Parish Bulletin

I want to thank our PTF (Parents, Teachers and Friends) for all the work they do to support our parish school. I am particularly grateful for all who worked on and supported the annual Spaghetti Dinner last Friday. Parish and school fundraisers are wonderful opportunities for parishioners to get to know each other and at the same time support important parish ministries. I would like to call your attention to the Knights of Columbus Breakfast this Sunday, The Filiae Mariae Communion Breakfast next Sunday and our Annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 3^rd. Your participation and support of parish and school sponsored events is deeply appreciated.

Please keep all the participants in the parish pilgrimage to Italy (November 7 –17) in your prayers. They will be praying for our parish and our special intentions as they visit the holy sites and shrines.

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 12,1,3,4,5 & 8 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 3 & 6 a.m.; and 2, 4 & 11 p.m.; Wednesdays – 1, 2 & 7 a.m.; and 2 p.m.; Thursdays – 12, 1 & 2 a.m.; and 12, 4 & 11 p.m.; Fridays – 2, 5 & 9 a.m.; and 2, 6 & 9 p.m.; Saturdays – 12, 2, 3 & 10 a.m.; and 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 p.m. Please call the parish office.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY… Sunday, Nov. 6
The 9:15 a.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.

A candlelight Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. in the 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.

BAPTISMS...Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Riley Lane Betmarik, daughter of Jefferson & Erica Betmarik; Cecilia Anne Hofmeister, daughter of Thomas & Donna Hofmeister; Emma Kathleen Housman, daughter of Russell & Tara Housman; John Paul Francis Jackson, son of John & Laura Jackson; Summer Grace Medvetz, daughter of Michael & Melanie Medvetz; Preston Arthur Runge, son of Andrew & Trudy Runge; and Mariah Grace Smith, daughter of Heather & Charles Smith, IV.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Thomas Beck and Charles Rafferty and for their families and friends.

Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.

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 $27,110.66. 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.

THANK YOU for your generous donations to the Propagation of the Faith Special Collection. The total collected was $6,208.61.

Collection................. $ 354,087. Facilities Cost................ $ 65,597.

Total Income.......... $ 540,258. Total Expenses............. $ 553,962.

32nd SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME: “The sensible bridesmaids in today’s parable share their gifts freely. Stewardship means putting God first and sharing your time, talent and treasure at a level that fills you with love, joy and contentment.”

School Calendar

Nov. 10 Archdiocesan Conf. Day SCHOOL CLOSED

Nov. 14 7^th & 8^th Grade Jazz Program – Gym – 9:45 a.m.

Nov. 16 Academic Team – Rm. 8B

Nov. 17 School Board Meeting – 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21 - 25 SCHOOL CLOSED

Nov. 28 Progress Reports Distributed

Nov. 28 – 30 Middle States Visiting Team

GROCERY CERTIFICATES PROGRAM: 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.

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

REMINDER: NO Religious Ed. classes on Thursday, Nov. 17 due to our Teacher/Assistant In-Service.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT NEEDED: For 6^thgrade on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Call Religious Ed. office if you can help.

WE WANT YOU! Life Teen is half-way through the Fall semester and we are still waiting for you to join us. If you are a high school-aged teen desiring to grow in your faith, come by our Life Nights after 6:00 p.m. Mass on Sundays. Don’t miss a chance to have fun, make friends and learn while strengthening one another in the Faith. Email mlink@sjwest.org. for information.

An all-day event hosted by Bob Rice, Steubenville musician, Martin Doman to lead music, and Bishop Rhoades of Harrisburg will also be there. Cost of trip is $15 - includes everything! Space is limited. Call or email Marty for reservations. Don’t miss out!

Young Adults: Looking for adult volunteers interested in ministering to the youth of today. It’s fun, exciting and a very spiritual ministry. Prayerfully consider answering the call of Christ to “Go and make disciples of all nations” by helping with the youth ministry program. Call or email Marty for information.

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the gym. This ministry is open to all 7^th & 8^th graders. Come join us for games, giveaways and good times. Bring a friend!

Nov. 13 – Poverty-Canned Food Drive – Bring a canned or non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

From 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We meet in the cafeteria. All 5-6^th graders are welcome and bring your friends!

Nov. 18 - Join the fun with “Guess the Leader and Give Yourself a Hand.” Motivational year-end wrap up.

Dec. 2 – NO YOUTH ALIVE . . . sorry guys!! Have fun at the Christmas Bazaar!! See you next time!

