Mass Intentions
Monday, December 9
7:00 a.m. Catherine Cole
8:00 a.m. Ronald Perron
Tuesday, December 10
7:00 a.m. Charles & Evelyn Young
8:00 a.m. Int. of Clotilde Drechsler
Wednesday, December 11
7:00 a.m. Simonne Garceau
8:00 a.m. Girard Schwessinger
Thursday, December 12
7:00 a.m. Margaret Cooney
8:00 a.m. Maureen Brothers
Friday, December 13
7:00 a.m. Ethel Cockey
8:00 a.m. Lucia Moranto
Saturday, December 14
8:00 a.m. For an end to abortion
4:30 p.m. Josa Arroyo
6:30 p.m. Alex Kulbicki.
Sunday, December 15
7:15 a.m. Int. of Andrea Brown
8:45 a.m. Fr. Patrick Begley
10:30 a.m. Anna M. Long
12:00 noon Joseph Brink
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
From the Pastor
I realize there may be some confusion regarding the celebration of the feast of the Immaculate Conception this year. The Second Sunday of Advent is celebrated this weekend, and the Immaculate Conception will be observed on Monday, December 9th. It will not be a holy day of obligation this year; however, Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 a.m. in the Adoration Chapel and 8:00 a.m. in the church.
The construction of our new church building is almost on schedule. Please use caution when driving near the work site and avoid areas of the parking lot that have been roped off. Most of the steel work should be completed by Christmas. Thank you for your continued prayers, sacrifices and cooperation as we move forward with this work.
May
God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
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.
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 brought 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. Please call Mrs. Carbo at 410-840-8205 or 410-236-8206 if you are interested in participating.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY of the WORD is looking for volunteers during the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. We welcome teens or adults to assist with this mission that serves the children of the parish. Please call, Nancy Merril at 410-876-2173.
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 9-15
Mon.: Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38
Tues.: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3,10-13; Mt 18:12-14
Wed.: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4,8,10; Mt 11:28-30
Thurs.: Zec 2:14-17; (Ps)Jdt 13:18,19; Lk 1:26-38
Fri.: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19
Sat.: Sir 48:1-4,9-10; Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19; Mt 17:9,10-13
Sun.: Is 61:1-2,10-11; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,19-28
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
John witnesses to one who is to come, one far mightier than he, one who will proclaim freedom and deliverance from sin and death. As we await His coming again in glory, let us join with Mary in singing the praises of God. All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of November 24, 2002:
Envelopes: $16,359.18 Attendance: 3523
Loose: 4,688.39 Poor Box: $1,521.19
TOTAL: $21,047.57
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 1, 2002:
Envelopes: $18,908.93 Attendance: 3546
Loose: 4,330.61 Poor Box: $2,354.09
TOTAL: $23,239.54
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: $ 5,830,381. 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.
THE SPECIAL COLLECTION this weekend is the annual collection for Retired Religious. Thank you for your generosity.
School News
School Calendar
Dec. 9 Grades 1 & 3 Christmas Program in Church – 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 Sacrament of Reconciliation for Grades 5-8 – 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 12 K1 & K2 Walking Field Trip to Bowman’s
Dec. 13 Grade 1 Field Trip to JCK Tree Farm
Dec. 14 Archdiocese High School Admission Test
GROCERY CERTIFICATES … Weekends Dec. 8 & 15
Don’t forget to purchase grocery certificates for your weekly shopping. Pick up a few Kohl’s gift cards so you are ready for their one-day sales! Buy a grocery certificate for your college student or a friend in need. Thank you for your support.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
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.
NEXT HOME STUDY MEETING … Wednesday, Dec. 11
At 6:45 p.m.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
ANNUAL COFFEE HOUSE … Sunday, December 8
Beginning 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 or /e-mail Paul in the Religious Education Office.
HELLO STEUBENVILLE! That’s right, it’s time to register for our summer conference “Just Live It!” at Franciscan University. We will enter into the lottery for the weekend of either June 20-22 or July 11-13. We will let everyone know ASAP which week we will attend. An initial deposit of $50 is due by December 29. This incredible weekend is open to all those presently in 8-12 grade. For more information or to pick up a registration form, call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.
— 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!
CHRISTMAS PARTY … Sunday, December 15
From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. All 7 – 8 graders are invited to our Christmas Extravaganza. Please email Mrs. Brown at abrown@sjwest.org if you plan on coming. Bring a friend!
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 this weekend, 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.
THE GABRIEL PROJECT of ST. JOHN wishes to thank the church family for their support. We are in need of daytime drivers to help girls get to doctors appointments, as well as other needs. We are also in need of housing for girls that are pregnant or have just had a baby. If you are interested in helping out please call 410-871-1181. Time in your home can be from 2 weeks to 6 months or longer. Training is available.
Activities in Our Parish
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.
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.
BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE SALE … Until Christmas
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.
WISDOM CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY … Thurs., Dec. 12
At Martin’s Westminster from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for members and $22 for non-members (all are welcome) Included is a buffet, door prizes and entertainment. For info, call Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307 or Frances at 410-876-6411.
