Mass Intentions

Monday, December 22

      7:00 a.m.               Henry Giersch

      8:00 a.m.               Barbara Werner

Tuesday, December 23

      7:00 a.m.               Frank Puleo

      8:00 a.m.               Patricia Sprankle

Wednesday, December 24

      7:00 a.m.               Joseph Schmid

      8:00 a.m.               Bruce Pasquelino

      4:00 p.m.               Mary Diane Reusing (Church)

      4:15 p.m.               Int. of Clark Brumbley (Hall – Old Church)

      4:30 p.m.               Nicholas Baccala, Sr. (Westminster High)

      6:00 p.m.               Benedetta & Ronald DiBlasio (Church)

    12:00 midnight      Edward J. Heine (Church)

Thursday, December 25

      7:15 a.m.               Richard Phelps

      9:15 a.m.               Eugene L. Hartigan

    11:15 a.m.               Berenice Batterden

Friday, December 26

      7:00 a.m.               Carl Wagman

      9:30 a.m.               Bertha Sprankle

Saturday, December 27

        8:00 a.m.               Sr. Margaret Geraghty

        5:00 p.m.               Rosario Maranto

Sunday, December 28

      7:15 a.m.               Vincenzo & Lucia Moranto

      9:15 a.m.               Lillian Parks

    11:15 a.m.               Harcharufka & Mergo Families

      3:15 p.m.               Gordon Schafer

      6:00 p.m.               Parishioners of St. John Parish

 

 

From the Pastor

    As you make your plans for Mass on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, I encourage you to invite a family member, friend or neighbor to, “Come home for Christmas.”  Masses on Christmas day are usually not as crowded as Christmas Eve. Archbishop Borders will celebrate the 9:15 Mass for us on Christmas Day. It is my privilege to join with my brother priests, our pastoral staff and our parish school to offer you and your families our prayers for God’s blessings for you in this holy season. I also thank you for all your prayers and Christmas greetings. I am especially grateful for your generous response to our annual families in need program sponsored by our St. Vincent de Paul Society. Your continued prayers, faithful witness and generous stewardship are deeply appreciated.

 

 

                May God bless you,

   

 

Of Special Note

THE PARISH OFFICES will be closed on Thursday, December 25^th and Friday, December 26^th in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

 

 

 

Christmas Mass Schedule

Wednesday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve

                4:00 p.m.                           Church

                4:15 p.m.                           Hall – Old Church

                4:30 p.m.                           Westminster High School

                6:00 p.m.                           Church

                12:00 midnight                Church

 

Thursday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day

                7:15 a.m.                           Church

                9:15 a.m.                           Church

                11:15 a.m.                         Church

 

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

Wednesday, December 31     Vigil Mass at 4:30 and 11:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 1              7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 am.

 

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.

 

CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) are available in the parish office. A $3.00 donation is requested.

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 2 & 9 a.m. and 3, 4, 5 & 6 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 12, 1, 3, & 8 a.m.; Wednesdays – 2, 3 & 7 a.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 3 a.m.; Fridays – 1, 2, 3 a.m. and 12 & 1 p.m.; and Saturdays – 12, 1, 2, & 3, a.m. and 12, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 & 10 p.m. Please call the parish office if you can fill one hour.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Ryan William and Morgan Ashley Blankenship, children of Mary Jane & William Blankenship, III; Aleigh Grace Freed, daughter of Cynthia & Alvin Freed, Jr.; Steven Michael Joyce, son of Kimberly & Jeffrey Joyce, Sr.; Ellie Marie Russin, daughter of Jeremy & Patricia Russin; Aidan Colin Costello, son of John & Kathleen Costello; and Jullian Kate Pumputis, daughter of James & Dorothy Pumputis. 

 

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: Frank McNaulty, Agnes Bordes, Evelyn & Charles Young, Edward McClean, Helen Roche, Albert Rommell, Ann Miller (2 Masses), Thomas Sheridan (2 Masses), Mab Mason, Maureen Brothers, (2 Masses), John Worrich, Elizabeth McCulloh, Charlotte Marchese, Rev. Ron Pytel (3 Masses), Lumen Norris (2 Masses), Benedetta Di Blasio, Elaine Sobieski, Mary Raulie, Lillian Parks, Martin Fischer, Louis Colozzi, Grace Kohorst Raymond Klayburner, Ken Albiker, Donna Atwell, Beverly Serach (3 Masses), Butch Ward, Connie Humphrey, Kaleigh Shifflett, Ron Di Blasio, Int. of Sheila Baker, and Int. of Ray Stetz.

