Mass Intentions
Monday, December 23
7:00 a.m. Int. of the Foley Family
8:00 a.m. Int. of Chotilde Drechsler
Tuesday, December 24
7:00 a.m. Joseph Schmid
8:00 a.m. Antonia & Antonio Zito
4:00 p.m. Benedetta & Ronald Di Blasio
4:15 p.m. Nicholas Baccala, Sr.
4:30 p.m. Int. of Deta Sisson
6:00 p.m. Cathrine Harvey
12:00 midnight Edward J. Heine
Wednesday, December 25
8:00 a.m. Richard E. Phelps
10:00 a.m. Eugene L. Hartigan
12:00 noon Berenice Batterden
Thursday, December 26
7:00 a.m. Lucia & Vincenzo Moranto
8:00 a.m. Carl W. Wagman
Friday, December 27
7:00 a.m. Sr. Margaret Geraghty
8:00 a.m. Maureen Brothers
Saturday, December 28
8:00 a.m. Patsy Vitter
4:30 p.m. Parishioners of St. John Parish
6:30 p.m. Madeline & Peyton Carr
Sunday, December 29
7:15 a.m. Leroy Moore
8:45 a.m. T.R. & Gertrude O’Farrell
10:30 a.m. Paul Bauer
12:00 noon Mildred Brink
6:00 p.m. Albert Myers
From the Pastor
I want to thank all who participated in our families in need program this year. Thanks to your continued generosity and support, many families in our community benefit through your response. The beautifully wrapped gifts filled our sanctuary, and served as a powerful witness to the Gospel message. I am deeply grateful to the leadership and members of our St. Vincent de Paul Society for coordinating this important program and the ongoing work of our volunteers throughout the year. Thanks again to our Poor Box contributors, your donations enable us to serve those most in need of our help.
May God bless you,
Of Special Note
PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED on Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, December 26 for Christmas.
Liturgy & Worship
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.
ATTENTION LITURGICAL MINISTERS! Invitations to attend the Mini-Retreat at Carroll Community College on January 18, 2003, have been mailed. If you are an Usher, Lector or Eucharistic Minister, or are involved in Art & Environment, or the Music or Children’s Liturgies, and did not receive an invitation, please call Norma Perron in the parish office.
OUR 150th ANNIVERSARY MASS … Sunday, January 5
The 12:00 noon Mass, celebrated by Bishop Malooly, will commence a year of celebration for our parish. Priests who have served at St. John in past years will be joining us. All parishioners are invited. An early arrival is suggested to assure seating.
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.
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
4:00 p.m. Church
4:15 p.m. Western Maryland College
4:30 p.m. Westminster High School 6:00 p.m. Church
12:00 midnight Church
Wednesday, December 25 – Christmas Day:
8:00 a.m. Church
10:00 a.m. Church
12:00 noon Church
Tuesday, December 31 Vigil Mass at 4:30 and 11:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 1 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … December 23-29
Mon.: Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Ps 25:4-5,8-10,14; Lk 1:57-66
Tues.: 2 Sm 7:1-5,8-12,14,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Lk 1:67-79
Wed.: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18
Thurs.: Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59; Ps 31:3-4,6-8,17-21; Mt 10:17-22
Fri.: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2,5-6,11-12; Jn 20:1,2-8
Sat.: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2; Ps 124:2-5,7-8; Mt 2:13-18
Sun.: Sir 3:2-7,12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:22-40
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
Family life is rooted in the unconditional love of God as witnessed by the Holy Family. 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 15, 2002:
Envelopes: $21,689.39 Attendance: 3839
Loose: 4,573.85 Poor Box: $1,910.13
TOTAL: $26,263.24
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $21,484.45. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 5,874,124. Goal: $ 8,056,600.
Paid to Date: 4,630,296. Pledged to date: 5,874,124.
Balance: $ 1,243,828. Pledges needed: $ 2,182,476.
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 Retirement Fund for Religious. Total collected was $7,738.11.
2003 WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES for CHILDREN are available in the School and Parish Center Offices.
School News
School Calendar
Dec. 23-Jan. 1 School Closed - Christmas Vacation
GROCERY CERTIFICATES are available each school morning in front of the school and in the school office during the day.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF wishes all our volunteers, students and families a very holy Christmas and a blessed New Year.
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.
ATTENTION CONFIRMATION STUDENTS: Just a reminder that our retreat is coming up January 10 – 12. Parents, please be sure that you have returned the liability release form given at the parent orientation. Your child cannot attend the retreat if we do not have this form.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —
OPEN GYM NIGHT … Sunday, December 29
Life Teen will be hosting open gym night. Come bring some friends, and be prepared for an awesome time.
