Mass Intentions

 Monday, December 6

      7:00 a.m.        Marjorie B. Case

      8:00 a.m.        Int. of Charles O. Fisher, Sr.

Tuesday, December 7

      7:00 a.m.        Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes

      8:00 a.m.        Theresa DeNucci

      7:00 p.m.        Margaret & George Cooney (Vigil Mass)

Wednesday, December 8 (Immaculate Conception)

      7:00 a.m.        Int. of Priests & Seminarians of St. John

      9:30 a.m.        William Taymans

    12:00 p.m.        Roger and Molly Donoghue

      7:00 p.m.       Edward J. Heine

Thursday, December 9

      7:00 a.m.        Catherine Cole

      8:00 a.m.        Ronald Perron

Friday, December 10

      7:00 a.m.        George Trump

      9:30 a.m.        Joseph O’Brien

Saturday, December 11

  8:00 a.m.        For An End To Abortion

  5:00 p.m.        Girard Schwessinger

Sunday, December 12

      7:15 a.m.        John Patrick Drechsler

      9:15 a.m.        Parishioners of St. John Parish

    11:15 a.m.        Carlo Pepe

      3:15 p.m.        Irene Stem

      6:00 p.m.        Sabel Dicke

 

From the Pastor

    I offer the following suggestions that could help make your Advent a grace filled season of preparation.  Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation; there are numerous opportunities provided throughout the season. Attend a weekday Mass, especially if you have to adjust your work or school schedule. Make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in our parish Adoration Chapel. Invite a friend, neighbor or family member to come to Christmas Mass with you. Make an extra donation to the Poor Box, or give a grocery certificate to the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas family program. Pray the rosary or at least a decade daily. Abstain from meat on the Fridays of Advent, and don’t substitute with a crab cakes. Visit or call a family member whom you have not talked to in long time. Read the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke. Pray for peace and the safe return of our troops.

                May God bless you,

 

  

 

Liturgy & Worship

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, December 5

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

 

SOLEMNITY of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY a Holy Day of Obligation … Wednesday, December 8

Masses will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. (vigil) and Wednesday, December 8^th at 7:00 a.m. , 9:30 a.m. , 12 noon , and 7:00 p.m.

 

PARISH ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE … Thurs., Dec. 16

At 7:00 p.m. in the church. Opening prayer, Gospel, introduction of visiting priest, and individual confessions. All are encouraged to attend this beautiful service in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

 

CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the doors of the church. Offering envelopes may be placed in the collection basket.

 

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes will be available next weekend.

 

CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) have been ordered and are expected to be in soon.  

 

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: Berea Allyice Diehlmann, child of Richard & Jennifer Diehlmann; Taylor Samuel Brown, son of Raymond Brown & Jennifer Diehlmann; Sarah Grace Jerome, daughter of Stephen & Kristen Jerome; Faith Isabella Caple, daughter of Roger Caple & Danielle Charnak; Christopher David Magaha, son of David & Tenna Magaha; Nicholas William Matos, son of William & Linda Matos; Parker Scott Streib, son of Eric & Heather Streib; and Paige Sinclair Smith, daughter of Aaron & Wendy Smith.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Marie Lousie Beaumont, Jane Bartynski, Mary Demek, Alfred Burgan, 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.

 

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: Catherine Dull (2), Ken Wetzel (3), Int. of Rose Montgomery, Dorothea Seicke, Maryanne Mountjoy, Rosemary Courtney, Julio Marriotti (2), Sara Catalso, Rose Suit, Jacob Hawkenson, Clara Lefko, Dot Yeager, Int. of Craig Campbell, John Sirak, John Arthur Gray, Bruno Dankowski, Alice Monk, Duke Aaron, Robert Moore, James. F. Garvey, Jr., Melanie Brunner, Int. of Sister Barbara Barry, Barbara Hauf, Robert Messaris, Mary Elizabeth Miller, and Mildred Zajdel.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS …December 6-12

Mon.:   Is 35:1-10;   Ps 85:9-14;   Lk 5:17-26

Tues.:  Is 40:1-11;   Ps 96:1-3,10-13;   Mt 18:12-14

Wed.:  Gn 3:9-15,20;   Ps 98:1-4;   Eph 1:3-6,11-12;    Lk 1:26-38

Thurs.: Is 41:13-20;   Ps 145:1,9-13;  Mt 11:11-15

Fri.:      Is 48:17-19;   Ps 1:1-4,6;   Mt 11:16-19

Sat.:      Sir 48:1-4,9-11;   Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19;   Mt 17:9,10-13

Sun.:     Is 35:1-6,10;   Ps 146:6-10;   Jas 5:7-10;   Mt 11:2-11 

           

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of November 21, 2004 :

Envelopes:       $22,312.26                               Attendance:  3929

Loose:                   6,160.85                               Poor Box:   $1,988.63

TOTAL:         $28,473.11

 

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of November 28, 2004 :

Envelopes:       $20,151.97                               Attendance:  4534

Loose:                   5,690.97                               Poor Box:   $1,550.17

TOTAL:         $25,842.94

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $25,570.23 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.