Volunteers Needed for our Live Nativity on Friday, Dec. 23, call Kate if you can help out. 410-848-8443

An ecumenical organization tending to the needs of children around the world will distribute information concerning sponsorship of individual children in Spanish speaking countries after all Masses.

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.

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

Meeting 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.

The Ladies Auxiliary of Council members will have an informal planning meeting at 7:30 p.m. Call Lynne Dvorak at 410-876-1292 for more details.

Dr. Rhonda Chervin is offering an informal talk in the late afternoon for the widows of our parish and the problems they face. This event is by RSVP only. Call Joanne Sebeck at 410-840-2255.

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

Guest speaker, Dr. Ronda Chervin, at The Portico. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at the Parish Center, The Portico bookstore or contact Beverly Backof at 410-876-6275.

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by a meeting in the Parish Center. Call Mary Jo Judge at 410-857-5655 for details.

Meeting begins with Mass at 12 Noon in the Church, followed by a meeting in The Portico. We will have a speaker to explain the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Bring your brown bag lunch. Desserts and beverages will be provided.

Also Christmas Party at Martin’s on Dec. 15^th MUST BE PAID FOR AT THIS NOVEMBER MEETING!!!

Portico Books & Gifts Shop will be blessed by Bishop Malooly and celebrates its Grand Opening after the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Join in the celebration featuring special guests, sales, refreshments, Children’s Corner and more. Fr. Art will hold a special drawing for 10 awesome door prizes.

Join Dr. Robert Miller, a well-known Professor of Sacred Scripture at Mt. Saint Mary’s, who will be presenting an Advent Scripture Study, based on the book “Advent of the Savior,” available in The Portico Bookstore. Dr. Miller suggests reading this short book/meditation, prior to his presentation.

Join us for the Allenberry Dinner Theater trip 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. Don’t miss this!

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) is 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. Call Sarah Torbeck at 410-848-0146 or Mary Lynne Zeigler at 410-751-0381 for meeting dates and times.

RCIA SUNDAY SESSION began two weeks ago, 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 are a short, private home and family consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, making Christ the King of your home. Freely offered by the Legion of Mary. For details, call Inez Maguire at 410-876-1804.

SUNDAY NURSERY for 1-5 year olds will be 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 ($1,000 minimum): Parishioners purchasing the 5 tickets received in the mail can claim one complimentary ticket when returned to the school office, parish office, The Portico Bookstore, or Bazaar. Unsold tickets can be returned to these same locations. For additional tickets or information call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576 or diggsit@aol.com.

The Market Place: Will accept donations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the basement of the school from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. until November 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: We need Christmas and other candy (left over Halloween), candy canes, and lollipops. Contact Cathy/Ray Arnold at 410-876-1978 or Marilyn Young at 410-781-4187.

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

Volunteers are needed on Thursday, Dec. 1^st, Friday, Dec. 2^nd and Saturday, December 3rd to move items from the school basement storage area to the Bazaar areas. Will require several pick-up trucks and manpower to assist in the move. Call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576 if you can help for any period of time.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL/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, please call the St. Vincent de Paul office at 410-848-8693, leave your name and phone number.

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 the Salvation Army in Westminster.

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: Donations of the following items are needed for our Communion call shut-ins: band aids, Kleenex (boxes & pocket size), dish detergent (small), dish cloths, dish towels, pot holders, scotch tape, post-it-notes, hand cream, wet wipes, shampoo, socks, napkins, Vaseline, disinfectant hand soap, chap stick, pens and paper towels. All donations are very much appreciated. Please drop off donations at the parish office.

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEEDED: The priests of St. John are asking parishioners who are professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists or therapists to consider using your professional skills within the context of ministry. The priests would like to create a referral list that we could recommend to people who may need professional help along with spiritual counseling they receive. Please contact Fr. Leo at the parish office for more details - 410-876-2248.

CATONSVILLE– 8^th grade class (1959)… There will be an initial meeting for a future class reunion of the 8^th grade class from St. Mark’s, Catonsville at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16^th at St. Mark’s. Call Angie Hoffman Diehlmann.

Last weekend Cardinal Keeler issued a letter to all parishes regarding an anti-pornography effort which gives information about how to fight against the temptations of pornography in our society. A fact sheet on pornography is available in the information racks of the Narthex of the Church. Please feel free to take the flyer “How to Live Chastely When Faced with Temptation - Fact-Sheet on Pornography.”

SHORTENED BULLETIN DEADLINE: For the Nov. 27^th bulletin the deadline is 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 due to Thanksgiving holiday. All items must be in writing, via fax, or email to: bulletin@sjwest.org. or drop off at the parish office.

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