Parish Bulletin

As many of you know, the Cardinal has given me permission to participate in the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the North American College in Rome. The program begins the first week of February and continues through the end of April. My sabbatical is actually for five months. I plan to use the months of May and June for prayer and rest. I will continue as Pastor and will return to St. John the first week of July. A Temporary Administrator will be appointed to assist Father Leo and Father John. As I look forward to the time in Rome, especially during Lent, Holy Week and Easter, I am particularly grateful to the parishioners of St. John, my brother priests, the Pastoral Staff and the Archdiocese for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Masses are at 7:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31st (Vigil) and Tuesday, November 1^st at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

ALL SOULS DAY MASS …Tuesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m.

If a member of your family has died since Nov. 1, of last year, and was not buried from St. John Church, please call the parish office to have their name added to a list of names to be read at this Mass. All Souls Intention envelopes should be returned to the parish office by October 30th.

Masses are 7:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School) and 7:00 p.m. Confessions: 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. and 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

Following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and Rosary. Please pick up a folder with the prayers and come to the front pews. Everyone interested in the devotion is welcome to join in prayer.

PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE! The following hours have one scheduled adorer, but we would like to have at least two for each hour: Sundays – 4, 6, & 8 a.m.; and 12,1,2 & 8 p.m.; Mondays – 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 & 6 a.m.; and 4 & 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1 & 2 a.m.; and 2 p.m.; Thursdays – 12 & 2 a.m.; and 4 p.m.; Fridays – 2 & 5 a.m., and 6 p.m.; Saturdays – 1, 2, 3 & 10 a.m.; and 1,2,3,5 & 10 p.m. Please call the parish office.

ST. JOHN LECTOR MINISTRY: Are you interested in proclaiming Our Lord’s Word to our church congregation? Please take the green lector ministry sign-up form located at the doors of the church and return it to the parish center. For more info, contact Bob Andrews at 410-876-9151 or robertandrews@adelphia.net.

ST. JOHN MUSIC MINISTRY is seeking a drummer and an alto vocalist for the Sunday 9:15 a.m. Mass. Interested persons must be able to commit to Tuesday evening practices and participation in the 9:15 a.m. Mass. For more info, contact Regina McCurdy at 410-876-3850 or rmccurdy816@yahoo.com.

BAPTISMS...Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Morgan Elizabeth Tsakanikas, daughter of Michael & Jamie Tsakanikas; Aidan Matthew Weaver, son of Erin M. Weaver; Lillian Elizabeth Griffin, daughter of James & Bridget Griffin and Julia Jane Spera, daughter of Anthony & Jane Spera.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR this WEEKEND are in loving memory of John H. Fisher and the intention of Nesbit Fisher.

At 3:00 p.m. in the church before the Blessed Sacrament and ending with Benediction. All are welcome to attend.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,017.23. Thank you.

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.

31^st SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME: “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Stewardship is the call to greatness through humility and service by sharing our lives with others.

School Calendar

Oct. 30 Daylight savings time ends (turn clocks back)

Oct. 31 Halloween

Nov. 1 All Saints Day Liturgy – Entire school – 9:30 am

Nov 2 All Souls Day

Nov. 5 First Friday Liturgy – 9:30 am

ST. JOHN SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWSLETTER will be available at the entrances of the church. To learn the exciting school news of yesteryear, today and tomorrow pick up a copy as you leave church.

REMINDER: Grocery Certificates, Kohl & Boscov Gift Cards are available in the front of school each morning and in the school office. The school makes 5% of the total sales.

CONFIRMATION 2005/2006: Letters went out last week to those who are registered. This year’s parent meetings will be held on Tuesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 10^th at 7:00 p.m. in The Portico. Classes begin on Tuesday, December 6^th and Thursday, December 8^th. For questions or more information, contact the Religious Ed. Office.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT NEEDED: For 6^thgrade on Thursdays at 4:30 pm. Please call Rel. Ed office if you can help.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —

WE WANT YOU! Life Teen is half way through the Fall semester and we are still waiting for you to come join us. If you are a high school-aged teen desiring to grow in your faith, then come by our Life Nights after 6:00 p.m. Mass on Sundays. We are looking for teens to strengthen one another in the Faith that is completely alive! Don’t miss out on an awesome chance to have fun, make friends, and learn. Email Marty with any questions (Mlink@sjwest.org) or just come by and join us.

We’ll go to the 7 p.m. First Friday Mass, followed by pizza in the Parish Center–a great chance to hang out with friends and pray.

— THE EDGE (Grades 7 & 8) —

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the gym. All 7^th & 8^th graders are welcome. Come join us for games, giveaways and good times. Bring a friend! Call Kate for more information.