 

THANK YOU for your DONATIONS to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Total collected was, $8,713.61.

 

SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND: Please share in the care of our elderly religious by giving generously to the collection next weekend for the Retirement Fund for Religious. The escalating costs of health care have driven the cost of skilled care and assisted living for frail, elderly religious in the United States beyond $1.3 million dollars a day! Your gift helps relieve a genuine crisis in many religious institutes.

 

School News

                 

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

CONFIRMATION MASS of INITIATION … Sunday, Dec. 5

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

 

SECOND GRADE PARENTS! Baptismal information forms are due now! All second graders parents should have completed the Baptismal Information forms for their child. The Religious Ed. Office must verify this information before your child can receive First Holy Communion.

 

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

 

 

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.

 

“PLEASE PRAY 4 ME” LIFE NIGHT … Sunday, Dec. 12

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the gym.

 

WINTER RETREAT … December 17 – 19

Only a few spots left, at Blue Ridge Summit! 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. 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. 

 

IT’S TIME for STEUBENVILLE 2005!  It’s that time of the year for teens to start thinking about the Steubenville Summer Youth Conference. This year’s theme is “Experience the Glory.’ The initial deposit of $60 is due by January 2^nd. We will know the exact date by the end of January. Please fill out a deposit form (located in the back of the church in the pamphlet rack) with your payment.

 

 

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL  … Sunday, December 12

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Come for a great night of making Christmas Cookies for Our Daily Bread, Soup Kitchen, music, and games! All 7^th & 8^th graders are welcome to join us!

 

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY ... Friday, December 10^th

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the Art and Music Room of the school (use the back entrance of the school closest to the parish center.) All 5^th & 6^th graders are welcome!

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for the CARING & SHARING TREE, Sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul. We are counting on your Christian charity to provide the folks listed on your gift tag with a joyful Christmas. Please be sure to bring your gifts to Mass next weekend, December 11^th & 12^th or at the latest, Monday, December 13^th between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the garages behind the parish center. This will be the last day we can accept gifts. Thank you for your cooperation and generosity.

 

activities in Our Parish

BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE … On Sale Now!

St. John Boy Scout Troup #420 are selling Christmas Trees on the field behind the parish center, weekdays, from 5 – 9 p.m. , and weekends, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. All tress are freshly cut from local growers. The Boy Scouts appreciate your support!

 

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., Dec. 5

From 8 – 11:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Menu includes pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults are $4 and children are $2. All proceeds are used to benefit the St. John Community.

 

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 getting 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. Led 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.

 

POINSETTIA SALE … December 11/12 and 18/19

After all Masses these weekends in the Art & Music room of the school (enter in the back doors of the school closest to the parish center). We will have many beautiful plants to choose from. Stop in and show your support. All proceeds go to our Building Fund.

 

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.

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, December 12

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by a short meeting in the parish center to collect filled stockings and to pray the Rosary. A Christmas Brunch follows at 11:00 a.m. at Maria’s.

 

WELCOME HOME TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH … Wednesday, Dec. 29^th

At 7 p.m. , St. John’s invites and welcomes anyone who is "Seeking a Home" in the Catholic Church or "Returning Home" to their Catholic faith. Come and learn more about our faith. If you are a parishioner and know someone who may be interested, this is your opportunity to invite someone to take the next step forward in the faith. For more information, contact Fr. Brian Nolan in the parish office.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

At Other Parishes

THE GABRIEL PROJECT offers pregnancy assistance in difficult pregnancy situations. The 24 hour Hotline connects callers with a full range of confidential services: crisis counseling; emotional support; emergency needs; medical, legal, adoption information; shelter; help to continue education, job training and practical needs; For information, call the Gabriel Project at 800-533-0093 or Pregnancy centers at 1800-521-5530

 

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 the announcement is to appear. You may email notices 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.

 

TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ILL REMEMBERED during the Prayer of the Faithful at Masses, please call the parish office.