Mass Intentions

 Monday, December 20

      7:00 a.m.            Edward & Lillian Swinderman

      8:00 a.m.            Charles & Evelyn Young

Tuesday, December 21

      7:00 a.m.            Edward Dempsey

      8:00 a.m.            Maureen Brothers

Wednesday, December 22

      7:00 a.m.            Kyle Marie Slacum

      8:00 a.m.            James Phillips

Thursday, December 23

      7:00 a.m.            Hilda Kuhn

      8:00 a.m.            Joseph O’Brien

Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)

      7:00 a.m.            Int. of Kathy Lewis

      9:30 a.m.            Int. of the Parish Staff

      4:00 p.m.           Mary & Raymond Garner

      4:15 p.m.           Edmund Bender

      4:30 p.m.           Nicholas Baccala, Sr.

      6:00 p.m.            Int. of the Ludwig & Kehring families

    12:00 midnight   Benedetta & Ronald Di Blasio

Saturday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

  8:00 a.m.            Richard Phelps

10:00 a.m.            Eugene L. Hartigan

12:00 p.m.            Mildred Steeber

Sunday, December 26

      7:15 a.m.            Bertha Sprankle

      9:15 a.m.            Antonio & Antonia Zito

    11:15 a.m.            Vincenzo & Lucia Maranto

      3:15 p.m.            Carl W. Wagman

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

 

From the Pastor

    Your very generous response to our St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Adopt-a-Family program was inspirational. Because of your sacrifices and faith, many families will be blessed this Christmas season. Your continued donations to the Poor Boxes, enable our parish to reach out to those in need in our community throughout the year. I am confident that this work of mercy is a tremendous source of blessing to our entire parish.

    Realizing the week before Christmas can be a hectic time for many of us, I encourage you to make time for: quiet prayer; prayerfully read the Christmas story in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, attend a weekday Mass and or make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. 

                May God bless you,  

 

Of Special Note

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED, Friday, December 24^th and Monday, December 27^th for the Christmas Holiday .

 

HOLIDAY BULLETIN DEADLINE: The deadline for the Sunday, January 2^nd bulletin is Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 12:00 p.m. Please note the bulletin for December 26 is completed.  

 

Liturgy & Worship

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are due this 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 arrived and are available at the parish office.  

 

PARISHIONERS ARE INVITED to offer comments written or emailed concerning the question of whether or not the parish should offer Communion under both species. Comments may be delivered by writing or email by logging onto the website: www.sjwest.org/Eucharist. In February, there will be opportunities to participate in a discussion about these issues.

 

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 – 2 & 5 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 a.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2, 3 & 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 6 a.m.; Fridays – 2 & 3 a.m., and 12 noon; Saturdays – 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.

 

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Friday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve

                4:00 p.m.                       Church

                4:15 p.m.                        McDaniel College

                4:30 p.m.                        Westminster High School

                6:00 p.m.                        Church

                12:00 midnight             Church

Saturday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day

                8:00 a.m.                        Church

                10:00 a.m.                      Church

                12:00 noon                     Church

 

Note: There will be no Confessions at 4:15 or a 5:00 p.m.   Vigil Mass on Saturday, Christmas Day.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS...Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Matteo Alexander Como, son of Vincenzo & Elizabeth Como; Camden Tyler Griest, son of Jeffrey & Christina Griest; Matthew Scott Kunert, son of Jason & Stacey Kunert; Emilee Madeline Schumaker, daughter of Darryl & Dawn Schumaker; Kristy Elizabeth Pfaff, daughter of Kirk & Karen Pfaff; Alden Steven Chang, son of Andrew & Donna Chang; Marshal Lyndon Chang, son of Andrew & Donna Chang; Kasey Lynn Johnson & Zachary Robert Johnson, children of Timothy & Rhonda Johnson.

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Frederick Trazier, Cynthia Messer, James Andrew Shanefelter, Joseph Fonte, Mary N. Corsi, and for their family and friends.

 

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET … Thursdays

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the church.

 

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings

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

AS WE CONTEMPLATE THE GREAT MIRACLE of God becoming one of us, let us pray the Angelus, the age-old prayer offered by the Church at the hours of 6 and 12. The wondrous mystery of the Incarnation is recalled in the Angel’s words to Mary, whereupon the Word became flesh and dwells among us.

