Mass Intentions
Monday, December 30
7:00 a.m. Int. of Michael & Sandy Sneeringer
8:00 a.m. Joseph L. Mathias, Jr.
Tuesday, December 31
7:00 a.m. Int. of Capital Campaign Volunteers
8:00 a.m. Benedetta & Ronald Di Blasio
4:30 p.m. Int. of Colleen Hattrup
11:30 p.m. Int. of Sister Charlotte
Wednesday, January 1
8:00 a.m. Int. of Poor Box Contributors
10:00 a.m. Catherine Cole
12:00 noon Int. of Evelyn Hartigan
Thursday, January 2
7:00 a.m. Peyton & Madaline Carr
8:00 a.m. Maureen Brothers
Friday, January 3
7:00 a.m. Int. of Pat Brink
9:15 a.m. Vera & Girard Schwessinger
Saturday, January 4
8:00 a.m. Sister Marie Bernadette Cochran
4:30 p.m. Simonne Garceau
6:30 p.m. Steve McBeth
Sunday, January 5
7:15 a.m. Int. of Helen Sobus
8:45 a.m. Sherry Kubala
10:30 a.m. George Schauermann
12:00 noon Parishioners of St. John Parish
6:00 p.m. G. Kenneth Horvath
From the Pastor
I join with my brother priest and our entire pastoral staff to pray that God blesses you and your families during this holy season. Celebrating the birth of our Savior provides us with opportunities to contemplate the mystery of God’s love for us and His continued presence in our world. I pray with you and for you that the Christmas season will be time of grace.
Bishop Malooly, our Vicar Bishop, will celebrate the noon Mass next Sunday, January 5th as we begin our celebration of the 150th anniversary of our parish. Events have been planned throughout the year (please see the last page of this year’s parish calendar). I hope you will be able to join us for many of these activities and events. Please watch the bulletin for details.
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May God bless you,
Of Special Note
PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED on Wednesday, January 1 for the New Years holiday.
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.
Liturgy & Worship
FIRST FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ... January 3
Morning Masses will be at 7:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (attended by St. John School) in the church.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Saturday, January 4
The 4:30 p.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
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.
· The deadline for responding to the Mini-Retreat invitation was December 19. If you received an invitation to attend the retreat and have not responded, please call the Receptionist in the parish office at 410-848-4744, stating your name, ministry in which you serve, and whether you will be attending.
PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 1, 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.
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 … Dec. 30 – Jan. 5
Mon.: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40
Tues.: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2,11-13; Jn 1:1-18
Wed.: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
Thurs.: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28
Fri.: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6; Ps 98:1-3,6; Jn 1:29-34
Sat.: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1,7-9; Jn 1:35-42
Sun.: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:2,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:2-3,5-6; Mt 2:1-12
SCRIPTURE STUDY ... Every Wednesday
All nations are invited to sing the Lord’s praises for they have been called to hear the good news and worship the long awaited Messiah and King with the gift of their lives. All are invited to the parish center at 7:15 p.m. to review, in advance, Sunday’s scripture.
Stewardship
THE WEEKLY OFFERING for the Weekends of December 22, 29 and January 6 will be included in the bulletin for January 12. 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.
2003 WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES for CHILDREN are available in the School and Parish Center Offices.
THE SPECIAL TIME between Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays is often a time of reflection back upon the last year’s happenings and blessings…it can be a time when some of you determine whether you are able to make a year-end gift to a favorite charity and take advantage of the tax deduction opportunity. Please remember St. John when formulation your year-end charitable gift contributions. Thank you.
School News
School Calendar
Dec. 23-Jan. 1 School Closed – Christmas Vacation
Jan. 3 9:15 a.m. Liturgy – Grades4A & 4B
PROSPECTIVE KINDERGARTEN MEETING … Mon., Jan 13
At 7:30 in the church. This meeting will introduce parents to the St. John School Registration process, Admission Policy, and general information.
GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved but the school makes 5% from all sales. They are available through the school office and before and after school in the parking lot and on the third Sunday of each month after Masses. Thank you.
MAKE ST. PATTY’S DAY 2003, A LUCKY DAY for St. John School! A silent auction fund raiser will be held at the St. Patrick’s Day Dance on March 15, 2003. We need contributions. All donations are tax deductible. For information, please call Mary Richards at 410-552-6689 or Sheri Jadra at 410-239-6870.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
REMINDER: There will be no Religious Education classes Tuesday December 31 and 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, come and bring a friend!
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
Because of the extraordinary generosity of St. John parishioners, the Christmas Sharing and Caring Program was able to help 153 families–529 individuals, (258 of them children), by supplying food certificates and also new gifts of clothing and toys for the Christmas Holiday! What a magnificent impact you have on the lives of people in need in Carroll County. Thank you for the support you give to our organization throughout the year! God Bless you in the New Year!
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
ST. JOHN LADIES SODALITY … Sunday, January 5
The Sodality will meet for Mass at 8:45 a.m. There will be no meeting after Mass this month.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING ... Monday, January 6
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. The Council welcomes your attendance and invites you to bring your concerns or comments to its attention by calling the parish office and leaving your name and phone number. A Council member will return your call.
CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Tues., January 7
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.
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.
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.
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.
LEGION OF MARY ... Every Wednesday
Morning and evening meetings available. Contact Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 for more information.
JUNIOR LEGION OF MARY … Friday afternoon’s
At 3:00 All Catholics under the age of 18 are eligible to join. We make rosaries for missions, assist at Religious Ed., visit nursing homes, and distribute holy cards and medals. If you would like your child to grow closer to Jesus and Mary, please consider joining us. For more info, call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.
CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL … Friday Evenings
From 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the gym. Adults are invited to come, enjoy the fun, and exercise. For more information, please call Laura at 410-552-1572.
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
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
DEDICATION COMMITTEE MEETING … Thurs., Jan. 23
At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. Members please plan to give your report.
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.
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
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 boys call Stew Love at 410-876-5066, for girls call Beth Nave at 410-857-9363.
Reminders
THE BULLETIN for January 5th has been submitted to the printer due to Holiday deadline. Articles for the January 12 bulletin may be submitted at any time, however the deadline is Monday, January 6 at 12:00 noon.
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 EDITIONS OF THE MISSALETTE are available for parishioners. Please see an usher before Mass.
We Pray…
WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Grace Mac Millan, Sophia J. Curtis, Shirley Lombardi and for their families and friends.
FLOWERS on the ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in loving memory of Tony Del Negro, donated by Kathy & Austin Del Negro.
HAS IT BEEN A WHILE since you prayed the ROSARY? You just can't remember all the prayers and mysteries to complete your rosary? Check the pamphlets available in the church for help. The rosary is prayed daily after 8:00 a.m. Mass.