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
Please join me in welcoming Father Kevin Mueller to our parish. Father Kevin will be the Temporary Administrator of St. John’s during my sabbatical, (January through June 2006). He was ordained in 1992, and has most recently completed his term as Director of the Msgr. O’Dwyer Youth Retreat House in Sparks. Father will introduce himself at the weekend Masses on January 9th and 10th. I will work with Father Kevin to assist with the transition, until I leave for Rome. Once again, I express my appreciation to Father Leo and Father John and the staffs of our parish and parish school. Without their leadership and cooperation, the opportunity for my sabbatical would not have been possible. Your continued prayers and support are deeply appreciated.
May God bless you,
Liturgy & Worship
PERPETUAL ADORATION UPDATE! We need volunteers for SWAT (Severe Weather Adoration Team) so we will be able to maintain Perpetual Adoration during inclement weather. These should be people who are either within walking distance of the parish center or have four wheel drive vehicles. We also need someone who is willing to organize and coordinate this team. Please call the parish center if you can assist with this effort.
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 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). There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Day.
We Pray …
BAPTISMS …Congratulations and welcome to Grayson Samuel Gardner, son of Karie and Samuel Gardner.
WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Robert Venker; and Walter Cosgrove 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, Edward Dempski, Jr., Katherine Kobin, Bryon Scott, Int. of the Bryon Scott Family, Antoniette Guerrini, Charles Fort, Louise Antonazzo, Int. of Louis Fanelli, Int. of Dorothy Toth, Int. of St. John Parish Council, Int. of Msgr. Thomas J. Tewes, Int. of Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano, James Shifflett, Herbert Jenkins, Pauline Hall (2), Sherri Lynes, Andrew A. Supik (2), William Burns, Int. of O’Connell Family and Int. of Lydia Cruz.
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: $24,282.24 Attendance: 3468
Loose: 4,,699.54 Poor Box: $2,148.96
TOTAL: $28,981.78
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: $ 7,331,949 Goal: $ 10,590,693
Paid to Date: 6,425,408 Pledged to date: 6,425,409
Balance: $ 906,541 Interest Earned: 549,780
Cash needed: $ 3,615,504
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
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.
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.
REMINDER: There will be no Religious Education classes on Tuesday, December 20, Thursday, December 22, Tuesday, December 27 and Thursday, December 29. Classes resume Tuesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 5.
— 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.
Steubenville 2006 Sponsors Needed: We are looking for any parishioners that might be able to sponsor a teen to go on our annual Steubenville retreat. If you can be a full or partial sponsor, please make your check payable to St. John and call or email Marty at mlink@sjwest.org.
— 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 – Live Nativity rehearsal at THE EDGE! Also 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.
Parents and adult volunteers needed. We are still looking for CORE members for THE EDGE. This ministry is a great way to serve the young people of St. John. Commitment is 2 nights a month and an occasional team meeting. Call Kate if you can serve.
Sign up packets for a fun-filled night at Players Family Amusement Center on Jan. 27 are going out this week to all 7th and 8th grade Religious Ed classes and to THE EDGE. Deadline for money and sign up is Jan. 20. Check packet for details.
— 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
LIVE NATIVITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS. . .THE EDGE needs parent volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and to serve refreshments on Friday, Dec. 23. Call Kate at 410-848-8443 if you can help.
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.
EVERGREENS NEEDED to help decorate the Church for Christmas. Greens can be dropped off on Dec. 19 or 20. Contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596 for more information.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – THANKS. . I would like to thank all of the committee chairpersons and their volunteers, the PTF, the Boy Scouts, Life Teen, all the parish associations and the many volunteers who helped make the bazaar a success. I also would like to thank the St. John’s school staff, the parish center staff and all the parishioners and friends who supported the 50/50 raffle. The success of the bazaar is a tribute to each of you and indicative of the spirit of co-operation found at St. John Parish. Thank You!
Jim Diggs, Chairman.
The winners of the 50/50 raffle are as follows:
$100 - Lorraine O’Brien $300 - Charles Wittee
$200 - John Kane $2,777 Grand Prize - Larry Messer
Also, special THANKS to all parishioners and school parents for the most successful year ever at the Homemade Candy and Fudge table! We had more donations of supplies and fudge than ever before and we could not have had such a banner year without your help and support. Thank you! Mindy Wade
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.
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.
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 Tues, Dec. 12 at 1:00 p.m. in the church and will conclude in the St. Therese Room, when Santa will arrive with gifts for our shut-ins. Health Care Ministers can pick up gifts for those people they bring the Eucharist. Please plan to attend.
WISDOM CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY. . . Thurs., Dec. 15
For members who have signed up and PAID for this party, Martin’s Westminster will open at 11 a.m., lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. Do Not Forget Gift ($10.00 Max) for the gift exchange. Come and have fun! Any questions, call Eleanor 410-875-3336, Bonnie 410-795-0786 or Mary Agnes 410-876-1307.
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.
WINTER DAY OF RECOLLECTION. . . Sat., Jan. 28
All Liturgical Ministers, Health Care Ministers, Religious Ed. Teachers & Assistants, Life Teen Core Leaders, Masters of Ceremony and Prison Ministers are encouraged to attend this annual day of recollection at Carroll Community College from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to grow in your faith and ministry. The topic for the day is: “The Sacraments of Initiation.” Fr. Rick Hillgartner will be the presenter. Fr. Hillgartner will help us deepen our understanding of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. There will be time for small group discussions, individual ministry meetings, socializing and a continential breakfast & lunch. A reminder postcard with RSVP details will be sent in early January.
Outreach
* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *
ST. VINCENT de PAUL/ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM:
Please bring your wrapped gifts to all Masses this weekend or to The Portico on 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 (Dec.17-18) is Food Sunday. Donations of non-perishable food should be placed in the buckets at the doors of the church. Needed items are: canned meats, stews, spaghetti sauce, canned pasta meals, jelly, powdered milk, canned fruit, bottled juices, paper goods, i.e., toilet tissue, baby diapers, paper towels, etc. Thank you for your continued 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.
THINKING ABOUT THE PRIESTHOOD?. . .Sat., Jan. 14
There will be a dinner with Fr. Jerry Francik on Sat., Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Timothy parish rectory (200 Glade Blvd., Walkersville) for any men in the central Maryland region, college age and older, who are interested in talking with others about the priesthood. For more information contact Fr. Jerry by email or by phone at: gfrancik@archbalt.org or 410-547-5426. RSVP by Jan. 11 to Fr. Andy Aaron if you plan to attend , 301-845-8028, ext. 3.
In Our Community
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.
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 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.
PARISH CALENDARS –2006 calendars are available at the doors of the church. Please take one per family.
ADVENT PRAYER BOOKLETS are available in the narthex of the church. Please take one as you leave church.