November 14^th - poverty canned food drive. Please bring a canned or non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

We meet in the cafeteria from 7:00 –8:30 p.m. All 5-6^th graders are welcome! Join us Nov. 4^th for “Closer to God” (a crazy balloon game) and on Nov. 18^th“Guess the Leader and Give Yourself a Hand.” Motivational year-end wrap up. Call Kate for more details.

From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in The Portico. 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.

Join the 5^th grade for their annual pilgrimage of saints. The “saints” will lead us in the rosary. Please meet at the cross behind the Parish Center at 1:15 p.m. (weather permitting). In case of rain, we will meet in the church.

At 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. We are looking for a few families to be the pit beef crew. Volunteers and ministry groups are needed to man game booths. Call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.

In The Portico from 4 – 8 p.m. Tickets at the door are $28 per family (immediate only), $9 per adult, $5 per child (4-12), children under 3 eat free. Come support the school and enjoy a delicious meal. For information or to volunteer, contact Carolyn Drumgoole at 410-833-7207 or drum2000@qis.net.

WORLD VISION, an ecumenical organization tending to the needs of children around the world, will be distributing information concerning sponsorship of individual children in Spanish speaking countries after all Masses the weekend of November 5 and 6^th.

Join the Knights in The Portico for pancakes, French toast, eggs and more to benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor. 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Adults- $5.00; Children-$3.00.

Meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. If you have any concerns regarding our parish, contact a member of the council to have your concerns addressed at this meeting.

Some of our parishioners will be on a prayerful pilgrimage to Italy. You are invited to write your prayer intentions on the green sheets provided at the main entrance of the church so that the pilgrims can bring your intentions to the holy sites and shrines. Please pray for safe travel and true inspiration for all of the pilgrims!

A Candlelight Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. in church for those who have suffered the loss of a child. This Mass is personalized with the names of these beloved children. Please call Mary Coakley at 410-876-7033 or Beverly Backof at 410-876-6275 by Wednesday, November 9^th. There will be a light reception in The Portico following the Mass.

Please help support the Girl Scout Troops who will be selling cookies after all Masses. Lots of choices – Boxes are $3.50 each.

The guest speaker for the Women’s Communion Breakfast offers an informal talk in the late afternoon for the widows of our parish. Ronda, a widow herself, has given many talks on problems widows face and offers encouragement and inspiration of the widowed saints. Must RSVP to Joanne Sebeck at 410-840-2255.

Guest speaker Dr. Ronda Chervin, to be held at The Portico. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at The Parish Center, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and at The Portico bookstore during regular store hours. For info, contact Beverly Backof at 410-876-6275.

Initial meeting for future class reunion of 8^th grade class from St. Mark’s, Catonsville at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s. Call Angie Hoffman Diehlmann at 410-876-5450.

From 7 – 8:30 p.m., in the St. Theresa Room of Parish Center. Dr. Robert Miller, a lay Secular Franciscan and well-known Professor of Sacred Scripture at Mt. Saint Mary’s, will be presenting an Advent Scripture Study, based on the book “Advent of the Savior,” (available at The Portico bookstore). Dr. Miller, a convert to Catholicism in 1986, suggests reading this short meditation book, prior to the presentation.

St. John Wisdom Club sponsors this trip to the Allenberry Dinner Theater. Leaving St. John parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and returning at 5:00 p.m. The cost is $65 per person and includes the show, bus, and buffet luncheon. For reservations, call Rosemary at 410-795-8491. This trip will get you in the spirit of Christmas! Join us.

Save the date for the 1^st annual New Year’s Eve Party at The Portico! Details to follow.

ST. JOHN RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE (formerly St. John Pro-Life Group) We’re looking for men and women, young and old, to become involved in this important and dynamic ministry. We are dedicated to the preservation of all human life, from conception to natural death, for we have been created in the image of God. For meeting dates/times call Sarah Torbeck at 410-848-0146 or Mary Lynne Zeigler at 410-751-0381.

RCIA SUNDAY SESSION: Began last Sunday, but it’s not too late to begin the process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church. If you missed the first session, but would like information about RCIA, call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

SACRED HEART HOME ENTHRONEMENTS: A short, private home and family consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

SUNDAY NURSERY: For 1-5 year olds. Held in Classroom 2A of the school during the 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. For information, contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 50/50 GRAND RAFFLE – $1000 minimum. Registered families are receiving 5 raffle tickets by mail. Any individual or family returning 5 sold tickets can claim one complimentary ticket prior to the drawing. Extra tickets are available at PTF Spaghetti Dinner, Christmas bazaar or call Jim Diggs 410-346-6576 or email: diggsit@aol.com. Return sold & unsold tickets to the school office, Parish Center or the Bazaar, or at the exits of the church after all Masses Nov. 4-5.