 

MASS INTENTIONS are of a high volume that it becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent: Joseph E. Rankin (5), Jacob Tate, Corine Plitt (2), Samuel Morris (8), Int. of Linda Wood, Jeanne Etzel (2), Robert Hynes, Charles McFadden, Katherine Kirby, Lenore Dew (5), Int. of Sr. Bernadette, Anna Marie Lazzeri, Doug Bode, Robert Moore, William Amrhein, Int. of Pauline Welsh, Dorothy Schmidt, Martha Adams, Betty Barnes, James Trotta, Int. of Donald Hickey (2), Mildred Hare, Rose Esposito, Dennis Rosenbloom, Int. of Fr. Gerard Steffener, Antoinette Rowe, Michael Hering, Mrs. Coursey, Jessica Hardee, Michael Benevento, Rie Spinichio, Joann Ardillo, Marie Scott, Geraldine Perryman, John Corrigan, Int. of Matt Thompson, Michael Sabo, Leo Hall, Milton Michaelis, Michelle Timchalk, Helen Welty, Int. of Clark Brumbley, Victor Radov, Demetris Demetrakis (2), Dave Derus, James Ungvarsky, Stephen Blackburn, Evelyn Marshall, and Bob Vanatt.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS …December 20-26

Mon.:   Is 7:10 -14;   Ps 24:1-6;   Lk 1:26-38

Tues.:  Sg 2:8-14;   Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21;   Lk 1:39-45

Wed.:  1 Sm 1:24-28;   (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,4-8;   Lk 1:46-56

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

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

Sat.:      Is 9:1-6;   Ps 96:1-3,11-13;   Ti 2:11-14;   Lk 2:1-14

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

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 12, 2004 :

Envelopes:       $25,405.84                               Attendance:  4280

Loose:                   5,901.46                               Poor Box:   $1,842.59

TOTAL:         $31,307.30

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $26,500.00. Our current weekly average is $25,926.78 Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    7,168,320          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             6,051,340          Pledged to date:         6,051,340.

Balance:               $  1,116,980 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       338,500

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.

 

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, 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

CLASS REMINDER: There will be no Religious Ed. Classes;

      ■ Tuesday, December 21              ■ Thursday, December 23

■ Tuesday, December 28              ■ Thursday, December 30

 

Class will resume on Tues., January 4^th and Thurs., January 6^th.

 

RELIGIOUS ED. HOME STUDY … Wednesday, January 5

 

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.

 

THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF wishes all volunteers, students, and their families a very joyous Christmas and Blessed New Year!

 

 

THERE WILL BE NO LIFE NIGHT 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!

 

THERE WILL BE NO LIFE NIGHT on Sunday, January 9.

 

SPRING KICK-OFF … Sunday, January 16

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. a spring kick-off like no other with great food, games and some cool surprises. This is a great night to check out if you are thinking about coming to Life Teen. All confirmation students are invited to attend!

 

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.

 

 

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. Parents please drop and pick your children up on time! For info, contact Scott.

 

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!

 

POINSETTIA SALE … December 18 and 19

After all Masses this 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.

 

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.

 

FILIAE MARIAE BOOK CLUB … Tuesday, January 11

Discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. Choose one of the following books and join us. “The Wonder of Guadalupe” by Francis Johnston or “Advent and Christmas” by Fulton Sheen. Books can be purchased at Little Rose of Sharon Book Store. For questions or information, call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.

 

 

MARCH for LIFE … Monday, January 24

Mark your calendars for the March for Life in Washington , D.C. To reserve a seat on the bus or for more information, call Joanne at 410-876-7984.

 

BLOODMOBILE: Thanks to all our donors we received 84 pints of blood at the December drive. We are still in need of phone callers for upcoming drives. If interested, call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107.

 

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.

 

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 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; and more. 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.

 

In our Community

CATHOLIC CHARITIES HEAD START is in need of a volunteer receptionist for the main office at 125 Airport Drive . Office hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. school days. Volunteer days and hours are flexible within that time. Also needed are classroom volunteers for all Head Start classes in Westminster , Taneytown, and Union Bridge . If you can volunteer one day a week or more, even if just for a few hours each day, please call Sister Nancy, Director at 410-871-2450.