Mass Intentions
Monday, December 16
7:00 a.m. Int. of Poor Box Contributors
8:00 a.m. David Weidner
Tuesday, December 17
7:00 a.m. Int. of Betty Kula
8:00 a.m. Charles Keiner
Wednesday, December 18
7:00 a.m. Agnes Ripper
8:00 a.m. Ronald DiBlasio
Thursday, December 19
7:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes
8:00 a.m. Int. of Fr. Tom Golueke
Friday, December 20
7:00 a.m. Rheba Poole
8:00 a.m. Philip Vaio
Saturday, December 21
8:00 a.m. Paul M. Koontz, Jr.
4:30 p.m. Mary and Raymond Garner, Sr.
6:30 p.m. Edward Dempsey
Sunday, December 22
7:15 a.m. Rosario Maranto
8:45 a.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
10:30 a.m. Carlo Pepe
12:00 noon Thomas Velnoskey
6:00 p.m. Int. of the Capital Campaign Volunteers
From the Pastor
I want to thank all those responsible for this year’s parish Christmas Bazaar. I am especially grateful to John Paris, the chairman of the bazaar, all the volunteers, the generous donations (including the lawn tractor from the Westminster Knights of Columbus, the gift certificates from many local businesses) and all who participated. Thanks to your cooperation, hard work and prayers, we can celebrate another successful event. Our parish is truly blessed to have so many people willing to come forward and help. I pray that this same spirit of cooperation and participation will continue throughout this holy season and in all of the events planned for our 150th anniversary year.
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.
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.
CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) are available at the parish office. A $3.00 donation is requested.
150th ANNIVERSARY INAUGURAL MASS … Jan., 5, 2003
At 12:00 Noon. Please note that the time of the Mass celebrating the commencement of our 150th Anniversary year as a parish has been changed. (Please disregard the originally stated Mass time in the Advent Mailing to registered parishioners.)
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … December 16-22
Mon.: Nm 24:2-7,15-17; Ps 25:4-9; Mt 21:23-27
Tues.: Gn 49:2,8-10; Ps 72:3-4,7-8,17; Mt 1:1-17
Wed.: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1,12-13,18-19; Mt 1:18-25
Thurs.: Jgs 13:2-7,24-25; Ps 71:3-6,16-17; Lk 1:5-12
Fri.: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38
Sat.: Sg 2:8-14; Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21; Lk 1:39-45
Sun.: 2 Sm 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
David’s posterity shall endure forever. His kingship finds its fulfillment in the son of Mary, Jesus the Christ. To Him be glory and praise forever. All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 8, 2002:
Envelopes: $20,776.15 Attendance: 3535
Loose: 4,430.93 Poor Box: $1,460.54
TOTAL: $25,207.08
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,276.68. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 5,847,264. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,624,869. Pledged to date: 5,847,264.
Balance: $ 1,222,395. Pledges needed: $ 2,209,336. 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.
School News
School Calendar
Dec. 16 Grades 8 H.S. Applications due in St. John Office
Dec. 17 Grade 3 Trip to Kraushaar Auditorium
Dec. 20 Students may wear Christmas Spirit Clothes
GROCERY CERTIFICATES … Weekend December 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
REMINDER: There will be no Religious Education classes Tuesday December 24 through Thursday, January 2. Classes will resume Tuesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 9.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
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.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 - 8) —
CHRISTMAS PARTY … Sunday, December 15
From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. We’ll have food, games, and tons of fun! Please bring a snack, dessert, or drink to share. Please Note–the next EDGE night will be on Friday, December 27. Join us for open gym night.
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —
YOUTH ALIVE CHRISTMAS PARTY ... Friday, Dec. 20
From 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. in the cafeteria of the school. Bring a wrapped gift ($5.00 value suitable for both a boy or girl) to exchange. Come and enjoy games, food and fun! All 5 – 6 graders are welcome.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
ST. VINCENT de PAUL would like to thank those who contributed to the Shepherds Staff Annual community Thanksgiving Dinner. Approximately 500 people were served a wonderful dinner. It was a great success!
Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next Sunday, the third weekend of the month, we observe Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the white buckets by the door. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods, such as toilet tissue, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you so much for your continued help and generosity!
THE GABRIEL PROJECT of ST. JOHN is 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, 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
POINSETTIA SALE … Sunday, December 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.
COMMEMORATIVE SWEATSHIRT PICKUP … Dec. 14 & 15
Wisdom Club members will be at the Parish Center with sweatshirts that were paid or and not picked up at the Bazaar. Saturday, December 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call Lois at 410-840-0451 or Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307.
NEW BEGINNINGS HOLIDAY SOCIAL … Thurs., Dec. 19
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. New Beginnings is being held in the parish center on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month 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.
RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, December 28
Couples married in December are invited to renew their marriage vows at the 4:30 p.m. Mass. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or call the parish office in advance of the weekend.
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.
MEN’S PRAYER GROUP … Every Sunday Evening
After the 6:00 p.m. Mass, in the St. Luke Room of the school. For more information, please call Paul Forst at 410-857-3542.
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! For info, call Peggy at 410-848-0790 or Ann Messina at 410-751-9844.
LEGION OF MARY ... Every Wednesday
Morning and evening meetings available. Contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 for more information.
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.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR REPORT 2002
Angels, Inc................................................................................... 2,311.11
From the Archdiocese
A SERVICE of LESSONS and CAROLS … Sunday, 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.
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 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
SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION CALENDAR
The year 2003 marks the 150th Anniversary of our parish. It is hoped that all parishioners will join in the festivities at these events celebrating our parish and our new church.
January 5: Inaugural Mass celebrated at 12:00 noon by Bishop Malooly. Begins the celebration of our 150th year as the parish of St. John. Reception follows in the gym.
March: 30 – Apr. 3: Parish Lenten Mission in the church prepares us for the celebration of our Savior’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. All parishioners encouraged to share this experience.
April: “Passion According to St. Luke” presented by Leonardo Defilippis. At 8:00 p.m. in the gym. For information, call the Religious Ed. Office.
May 3: 150th Anniversary Gala at Martin’s, Westminster, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Dining, dancing and special presentations. Tickets required. Call Karen at 410-857-1010.
July 20: St. John School Reunion for all alumni. Tickets required for reception at Martin’s, Westminster. Call Darlene at 410-876-7031.
August 9: Parish Family Picnic at the historic Shriver Homestead in Union Mills. For information, call Sue or Pat at 410-876-3745.
September 28: New Church Dedication Mass celebrated by Cardinal Keeler. A reception follows in the gym.
September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13: Musical Production of “The Three Marys” presented by St. John parishioners at Winter’s Mill High School.
October. 1: “St. Therese, the Little Flower” presented by Leonardo Defilippis. At 7:30 in the gym. For information, call the Religious Ed. Office.
November: 150th Anniversary Book & Video detailing the history of St. John parish scheduled for release. Available to all parishioners.
December 27: Sesquicentennial Year Closing Mass, on the feast day of our patron saint. At 6:30 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Malooly. A reception follows in the gym.
DEDICATION COMMITTEE MEETING … Thurs., Jan. 23
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. Members please plan to give your report.
At Other Parishes
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.
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.
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
2003 WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES for CHILDREN are available in the School and Parish Center Offices.
2003 PARISH CALENDARS are available in the back of church if you did not get one already. Please note the back page of the calendar is an easily accessible reference of the events planned to celebrate our parish from January through December 2003.
LECTORS: If you have not done so already, please pick up handbooks in the Sunday Sacristy.
HOLIDAY BULLETIN DEADLINES: The December 29 bulletin deadline will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17 and the January 5 bulletin deadline will be at 9:00 a.m. on December 19 due to the printer deadline for the Christmas and New Year Holidays. Bulletin for December 22 will be the usual, Monday (12/16) at 12:00 noon. 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.
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 Margaret Grant, Robert Seiler, and for their families and friends.
BAPTISM... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church: Ashlee Bryce Aluise, daughter of Dawn & Joseph Aluise; Mackenzie Denise Christie, daughter of Tasha & Edward Christie; and Allison Nicole Haines, daughter of Janet & Dennis Haines.