Mass Intentions

 Monday, December 27

      7:00 a.m.        Cecelia Siple             

      8:00 a.m.        Patricia Defibaugh

Tuesday, December 28

      7:00 a.m.        Carl Guerrini

      8:00 a.m.        Sarah & William Hoffman

Wednesday, December 29

      7:00 a.m.        T.R. O’Farrell & Gertrude O’Farrell

      8:00 a.m.        Leroy Moore

Thursday, December 30

      7:00 a.m.        Charles Keiner, III

      8:00 a.m.        Herbert Sprankle

Friday, December 31

      7:00 a.m.        Joseph E. Lynch

      9:30 a.m.        Maureen Brother

      4:30 p.m.       Int. of Sr. Bernadette

    11:30 p.m.        Deceased Dominicans

Saturday, January 1

  8:00 a.m.        Irene Stem

10:00 a.m.        Catherine Cole

12:00 p.m.        Int. of Sue & Tom Bianco

  5:00 p.m.       Joseph Patella (vigil Mass for Sunday)    

Sunday, January 2

      7:15 a.m.        Frank Puleo              

      9:15 a.m.        Linda Seinburg

    11:15 a.m.        Edward Heine          

      3:15 p.m.        Gary Courville          

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

 

From the Pastor

    May the grace, peace and joy of the Christmas season be with you, and your families. I join my brother priests and the entire staff of our parish and school to extend our Christmas greeting to you. I also join them in thanking you for your continued and faithful prayers and support. The mystery of the Incarnation continues to reveal God’s love and mercy. Let our thankful response be highlighted by our prayers for peace, outreach to the poor, and commitment to witness to the Gospel and the Church.

 

                May God bless you,  

 

 

 

 

Of Special Note

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED, Friday, December 31^st for the New Year’s Holiday .

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

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, 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.

SOLEMNITY of MARY, MOTHER of GOD

Holy Day of Obligation

Fri., December 31^st (vigil)          4:30 & 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 1^st                 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon

 

We Pray …

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 is prayed in the church before the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m. Ending with Benediction.  All are welcome to attend.

 

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: Int. of John Morgan, Orlando Romeo, Hilda Kuhn (11), Robert Burnett Hines, Joseph Palaia (2), Jean Confer, Special Intentions, Helen Welty (4), William H. McLean (2), Grace V. Dumer, Int. of Dennis Cooney, Ray Simmons, Elise Taylor, Joseph Serio, Mary Sattersfield, Rachel Nelligan, Maria Bender, Int. of Marcy Moller, Samuel Thayer, Richard Robinson, Gary Courville (2), Daryl Hagy, Joseph Bianca, Int. of St. John Teachers & Staff, Int. of the McLean Family, Grace V. Dumer, Velma E. Papaky, Mary Ann Frassica, Ted Hollenbaugh, Joseph Serio, Ronald DiBlasio, Int. of Sylvia Bush, Irene Stem, Maureen Brothers, Robert J. Godack, Sr.,

Reba Poole, George Doak, Irene Stem, Int. of Jane Schmidt, Michael Brusca, Donna Amadio, & Int. of the Kirkpatrick Family,

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … December 27- Jan. 2

Mon.:   1 Jn 1:1-4;   Ps 97:1-2,5-6,11-12;   Jn 201,2-8

Tues.:  1 Jn 1:5-2:2;   Ps 124:2-5,7-8;   Mt 2:13-18

Wed.:  1 Jn 2:3-11;   Ps 96:1-3,5-6;   Lk 2:22-35

Thurs.: 1 Jn 2:12-17;   Ps 96:7-10;  Lk 2:36-40

Fri.:      1 Jn 2:18-21;   Ps 96:1-2,11-13;   Jn 1:1-18

Sat.:      Nm 6:22-27;   Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8;   Gal 4:4-7;   Lk 2:16-21

Sun.:     Is 60:1-6;   Ps 721-:2,7-8,10-13;   Eph 3:2-3,5-6;   Mt 2:1-12 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING for Weekend for December 19^th will be included in the January 2^nd bulletin.

 

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:         7,168,320.

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 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 asking people to consider sponsoring a teen to attend the conference this summer. Every year we have several teens who are only able to attend if someone pays for their trip. If you can help us, please call Paul in the Religious Ed. Office.

 

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

 

 

THERE WILL BE NO LIFE NIGHT on 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!  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.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

The member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society sends the church community, warmest wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year. Your support throughout the year makes it possible for St. Vincent to help needy families and individuals throughout Carroll County .

 

activities in Our Parish

“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.

COLLEGE STUDENTS/YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT OUT …

Thursday, December 30

At 7:00 p.m. in the Church. Join us for a Worship and Praise Holy Hour followed by going out for coffee and desserts. Contact Fr. Brian by phone or e-mail for more info.

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. Jan., 2

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.

 

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.

 

ST. JOHN CARNIVAL PLANNING MEETING … Thurs. Jan. 13

At 7:00 p.m. in the parish office. The St. John Carnival will be held May 30^th through June 4^th. If you would like to advertise your business during Carnival week, call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.

 

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.

 

 

HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: All new parishioners who wish to register at the parish are invited to receive a welcoming packet from either the Parish Office, Ushers, School, Religious Education, or Baptism Preparation Class. The welcoming packet will invite you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” which will be held every 1^st Sunday of the month, at 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. At that time, interested parishioners can meet some of our parish priests and parishioners, hear about various programs, receive coupons for free Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and receive a more personal welcome into this very large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in registering or becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo in the parish office.

 

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

RESURRECTION-ST. PAUL OPEN HOUSE … Wed., Jan 5

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Come join us for an informal meeting and tour. For more information, call 410-461-9111 ext. 242.

 

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.

 

CARROLL COUNTY SINGS … Saturday, January 22

At Winters Mill High School , from 9:30 – 6:00 p.m. , sponsored by Masterworks Chorale of Carroll County. Community choral directors will teach you their specialties, and provide catered lunch with keynote speaker. To register or more info, call 410-871-3371.

 

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES offered by Carroll Community College . Classes are open to adults who are new to the country and want to improve their English skills; some classes are offered at sites that also provide childcare. Registration will be in January. For more info, call Becki Maurio at 410-386-8021.

 

Reminders

THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon each Monday. All announcements are requested in writing. You may to bulletin@sjwest.org. Thank you.