Parish Bulletin

It is my privilege to join with our Pastoral Staff and the Staff and Faculty of our parish school to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving Day. I am deeply grateful for all the prayers offered and sacrifices made to enable the ministry in our parish to flourish and bear fruit. I invite you to begin your Thanksgiving Day at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Once again this year, our parish will host the community Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by Shepherd’s Staff. Shepherd’s Staff is a nonprofit organization supported by the Westminster Ministerium to respond to the needs of the poor in our community. The collection at the Thanksgiving Day Mass will be donated to support the work and outreach of Shepherd’s Staff. Your continued and faithful generosity are deeply appreciated.

NOTICE: There will be only one Mass on Thanksgiving Day at 9:30 a.m. The parish offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22^nd and Friday, November 23^rd for the holiday.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of David Michael Edwards, Sr. and for his family and friends.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially…Mary Chubb, Phyllis Speelman, Chloe Towns, Linda Boone, Jordan Bode, Elwood Goins, Bud McMillan, George Krause, Walter Hackett, Baby Rowan Grace Dorsey, Shirley Drell, Warren Drell, Jr., James Yeargain, Frances Easton and Andrew Shipton.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Isabella Dolores Miller, and Robert Cody Miller, daughter and son of Margaret and Godfrey Miller, Jr.; Jacob Martin Dulski, son of Carrie and Martin Dulski; Jasmine Kathleen Holland, daughter of Kathleen and William Holland; Olivia Julianna Leary, daughter of Juliann Leary; Zackary Michael Medvetz, son of Melanie and Michael Medvetz; Megan Jane Miller, daughter of Rebecca and Kenneth Miller; and Sidney Brooke Benicewicz, daughter of Tara and Brian Benicewicz.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged: $ 7,478,807

Paid to Date: 6,899,948

Balance $ 578,859

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend is for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

School Calendar

Nov. 19-23 - School closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Nov. 26 – PTF Board Mtg. – 7 p.m. Market Day Order Forms due back (pick-up 12/4)

Nov. 27 - 1^st Reconciliation – 6:45 p.m. – Church

Nov. 28 – Academic Team Mtg. - 3:15 – 4 p.m. Rm. 8B

Vocelli’s Family Nite 4 p.m. to closing

Nov. 30 School Closed

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 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. Any questions, call Darlene at 410-876-7031.

MARKET DAY order forms are due back on Nov. 26^th. Pick up between 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4^th. This month is cookie month. Purchase cookies and help us receive extra profit. Don’t need cookies, but would like to donate to others at Christmas? Just tell us so when you place your order. Your cookies will be baked by volunteers and given out to the needy with Christmas gifts.

WHY CATHOLIC: Thanks to all those who participated in our second session of “Why Catholic.”

RCIA: On Sunday, November 25^th, the Feast of Christ the King, our parish will welcome its newest members into the Church at the 11:15 Mass. They have been preparing since March for this wonderful event. Please pray for our candidates as they prepare for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

A big thanks to all those who have signed up for the College Freshmen Retreat on December 21-22. The response has been so favorable that we have moved to a larger retreat house, in order to accommodate anyone else who would like to join us. The theme is “Thirsty?” based on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan Woman in John’s Gospel. Fr. Jerry Francik, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese will be leading the retreat. The cost is $40, and there are a few more spots open. To sign up, or get more information, please contact Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office.

There will be a parent meeting on Monday, Nov. 26^th in the Portico at 7 p.m. to discuss the implementation of the Human Sexuality Program.

Reminder: First Reconciliation will be on Tuesday, Nov. 27^th at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. for those students who attend the Tuesday sessions. Also at 6:45 p.m. for students from St. John School who signed up for that time. Please come directly to the Church and sit with your family.

NOTICE: There will be no Religious Ed classes on Tuesday, Nov. 20^th and Thursday, Nov. 22^nd.

The Religious Education Staff would like to wish all of our students, teachers, assistants, office helpers, hall monitors and their families a very blessed Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for and let this day especially and everyday be one of Thanksgiving!

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

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.

