Mass Intentions

 Monday, November 29

      7:00 a.m.        Irene Stem

      8:00 a.m.        Maureen Brothers   

Tuesday, November 30

      7:00 a.m.        Irene Stem

      8:00 a.m.        Walter Ward

Wednesday, December 1

      7:00 a.m.        William M. Cook

      8:00 a.m.        Hilda Kuhn

Thursday, December 2

      7:00 a.m.        Int. of Poor Box Contributors

      8:00 a.m.        Lydia Lanza

Friday, December 3 (First Friday)

      7:00 a.m.        Dale Weaver, Sr.

      9:30 a.m.        T.R. O’Farrell

      7:00 p.m.        Int. of the Deborah Newmann Family

Saturday, December 4

  8:00 a.m.        Peyton & Madaline Carr

  5:00 p.m.        Stanley Grzasko

Sunday, December 5

      7:15 a.m.        Dan Cooney

      9:15 a.m.        Joseph O’Brien

    11:15 a.m.        Anna M. Long

      3:15 p.m.        Int. of Volunteers of St. John

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

 

From the Pastor

    Welcome to Advent!  This short and important liturgical season provides us with opportunities for prayerful reflection and focused preparation. The scriptures that we will hear throughout Advent call us to prayer; as we discern God’s plan of salvation revealed to us through the prophets and manifested in the birth of Our Lord and Savior.  It is appropriate to imitate the Blessed Mother as she pondered in her heart the angel’s greeting and humbly submitted to God’s will. The busyness of the holiday season has the potential of distracting our attention; the message of Advent refocuses us to prepare a place for the Child of God in our hearts. May this Advent be a season of blessing for our parish.

May God bless you,

 

 

  

Liturgy & Worship

FIRST FRIDAY MASSES ... December 3

Masses are 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School ), & 7:00 p.m. Confessions: 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. & 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

First Friday Devotion … A traditional day to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to ask His mercy especially through the sacrament of confession. The devotion began with a private revelation from Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during the 1600’s.

 

FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION … December 4

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, December 5

The 9:15 a.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.

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 …

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

 

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

 

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings

Immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … Nov. 29- Dec. 5

Mon.:   Is 4:2-6;   Ps 122:1-9;   Mt 8:5-11

Tues.:  Rom 10:9-18;   Ps 19:8-11;   Mt 4:18-22

Wed.:  Is 25:6-10;   Ps 23:1-6;   Mt 15:29-37

Thurs.: Is 26:1-6;   Ps 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27;  Mt 7:21,24-27

Fri.:      Is 29:17-24;   Ps 27:1,4,13-14;   Mt 9:27-31

Sat.:      Is 30:19-21,23-26;   Ps 147:1-6;   Mt 9:35-10:1,5,6-8

Sun.:     Is 11:1-10;  Ps 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17;  Rom 13:11-14;  Mt 3:1-12 

           

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING for Weekend for November 21 & 28 will be included in the next bulletin.

 

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.

 

School News

                 

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

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

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscov’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 school.

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

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

 

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 regularly 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 regularly 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.

 

NEW HATS, MITTENS & SCARVES will be collected by Ms. Mort’s 7^th grade class for local children in need. Please send in to the Religious Ed. Office by Dec. 9^th

 

 

NO LIFE NIGHT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28^th.

 

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. 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR HELP NEEDED: 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.

 

 

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 *

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wed., December 1

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. We hope to see all members in attendance. If you would like to learn more about the work this organization does, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

 

activities in Our Parish

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.

 

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY … Wednesday, December 1

The next monthly meeting will begin with quiet prayer in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. , followed by a meeting in the parish center. All parishioners are invited to join us. 

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. Dec. 5

From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Luke room in the school. If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved in the parish, please attend.

 

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.

 

SEPARATED, WIDOWED OR DIVORCED … Tues., Dec. 7

From 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the parish center. For some, the holiday season can be a lonely time. Join us as we explore ways to celebrate new traditions. Lead by Mary Lynne  Ziegler.

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.

 

FEAST of OUR LADY of GUADALUPE … Sunday, Dec. 12

At 3:15 p.m. join a celebration of the Eucharist to honor our Lady of Guadalupe, Blessed Mother of the Americas . The Mass will be preceded at 2:45 with a concert of religious music, including a children’s choir. All parishioners are invited to attend this celebration as well as a potluck reception following.

 

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 group meets,  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.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 2005 … Sunday, February 20

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. , at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, all couples are invited to participate in a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal William Keeler, to give witness to the beauty and dignity of marriage and family. A reception will follow.

 

LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE: 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 28, 2005 . Please include their names, address, telephone number and wedding date.

 

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.

 

At Other Parishes

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. 

 

Christmas Bazaar News

~ Saturday, December 4 ~

 

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.

 

ANGELS MINI MALL needs donations of trinkets, keepsakes, knick-knacks, scented candles, jewelry boxes, personal sample size toiletries, small toys, dollar store items (especially geared for men) to help make baskets and goody bags.  Volunteers are also needed for the bazaar. Your generosity allows the "Little Angels" an opportunity to experience the joy of gift giving.  For info or to volunteer, please call Christine Myers at 410-876-5627.

 

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.

 

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.