Parish Bulletin

This week many will come to Church for their second time this year, their first time being Easter. It is an opportunity for us who are here each week to receive them with open arms and be joyous that from all the choices they have: not worship at all, worship somewhere else, they have chosen us and we should feel privileged that even though they may not practice their Catholicism as often as we may wish, they are here.

You may know family or friends who feel estranged from the Church because they feel the Church failed them, though they still see themselves as Catholic. The parish would like to hear their story and help reconcile with them. The parish is hosting a Welcome Home Session on Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 7 pm in The Portico to meet that hope. Please invite those you know whom are estranged to risk coming back. It is even better if you come with them on Thursday so they do not feel they are walking alone in this journey home.

Cardinal Keeler’s Episcopal motto is “Do the Work of an Evangelist.” As our chief shepherd in the archdiocese, we share in his vision and in his works. Our patron, who was one of the four evangelists, calls each of us to do this work as well. Let us reach out to those who are estranged from us and invite them -- this is not only his work, but also all of ours.

NOTICE: The parish offices will be closed, Christmas Day and Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006 and Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 for the Christmas & New Year Holidays.

MSGR. ART’S ADDRESS: If you would like to send a card or note to Msgr. Art, the address is: St. Rose of Lima Rectory, 3803 4^th Street, Baltimore, MD 21225.

We need someone to sign up for the Wednesday morning 1-2 a.m. Adoration Hour as soon as possible. The current adorer’s work schedule will not allow him to continue filling that hour. Please call Agnes in the Parish Center if you are willing to cover this time slot.

WE WILL HAVE an INTERPRETER at MASS: Beginning Sunday, January 7, at the 9:15 a.m. Mass, services of an interpreter will be available weekly for the deaf and hearing impaired. Anyone desiring to utilize this service will be seated in the angled pews near the Baptism Font. To be notified of events of particular interest to persons having a hearing deficit or of last minute unavailability of the interpreter, or if you have questions about services to the deaf community, call Fr. Leo in the parish office.

MASS OFFERINGS: The parish tries to accommodate the many intentions we receive. There are two types of mass intentions. The perpetual mass cards are offered through the Priests of the Sacred Heart and the parish submits the intentions and the free will $15 offering to that community. These intentions are part of a great number, which are remembered by the Priest of the Sacred Heart. The mass intentions, which are published in the bulletin, are assigned to a particular date. It is one intention per mass. The free will offering for this intention is $10. Mass cards and intentions are handled through the parish office.

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Janice Parker, Fr. Robert Francis Hopkins, Jeanne Trapani, Robert Miller, Clarence Zylla and their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Alyssa Ann Bilbo, daughter of Joyce Fisher and Michael Bilbo, II; Kenneth Thomas Hoffman, son of Terri and Kenneth Hoffman; and Taylor Lauren Weyant, daughter of Teresa and Michael Weyant.

TOTAL: $31,374.17

The last several weeks the weekly offering has topped $30,000. Thank you for your contributions and sacrifice for our many commitments to fulfill our mission.

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 to all who contributed to the Retired Religious collection. The total collected was $6,059.68.

NEW FEDERAL TAX LAW AFFECTING OFFERTORY AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: Registered parishioners and other parish donors should be advised of the following recent changes to Federal Law affecting offertory and other contributions made to St. John Catholic Church.

Parishioners are encouraged to contact their tax and/or legal professionals to determine what effects these changes may have with regard to their income taxes and potential charitable contribution deductions.

** Only cash and checks received in weekly offertory envelopes that can be identified by envelope number, name or means of electronic records are recorded in your yearly contribution statement. Contributions for second collections, poor box, loose cash or gifts must be in an envelope with your identification number or name and address to be recorded and included in your yearly contribution statement. All donations of $250.00 or more are acknowledged in writing.

END OF YEAR GIVING: As the calendar year comes to a close, many people often use this time to make a larger donation to the church as a tax deduction from stocks that may have been redeemed or bonuses from work. We are appreciative of any donations that people are able to make to the parish. Please be advised that the donation needs to be submitted to the parish by December 28, 2006 so that it can clear the bank and be posted for IRS purposes on December 29, 2006 since December 30 and 31, 2006 are bank holidays. If one is audited, the IRS may ask for proof that the monies were processed in calendar year 2006.

ELECTRONIC DONATIONS: Start the New Year by having your contributions debited electronically from your bank account. Please contact George Hinkel at 410-848-4744 x 249 to initiate this process.

