Mass Intentions
Tuesday, November 29
7:00 a.m. Kenneth Weir, Sr.
9:30 a.m. Marion Bourassa Flynn
Wednesday, November 30
9:30 a.m. Walter Ward, Jr.
7:00 a.m. Michael Kepler
9:30 a.m. Intention of Jean Brumbley & Children
7:00 a.m. Joshua Picarella
9:30 a.m. Ina Langdon
7:00 p.m. John Wandishin
Saturday, December 3
8:00 a.m. John H. Koelbl, Sr.
5:00 p.m. T. R. O’Farrell, III
Sunday, December 4
7:15 a.m. Alice Dorsey Dwyer
9:15 a.m. Ron Rager
11:15 a.m. Michael Kenny
3:15 p.m. Katie O’Brien
6:00 p.m. Parishioners of St. John
Welcome to Advent. This holy season of prayer and preparation provides us with opportunities to focus on what “great things God has done for us.” Busy with all the work we need to do to get ready for Christmas, Advent reminds us that God has ordered all things according to His plan. Pray for the patience of Our Lady who surrendered her will to God’s will. Pray for the wisdom to hear the message of the, “greatest prophet born of woman,” so that we too may repent and believe. Pray for the strength and gentleness of St. Joseph, so that we too may be attentive and responsive to the voice that encourages us to, “ Be not afraid.” May this holy season be a time of grace and blessing for you, your families and our parish.
I look forward to seeing you at our Christmas Bazaar this coming Saturday.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
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 & 2a.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
FIRST FRIDAY MASSES . . . December 2
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. & 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. This devotion began with a private revelation from Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 1600’s.
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.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY . . . Sunday, December 4
The 9:15 a.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.
We Pray …
WE PRAY for the REPOSE of David Bishop and for his family and friends.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA ... Thursday Mornings
Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass and Rosary in the church. All are invited to participate.
DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET … Thursday afternoons
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.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … Nov. 28 -Dec. 4
Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122; Mt 8:5-11
Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Lk 10:21-24
Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19; Mt 4:18-22
Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27; Mt 9:27-31
Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8
Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8
WEEKLY OFFERING for Weekends of November 20 & 27, 2005 will be included in the next bulletin.
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,437.31. Thank you.
VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Total Pledged: $ 7,290,677 Goal: $ 10.590,693
Paid to Date: 6,357,959 Pledged to date: 6,357,958
Balance: $ 932,718 Interest Earned: 549,780
Cash needed: $ 3,682,955
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.
1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT : Today we begin a new year in the Church. We are preparing with expectation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Our gifts given at Mass each Sunday are given in gratitude for God’s many blessings in our lives.
School News
School Calendar
Nov. 28 Progress Reports Distributed
Nov. 28-30 Middle States Team Visiting
Dec. 2 School closed for Bazaar Preparation
Dec. 3 Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 5 High School Applications due
Dec. 8 Feast of Immaculate Conception 9:30 a.m. Mass
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.
INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER . . . Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales. Shop at www.innisbrook.com. Our school ID # 122169.
Religious Ed./Youth Activities
Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443
CONFIRMATION - PARENT MEETINGS: If you missed our parent meetings on Nov. 8 & 9, please call Marty Link in the Religious Ed. Office to schedule a time to receive the important information that was distributed at the meeting.
SERVICE PROJECTS: Sign ups for the Service Projects will be outside the Religious Ed. Office at school beginning the first night of classes (Dec. 6 & Dec. 8). Please review the service handout to familiarize yourself with the projects prior to signing up.
SECOND GRADE PARENTS: You should have received an Invitation to Reconciliation for Saturday, December 10. If you did not receive this, please call the Religious Ed. Office.
NO RELIGIOUS ED. CLASSES on Thursday, December 1 due to early set-up of the Christmas Bazaar. Thursday classes will resume on Thursday, December 8.
HOME STUDY CLASSES will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —
Winter Retreat: Our annual Winter Retreat will be held at Blue Ridge Summit, Dec. 16-18. The Cost is $80 (includes bus, food,
lodging and a tee shirt. Space is limited, so reserve now! Email or call Marty for more information.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 & 8) —
We meet every 2nd and 4th Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This ministry is open to all 7th & 8th graders.
Dec. 11 – Join us to make Christmas cookies. Don’t miss it!
Dec. 23 – Live Nativity - 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. Office if you can help.
— THE EDGE (Grades 7 & 8) —
We meet in the Cafeteria from 7-8:30 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Friday. Bring your friends and join the fun! Contact Kate for details.
Dec. 2 -No Youth Alive . . . sorry guys! Have fun at the Bazaar!
Dec. 16 – Christmas Party! Bring a Holiday drink /snack to share.
Activities in Our Parish
ADVENT PRAYER BOOKLETS are now available in the narthex of the church. Please take one as you leave church.
CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the doors of the church. Offering envelopes may be placed in the collection basket.
CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) are now available at the Parish Center and The Portico Bookstore.
ANNUAL PARISH LITURGY UPDATE: This informative newsletter for parishioners will be available in the narthex after all Masses this weekend. Please take a copy.
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Children in grades 1-8 are eligible to compete in age level poster contest for prizes. All posters will be judged at our Council level for originality, theme and presentation. Prizes will be awarded. Winners at each level will compete at the State Level . Call Paul Noel at 410-751-6764.
The Knights thank all who participated in the Annual Tootsie Roll campaign. The campaign raised more than $6,500 for the mentally challenged organizations in Carroll County.