MARRIED COUPLE’S NIGHT OUT … Sat., December 28
From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the parish office.
LES MISERABLES … Thursday, January 2
St. John is organizing a bus trip to see the musical classic Les Miserables in Washington, D.C. Space is limited, please call the parish office to reserve a place on the bus.
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
A SERVICE of LESSONS and CAROLS … Sun., Dec. 22
The Cathedral of Mary our Queen is conducting a service of Advent lessons and carols at 5:00 p.m. This is an ideal way to spiritually prepare your family for Christmas.
EVENING OF DISCERNMENT … Tuesday, December 10
At 7:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen parish center.
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.
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. For information, call Darlene Smith at 410-876-7031 or 410-848-1508.
At Other Parishes
BAZAAR and SPAGHETTI DINNER … Sun., December 8
At Mount De Sales from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Collector quality, Handmade Crafts, Homemade Sweets and Baked Goods and a Silent Auction. Enjoy an authentic Italian spaghetti dinner including Homemade Meat Sauce, Salad, Freshly Baked Bread, Cookies and Beverage. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children. Family tickets are available for $30 (immediate family only). For more information, call Larry Schuberth at 410-750-7964.
BEANS & BREAD CHRISTMAS CONCERT … Sat., Dec. 14
At 8:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson. Beans & Bread Outreach Center is holding it’s 13th annual concert to help raise funds for its work with persons who are hungry, homeless, and in need. The full chorus of the Annapolis Chorale and members of the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform a selection of music for the Advent and Nativity. For information, contact Amy Mickolite at 410-547-5374.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL TESTING for the 2003-04 school year will be Saturday, December 14 at your favorite Catholic High School. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Test will begin at 9:00 a.m. SHARP! The cost is $20.00 cash.
FRIENDS of MERCY, a support group for separated, divorced, or widowed, is sponsoring a talk given by Fr. Joe Brieghner on Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Mercy High School entitled “The Holidays are Almost Here…Oh No!!” A donation of $4 will be appreciated. For more information, call John at 410-529-7499.
ST. ALPHONSUS FLEA MARKET … Sunday, December 22
From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. held in the school building. Many items have been added since the last Flea Market. At 1:30 p.m. in the church they will hold a community Sing-a-Long until 3:00 p.m. Come enjoy and sing with us.
DELONE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST … Sat., Jan. 4
From 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. a high school placement test will be given at Delone Catholic High School. This test is offered to and must be taken by any 8th grade student who has an interest in becoming a member of the class of 2007. Please call 1-717-637-5969 for an application. There is no cost to take this test.
In the Community
HANDBELL HOLIDAY … Saturday, December 14
At 7:00 p.m. presented by Westminster Ringers. A celebration of the season on English-style Handbells. Big Baker Chapel, McDaniel College. For tickets, call 410-848-5482.
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
2003 WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES for CHILDREN are available in the School and Parish Center Offices.
CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek)) are available at the parish office. A $3.00 donation is requested.
LECTOR: If you have not done so already, please pick up handbooks in the Sunday Sacristy.
IMPORTANT BULLETIN DEADLINE for the December 29 bulletin will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17 and the January 5 bulletin will be at 9:00 a.m. on December 19 due to the printer deadline for the Christmas and New Year Holidays. All announcements are requested in writing, via fax, e-mail, bulletin@sjwest.org. or may be brought to the parish office.
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…
DAILY ROSARY is prayed each morning after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Pamphlets are available in the back of the church.
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Victoria Caulk, Gerald T. Jubb, Sr., Helen Wofford, Leo Curesky, Edward F. Szymanski, and for their families and friends.
BAPTISM... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church: Madison Taylor Deese, daughter of Michael & Lisa Deese; Douglas Calvin Conaway, III, son of Stacy & Douglas Conaway, Jr.; Jordan Michelle Dunworth, daughter of Derek & Shawn Dunworth; Alexandra Nicole Glover, daughter of Charles & Mary Glover; Kellie Leigh Horner, daughter of Jeff & Mary Glover; Caleigh Elizabeth Schneider, daughter of Eric & Rachel Schneider.
GREENS on the ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in memory of Gladys and Clarence Fischer, donated by their loving daughter Sue Fischer.
MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent: Hilda Handy, Curtis Topper, Dorothy Butts, Link Klabo, Colleen Marlatt, Bernadette Sova, Eric Logsden, Int. of the Bonnett Family, Jean Kaplan, James Cloeren, Doris Tansill, Raphael C. Myers, Nicholas A. Gounaris, Edward Andrew, Shirley Cox (3 Masses), Margaret Agerkins (2 Masses), Raymond Leister, Wallace Schaller, Jimmy Yuspa, Emmett Norris, Arthur F. Schafer, Francine Meo, James Farrell, Joe Napieralski, Angela Cola Cicco, Mary Robbins, Charles R. Safrit, Derwin Hughes, Betty Ulrich, Hayes Gardiner, and Jean Koch.