The Market Place: Will accept donations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the basement of the school from 6:30-8:30 p.m. until Nov. 23^rd. Call Al at 410-596-3608 to drop off donations other than hours listed .

Jewelry Jane: When you are doing your Fall cleaning, you may see jewelry that is no longer gleaming. Don’t leave Jewelry Jane in a lurch. Give your old jewelry to the Church. Contact Jane Schroeder at 410-876-0096.

Religious Articles: Check your attics, basements, and closets for new and old religious articles. Call Nina at 410-635-6422.

Basket Boutique: Businesses/individuals are needed to sponsor a Longaberger Basket(s). Contact Kathy Rhoten at 410-876-8116.

North Pole Candy: Needs Christmas and other candy (left over Halloween), candy canes and lollipops. For info, call Cathy or Ray Arnold at 410-876-1978.

Stuffed Animals/Dolls: Need doll clothes in good condition too. Drop off at Market Place or call Cathy Hoos at 410-965-7687.

Volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday, December 2^nd and 3^rd. Call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576 for more information.

At 7:00 p.m. at Dept. of Human Services, 10 Distillery Dr. Westminster. Join us if you are interested in learning more about our work or call Pattie Terrano at 410-1473.

CLOTHING BINS: Recurring problems have resulted in removal of bins from our church parking lot. Useable clothing can be taken to St. Vincent de Paul bins at St. Joseph Church in Eldersburg or donated to Good Will or Salvation Army in Westminster.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM: We would like to identify those wishing to adopt an entire family, to provide more time for budgeting and shopping. If you are interested, call the St. Vincent de Paul office at 410-848-8693, leave your name /phone number.

Needed canned vegetables (101 ounce cans - #10 cans) of green beans, whole kernel corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, cranberry sauce and instant mashed potatoes to be served at a community dinner here at St. John. Please bring items to the school cafeteria, starting Nov. 1st - Nov. 22^nd, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. To request delivery of meals for anyone homebound or for transportation to the dinner, call Shepherd’s Staff at 410-857-5944. This holiday meal is to share the blessing of the feast and fellowship of Thanksgiving. There is no charge and all are welcome.

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY NEEDS CHRISTMAS GIFTS for SHUT-INS: We need gifts for our Communion call shut-ins. Items needed are: band aids, Kleenex (boxes and pocket size), dish detergent (small), dish cloths, dish towels, pot holders, scotch tape, post-it-notes, hand cream, shampoo, wet wipes, socks, napkins, Vaseline, ChapStick, disinfectant hand soap, pens, paper towels. All donations will be gratefully accepted in the Health Care Office at the Parish Center. Thank you for your generosity!

PROJECT GABRIEL: Pregnant mom in need of clothes for her and baby to be, furniture and friendship angel/driver for doctor appointments (Taneytown/Westminster). If you can help call Jennifer Riley, Project Coordinator 443-507-0385.

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.

SHORTENED BULLETIN DEADLINE: For the Nov. 27th bulletin deadline is 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16 due to the printer deadline for Thanksgiving week. All announcements must be in writing, via fax,or e-mail to: bulletin@sjwest.org.

NEED a WHEELCHAIR, SHOWER CHAIR or WALKER? The Health Care Ministry office has many such assistance devices for loan. Please call the parish office, ext. 220.

Nov. 1– Jan. 15. Cost of bricks will be $75 for 4x8 and $150 for 8x8. Forms available at Parish Center. Call Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469.

HOW TO REGISTER at this PARISH: Anyone wishing to register with the parish can obtain a Welcoming Packet from the Parish Center or from an usher after Mass. The packet provides information about ministries, organizations and programs at St. John, with coupons to a free breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and invites you to a “Welcoming and Registration Sunday” held on the last Sunday of each month from 10:30-11:00 a.m. in The Portico. This will be an opportunity to meet parish priests, staff and fellow parishioners, and receive a more personal welcome into this large and faith-filled parish. If you are interested in becoming involved with this process, contact Fr. Leo.

HOLY COMMUNION will be brought to you during Mass, if you are unable to come to the altar. Please inform an usher.

LARGE‑PRINT MISSALETTES are available for use at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass.

Masses are at 7:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31st (Vigil) and Tuesday, November 1st at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

ALL SOULS DAY MASS …Tuesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Masses are at 7:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31st (Vigil) and Tuesday, November 1^st at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.