Mass Intentions

 Monday, November 22

      7:00 a.m.        Peyton & Madaline Carr

      8:00 a.m.        Karl Amrhein, Sr.

Tuesday, November 23

      7:00 a.m.        Philip Buckleman

      8:00 a.m.        Edward L. O’Connor

Wednesday, November 24

      7:00 a.m.        Linda M. DeFoe

      8:00 a.m.        Charles & Evelyn Young

Thursday, November 25

      9:00 a.m.        Harcharufka & Mergo Families

Friday, November 26

      7:00 a.m.        Edward and Lillian Swinderman

      9:30 a.m.        Carl W. Wagman

Saturday, November 27

  8:00 a.m.        Int. of the Poor Box Contributors

  5:00 p.m.        Parishioners of St. John Parish

Sunday, November 28

      7:15 a.m.        Francis Benesh

      9:15 a.m.        Gary Courville

    11:15 a.m.        Vince Luke

      3:15 p.m.        Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes

      6:00 p.m.        Joseph O’Brien

 

From the Pastor

    As our nation celebrates Thanksgiving Day, I join with my brother priests and the entire pastoral staff of our parish and parish school to thank you for all you do and are. All thanks and praise belongs to God who has blessed, nourished and protected our nation throughout these difficult times.  Please join me in our continued prayers for peace, for the poor and for those most in need of God’s love. I pray that the significance of this secular holiday may lead us to a deeper awareness and appreciation of our sacred obligation to give thanks to God. 

    Once again I invite you to participate in our parish ministry of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  Even if you cannot commit to a weekly time of adoration, you are always most welcome to visit and pray in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  

May God bless you,

 

 

  

THE PARISH OFFICES will be closed this Thursday and Friday, November 25^th & 26^th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

Liturgy & Worship

THANKSGIVING DAY MASS will be at 9:00 a.m. You are welcome to bring a food item to be blessed.

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION!! – YOUR OPPORTUNITY to SPEND TIME with the LORD. The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least two for each hour: Sundays – 12, 3, & 8 a.m.; and 12 noon, 6, 8 & 9 p.m.; Mondays – 1, 2 & 11 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 a.m. and 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2, 3, 7 & 9 a.m. and 12 noon; Thursdays – 2, 3 & 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Fridays – 12, 2 & 3 a.m., and 12 noon; Saturdays – 1, 2, 3 & 8 a.m.; and 12 noon, 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10  & 11 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: Zachary John Duft, son of Anthony & Elizabeth Duft; Christian Gabriel Spector, son of Charles & Amy Spector; Thomas Joseph Korpa, son of Mark & Diane Korpa; Carlos Daniel Campos, son of Juan Campos & Valentina Gomes; and Gethsemane Velasquez Colin, child of Aondio Velasquez & Juana Colin.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Joseph O’Brien, Irene Perego, and for their family and friends.

 

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in loving memory of Philip Buckleman, donated by his loving wife Marie.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET is prayed in the church before the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … November 22-28

Mon.:   Rv 14:1-3,4-5;   Ps 24:1-6;   Lk 21:1-4

Tues.:  Rv 14:14-19;   Ps 96:10-13;   Lk 21:5-11

Wed.:  Rv 15:1-4;   Ps 98:1-3,7-9;   Lk 21:12-19

Thurs.: Sir 50:22-24;   Ps 138:1-5;   1 Cor 1:3-9;   Lk 17:11 -19

Fri.:      Rv 20:1-4,11-21:2;   Ps 84:3-6,8;   Lk 21:29-33

Sat.:      Rv 22:1-7;   Ps 95:1-7;   Lk 21:34-36

Sun.:     Is 2:1-5;   Ps 122:1-9;   Rom 13:11 -14;   Mt 24:37-44 

           

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of November 14, 2004 :

Envelopes:       $19,468.79                               Attendance:  3447

Loose:                   5,648.36                               Poor Box:   $1,231.58

TOTAL:         $27,117.15

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $25,411.45 Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,162,670          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             6,026,136          Pledged to date:         7,162,670.

Balance:               $  1,136,534 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       344,150

 

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.

 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS: We have begun sending letters to verify the names and/or wording that will appear on the memorial plates to be displayed in the narthex of the church. It might take several months to contact everyone.

 

SECOND COLLECTION: Catholic Campaign for human development this weekend:  Are you overwhelmed to learn that nearly 35 million Americans live in poverty? As a parish community, we do make a difference––when we support the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CCHD is committed to helping people change the conditions that keep them living in a state of poverty. You can help break the cycle of poverty. Please give generously to the CCHD appeal this weekend.

School News

                 

ST. JOHN CARNIVAL PLANNING MEETING … Tues., Nov. 30

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center.

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES are available in the front of school each morning, and in the school office.

