Parish Bulletin

Please join me in welcoming and congratulating the fifteen new members of our parish who will be formally received into the Church next Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King. I also want to thank their sponsors, families and the members of our parish RCIA Team (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for all their work and prayers. Due to the number of adults who have expressed interest in becoming Catholic, as well as schedule complications, the parish now offers the RCIA program both in the fall and summer. An additional seventeen adults have begun the program this fall. They will be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil this coming April. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. Evangelization is the work of the entire parish.

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.

The Knights of Columbus will hold their Annual Memorial Mass at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Widows, members and parishioners are invited to attend.

Beginning next weekend, November 19 & 20 you can sign up for the lighting of the Advent Wreath in the Narthex of the church.

BAPTISMS...Congratulations and welcome to Hannah Elizabeth Dell, who was recently baptized at St. John Church. She is the daughter of Scott & Kelliann Dell.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Donald Bantner; Doris Prediger and Joseph Kitko, (father of Fr. Joseph Kitko) and for their families and friends.

FLOWERS on the ALTAR THIS WEEKEND are in honor of the 70^th wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. William Eckard, donated by their family.

Flowers on the altar last weekend were donated by Dr. & Mrs. Sherrill Cheeks in loving memory of Sophia Curtis.

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.

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED: . . . During November, we remember in a special way our beloved dead. Parishioners are invited to write names of deceased family and friends in the “Prayer Book for the Dead” located near the Baptism Font.

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,276.71. 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.

33^RD SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME: Good stewards are like the industrious and reliable servants in today’s Gospel, prudently using and multiplying the gifts entrusted to them by God.

Next weekend is the annual collection for the Campaign for Human Development. Thank you for your generosity.

School Calendar

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. Classes begin Tuesday, Dec. 6^th and Thursday, Dec. 8^th. For questions or more details, contact the Religious Ed. Office.

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

THANKSGIVING BREAK . . . No classes on Tuesday, November 22nd or Thursday, November 24^th.

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

CONFIRMATION ASSISTANTS NEEDED: If you would like to assist with Confirmation classes, assistants are needed for Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. sessions. You must be confirmed and be at least 16 years old. Call Marty if you can help.

—LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 – 1) —

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 Cafeteria. 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.

We need teen volunteers and animals for this event. Parent volunteers also needed to help with set-up, clean-up and to serve warm refreshments. Call Kate in Religious Ed. if you can help.

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.”

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

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

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.

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

This informative newsletter for parishioners will be available in pews at all Masses weekend of Nov. 19 & 20. Take a copy home!

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

7:30 -8:30 p.m. in the St. Therese Room. 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!

RCIA: At the 6:00 p.m. Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, our parish will welcome fifteen adults into full communion in the Catholic Church. These candidates will receive their First Holy Communion and be Confirmed at this liturgy. All are welcome at the reception in The Portico immediately following Mass. We ask that everyone continue to pray for these candidates, and for those who have just begun the RCIA process on Sunday mornings.

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.

ST. JOHN MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT has a 5 yr. old John Deere 522 snow blower with very little operating hours on it for sale for $400.00. Call Terry Jones at the Parish Center.

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 email: 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.

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

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

North Pole Candy: Need Christmas and other wrapped candy (left over Halloween) candy canes, and lollipops. Collection boxes are in the school basement and outside the Religious Ed. offices at school. Contact Cathy/Ray Arnold at 410-876-1978 or Marilyn Young at 410-781-4187.

Homemade Candy & Fudge: Desperately need donations of Kraft marshmallow cream, evaporated milk, Nestles chocolate chips, and sugar OR do you have a special family candy recipe you could make and donate? Call Mindy Wade at 410-875-0074.

Cookie Table: Attention all bakers! The cookie table needs your help. Hundreds of cookies are needed to make this effort a success.

If you can bake any kind of cookies or if you can donate any time on December 3^rd , call Mary Mussari at 410-848-3354.

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

Volunteers 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: Beginning the weekend of November 19^th and 20^th the Tree of Caring and Sharing will be in the Narthex of the church. The tags on the tree represent requests for gifts of clothing, toys and food for needy adults and children in our area. Please take as many tags as you are able to manage.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER DONATIONS: Need canned vegetables (101 oz. # 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. and on Nov. 23^rd from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call Joe Wade at 410-876-2785 if you have any questions. 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 blessings of this feast and the 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. Please drop off donations at the parish office.

NEED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: 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.

Do you have a love for Catholic History? Do you have an interest in art and architecture? Can you spare two free days a month? If so, the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust, Inc. is looking for you. The Trust is currently searching for enthusiastic individuals who are willing to volunteer as guides and docents at the Basilica of the Assumption, America’s First Cathedral. The Basilica will reopen in the fall of 2006. If you are interested in telling the story of America’s First Cathedral or just serving as a welcoming face in the Basilica, please call 410-727-3565 to volunteer or send an email to Potter@baltimorebasilica.org.

NEED PRAYER WARRIORS: . . . Concerned Women for America Prayer Chapter meets Monday November 14^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Public Library. Call Gerrye Johnston at 410-549-8511.

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, Nov. 16^th at St. Mark’s. Call Angie Hoffman Diehlmann.

At 7:00 p.m., Angelo Fiordimondo, PhD, will make a presentation on Teenage Emotional Struggles and Depression. Also Lynn Ware, R.N. will discuss eating disorders. For more information call Annie Kilkelly, 717-637-0933 or Ann Shultis, 717-637-3225.

situations. The 24-hour hotline needs female volunteers to assist callers after hours regarding crisis counseling, emotional support, emergency needs, medical, legal, shelter, and adoption information. Training and resource guides provided. Call Paul Mulligan, Director, at 301-262-901 or 410-741-1228 to help.

SHORTENED BULLETIN DEADLINE: . . . The Nov. 27^th bulletin 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.

LARGE-PRINT MISSALETTES are available at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass to pick up a copy.

TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ILL REMEMBERED during the Prayer of the Faithful at Masses, please call the parish office.

NEED PRAYER WARRIORS: . . . Concerned Women for America Prayer Chapter meets Monday November 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Public Library. Call Gerrye Johnston at 410-549-8511.

NEED PRAYER WARRIORS: . . . Concerned Women for America Prayer Chapter meets Monday November 14^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll County Public Library. Call Gerrye Johnston at 410-549-8511.