School Calendar

Dec. 22 – Jan. 1 School closed for Christmas Vacation

Jan. 5 – All School liturgy at 9:30 a.m. & HS applications due

INNISBROOK ON-GOING FUNDRAISER: Check out the website for gift giving ideas. The school receives 50% of all sales.

The school is participating in the grocery bonus programs for Giant, Martin’s and Safeway. Forms for this program are located at the entrances of the church. Please take a flyer for the appropriate store and fill out the information requested. You can place the forms in the collection basket or drop them off at school during the week. Call Darlene at 410-876-7031 or 410-848-1508.

GROCERY CERTIFICATES PROGRAMS: Please support the school by purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscov’s, and local grocery stores. There is no additional cost involved, but the school makes 5% on all sales. Cards are for sale in the school office as well as the Portico Book + Gifts Store.

Our parish will be holding a "Welcome Home" session for anyone who may feel estranged from the Church and would like to return and participate more fully in their Faith or perhaps would like to learn more about the teachings of the Church after a period of absence. We will meet from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Portico, and all are invited. For details, call or email Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

WHY CATHOLIC? Right after the first of the year, St. John will begin it's first six week session of Why Catholic? a wonderful and informative Adult Faith Formation program that is being offered throughout the Archdiocese. Small groups of 10-12 will meet throughout the week. To register, or to learn more, please call or email Paul Gallagher.

The Religious Ed Staff wishes all of our students, their families, our teachers, classroom assistants, office helpers and hall monitors a most joyous Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.

REMINDER: There will be NO Religious Ed classes on Tuesday, Dec. 26, Thursday, Dec. 28, Tuesday, Jan. 2 and Thursday, Jan 4^th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 9^th and Thursday, Jan. 11^th.

— LIFE TEEN (Grades 9 - 12) —

Life Teen is a High School Youth Ministry that meets every 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday at 7:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria. On the 3rd Sunday of each month we meet in the Portico at 7:15. New- comers are welcome!

Sat., Jan. 20 – John Flynn Concert at 8 p.m. in the school gym. Check out his music at www.johnflynnband.com

Mon., Jan. 22 – March For Life. If you are interested in joining us for this daylong event in Washington, D.C. contact or email Kenn at Kdemoll@sjwest.org.

STEUBENVILLE 2007: Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out the flyer in the Life Teen box in the back of the Church about our annual trip to Franciscan University in Steubenville. For information, call Paul or Kenn at 410-848-8443.

Be sure to visit us on the web at www.sjwest.org and click the “youth” tab and then the “Life Teen” link!

— THE EDGE (Grades 6, 7 & 8) —

We meet every 2^ndSunday and 4^th Friday from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This ministry is open to all 6^th, 7^th & 8^th graders.

— YOUTH ALIVE (Grades 5 - 6) —

We meet in the Cafeteria from 7-8:30 p.m. every 1^st and 3^rd Friday. Bring your friends and join the fun! Contact Kate for details.

Fri., Jan. 5 –Celebrating the Epiphany – What Will You Bring? See you there for this very special Youth Alive Night!

HELP WANTED: Adult needed for paid position in St. John Nursery. Must be available to work every other weekend from 8:30a.m - 1:00 p.m. Position includes caring for children ages 1-5 as well as supervising a teenage volunteer. If interested, please call Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

THANK YOU- From the Christmas Room. For all those who gave their TIME and TALENT to help make the “New” Christmas Room a success…A Big Thank You!!! For all those who donated past Christmas Treasures, Thank You!! I truly enjoyed working with all of you. Be sure to keep the Christmas Room in mind for next year as you pack up this year’s decorations. Mark a box Christmas Bazaar 2007 and put it close by. I’ll be asking for donations by Oct./Nov. 2007. God Bless All - Nora Drury 410-875-9740.

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY has many different assistive devices—walkers, bedside commodes, etc. that are available for loan. We are currently accepting donations of wheelchairs. If you have one that you could donate, please call the Health Care Office, 410-848-4744, ext. 220 at the Parish Center.

The next scheduled Welcoming Session will be held Dec. 31st at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. Anyone interested in registering with the parish should attend this session.

Join the Knights of Columbus at The Portico for a great breakfast from 8-11:30 of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults - $5, children $3. Your support of our monthly parish breakfasts has been tremendous. The Knights appreciate your continued support.

St. John parish is again joining the International Orthodox Christian Charities & Habitat for Humanity to build homes in the Gulf Coast. The next trip is January 14-20. If you are over 18 years of age and are interested, contact Fran Rock at 410-876-1795. You may have to pay all or part of your travel expenses.