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!

Nov. 18 – LIFE TEEN TALENT SHOW: We are having a COLD coffee house. So whether you sing, play guitar or can do a back flip, you want to make sure you come to this night! Did we mention we’re bringing in a professional magician to kick off the events for this night!

December 14-16 – FULFILLED RETREAT: Are you looking to be fulfilled by God? Life Teen is going on retreat to Bellarmine Retreat Center in Blue Ridge Summit, PA on Dec. 14-16. The cost is $95. Any Confirmation student or high school student is invited! Just email Kenn at kdemoll@sjwest.org or call him at 410-848-8443 for more information. Deadline to register is December 2^nd.

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.

Donations of the following items are needed for our communion call shut-ins: band aids, large boxes of Kleenex, dish detergent (small), scotch tape, post-it-notes, hand cream, wet wipes, baby powder, shampoo, socks, Vaseline, disinfectant hand soap, and Christmas wrapping paper. Chap stick and paper towels are especially needed. Drop off donations at the Parish Center.

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY has a number of assistive devices available for loan, such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and bedside commodes. A parishioner also has a motorized hospital bed available to someone in need. Please call the Health Care Ministry office at 410-876-2248 x220 to make arrangements for whatever you need.

Representatives of World Vision will be available to distribute information concerning sponsorship of children in Spanish-speaking countries. World Vision is an ecumenical organization that tends to the immediate needs and future self-sufficiency of children around the world. Sponsors develop personal relationships with the children through regular correspondence and progress reports. This event is offered by our Hispanic parishioners.

ST. JOHN PARISH COOKBOOK is ready for sale/pickup at Hospitality Sunday at the Portico on Nov.18. The cost is $15.00.

Kristen Witte from the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Office will be here from 12-4 p.m. in the St. Therese Room to provide some specialized training for all youth ministry volunteers. Msgr. Art has asked that all those who help in any capacity with this ministry attend this training. Anyone attending will receive Archdiocesan Certification in Youth Ministry. RSVP to the Religious Ed Office.

HANDICAPPED PARKING … There will be reserved parking for the handicapped in the spaces in front of the entrance to the school cafeteria. The entrance will be marked with signs and we ask that the volunteers and all others not use these spaces.

BAZAAR 50/50 RAFFLE-MINIMUM $2,500 GRAND PRIZE Return your tickets to the Parish Center, 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.

Saturday, Dec. 1 – Any hours you can give during the Christmas Bazaar-we need your help at 4:00 p.m. to clean up.

Please note the items listed below that are needed to help make this year’s bazaar a success. Donations accepted thru Nov. 22 only and may be dropped off at the school basement on Tues. or Wed. evenings from 6:30-8:30 or call Al Wilder at 410-596-3608 for daytime drop-off.

STITCHES AND CRAFTS …We have lots of yarn for anyone able to complete craft kits or to make something for the bazaar. Call Jeanne at 410-596-6280.

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.

THE CHRISTMAS ROOM (2^nd year at the Bazaar) is looking for donations of any gently used Christmas decorations. Call Nora at 410-812-4374 for questions or to help.

ANGELS, INC. MINI MALL needs trinkets, keepsakes, knick-knacks, small gift items, jewelry and jewelry boxes, items geared for men, toiletries, scented candles, candy, small toys, dollar store items to help make baskets and goody bags. Call Christine at 410-876-5627. Volunteers also needed. Service hours are awarded.

STUFFED ANIMALS NEEDED FOR BAZAAR…Clean, stuffed animals, dolls and doll clothes needed. Call Cathy Hoos at 410-876-2442.

THE MARKET PLACE … Saleable/useable 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. Call Regina Sell 410-876-6170.

NORTH POLE CANDY…Left over Halloween candy and similar items needed. Containers will be provided at the church, parish center or the school for any donations.

COOKIES, COOKIES, COOKIES…Hundreds of cookies are needed! If you can bake any kind of cookies, or donate time call Mary Mussari at 410-848-3354.