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) —
OPEN GYM NIGHT … Friday, December 27
From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., join us for open gym night. Bring a Friend!
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —
NEXT ACTIVITY NIGHT ... Friday, January 17
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of the school. All 5 – 6 graders are welcome. No need to sign up, just come and bring a friend.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
The members of St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to send the church community warmest wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year. Thank you for the support you give throughout the year, making it possible to help needy families and individuals throughout Carroll County.
THE GABRIEL PROJECT of ST. JOHN is in need of daytime drivers to help girls get to doctor 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
LIVE NATIVITY … Sunday & Monday, December 22 & 23
From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. next to the garage of the parish center. Life Teen and the Edge will team up to help our entire parish prepare their hearts and minds for the birth of Christ by presenting a Live Nativity. Please take a few minutes to drive or walk by and celebrate the real reason for the season.
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.
MARCH for LIFE … Wednesday, January 22
Will you stand up for the least among us? Come with the Pro-Life Group to represent St. John parish at the Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. It is a peaceful, prayerful, joyful, inspiring day! We leave St. John after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and return between 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. To sign-up or for further information, call Joanne Bohli at 410-876-7984 or e-mail stjohnprolife@aol.com.
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.
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.
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY: Please note, there will be no January meeting.
LEGION OF MARY ... Every Wednesday
Morning and evening meetings available. Contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 for more information.
NEW BEGINNINGS is held in the parish center on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month from 7:00 – 9:00 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.
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.
ALL MARRIED COUPLES are cordially invited to celebrate at the special World Marriage Day Mass and Reception at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, February 9, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. The Mass will be interpreted for the hearing-impaired.
LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE: Our parish is participating in Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s search for the longest married couple in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. One nominee from each parish will be honored during a special Mass celebrated by William Cardinal Keeler. Please call or send your name or the names of your candidates, married 50 years or more, to the parish office no later than January 12, 2003. Please include their names, address, telephone number and wedding date.
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
NFP at ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH … Sunday, January 5
Natural Family Planning is the married couple’s choice for a safe, effective, and drug-free method to plan or postpone pregnancy. To register for the series, call NFP office at 410-368-2810.
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.
EFFECTIVE FATHER SEMINAR … Fri., February 7 & 8
Held at St. Peter the Apostle, Libertytown, Friday, February 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (dinner) and Saturday, February 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (breakfast & lunch). This seminar will teach fathers, in partnership with their wives, how to impart family values, create wisdom, instill a sense of destiny, and build self-esteem in their children. A prayerful time for sharing what God, our wives, children, and grandchildren expect of us as effective fathers. The cost is $30.00. For more information, please call Ed Russo at 410-795-6980.
IRISH LEGENDS TOUR … June 8-18, 2003
Join the Ancient Order of Hibernians in this eleven-day trip including round trip transportation to Ireland. Spend 9 nights in first class hotels and enjoy 17 meals including taxes and tips for $2,205 per person. For information and reservations, call Deb Krebs at 800-955-2582. Take a chance to win 2 paid trip tickets which support the AOH Scholarship Fund.
In the Community
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 BULLETINS for December 29 and January 5 have been submitted to the printer due to Holiday deadlines. Articles for the January 12 bulletin may be submitted at any time, however the deadline is Monday, January 6 at 12:00 noon.
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.
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.
LECTORS: If you have not done so already, please pick up handbooks in the Sunday Sacristy.
LARGE‑PRINT MISSALETTE are available at weekend Masses.
We Pray…
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Josephine Lindsey, Phyllis Eckenrode, George Trump, August Puglisi, Thomas Demetrakis, Daniel Cooney, and for their families and friends.
BAPTISM... Congratulations and welcome to the following child recently baptized at St. John Church: Alexa Marie and Julia Rose Cecil, daughters of Craig & Leslie Cecil; Nicole Louise Waxter, daughter of Richard & Stacy Waxter; Cameron Allen Zienty, son of Christopher Zienty & Audrey Pritts; Riley Ayers Adkins, son of Rodney & Marcie Adkins; and Katarina Marie Polischeck, daughter of David & Kristina Polischeck.
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. Patsy Alban, Lou Koch, Erin Marlatt, Martha Welle, Grace Hehl, Margaret Olden, Isalel Damer, Edward Ernst, Lucille Kasuler, Louise Donatone, Edgar L. Poist, Int. of Edna Albiniak, Peyton & Madaline Carr (5 Masses), Rheba Poole, Jim McNamara, Marie Benton, Elizabeth Lample, Louise Roos, Stephan Toop, Peggy Godrey, Ann Zavadil, Joan Jachelski, Joan Shelton, Marie Wolf, and Int. of Amy Javoski.