Mass Intentions
Tuesday, December 13
9:30 a.m. Roger Hattrup
Wednesday, December 14
9:30 a.m. David Weidner
7:00 a.m. Grace Buell
9:30 a.m. Eudora D. Nageotte
9:30 a.m. Guy Nageotte
Saturday, December 17
8:00 a.m. Barbara Lancelotta
5:00 p.m. Dorothy Glowack
Sunday, December 18
7:15 a.m. Ed Dempsey
9:15 a.m. Parishioners of St. John
11:15 a.m. Francis Lambert
6:00 p.m. Daniel Cooney
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 & 8 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.
PARISH ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE. . .Thurs., Dec. 15
The Advent Penance Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the church: Opening Prayer, Gospel, introduction of visiting priests, and individual confessions. All are encouraged to attend this service in preparation for the coming of the Lord.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are available at the doors of the church. Please print or type the names of the loved ones you wish remembered, your donation, and envelope number and place in the collection basket. Donations should be received in the parish office by Monday, December 19 at 9:00 a.m. to be included in the bulletin.
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve
8:00 a.m. Church
4:00 p.m. Church
4:15 p.m. The Portico
4:30 p.m. Westminster High School
6:00 p.m. Church
12:00 midnight Church
7:15 a.m. Church
9:15 a.m. Church
11:15 a.m. Church
3:15 p.m. Church
Note: There will be no Confessions before any of the Masses on Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve).
We Pray …
BAPTISMS … Congratulations and welcome to
WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Marie Koucheravy, Theresa Stevick, Richard Garrett, Dorothy Stegman, Roland Yingling, Linda McCray, Jane Parsons, Myrtle Campbell, Martha Hurst (grandmother of Zachary Hurst), Ambrose Cremen (brother of Dottie Rankin), Concetta Bowler (mother of Pat Mc Hale) and Leo Hagerty (brother of Mary Fiore) and for their families 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.
MASS INTENTIONS are of such high volume that it occasionally becomes necessary to send them to missions who can respond to them in a timely fashion. The following intentions have recently been sent: Int. of Pope Benedict XVI, Int. of Teresa Krolczyk, Int. of Sr. Xavier Miriam Folser, Myrtle Adkins, Julia Barnes, Dennis Cooney, Robert Serio, Allison Caldwell, Frank Kane, Jean Mayhew, Zachary Ondrish (3), Int. of Danny Hundertmark, Int. of Keith Hundertmark, Int. of Laura Russo, Int. of Poor Souls, Betty Tecco, Anna Javins, Clementina Cuomo,, Shirley & Lothar Boczek (2), Int. of Peggy Spicer, Int. of Dorothy Kellar, Rhea Mae Byers, Barry Majerowicz, Donna Tucker (2), Edgar Stem (2), Michael Butler, Pauline Thompson, Joseph Progar, Charles Grimes, Anna Daily, Charles Crabbs, George Hipp, Rick Braz (3), Violet Ruth Bouvy, Int. of Ben & Stephanie Richards, William Ford, Harvey Wagner, David Kreimer, Geraldine Knepper, Casmir Lech, Fawn Curty, Jack Harris (4), Romolo DiBlasio (3), Ralph Denucci, Norman Kristic, Jr., Int. of Sr. Marie Bernadette, Int. of Walter Hackett, Clark Brumbley, Carol Bogdan and Edward Dempski, Jr.
Liturgy of the Word
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … Dec. 12 -18
Mon. Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Lk 1:26-38 or
Lk 1:39-47 or any readings from the Common of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
Sat. Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72; Mt 1:1-17
WEEKLY OFFERING for Weekend of December 4, 2005:
Envelopes: $20,851.98 Attendance: 3659
Loose: 5,071.79 Poor Box: $1,673.05
TOTAL: $25,923.77
This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $30,700.00. Our current weekly average is $27,365.23. 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.
3rd SUNDAY IN ADVENT: God’s gift of His Son is the basis for the tradition of sharing gifts at Christmas. A gift is as much a blessing upon the giver as it is a joy for the recipient. Some of us may be blessed with the ability to donate to one or more of the many charitable organizations that accomplish so much within our community. Please remember St. John Church and School among your charitable giving options. Thank you!
School News
School Calendar
Dec. 13 Kindergarten St. Nick Program at 6:00 p.m. in the gym
Dec. 19 Christmas Program at 6:30 p.m. in the gym
Dec. 21 Christmas Program (snow date)
Dec. 22 Early dismissal at 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 23-Jan. 1 SCHOOL CLOSED
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.
PARENTS of 2nd GRADERS: Please make sure you have turned in your child’s form requesting his/her baptismal information. The deadline was November 29.
— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 -12) —
Sun., Dec. 11 – Whistle While you Work Life Night (after 6 p.m. Mass) in The Portico.
Wed., Dec. 28 – Regional XLT from 7-9 p.m. in the Portico. Our Host: Fr. Leo.
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-and to serve warm refreshments. Call Kate in Religious Ed. Office if you can help.
— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 & 6) —
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. 16 - Christmas Party! Bring a Holiday drink /snack to share.
Activities in Our Parish
ADVENT PRAYER BOOKLETS are 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 available at the Parish Center and The Portico Bookstore.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY COMMITTEE invites children to participate in the Christmas Eve Liturgy at 4:30 p.m. at Westminster High School. Children are needed as readers and to portray characters in the Christmas Pageant. Call Marty Devilbiss at 410-346-7012.
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.
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. Also, Richard Lyons will be selling X-mas wreaths to help fund his eagle scout project to provide stations of the cross around the retention basin for an outside prayer area. Please support these endeavors.
On Dec. 10-11, poinsettias will be sold in the cafeteria after all Masses. On Dec. 17-18, sales will be in The Portico. All proceeds will benefit the Church Building Fund.
MASS and CELEBRATION in HONOR of OUR LADY of GUADALUPE . . . Sunday, Dec. 11
A Mass of the Holy Eucharist in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated in Spanish at 3:15 p.m. in the church, preceded by a procession starting at 2:00 p.m. in the church parking lot. All in the parish are welcome to join in this joyful occasion.
HEALTH CARE CHRISTMAS . . .Tuesday, Dec. 12
A meeting and Christmas celebration will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 1:00 p.m. in the church and will conclude in the St. Therese Room, where we expect Santa to arrive with gifts for our shut-ins. Health Care Ministers can pick up gifts for the people to whom they bring the Eucharist. Please plan to attend.
LIVE NATIVITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS. . .Friday, Dec. 23
The Edge needs parent volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and to serve refreshments. Call Kate at 410-848-8443 if you can help.
NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION . . . Saturday, Dec. 31
Welcome the New Year with adult friends at St. John 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.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
ST. VINCENT de PAUL/ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM: . We are counting on your Christian charity and generosity to provide the folks listed on your gift tag with a joyful Christmas – Please be sure to bring your gifts to The Portico no later than Monday, Dec. 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thank you for your continued cooperation and generosity.
Please continue to help minister to the poor in Carroll County by remembering that next weekend (the 3rd weekend of the month) is Food Sunday. Please bring your donation of non-perishable food to the church and place it in the while buckets by the door. We especially need donations of canned meats, stews, spagetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit and bottled juices. Paper goods, such as toilet tissue, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. are also needed. Thank you for your continued help and generosity!
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: The 24-hour hotline needs female volunteers to assist callers after hours regarding crisis counseling, emotional support, emergency needs, medical and legal assistance, shelter, and adoption information. Training and resource guides provided. Call Paul Mulligan, Director, at 410-741-1228 to help.
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. 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.
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 Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469.