Parish Bulletin

Next weekend, November 3 & 4, is our annual parish stewardship weekend. It is my responsibility and privilege to speak at all the Masses. I will give an account of the spiritual, ministerial and financial work of our parish. The financial statement for the parish and our parish school was recently mailed to all registered parishioners. If you did not receive the mailing, please contact the parish office and the information will be sent. I deeply appreciate your continued generosity and faithful stewardship.

As you know, stewardship is not only about the numbers. This weekend presents us with an opportunity to review and renew our commitment to the Lord, the Gospel and His Church. “We cannot stand idly by, enjoying our riches and freedom if, in any place, the Lazarus of the 21^st Century stands at our doors.” Pope John Paul II.

ALL SAINTS DAY MASSES… Thurs., November, 1 (a holy day of obligation) Masses are at 7:00 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 31st (Vigil Mass) and Thurs., Nov. 1^st at 7 & 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon & 7 p.m.

If a member of your family has died since Nov. 1^st of last year and was not buried from St. John Church, please call the parish office to have their name added to a list of names to be read at 7 p.m.Mass. All Souls Intention envelopes are available at the church entrances and should be returned to the parish office by Oct.30^th.

Masses are 7:00 & 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School) and 7:00 p.m. Confessions 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. and 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

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.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially…Andrew Shipton, Lisa Boston, Shirley Drell, Bernie Amrhein, Pamela Colombel, Tony Boston, Jeanna Johnson, Warren Drell, Jr., Anthony Colodonato, Kathleen Adcock, Phyllis Speelman, Baby Wyatt James Koger, Deacon Bob Malinowski, Kitsie Crabbs, Jackie Seloura, Patricia Callahan, Richard Mulligan, Tom Cornelius, Jr.,George Misulia and Bud McMillian.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Helen Shipley, Mary Catherine Poole, Eleanor Nelson, June Wicklund, Ellie Ruth, Marie McCurdy George Nilsen, Frederick Guessler and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Gabriel Baer Howard, son of S. Jennifer and Joel Howard; and Benjamin James Kruelle, son of Jennifer and Eric Kruelle.

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR this weekend were donated in memory of Kimberly Pettis by her loving family.

ELECTRONIC DEBITING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Total October, 2007 electronic contributions: $6,461.00.

School Calendar

Oct. 29 – STAND TRAINING 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 - All Saints Day – Liturgy 9:30 a.m. – Gr. 1-8 Executive Comm. School Bd. Mtg. 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 – All School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. Church (All Souls Day)

Nov. 2 - PTF Spaghetti Dinner - 4- 8 p.m. Portico

Nov. 3 – Mass of Recognition – 1st Communion 5 p.m. – Church

St. John School Alumni Event – 7:00 p.m. - Portico

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

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. Gift cards are available for purchase in the school office, the 1^st and 3^rd “Hospitality Sundays” at the Portico or by calling the parish office.

The school also participates in the grocery bonus programs for Giant, Martin’s and Safeway. Forms are located at the entrances of the Church. Take a flyer for the appropriate store and fill it out and place it in the collection basket or drop off at school. Call Darlene

Entertainment Books Limited-Time Fundaiser- The St. John PTF will be selling the popular Entertainment Books Books are $25. Cash or checks will be accepted (sorry, no credit cards). Plus as an incentive, when you buy 4 books, take a 5th book FREE! These make perfect affordable gifts for the upcoming holidays to family, friends, co-workers, and more. 50% of all proceeds go directly to our school. A Catholic education is a lifetime investment, by supporting this fundraiser, you're helping make our school excel to make competitive upgrades, such as computer technology, Spanish books, and much more. Thank you for your support with this PTF event. For questions, contact Karen Angelella at 410-876-6679 or Donna Kelly at 410-346-7096.

Please join us from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet the teachers and staff, tour the facility, review textbooks, ask any questions and learn more about our school. Our school serves students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Light refreshments will be served.

This week, participants in Why Catholic are studying the part of the Catechism which reminds us that our Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Each of us has a role to play in the life of the Church, and it is vital that we all do our part as disciples of Jesus Christ. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in determining His plan for you.

REMINDER: Mass of Recognition will take place on Saturday, November 3^rd at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. This Mass is scheduled for St. John School students/Thursday Religious Ed students and anyone who missed the Saturday, Oct. 27 Mass.

PARENTS of second graders preparing for Reconciliation and Eucharist should have received information about the Reconciliation Services that will take place on Tuesday, November 15^th at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. and on Thursday, November 27^th at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 2 – SAINTS NIGHT! Learn some really cool stories about Saints and how the Saints are fighting on your side. Get ready for some Win-Loss-or Draw fun!

Fri., Nov. 16 – TURKEY BOWLING with a little kick of Thanksgiving treats. Yum, Yum. S’mores and more, lots more. Music and some turkey games! Be sure to join us for a fun night!