Mark your calendars! The March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C. and our parish will sponsor two buses. Details to follow in later bulletins. Plan on attending this national event that coincides with the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

THREE MARY’S PRODUCTION ON DVD: Order a copy of the Three Mary’s DVD by calling Jeanne Link at 443-324-8487.

The members of St. Vincent DePaul Society would like to wish all St. John’s parishioners a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. All of you make it possible for our organization to help needy families and individuals throughout Carroll County. You are always invited to give directly to the St Vincent De Paul Society works for outreach to the community. Checks may be payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

St. Bartholomew’s Parish is having a bus trip to see “The Christmas Miracle” and dinner at the Hershey Farm Restaurant afterward. Call Linda Sterner at 410-239-8881 for more details.

Placement tests are scheduled for those 8^th grade students currently attending public schools who are interested in attending Delone Catholic High School for the 2007-08 school year. Tests for English, Foreign Language, Math and Science will be administered on Saturday, Jan. 6^th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the school, 140 S. Oxford Ave., McSherrystown, PA. Call Sr. Maria Jude, CSJ, or Mrs. Donna Groft at Delone at 717-637-5969 for details.

CATHOLIC ALUMNI CLUB OF BALTIMORE: Are you single and interested in meeting people with similar interests and developing friendships that may be life long? The Catholic Alumni Club is a social organization for those free to marry in the church, and have college and/or professional experience. Monthly activities include dinners, movies, culture events, dances, sports, religious and charitable activities. A tour of the newly renovated Basilica, and lunch on January 13^th is currently being planned. For further information call Jacqui at 410-356-2898 or Mike at 410-480-9877.

INTEREST-FREE COLLEGE LOANS: College sophomores, juniors and graduate school students do you need an interest-free loan for the 2007 Fall term to complete your junior/senior year or graduate school studies? The Ruth Gosnell Education Fund, directed by the Springfield Presbyterian Church, provides interest-free loans to full-time college juniors, seniors and graduate students. Regardless of religion, all applicants will receive impartial consideration; and repayment of the interest-free loan does not start until 6 months after you graduate. Interested students can download the RGEF Form C, “Ruth Gosnell Education Fund Loan Application” at: www.springfield-church.org. or call SPC on 410-795-6152. Completed applications must be received by March 1, 2007. Loan applications will be evaluated on academic performance, financial need, and a short essay. The only limitation is that students must attain junior status in an accredited institution of higher education by the Fall 2007 semester.

This coming January the Vocation Office of Baltimore will be starting a series of retreats that will be held in Bethany Beach, Delaware. The Retreat at the Beach series, kicking off January 4- 6, and held again in June, is a great opportunity for men between the ages of 18-35, single or married, to develop a deeper spiritual life. January's retreat theme, "Forming a Man for All Seasons," will offer participants a chance to better understand their spiritual life, and provide ways to further enrich it. This Retreat is open to 15 men & there is no cost to participate. Even though the Vocation Office is conducting this retreat, the focus of the retreat is spirituality, not necessarily priesthood discernment. Contact Fr. Leo at the Parish Center at 410-848-4744 x 241 for more information.

This mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the parish center. We will be honoring the Longest Married Couples from each parish, along with couples who are celebrating 50 and 25 years and all married couples and marriage preparation leaders. The Mass will be bilingual in English and Spanish and interpreted for the deaf. Everyone is welcome to attend.

THE GABRIEL NETWORK’S “Welcome the Child” Christmas Music CD is now available. Suggested donation is $15 plus $3 shipping and handling. The Gabriel Network (formerly known as the Gabriel Project) is a faith-based nonprofit pregnancy support network providing practical, emotional, and spiritual assistance to women and families facing crisis pregnancies. To order go to http://www.GabrielNetwork.org or call 410-741-1228.

PASTORAL SPANISH @ College of Notre Dame of Maryland

If you have an interest in working with and ministering to the Hispanic community, this program is for you. Three classes will be offered during the spring semester: Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings (Part1); Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings (Part 2); and Spanish Language and Culture for Liturgical and Sacramental Ministry. Classes will be held at the College’s North Baltimore campus. For information, contact Linda Stilling, SSND, at 410-532-5306, or e-mail lstilling@ndm.edu

Feb. 15-18 – Women’s Cursillo weekend

Feb. 16 – Open House for prospective kindergarten parents

Sat. Feb. 24 – Session 1 of Pre-Cana

Fri. March 2-3 – Session 1 of Pre-Cana

MEMORIAL BRICKS: We are still taking orders for memorial bricks. The cost of the bricks is $75 for a 4x8 and $150 for an 8x8. For more information call Kathy Duex at 410-848-4469.

From the Administrator