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

NO CLASSES on TUES., Nov. 23^rd or Thurs., Nov. 25^th

The Religious Education Staff would like to wish all of our volunteers, students, and families a most blessed Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful for the many blessings of our Religious Education Program.

 

TUESDAY STUDENTS GRADES 3-8 PENANCE SERVICE … Tuesday, November 30

Students in grades 3-8 should report directly to the church and sit with your class for the Advent Reconciliation Service, at the regular scheduled time. Students in K-2 and Confirmation, should report to class as usual.

 

HOME STUDY CLASSES … Wednesday, December 1

From 6:45 – 8:00 p.m.

 

NOTE for THURSDAY RELIGIOUS ED STUDENTS: There will be no regular Religious Ed classes on December 2^nd however, Thursday Confirmation classes will meet on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1^st, at the regular scheduled time and classroom.

 

CONFIRMATION MASS of INITIATION … Sunday, Dec. 5

At the 6:00 p.m. Mass, all Confirmation candidates must attend this Mass of Initiation.

 

BAPTISMAL INFORMATION FORMS for all second graders should be completed and returned to the Religious Ed. Office by Mon., Nov. 29^th.

 

CONGRATULATIONS to all the young people who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday. We pray you will always stay close to Jesus in His gift of forgiveness through this Sacrament.

 

 

LIFE TEEN TURKEY BOWL … Saturday, November 27

From 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the field behind the school, we will have our annual Turkey Bowl (flag football). All Life Teen alumni are invited.

 

NO LIFE NIGHT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28^th.

 

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR HELP NEEDED … Saturday, Dec. 4

We need volunteers at the Face Painting and Balloon Station. Two-hour shifts are available and you get a free lunch. We also need help with a new booth for painting nails. If you would like to help with either one, please call Scott or Jordan in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

COFFEE HOUSE … Sunday, December 5

Immediately after the 6:00 p.m. Mass, we will hold our annual Coffee House at St. John . Please get your acts together, and start preparing them now. If you would like to sign-up you must bring your own equipment (we can only provide a sound system with a microphone) email  slink@sjwest.org or jtippett@sjwest.org.

 

WINTER RETREAT … December 17 – 19

At Blue Ridge Summit ! 50 people have signed up. We will leave St. John by bus at 5:30 p.m. and will return on Sunday around 2:00 p.m. The cost is now $85.00. If you would like to go, please give your check to Scott, Paul or Jordan by November 28^th. You must have a current liability form on file. The retreat includes: bus transportation, retreat T-Shirt, room and board at Blue Ridge Summit and a Christmas present. You won’t want to miss out. 

 

 

THE EDGE  … Every 2^nd Sunday & 4^th Friday

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the gym. All 7^th & 8^th graders are welcome. Bring a friend. 

 

 

ACTIVITY NIGHTS ... Every 1^st & 3^rd Friday

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the cafeteria. For information, contact Scott in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

THE MEMBERS of ST. VINCENT de PAUL are grateful to all St. John Parishioners for their generosity and support during the year. We wish all a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

SHEPHERD STAFF THANKSGIVING DINNER … Nov. 25

Beginning at 12 noon at St. John . Please help St. Vincent DePaul provide the canned vegetables (101 oz  #10 Cans) such as green beans, whole kernel corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, cranberry sauce, and instant mashed potatoes. Please bring these items to the school cafeteria weekdays from Nov. 1^st through Nov. 23^rd, between 8–2:30 p.m. , and on Nov. 24^th from 2 – 7:00 p.m. For questions, call Joe Wade at 410-876-2785. To request delivery of meals to the homebound or for emergency transportation to the dinner, call 410-857-5844. This holiday meal is to bring together those wishing to share the blessings of feasting and fellowship on Thanksgiving Day. There is no charge and all are welcome.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

PROJECT RACHEL is a program of counseling, compassion and healing for women and men who have been involved in an abortion. Completely confidential, and directed by priests. Call 1-800-286-4224 for a referral.

TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM: Each week a St. John family receives the chalice and the commission at Mass to pray for vocations. To sign up, call Mrs. Hopkins at 410-857-5487.

 

activities in Our Parish

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, November 27

Couples married in November 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 in advance of the weekend.

 

FAITH and LIGHT COMMUNITIES … Mon., November 29

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the parish center, will be a follow-up organizational meeting to form a Faith and Light Community at St. John . Dolores Wilson, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator will speak. Faith and Light Communities are associations of persons with developmental disabilities, their families and friends. Communities meet regularly to share the Word of God, share events of their lives, share their gifts and graces, and share in prayer and praise and celebration. For more information, please call Gregory Rosko at 410-547-5410.

 

THE NEXT BLOODMOBILE … Monday, December 6

From 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. We collected 67 pints in September, and had 2 first time donors. We need people to make phone calls. If you can help or would like to make an appointment, call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107.