We meet every 2^nd Sunday and every 4^th Friday in the Cafeteria/Gym from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 11 – PISA NIGHT… This night is a follow-up with the ‘ON LOCATION’ night held at the Portico the previous week!

Fri., Nov. 23 – TURKEY BOWLING & A CAMPFIRE!! If you love S’mores, friends and the game of soccer—well, this night includes all of this and more.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: LENTEN RETREAT will be Feb. 22-23 and will go even longer! Watch the bulletin for more detail!

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 we meet in the Portico at 7:15. Newcomers are welcome!

October 28 - “Service: Mexico:” How would you like to help some people in dire need? Join us as Kevin and Andrea Brown, former Mexico missionaries teach us about the village they served in and how we can help those people! Don’t forget to bring your mission bucks back! Want to get in on this project? E-mail Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org <mailto:kdemoll@sjwest.org>.

November 17- SPIRITUAL RE-CHARGE: Feel like you need a spiritual recharge and don’t want to wait until the Life Teen winter retreat? We’re going to the “Fan the Fire” rally in York, PA on Nov. 17th! It’s a miniature Steubenville retreat packed into one day! We’ll be leaving St. John at 8:00 a.m. returning by 10 p.m. If you register by Oct. 28^th, the cost is $35. After Oct.28^th, the cost is $40. The price includes transportation, dinner and event admission. You will need a bag lunch for the day.

December 14-16 - LIFE TEEN WINTER RETREAT: It’s a long way from winter--but, Life Teen is planning a retreat from December 14-16^th. Mark your calendars. Cost is still being determined. Watch the bulletin for more details!

KNIGHTS ANNUAL TOOTSIE ROLL SALE…Oct. 27-28

The Knights will be selling Tootsie Rolls this weekend after all Masses to help support their activities.

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 Center.

We will begin our gift-wrapping project for shut-ins from 9 a.m. to noon and will continue each Monday until Christmas. If you can help out, join us on any Monday.

The monthly meeting will be in the Marian Room in the Parish Center immediately following the All Saints 7 p.m. Mass. Join us.

Join us for this St. John’s tradition for an evening of good friends, family and good food. As an added attraction this year, “Old Blue Eyes”, Frank Sinatra, will be making a private appearance at the dinner crooning throughout the evening. Tickets will be sold at the door and are: $9 (adults), $5.50 (children 4-12), family $30 and children 3 and under are free. So, take the night off from cooking, bring your friends, relatives, neighbors and enjoy a fun filled family-friendly night from 4-8 p.m. at the Portico.

St. John Church and School will sponsor a celebration for the 50^th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for what was originally the building that housed the 7-12^th grades of St. John School. All St. John High School graduates from as early as the 1930’s through the 1970 class who finished their courses in the basement of what is now the Parish Center are invited. Our celebration begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Portico and includes food, dancing and important information on how you can support St. John School today! For more details call Ralph Arnold 410-347-8681,email: rarnold@monlife.com.or Colleen Hattrup, 410-876-2248 x 218, email chattrup@sjwest.org.

The Knights of Columbus will hold the monthly breakfast for the parish at the Portico from 8-11:30 a.m. Please join us for a great breakfast of pancakes, French toast, eggs and more.

A Candlelight Mass will be celebrated at 7 pm in church for those who have suffered the loss of a child. This Mass is personalized with the names of these beloved children. Please call Beverly Backof at 410-876-6275 or e-mail at bbackof@hotmail.com to register by Nov. 7. A light reception in The Portico will follow Mass.

All parishioners are invited to the open house from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Stop by after Mass and see the good news of St. John School in action! Tour the school; meet the teachers & staff and enjoy refreshments!

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday our next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Contact Dawn Welsh at 410-876-0250

Join us for a night out for some fun, relaxation and dancing from 7-11 p.m. at the Portico. Adults $5.00 per person, includes chips, pretzels and soft drink, cash bar of beer and wine. Proceeds benefit St. John Church Building Fund. For tickets contact Anne Messina at 410-751-9844 or Tom Tulley 410-346-6777.

BAZAAR 50/50 RAFFLE-MINIMUM $2,500 GRAND PRIZE Please return your tickets to the Parish Center, the school or by mail.Additional tickets are available from the school, Parish Center or call Betsy Diggs at 410-346-6576. Tickets are $1.00 each.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED… If you would like to volunteer to work on one of the Christmas Bazaar Committees contact Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576.

STITCHES AND CRAFTS needs volunteers to complete craft kits. We also have lots of yarn, if you would like to make something for the bazaar. Call Jeanne at 410-596-6280.