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … December 22-28

Mon.:   1Sm 1:24-28;   (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1-8;   Lk 1:46-56

Tues.:  Mal 3:1-4,23-24;   Ps 25:4-5,8-10,14;   Lk 1:57-66

Wed.:  2 Sm 7:1-5,8-12,14,16;   Ps 89:2-5,27,29;   Lk 1:67-79

Thurs.: Is 52:7-10;   Ps 98:1-6;   Heb 1:1-6;   Jn 1:1-18

Fri.:      Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59;   Ps 31:3-4,6,8;   Mt 10:17-22

Sat.:      1 Jn 1:1-4;   Ps 97:1-2,5-6,11-12;   Jn 20:1-8

Sun.:     1 Sm 1:20-22,24-28;   1Jn 3:1-2,21-24;    Lk 2:41-52

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 14, 2003:

Envelopes:       $14,630.19                              

Loose:                   5,574.13                               Poor Box:   $1,763.76

TOTAL:         $20,204.32

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,251.55. Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    6,933,243          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,576,966          Pledged to date:         6,933,243

Balance:               $  1,356,277 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       573,577

Thank you to all parishioners who have made a pledge. Memorial opportunities are still available. Please call the parish office to make, renew or extend your pledge.

 

CHILDREN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES are available in the school and parish offices.

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscovs, and local grocery stores. They are available through the school office and before school.

 

PTF DANCE & SILENT AUCTION … Friday, April 23

Mark your calendars for this St. John PTF Annual event. Donations to the silent auction are needed including: time-shares, antiques, crafts, services, sports items or tickets, etc. Proceeds benefit the School and donations are tax deductible. For donations or info, contact Sheri at 410-833-6197 or Mary at 410-552-6689.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF would like to wish our students, teachers, assistants, office helpers and their families a most joyous Christmas and continued blessings for the New Year.

 

THERE WILL BE NO RELIGIOUS ED. CLASSES …

Tuesday, December 23, Thursday, December 25, Tuesday, December 30, and Thursday January 1. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 6 and Thursday, January 8. 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY … Sunday, December 21

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. There will be music, fun, games, and who could forget the food. Please bring a side dish to share.

 

 

OPEN GYM NIGHT … Friday, December 26

For information, contact slink@sjwest.org or call the Religious Education Office.

 

SPRING KICK-OFF … Sunday, January 11

From 7:15 to 9:00 p.m.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to send the church community our warmest wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year. Thanks for all the support you give us throughout the year. You make it possible for our organization to help needy families and individuals throughout Carroll County.

 

THANK YOU to the youth group “The Edge” for providing us with canned goods to distribute to Carroll County Food Sunday.

 

CARROLL TRANSIT SYSTEM will provide a bus for those who need transportation to area Sunday church services on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays each month. Cost is $2 per person each way (within a 5 miles radius). Call 410-875-5555 by Thursday prior.

 

activities in Our Parish

AND SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS

 

POINSETTIA SALE   … Sunday, December 21

After all Sunday morning Masses in the school cafeteria.

 

BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE SALE … Now until Dec. 23

St. John’s Boy Scout Troop is selling freshly cut, locally grown Christmas trees. The hours are: Weekdays, 5-9 p.m. and Weekends, from 9:00 am. – 9:00 p.m. The scouts greatly appreciate your support!

 

YOUNG ADULT CHRISTMAS CAROLING … Sun., Dec. 21

Immediately following the 6:00 p.m. Mass, we will meet outside church. We will be Christmas caroling in the local neighborhoods followed by Hot Chocolate and Cookies. All are invited!

 

EVENING VESPERS & TOUR of the CHURCH … December 23

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. We will have evening vespers and a tour of the new church. Invite your friends and family.  

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, December 27

Couples married in December are invited to renew their marriage vows at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. If you wish to participate, please sign up in the Sunday Sacristy or the parish office.

 

MARRIED COUPLE’S DATE NIGHT OUT … Sat., Dec. 27

From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the St. Theresa Room in the parish center.  

SESQUICENTENNIAL YEAR CLOSING MASS… Sat., Dec. 27

On the Feast Day of our patron Saint. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Malooly at 5:00 p.m. A reception to follow in the gym.

 

WELCOME HOME to the CATHOLIC FAITH! On Monday, December 29^th, at 7:00 p.m. in the church, St. John welcomes all those who are “Seeking a Home” in the Catholic Church,  “Coming Home” to their Catholic Faith, or wanting to learn more about our faith. Topics include: “Coming Back to the Sacraments, Annulments, Q & A about what Catholics believe and why. It’s also an opportunity to have a church tour. Tell a neighbor or family member.