HOMEMADE CANDY & FUDGE TABLE…Donations of sugar, chocolate chips, Kraft marshmallow crème, peanut butter and nuts needed. Also accepting grocery store gift cards. If you have a favorite candy recipe, consider making some to donate. We DESPERATELY need donations this year! Boxes for donations are in the back of the church, school office or the Parish Center. Call Diane Miller at 410-876-8239.

St. John Boy Scout Troop 420 will be selling locally grown, freshly cut Christmas trees behind St. John School. Sale hours are Mon-Fri. 5 -9 PM and Sat. and Sun. 9 AM to 9 PM. Get your tree early and support the Scouts.

Join Santa and the Knights of Columbus in the St. John's Portico for a great breakfast on Sunday December 3, 2006 from 8:00 am until 11:30 am. Visit with Santa and then have pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults - $5. Children - $3. The Knights of Columbus and Santa appreciate your support. Knights of Columbus Christmas cards will also be available at the breakfast.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a poster contest for children in grades 1-8 in age levels 1-3, 4-6 and 7-8. Winners at each level will compete at the State level. Poster size should be approx. 12x18 and can be done in watercolor, crayon, ink or similar substances. No computer graphics or cut out pictures/collages and must express the theme “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Deadline is Dec. 3^rd. Posters can be dropped off at the Parish Center and must contain identification on the back of the poster, including artist name, name of parent/guardian, home address, phone number, school/grade and sponsoring council name and number.

The next blood drive will be in the Portico from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. We still can use phone callers. If you can help or to make an appointment call Ted Cook at 410-876-2107. There is a severe shortage of blood so please give the gift of life. DONATE!!

Join Filiae Mariae at 6:30 p.m. in the Portico to celebrate the coming of our Lord through stories, customs, sing-a-longs and a special guest appearance from recording tenor, Patrick Mulhern. Special selection of finger foods. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Parish Center. We are also looking for women to host a table. Call Dawn Walsh at 410-876-0250 or Joanne Sebeck at 443-324-0311.

Join us for our annual Christmas Party to be held at Martins from 11:30 - 3:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the "Timeless Tunes by Two" - Joe and Audrey Cimino." Anyone interested in attending may contact Bonnie (410-795-0786) or Eleanor (410-875-3336). The cost is $25.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members. Payment due by December 3^rd.

New this year! You can pre-order your plants! Order forms are available at Parish Center or in narthex of the church and orders will be available for pick-up on December 15-16 in the Portico. Plants can also be purchased on Dec. 15-16 while they last.

Bring the family to hear Catholic artist Martin Doman for a grace-filled Christmas concert to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, the Light of the World at 7 p.m. at the Portico. A free will offering is asked.

From 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Portico. If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved in the parish, please attend.

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. For information call Carolyn Peters at 410-876-8268.

During the month of September, St. Vincent de Paul volunteers gave 273 hours serving 855 clients in the SVD office, the Soup Kitchen and at Carroll County Food Sunday. We thank you for supporting us in this work.

The Shepherds Staff Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at St. John’s on November 22nd from 12-2 p.m. 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.

Bring your used eyeglasses and hearing aids on the 4^th weekend of each month for use in developing countries. Look for the Lions Recycle for Sight boxes at the doors of the church.

THE CATHOLIC FAMILY FOUNDATION… Have a distribution from your IRA roll right into a charitable gift and you pay no income tax on it. (Must be done by December 31, 2007.) Donors must be at least 70 1/2 years old; distributions can be up to $100,000; qualified charities include your parish, school and any ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Contact James Edward at 410-625-8497, or e-mail jedwards@archbalt.org.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: Fr. Leo's cookbook is in stock and available at the Portico Books + Gifts. New inspirational inscribed ceramic tableware just arrived, lots of new items and limited supply. Buy your St. John Christmas Cards early and save $$$.

THE PORTICO OF ST. JOHN is a full banquet facility available for wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, baptismal and communion celebrations. With Wi-Fi capabilities you can host your next business meeting in The Portico of St. John. We are still booking holiday parties. To learn more about hosting your next party in The Portico of St. John contact Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227.