SIGN UP TO LIGHT ADVENT WREATH . . . Nov. 26 & 27
You can sign up for the lighting of the Advent Wreath in the narthex of the church.
WELCOMING SESSION . . . Sunday, Nov. 27
If you are interested in becoming a member of our parish and learning more about the ministries here at St. John, you are invited to the Welcoming and Registration Session held on the last Sunday of each month from 10:30 – 11:00 in The Portico.
PREPARE your HEART for CHRISTMAS …Tues., Nov. 29
7:30 -8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Dr. Robert Miller, a well-known Professor of Sacred Scripture at Mt. Saint Mary’s,will present an Advent Scripture Study, based on the book “Advent of the Savior.” Dr, Miller suggests that you read this short book/meditation, prior to his presentation.
WISDOM CLUB CHRISTMAS TRIP…Tues., Nov. 29 Bus leaves front of Church at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. This trip to Allenberry Dinner Theater is SOLD OUT. Thanks to all who responded. Any questions, call Rosemary at 410-795-8491.
Boy Scout Troop 420 will be selling locally grown, freshly cut trees and will be located behind the school. Hours are Monday - Friday 5-9 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Committee will meet in the Parish Center at 7:00 p.m. We invite all ministries to join in the planning of our 2nd Annual Carnival to be held May 29-June 1. Call Jenny Scott at 410-239-6179.
KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS BREAKFAST … Sun., Dec. 4
From 8 – 11:30 a.m., in The Portico. Menu includes pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults are $4 and children are $2. All proceeds will benefit St. John Parish. Thank you for your support.
The blood drive will be held in The Portico from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Also need phone callers. If you can help make calls or to make an appointment call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107.
FILIAE MARIAE CHRISTMAS EVENT. . .Wed., Dec. 7
Join us for teas and dessert at The Gypsy Tea Room from 7-9 p.m.
The Mad Hatter will make a return appearance. Cost $15.00 (paid in advance) Call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250.
NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION . . . Saturday, Dec. 31
Welcome the New Year with adult friends at St. John’s Portico from 9-1. Great music by Joan Kinze, the DJ Lady; favors & noisemakers; sodas, chips & pretzels, cheese & veggie trays; champagne toast at midnight; donuts & coffee later. Two tickets for beer or wine included. Tickets are $35.00 per person with tables for 10 at $349.00. Call Mary or John Coakley at 410-876-7033 for more details.
Annual Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, December 3
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.
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, & lollipops. Collection boxes are in the school basement and outside the Religious Ed. offices at school. Call Cathy/Ray 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, 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. 1st, Friday, Dec. 2nd 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.
Outreach
THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY
ST. VINCENT de PAUL/ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM: The Tree of Caring and Sharing will be in the narthex of the church until all tags are taken. 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.
From the Archdiocese
All married couples are cordially invited to join Bishop Francis Malooly for the special World Marriage Day Mass and Reception at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. The Mass will be interpreted for the hearing-impaired.
LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE:
Our parish is participating in Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s search for the longest married couple in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. One nominee from each parish will be honored during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Malooly. Please call or send your name or names of your candidates, married 50 years or more, to the parish secretary no later than January 20, 2006. Please include their names, address, phone number and wedding date.
In Our Community
GABRIEL PROJECT NEEDS TELEPHONE VOLUNTEERS FOR HOTLINE . . . 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.
MOTHER SETON SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY MASS . . .
A mass of celebration will be held on December 8 at 10:15 a.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg in recognition of the 195th anniversary of Mother Seton School. Bishop W. Francis Malooly will celebrate Mass. Call Val Mentzer at 301-447-3165 for information.
ADVENT PRAYER DAY . . . The Chesapeake Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is offering an Advent Prayer Day on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 10-2 at 305 Cable Street, Baltimore. Sr. Edna Maier will be the presenter. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted. Call Sr. Edithanne Kane at 410-243-2096.
Reminders
THE DEADLINE for BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS is 12:00 noon on the Monday before the weekend in which the announcement is to appear. You must submit bulletin notices via email to bulletin@sjwest or drop off notices to the Parish Center.
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.
HOLY COMMUNION will be brought to you during Mass, if you are unable to come to the altar. Please inform an usher.
ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: Our parish invites memorial donations for altar flowers. You may wish to memorialize a deceased loved one, commemorate an anniversary, etc. Your name and the intention will be included in the bulletin the weekend your flowers are placed on the altar. Call the parish office to schedule.
TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ILL REMEMBERED during the Prayer of the Faithful at Masses, please call the parish office.
LARGE-PRINT MISSALETTES are available at weekend Masses. Please see an usher before Mass to get a copy.
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.
MEMORIAL BRICKS . . . We are selling memorial bricks until January 15. The cost of the bricks are $75 for a 4x8 and $150 for an 8x8. Forms can be picked up at the Parish Center. For more information, call Kath Duex at 410-848-4469.
YEAR-END CHARITIBLE GIVING . . . Autumn . . . a time of reflection . . . a time of new beginnings . . . a time for some to begin formulating their year-end charitable contributions for tax purposes. Please reflect upon the good news and mission of St. John Church and School as you consider your charitable giving contributions this quarter. A simple monetary gift can bring us closer to meeting our goals as a parish while helping your family too!
THANK YOU for CARING: Fr. Mich, Fr. Hilario and the entire Hispanic congregation of St. John Parish extend their thanks and ask God’s blessings on all who opened their hearts and sponsored a child in need, in response to World Vision on the weekend of Nov. 5 & 6.