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. Jan. 4

If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved in the parish, you are invited to attend a Welcoming Session being held from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, January 4

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the parish center. All ladies of the parish are invited. For information, call Deana at 410-876-1007.

 

STAND VOLUNTEER PRESENTATION … Mon., January 5

From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the old church. All parish volunteers who have not been to a STAND presentation must attend this session. For additional information, contact George Hinkel at the parish office ext. 249.

 

OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING … Mon., January 5

At 3:30 p.m. in the parish center Room A. New members are welcome! For more information, please call Anne Nevin at 410-876-1027.

 

LITURGICAL MINISTERS RETREAT … Saturday, Jan. 17

At Carroll Community College, registration at 8:00 a.m. The retreat will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. Please reserve this date on your calendar (snow date will be January 24). The following Liturgical Ministers should attend: ·Lectors ·Ushers ·Eucharistic Ministers ·Music Ministers ·Children’s Liturgy ·Children’s Liturgy of the Word ·Art & Environment ·Liturgy Committee Members.

 

LES MISERABLES … Saturday, April 17

Due to some cancellations, there are still 6 tickets left for the play, Tickets are $73.00 including the bus from St. John’s to the Hippodrome theatre in Baltimore. Also, Fr. Brian will hold a one- hour talk about the play/music sometime in the Spring. Date to be announced. For information, call Mary Masimore at 410 857-0526.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY KEEPSAKES AVAILABLE to benefit our Church Building Fund! ■ The Wine Glass bears a satin-etched image of our Sesquicentennial logo, costs $5. ■ The 6” square Ceramic Tile shows a gold metallic representation of our Sesquicentennial logo and detailed images of the three churches. Cost is $10. Both may be purchased in the parish office, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, while supplies last.

 

 

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY BOOK & VIDEO are available for pick-up and sale at the Parish Office, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To make arrangements for evening pick-up, call Sue Ripper at 410-876-3472 or ext. 217 in the parish office. Books are $20, Videos/DVDs are $15. Buy the set for $30 and save! A limited number are still available. Makes a great Christmas gift!

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY SWEATSHIRTS: Sizes available: youth small through adult 3x. For information, contact Jean at 410-848-8654 or Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307.

 

ALTAR SOCIETY of ST. JOHN is in need of several more people willing to donate some of their time on Fridays to help clean the church. For more information, please contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596.

 

THE HISPANIC MINISTRY is looking for Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, and parishioners to assist in other ways for the 3:15 p.m. Spanish Mass, and with the Spanish-speaking community. You need not be fluent in Spanish. For more information, call Denise Diegel at 410-876-0860.

 

MEMORIAL BRICKS: We will have a 3^rd opportunity to purchase a memorial brick. 4 x 8 brick forms are available in the parish office. A limited number of 8 x 8 bricks will be available, call Kathy Duex for an 8 x 8 form at 410-848-4469. Bricks are $75 for 4 x 8 and $150 for an 8 x 8.

 

NEW BEGINNINGS is held in the parish center on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays each month from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to provide separated or divorced people a forum to exchange experiences, ideas and opinions. For info, call Janelynn Moore at 410-848-8741.

 

HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from either the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which will be held every 1^st Sunday of the month, from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.

 

TOGETHER we can MAKE IT is an 8-10 week support group with a limited number of participants for those recently separated or divorced. For Info, call Janelynn Moore at 410-848-8741.

 

THREE MARY'S AUDIO CD'S: In time for Christmas!  Excellent quality. A limited number are available. The cost is $14. For information, call Jeanne 410-751-6106. 

 

SUNDAY NURSERY for 1-5 year olds will be held in the St. Matthew room of the school during the 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. For info, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

 

 

At Other Parishes

CHRISTMAS CONCERT … Sunday, January 4

At Knott Auditorium, Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg. Featuring International Irish Tenor Mark Forrest, sponsored by Our Father’s Divine Work. Tickets are $25.00 per person. For information, call 410-239-7847.

 

DELONE HIGH PLACEMENT TEST … Sat., January 17

For eighth graders who do not attend PA area schools. If you are interested in pursuing an education at Delone Catholic as a ninth grader, you must take the placement test. Call Sister Maria at 717-637-5969 to register.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM: Each week a St. John family receives the chalice and the commission at Mass to pray for an increase in the priestly and religious vocations during that week. Sign up now to have your family receive the chalice. For information, call Ms. Hopkins at 410-857-5487.

 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES ANSWERS for the AGING is a free and confidential information and referral service for older adults, their families and/or caregivers. When you call, a referral counselor/specialist will listen to your questions or concerns and can help identify options and make referrals to appropriate agencies. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of trying to find the right service, call 410-646-0100 or 1-888-507-7587.