Parish Bulletin

Please consider this note a personal invitation to you and your family to attend our annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 1^st in the parish school (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). For more than 50 years, the St. John Christmas Bazaar has been a community building, fund raising and family event for our parish. This year’s Bazaar promises to be bigger and better than ever. Good food, homemade fudge, cookies, cakes and treats, Christmas gifts and bargains, books, crafts, religious articles are among the many attractions. Come enjoy lunch and fellowship with our parishioners and neighbors. Tickets for the grand raffle are still available, and must be turned in by 4 p.m.

I would like to offer a special word of thanks and appreciation to all the committee chairs, volunteers and advertisers. Your support is deeply appreciated. I am looking forward to seeing you at the Christmas Bazaar.

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.

Masses are 7:00 & 9:30 a.m. (attended by St. John School) and 7:00 p.m. Confessions: No morning confessions. 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.

SOLEMNITY of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (a Holy Day of Obligation) … Saturday, December 8

Masses are Friday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. (vigil) and December 8^th at 8:00 a.m. only.

CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the Parish Center or in the back of the church.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are available at the doors of the church and at the Parish Center. 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 17 at 9:00 a.m. to be included in the bulletin.

CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) are available at Portico Books + Gifts or the Parish Center.

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, Andrew Shipton, Ann Kehoe and Selma Mangan.

Due to an early printing deadline the summary of the weekly offering will be in next week’s bulletin.

ELECTRONIC DEBITING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Total November, 2007 electronic contributions: $6,508.00

YEAR END GIVING…that special time between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays is often a time of reflection back upon the blessing of the past year…it is a time when some individuals or families can determine whether they are able to make a year-end gift to a favorite charity or non-profit organization for the tax deduction opportunity it affords. Please remember St. John Church or School when formulating your year-end charitable gift contributions.

School Calendar

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

Dec. 1 - CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

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.

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.

DISCOVERING CHRIST…This exciting six week program will begin at St. John on Monday February 4^th. If you or someone you know has a basic understanding of our faith, but desire to go deeper, this program will help. Young adults 18-35 are especially welcome. More information to follow.

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 held 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.

Religious Education classes will resume on Tuesday, November 27^th and Thursday, November 29^th.

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

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!

Sun., Nov. 25 … “TURKEY BOWL” – Thanksgiving may be over, but the fun with turkey isn’t! Join us for a social/game night. Oh and did we mention we’re bowling with turkeys? Make sure to join us right after the 6:00 p.m. Mass.

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 are doing 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.

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 or school by Nov. 30^th. Drawing will be at 4:00 p.m.

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

STITCHES AND CRAFTS …Please drop off any finished items at the Parish Center. Call Jeanne at 410-596-6280 for questions.

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.

THE MARKET PLACE … NO DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ANY TIME THIS WEEK. Please do not leave any donations at the school or basement steps. Thank you for your support and generosity these past months.

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.

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

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 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 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 from 8:00 am until 11:30 a.m. Visit with Santa and then have pancakes, French toast, eggs and more. Adults - $5. Children - $3. The Knights and Santa appreciate your support. Knights of Columbus Christmas cards will also be available at the breakfast.

“KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS” POSTER CONTEST… 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 your hearts to welcome Christ, the Light of the World at 7 p.m. at the Portico. A free will offering is asked.

Our parish will once again hold a “Welcome Home” session at 7:00 p.m. in the Church/Portico. This will be a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has been away from the church for any reason to begin the process of returning. Those who are interested in becoming Catholic are also invited to join us. If you know someone who could benefit from this session, please take a moment and personally invite them!

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.

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.

MEN IN BLACK BASKETBALL GAME… Fri., April 11 Save the date! The 6^th annual MIB basketball game at Westminster High School. Don’t miss this free, fun-filled evening!

MISSING LARGE 100 CUP COFFEE POT…Will the person who borrowed this coffee pot from the cafeteria, please return it. It is needed for Christmas Bazaar.

CARING AND SHARING TREE – Important Information – We are counting on your Christian charity and generosity to provide the folks listed on your gift tag with a joyful Christmas. Please bring your wrapped gifts with gift tag firmly attached to the Altar during Mass on December 8^th and 9^th. The last day we can accept gifts is Monday, December 10^th in the Portico between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the latest. Thank you for your cooperation and generosity with this worthwhile project.

The next meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 5^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Portico. We look forward to seeing all of our members at this meeting. If you are interested in learning more about our work, please join us at this meeting or call Patty Terrano at 410-857-1473. We’d love to see you there!

Serrin Foster, Esq., President of Feminists for Life, will give a lecture entitled “The Feminist Case Against Abortion” at 7:00 p.m. at the Univ. of Maryland, College Park in the Jimenez Hall, Room 0220. If you have a daughter attending college there, please encourage her to attend and find out why true feminists are against abortion. For more details see http://www.feministsforlife.org

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.