. – 3:25 – 4:20 p.m.
Dec. 4 St. Nick Program for kindergarten
Dec. 4 Academic Team Mtg. – 3:25 – 4:20 p.m.
Dec. 6 School Closed – Bazaar preparation
Dec. 7 Christmas Bazaar 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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
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) —
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 *
ST. JOHN ADOPT-A-FAMILY: Your Christian charity and generosity will provide the folks listed on your gift tags with a joyful Christmas. You may bring your wrapped gifts to Mass on the weekend of December 7 & 8 (firmly attach gift tags.) We will also be collecting gifts on Monday, December 9 in the garage behind the parish center between the hours of 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Please be sure to bring gifts to us by December 9 at the latest.
Activities in Our Parish
ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, December 1
Sodality meets for the 8:45 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the Emmaus room in the parish center. Ladies aged 16 and older are welcome. If you need a ride, call Deana at 410-876-1007.
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.
CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Tues., Dec. 3
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. All interested are invited to attend. For more information, call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY … Wednesday, December 4
The next monthly meeting will begin with quiet prayer in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m., followed by a meeting in the parish center. All parishioners are invited to join us.
BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE SALE … Beginning Dec. 5
St. John Boy Scout Troop will again be selling Christmas trees in the field behind the school. Weekdays, from 5 - 9 p.m. and on weekends, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Scotch and white pines $25, spruce $30, and Douglas fir $35. All trees are freshly cut from local growers. The scouts greatly appreciate your support.
POINSETTIA SALE … Sunday, December 8 & 15
After all Sunday morning Masses in the cafeteria. Stop in after Mass for a selection of beautiful poinsettias for Christmas. All proceeds will go to the Church Building Fund.
WISDOM CLUB 24th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY …
Thursday, December 12
At Martin’s 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.
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.
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.
From the Archdiocese
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 either November 15-17 or February 7-9, 2003. To receive more information, please call 410-647-0350 or 301-468-6764.
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.
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 is desperately looking for large gift baskets for the Christmas bazaar. Please call Kathy Rhoten at 410-876-8116.
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).
MARKETPLACE 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. 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
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.
DEDICATION COMMITTEE MEETING … Thurs., Jan. 23
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. Members please plan to give your report.
ST. JOHN ALUMNI are planning a giant celebration for all St. John Alumni and need your help in locating them. 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: Boys and girls ages 5 – 14, experienced or beginners. For information for boys, call Stew Love at 410-876-5066 or for girls, call Beth Nave at 410-857-9363.
Reminders
THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon on the Monday before the weekend in which the announcement is to appear. All announcements are requested in writing. You may submit bulletin notices via e-mail to bulletin@sjwest.org. Thank you.
2003 WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES for CHILDREN are available in the School and Parish Center Offices. The use of envelopes is one way that children can participate in their church.
ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Call the parish office to schedule.
LARGE‑PRINT EDITIONS OF THE MISSALETTE are available for parishioner use at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass to pick up a copy.
We Pray…
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Agnes Ripper, James Trotta, John P. Randall, James M. Price, Jeannette Pytel, Manuel Torres, Esther Miller, Charles Keiner, and for their families and friends.
BAPTISM... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church: Jeremy Joseph Gehan, son of Robert Gehan and Cailey Johnson.