Mass Intentions

 Monday, December 13

      7:00 a.m.        Madaline & Peyton Carr

      8:00 a.m.        Antoinette Rowe

Tuesday, December 14

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

      8:00 a.m.        Joseph O’Brien

Wednesday, December 15

      7:00 a.m.        Larry DiMartino

      8:00 a.m.        Eudora D. Nageotte

Thursday, December 16

      7:00 a.m.        David Weidner

      8:00 a.m.        Guy Nageotte

Friday, December 17

      7:00 a.m.        Irene Perego

      9:30 a.m.        Phillip Vaio

Saturday, December 18

  8:00 a.m.        Int. of Clotilde C. Drechsler

  5:00 p.m.        Frances Kase

Sunday, December 19

      7:15 a.m.        Parishioners of St. John Parish

      9:15 a.m.        Joseph Cinquino

    11:15 a.m.        Rosario Maranto

      3:15 p.m.        Raymond M. Baker

      6:00 p.m.        Lucia Maranto

 

From the Pastor

    Thank you to all who worked and supported and participated in our 51^st Annual Parish Christmas Bazaar. I am especially grateful to John Paris for his work as chairman and to all of the 232 volunteers! The cooperation of the pastoral staff, including Al Wilder and parish/school organizations was key to the overall success of the event.  I deeply appreciate your continued and faithful support of our parish.            

    The Advent season provides us with many opportunities to witness to our faith. I encourage you to invite a friend or neighbor to, “Come home for Christmas.”  Please see the information in this week’s bulletin about our “ Come and See” evening. Prayer cards are available at the doors of the church and in the parish office.

 

                May God bless you,

  

 

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

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 service in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

 

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are available at the doors of the church. Please print or type the names of the loved ones you wish remembered, your donation, and envelope number and place in a collection basket. Donations should be received in the parish office by Monday, December 20^th at 10 a.m. to be included in the bulletin.

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

 

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 – 3, 4, 8 & 9 a.m.; and 12 noon & 5 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 a.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2, 3 & 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Thursdays – 2, 3 & 6 a.m.; Fridays – 2 & 3 a.m., and 12 noon; Saturdays – 1, 3 & 8 a.m.; and 12 noon, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 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: Devyn McKenna Kelley, child of Jeff & Regina Kelley; Gabriella Marie Malagari, daughter of Janice & Matthew Malagari, Sr.; and Robert Daniel Collins, son of Daniel & Sharon Collins.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Lawrence A. Waudby, Melanie Husselbaugh, Carlton V. Pollard, Sr., 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: Evelyn Pickett, Jean Brooks, Int. of Fr. Gerard Steffener (2), Frank Memmo (2), Int. of Myrtle Campbell, Mary Miller, John Mitchelltree, Jr., Lester Stem, Grace Palaia, Alice Monk, James Croughan (2), Josephine Cucina, Int. of the Runz Family, Lou Schleupner, Norma Malone, Catherine Dull, Barbara Hauf, Joseph E. Lynch, Mary Elizabeth Miller, Carrie Reuter, Int. of Henry Seibel, Rose Suit, James Grove, Int. of Richard Campbell, Raymond Swach, Scott Conover, Ted Hollenbaugh, Margaret Logan, Danny Sciaretta, William Cordts, II, Int. of the Casey Family, Jean Butler, Elizabeth Kirby, Int. of Marge Hickey, Dennis Rosenbloom (2), Lenore Dew (2), Vincent Fiora, Benedetta DiBlasio, Mary Lou Blanco, Lois Byres, “Doc” Zier, Daniel Mazza-Manser, Tom Wright, and  Leo Queneville.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS …December 13-19

Mon.:   Nm 24:2-7,15-17;   Ps 25:4-9;   Mt 21:23-27

Tues.:  Zep 3:1-2,9-13;   Ps 34:2-3,6-7,17-18,19,23;   Mt 21:28-32

Wed.:  Is 45:6-8,18,21-25;   Ps 85:9-14;   Lk 7:18-23

Thurs.: Is 54:1-10;   Ps 30:2,4-6,11-13;  Lk 7:24-30

Fri.:      Gn 49:2,8-10;   Ps 72:3-4,7-8,17;   Mt 1:1-17

Sat.:      Jer 23:5-8;   Ps 72:1,12-13,18-19;   Mt 1:18-25

Sun.:     Is 7:10 -14;   Ps 24:1-6;   Rom 1:1-7;   Mt 1:18-24 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 4, 2004 :

Envelopes:       $23,156.70                               Attendance:  3721

Loose:                   5,256.36                               Poor Box:   $2,365.00

TOTAL:         $28,413.06

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $25,692.85 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.

