Mass Intentions

 Monday, January 3

      7:00 a.m.        Demetris Jim Demetrakis        

      8:00 a.m.        Vera & Girard Schwessinger

Tuesday, January 4

      7:00 a.m.        Int. of Marty Ebbert

      8:00 a.m.        Int. of Clark Brumbley

Wednesday, January 5

      7:00 a.m.        Int. of Gail Buss

      8:00 a.m.        Int. of Antionette Napora

Thursday, January 6

      7:00 a.m.        Int. of Karen Reisdorf

      8:00 a.m.        Andrew Van Dyk

Friday, January 7 (First Friday)

      7:00 a.m.        Rosalie Nunley

      9:30 a.m.        Anna M. Drechsler

      7:00 p.m.        Syleste Reid

Saturday, January 8

  8:00 a.m.        Evelyn Young

  5:00 p.m.       Mary Corsi                                                     

Sunday, January 9

      7:15 a.m.        Margaret Ryan

      9:15 a.m.        Lois Kovacs

    11:15 a.m.        Parishioners of St. John Parish

      3:15 p.m.        Ronald Kelly            

      6:00 p.m.        Int. of Colleen Hattrup & Family

 

From the Pastor

    I join my brother priest and the staffs of our parish and parish school to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! I pray that the New Year will be a season of grace and peace for the world. I am particularly grateful for your continued generosity and faithful stewardship expressed most recently throughout the Christmas season. Special thanks to the Liturgy Committee, the volunteers who cleaned and decorated our church (outstanding work!), the entire Music Ministry and choirs, the sacristans, the lectors, ushers, altar servers, and the many behind the scenes, “quiet volunteers” who helped with the Christmas Liturgies.

    My brother priests and seminarians join me in thanking you for your prayers, cards, Christmas cookies, cakes and gifts. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.

                May God bless you,  

 

 

Liturgy & Worship

FIRST FRIDAY MASSES ... January 7

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.

 

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, 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.

 

LITURGICAL DAY of RECOLLECTION … Sat., Jan. 29

Being held at Carroll Community College . All Liturgical Ministers (Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Children’s Liturgy, Health Care, Music, Life Teen Core, and Religious Education Teachers and Assistants) are encouraged and urged to attend. This is a unique opportunity to grow in your faith and ministry. The topic for the retreat is: “The Mass – Its Theology, History and Spirituality.” Fr. Leo Patalinghug will lead a multimedia presentation of the Mass as well as a small group discussions, individual ministry meetings, time for socializing, a question and answer session, a continental breakfast, and lunch. Registration will be from 8 – 8:25 a.m. The retreat will begin with Mass promptly at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. Please look for a reminder postcard in mid-January with additional details and RSVP information.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church : Jazmin Gutierrez, child of Genaro Garcia & Victoria Gutierrez; and Kyle David England, son of Kirby & Kathleen England .

 

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Margaret Pierpont, Margaret Ryan, 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.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … January 3 - 9

Mon.:   1 Jn 3:22-4:6;   Ps 2:7-8,10-12;   Mt 4:12-17,23-25

Tues.:  1 Jn 4:7-10;   Ps 72:1-4,7-8;   Mk 6:34-44

Wed.:  1 Jn 4:11-18;   Ps 72:1-2,10,12-13;   Mk 6:45-52

Thurs.: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4;   Ps 72:1-2,14,15,17;  Lk 4:14-22

Fri.:      1 Jn 5:5-13;   Ps 147:12-15,19-20;   Lk 5:12-16

Sat.:      1 Jn 5:14-21;   Ps 149:1-6,9;   Jn 3:22-30

Sun.:     Is 42:1-4,6-7;   Ps 29:1-4,9-10;   Acts 10:34-38;   Mt 3:13-17

 

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of December 19, 2004 :

Envelopes:       $20,275.19                               Attendance:  4289

Loose:                 10,481.52                               Poor Box:   $1,942.43

TOTAL:         $30,756.71

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $23,100.00. Our current weekly average is $26,119.98. Thank you.

WEEKLY OFFERING for Weekend for December 26^th will be included in the January 9^th bulletin.

 

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.

 

THANK YOU for your GENEROUS DONATIONS to the Campaign for Retired Religious. Total collected was $9,430.52.  

 

THE 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.

 

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION … Feb. 28 – Mar. 4

From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the school office. Please bring your child’s original birth certificate, baptismal certificate, and non-refundable registration fee (the amount to be determined by the end of February).

 

 Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES resume on Tuesday, January 4^th and Thursday, 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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

 

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 *

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MEETING … Wed., January 5

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, call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473.

 

activities in Our Parish

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 getting involved in the parish, please attend.

 

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING ... Monday, January 3

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. The Council welcomes your attendance and invites you to bring your concerns or comments to its attention by calling the parish office and leaving your name and phone number. A Council member will return your call.

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY … Wednesday, January 5

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 that Fr. Leo will attend and has asked everyone to try to attend. All parishioners are invited to join us. 

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, January 9

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the parish center. All ladies of the parish are invited. For information, call Deana at 410-876-1007.

 

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.

 

VALENTINE’S NIGHT OUT … Thursday, February 10

From 7 – 9 p.m. at The John Street Quarters. Mark your calendar now for an evening of fun, food and fellowship with your sweetheart, with a buffet dinner, games, door prizes and a gift for everyone. Reservations will be taken in January. Watch the bulletin for more information.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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: Send your name or the names of 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. Call 1-800-286-4224.

 

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.

 

BREAKFAST BUFFET at ST. JOSEPH … Sun., January 9

From 7 – 12 noon at St. Joseph ’s social hall in Taneytown. Enjoy an “All you can eat country style breakfast.” Adults, $5.50 and children 7-10, $3.25.

 

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 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.

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 800-521-5530.

 

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.