THE MARKET PLACE (Christmas Bazaar) will be accepting saleable/useable donations now and up until Thursday, Nov. 22^nd. We need household goods, toys, games, linens, glassware, baskets, tins, lamps, pictures, puzzles, small appliances, yard items, small furniture, tools, seasonal items, candles, riding toys and bikes, etc., SORRY, NO CLOTHES OR SHOES. Drop off donations Tuesday or Wednesday in the school basement from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For daytime drop off contact Al Wilder at 410-596-3608. For info call Regina Sell 410-876-6170.

We need new and used religious articles for the Christmas Bazaar. Check your closets, attics, basements, drawers for statues, pictures, medals, rosaries, bibles, crucifixes, angels, etc. For information call Irene at 410-848-0489 or Nina Price at 410-635-6422.

STUFFED ANIMALS NEEDED FOR BAZAAR…Clean, stuffed animals, dolls and doll clothes needed, same drop off as market place. For questions, call Cathy Hoos at 410-876-2442.

THE CHRISTMAS ROOM (2^nd year at the Bazaar) is looking for donations of any gently used Christmas decorations. Drop off Tuesday or Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the school basement. Call Nora at 410-812-4374 for questions or to help.

NORTH POLE CANDY…Donations of candy, left over Halloween and similar items are needed for the North Pole booth. Containers will be provided at the church, parish center or the school for any donations.

BLANKET OF LOVE…St. John Respect Life Committee invites you to create a square for a Blanket of Love to remember your child who died prior to birth, either through miscarriage, still birth or abortion. This blanket is a loving memorial to pre-born children.

This blanket reaches out to grieving mothers and fathers, bringing restoration and healing. Program information and confidential request forms are displayed in the narthex of the church.

RANGER ROSARY MINISTRY…A group has formed to make Ranger Rosaries to send to the armed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. We are collecting donations to support this project after Mass at the Knight's breakfast and on Hospitality Sunday in the Portico. Donations can also be made by contacting Carolyn Peters at 410-876-8268.

ST. JOHN ROSES are accepting donations to send phone cards to the military now serving in Iraq. Local phone cards or your donations can be dropped off at the monthly parish breakfasts in the Portico or call Sharon Bryan at 410-848-7126 for details.

The next Pre-Cana sessions are in 2008; Session 1 (January) and Session 2 (May/June). Couples wishing to register, contact Rosalie Seeley at rosalie.seeley@verizon.net.

KNOTT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS are accepting applications for four-year, full-tuition scholarships. For eligibility requirements and deadlines for applying please see their website: www.knottscholar.org. or call 877-603-9980 for additional information.

We would like to identify persons who wish to adopt an entire family. If you are interested in helping an entire family, please call the St. Vincent de Paul office at 410-848-8693

The Shepherds Staff Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at St. John’s on November 22nd.. Please help us provide the canned vegetables (101 ounce cans) for this dinner. The vegetables needed are: green beans, whole kernel corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, cranberry sauce and instant mashed potatoes. Items can be brought to the school cafeteria any weekday starting Nov.1^st - Nov. 20th between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Nov. 21^st from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For questions call Joe Wade (410-876-2785). To request delivery of the meals to the homebound or for emergency transportation to the dinner, call Shepherds Staff at 410-857-5944. This holiday meal has been created to bring together those who wish to share the blessings of feasting and fellowship on Thanksgiving Day. There is no charge and all are welcome.

Mount Saint Joseph – 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For information call 410-644-3300.

Come and join others throughout the state for this united effort to help bring about a “culture of life” and end the “culture of death.” Our newly installed Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, will start the day off by celebrating Mass. Conference is from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Trinity School, 4985 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City, MD. To register, contact Linda Brenegan at life@archbalt.org.

Daughters of Charity invite single Catholic women interested in discerning a vocation as a Sister to spend the weekend of Nov.16-18 in prayer and reflection. The retreat will be held at St. Joseph Provincial House in Emmitsburg, home of the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. For details call Sr. Denise LaRock at 410-646-2074 or e-mail dcvoc@doc.org.

Fri., Nov. 23 – TURKEY BOWLING & A CAMPFIRE!! If you love S’mores, friends and the game of soccer—well, this night includes all of this and more.

KNIGHTS ANNUAL TOOTSIE ROLL SALE…Oct. 27-28

STITCHES AND CRAFTS needs volunteers to complete craft kits. We also have lots of yarn, if you would like to make something for the bazaar. Call Jeanne at 410-596-6280.

THE CHRISTMAS ROOM (2nd year at the Bazaar) is looking for donations of any gently used Christmas decorations. Drop off Tuesday or Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the school basement. Call Nora at 410-812-4374 for questions or to help.

ST. JOHN ROSES are accepting donations to send phone cards to the military now serving in Iraq. Local phone cards or your donations can be dropped off at the monthly parish breakfasts in the Portico or call Sharon Bryan at 410-848-7126 for details.

THE CHRISTMAS ROOM (2^nd year at the Bazaar) is looking for donations of any gently used Christmas decorations. Drop off Tuesday or Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the school basement. Call Nora at 410-812-4374 for questions or to help.