 

SPECIAL COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Please share in the care of our elderly religious by giving generously to the collection this 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.

 

THAT SPECIAL TIME BETWEEN the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Holidays is often a time of reflection back upon the blessings of last year…it is a time when individuals or families can determine whether they are able to make a year-end gift to a favorite charity or non-profit organization for the tax deduction opportunity it affords. Please remember St. John Church or School when formulating your year-end charitable gift contributions. Thank you.

 

School News

                 

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

FIRST EUCHARIST PARENT MEETING … January 18 or 20

At 6:45 in the school cafeteria. A letter went out inviting parents of those students preparing for Eucharist. If you did not receive this letter, please call the Religious Education Office.

 

CONFIRMATION PARENTS: Liability forms (blue sheet) were due the first day of class. If you have not done so already, please make sure you turn it in as soon as possible. 

 

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.

 

STEUBENVILLE DONATIONS: We are once again asking people to consider sponsoring a teen so that he or she can attend the conference this summer. Every year we have several teens that are only able to attend if someone pays for his or her trip. If you can help us, please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

 

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

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the gym.

 

THERE WILL BE NO LIFE NIGHT after the 6:00 p.m. Mass on December 19^th and December 26^th.

 

WELCOME in the NEW YEAR … Sunday, January 2

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. This will be a social night to welcome in the New Year. You won’t want to miss this one!

 

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 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!

 

 

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

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the cafeteria. Parents please drop and pick your children up on time! For info, contact Scott.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

CARING & SHARING TREE: The last day we can accept gifts is Monday, December 13^th between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the garages behind the parish center.

 

PLEASE CONTINUE to HELP MINISTER to the POOR in CARROLL COUNTY by remembering that next Sunday, the third weekend of the month, we observe Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food to church and place in the white buckets by the door. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. We also need paper goods, such as toilet tissue, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you so much for your continued help and generosity!

activities in Our Parish

BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREES … On Sale Now!

St. John Boy Scout Troup 420 is 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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

RENEWAL of MARRIAGE VOWS ... Saturday, December 18

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 in advance of the weekend.

 

EVERGREENS NEEDED BY … December 20^th

Evergreens are needed to help with Christmas decorating of the Church. If you can supply fresh evergreens and/or holly, please contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596.

 

“COME and SEE EVENING”… 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 info, contact Fr. Brian Nolan in the parish office.

 

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.

 

 

ST. JOHN SCHOOL has computerized the progress reports for students through the web-based system of Powerschool. This year, parents in grades 3-8 have access to their child’s grades 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Powerschool also offers a nice feature named “Daily Bulletin.” If anyone who would like to see what is happening in the school, you may go to https://baltimore8.powerschool.com/bulletin/3602 anytime.

 

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 Report 2003

Angels, Inc.................................. 1,917.90

Bake Table................................... 1,287.50

Basket Boutique.......................... 1,647.00

Bingo............................................    136.95

Books/Tapes............................... 3,282.25

Candy/Fudge............................... 2,586.70

Cookies......................................... 1,398.75

Face Painting...............................    120.50

Grand Raffle................................. 2,604.00

Jewelry Boutique........................    424.60

Luncheon..................................... 3,106.00

Market Place................................ 4,330.10

Nails.................................................. 59.00

North Pole Candy.......................    621.15

Plants/Posies............................... 2,162.50

Quick Café.................................... 1,229.65

Religious Articles....................... 1,214.40

Santa Pictures..............................    887.50

Stitchin’ Nook............................. 1,190.80

Stuffed Animals..........................    842.35

Bazaar Shirts................................    172.00

Wisdom Club...............................    546.30

Total.......................................... $31,767.90

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR RAFFLE WINNER:

Snow Thrower ~ Danielle Naylor

Saturday Night Stay/Hyatt Regency ~ Rod Thornton

Golf Clubs ~ Gene Friend

Toshiba DVD ~ Kathy Domina

Nativity Set ~ Kim Fiore

Huffy Childs Bike ~ Mindy Wade

Religious Article’s Raffel ~ Colleen Sartori

 

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

DELONE HIGH PLACEMENT TEST … Sat., Jan. 15

For eighth graders who do not attend PA area schools. If you are interested in pursuing an education at Delone Catholic High School as a ninth grader, you must take the placement test as part of the admissions process.

 

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 Grades 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.