 

WISDOM CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY … Tues., December 7

From 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Martin’s Westminster . The cost is $22 for members and $24 for non-members (all are welcome). Please pay at the November meeting. The program includes lunch, installation of officers, entertainment and a sing-a-long. For info, call Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307 or Eleanor at 410-875-3336.

 

THE ALTAR SOCIETY is in need of people to help clean the church on Fridays (particularly the second or third Friday each month) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The goal is to have eight members on each team to accomplish our mission in a shorter period of time. For info, call Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596.

 

THE KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS CAR RAFFLES WINNER was Louis Langehr and Lenny Marcran was the TV winner.

 

THE LEGION of MARY helps members deepen their prayer life and find meaningful ways to express this in the community. Adult groups meet on, Mondays at 9:00 a.m. or Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Visitors are welcome! For information, call Inez Maguire at 410-876-1804.

 

MEMORIAL BRICKS: A fall campaign will run from September 1 through January 30, 2005 . During this campaign, purchase any of the four small crosses of 8x8 bricks for only $600 a savings of $150. The five brick groupings each form a small cross at different locations near the larger cross. Contact Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469 for details and/or your 8x8 brick forms. The 4x8 bricks are $75 and the 8x8 bricks are $150.

 

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.

 

Christmas Bazaar News

~ Saturday, December 4 ~

 

NEXT PLANNING MEETING … Wednesday, November 17

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center.

 

DONATIONS for the Christmas Bazaar are on Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the new school building (old parish center). For daytime drop off, please call Al Wilder at 410-596-3608 in advance to make arrangements.

 

BAKE TABLE NEEDS: cakes, pies, breads, brownies, cupcakes, loaf cakes, and home-made jellies and jams. Bake one of your family’s favorites! For info, call Mary Jo at 410-857-5655 or Pat Binko at 410-876-6060 (evenings)

 

BASKET BOUTIQUE Don't miss the Longaberger Basket Raffle. Six of the latest 2004 Baskets with liners & protectors filled with exciting Christmas gifts.  Call Kathy at 410-876-8116.

 

COOKIES, COOKIES, COOKIES needs your help. Hundreds of cookies are needed to make the Christmas Bazaar a success! If you can bake any type of cookie, or can help work the table the day of the bazaar, please contact Mary Mussari at 410-848-3354.

 

LUNCH MENU Chicken Dinner, Cream of Crab Bowl, Lunch Sandwiches, Soda, Hot Tea and Coffee. Cafeteria opens at 11:00 a.m. for lunch and dinner.

 

HOMEMADE FUDGE  & CANDY needs all types of fudge and candy makers! If you can not make the fudge/candy, donations of granulated sugar, chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, peanut butter and evaporated milk are needed. Collection baskets are outside the School and Religious Ed. Offices. For more info, call Mindy Wade at 410-875-0074.

 

KITCHEN HELP needed to make sandwiches in the morning, service line, cooking and dishwashing. Please call Jenny Scott at 410-236-6179.

 

THE MARKET PLACE will accept household donations at the above-designated drop off times. For additional information, call Regina Sell at 410-876-6170.

 

NORTH POLE CANDY needs all types of Christmas Candy, or leftover Halloween Candy. Collection boxes are outside the School and Religious Ed. Offices. For info, contact Cathy or Ray Arnold at 410-876-1978 or Marilyn Young at 410-781-4187.

 

RELIGIOUS ARTICLES new and used (medals, bibles, rosaries, pictures, statues, crucifixes, etc.) are needed for the religious table. For information and large pick-up, call Nina at 410-635-6422.

 

STUFFED ANIMALS and DOLLS in good condition. For info call Cathy Hoos at 410-876-2442.

 

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Especially on December 2^nd from 6-9 to help set up, and December 4^th `from 4-6 to break down. For info on how you can get involved, call John Paris, General Chairman at (w) 410-848-1151 or (h) 410-848-3970.

 

 

 

At Other Parishes

ANNUAL CLOTHING DRIVE … Saturday, November 27

From 8 a.m. – 12 noon at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Manchester . Clothing donations are accepted November 24 & 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to the public.

 

ADVENT DAY of PRAYER … Saturday, December 4

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Mission Helper Center in Towson . Discover the spirit of Christmas through prayer, reflection, sharing and liturgical celebration. Register by Nov. 30 at 410-823-8585.

 

THE KNOTT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS: Catholic students, now in Grade 4 or 8 may apply. An application request form describing eligibility requirements and deadlines for applying may be obtained from the web site at: www.knottscholar.org. 

 

Reminders

THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon on the Monday before the weekend in which the announcement is to appear. You may submit bulletin notices via e-mail to bulletin@sjwest.org.

 

ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: Our parish invites memorial donations for altar flowers. You may wish to memorialize a deceased loved one, commemorate an anniversary, etc. 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.