Parish Bulletin

Welcome to Advent! As we begin this beautiful season of hope and expectation, I invite and encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities for prayer including: daily Mass on weekday mornings including Saturdays, visits to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Parish Center, Penance Service (Dec. 17^th at 7:00 p.m.), and invite a friend and/or neighbor to come to church with you. The Sacred Scripture readings used for the Sundays of Advent provide us with rich and meaningful material for quiet prayer and meditation. Advent booklets are available in the narthex of the church, and our parish bookstore in the Portico has a wonderful selection for spiritual reading. I pray that we will experience the hope, joy and peace that only God can provide during the prayerful season of Advent.

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^that 7:00 p.m. (Vigil) and December 8^th at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the Parish Center and at the doors 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…Ann Kehoe, Phyllis Speelman, Bud McMillan, Marnin Fuchs, Selma Mangan, Jerry Dedrani and Mary Pinkas.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Eleanor Trompen, Kay Sweeney, Jessie Wayne Robinette Sharon Mann, and Dorothy Elizabeth Menchey and for their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Baileigh Rose Baker, daughter of Marianne and Frank Baker; Delana Brooke Davis, daughter of Sandra and Darren Davis; Dylan Michael Hogue, son of Jennifer and David Hogue; Marie Elizabeth Mc Cullough, daughter of Carol Currence and Harold McCullough; Roxana Evelyn Wisner, daughter of Maria and Joel Wisner; Jordon Carl Young, son of Susan and Stephen Young; Peyton Michele Reisdorf, daughter of Tabitha and Michael Reisdorf; Connor Michael Callihan, son of Michele and Frederick Callihan; Elena Kathleen Rodriguez, son of Tara and Luis Rodriguez; Ghage Turner Schmelyun, son of Kathy and Lee Schmelyun; John Edward Sessions, IV, son of Brittany Crass and John Sessions, III; Julia Catherine Swartzbaugh, daughter of Linda and James Swartzbaugh; and Owen Henry Hofmeister, son of Donna and Thomas Hofmeister.

THANK YOU for your generosity to the second collection for the campaign for Human Development. The amount collected was $6,863.26.

Beginning Balance: 11/1/07 $1,915,722

Paid: Interest $11,574

Principal 14,988 -26,562

Interest Charged 11,574

Ending Balance 12/1/07.................................................. $1,900,734

NOTICE: The “5^th Sunday” envelope offerings are used to reduce the mortgage.

YEAR END GIVING…Please remember your St. John Parish family when considering your charitable giving options during this special Christmas season of blessings. St. John Church and School helps to make our community stronger in faith and service and a simple monetary gift can represent the tax deduction your family needs while helping us to meet our mission and vision! Thank you for your continued support!

School Calendar

Dec. 7 – First Friday Liturgy - 9:30 a.m. – Church

Vigil Mass at 7 p.m. for Immaculate Conception

Dec. 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Mass 8 a.m.

and 12 noon - Church

- High School Placement Test

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 orders can be picked up between 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4^th.

There will be an orientation meeting at 7 p.m. for anyone interested in helping with the “Discovering Christ” program that will begin in February. If you would like to help, please attend this meeting on Dec. 10, in the St. Therese Room of the Parish Center. Call Paul Gallagher in the Religious Ed. Office if you need more information.

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.

Advent Penance Service for Religious Ed students in Grades 3 through 8 on Tuesday, December 4^th at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. Please come directly to the church and you will be seated by class.

Baptismal Information sheets for any child preparing for First Holy Communion should have been turned into the Religious Ed Office.

Confirmation Parents: Last week a very important letter was mailed to you. Please contact Kenn in the Religious Ed Office immediately if you did not receive a copy.

We meet every 2^nd Sunday and every 4^th Friday in the Cafeteria/Gym from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

LENTEN RETREAT will be Feb. 22-23 at Camp Hashawa. This retreat is right around the corner and we have a special discount for you and your friends. We are giving a $10 discount to any kids who turn in their money for the retreat before Jan. 20^th. The cost is $50.00, so be sure to get your money in early and save $10! Contact Mandy at 410-848-8443 or mkomar@sjwest.org for details.

SUMMER CAMP TRIP MEETING…Sun., Jan. 27

We are beginning to plan for a summer camp trip to CoveCrest, Georgia from July 14-19. The facility is operated by LifeTeen, and our teens will join others from around the country for an incredible week that will challenge their body and spirit as they prepare to take on white-water rapids and the thrilling zip line. Costs are still being worked out. If you are interested in sending your child to this camp, please attend this meeting from 4-6 p.m. in the Emmaus Room of the Parish Center for more details.

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., Dec. 2 – OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: All high school youth are invited to join with the Hispanic Community to learn about Our Lady of Guadalupe. This event will take place from 4:15-5:30 p.m. and then we will go over to Church for 6 p.m. Mass. There’s going to be food, a video presentation and fun activities. Please meet at the school cafeteria.

Sun., Dec. 9 - PIECE IT TOGETHER: Have you ever thought that God has a unique plan just for you? You matter in God’s master plan! How do you fit in? Join us as we “Piece it Together.”

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, 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 is 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.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY COMMITTEE is looking for children to help with the Christmas Mass at Westminster High School on December 24^th at 4:30 p.m. Readers and characters for the pageant are needed. Call Marty Devilbiss at 410-346-7012 if you are interested.

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 from 8:00 a.m. 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.

The parish cookbooks will be sold at the parish breakfast on Sunday after all Masses. They make a great Christmas gift and the price is $15.00. Call Chris Mort for information 410-876-2014.

The next blood drive will be in the Portico from 2:00 - 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!!

“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.

All MC’s and altar servers MUST attend a meeting at either 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. or 7:30-8:30 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the church. If you cannot attend one of those meetings call Jim Diggs at 410-346-6576 or email diggsit@aol.com. Training will be done in the church.

The monthly meeting will be held in the Marian Room in the Parish Center at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Please join us.

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.

HEALTH CARE MONTHLY MEETING…Tues., Dec. 11

We will meet for a prayer service in the church at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Christmas celebration at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Therese Room in the Parish Center.

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 to come to this session.

CARING AND SHARING TREE…We are counting on your Christian charity and generosity to provide the folks listed on your gift tag with a joyful Christmas. Bring your wrapped gifts with gift tag firmly attached to the Altar during Mass on Dec. 8^th and 9^th. The last day we can accept gifts is Monday, Dec.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 to this 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.

This Day of Recollection and prayer will provide an introduction to the New Year with a review of the joys and challenges of the past year and an exploration of how we can find hope in the coming year. The day will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist for New Year’s Day. It will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center. For details call Joanne Abalos at 410-442-1320.

A placement test is scheduled for any 8^th grade students who are interested in attending Delone Catholic High School for the 2008-2009 school year. The test will be administered from 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the school. For additional information, contact Sister Maria Jude, CSJ at Delone at 717-637-5969.

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, call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227.

Monday, December 3 - Is 4:2-6; Ps 122; Mt 8:5-11

Tuesday, December 4 - Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Lk 10:21-24

Wednesday, December 5 - Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23; Mt 15:29-37

Thursday, December 6 - Is 26:1-6; Ps 118; Mt 7:21, 24-27

SUMMER CAMP TRIP MEETING…Sun., Jan. 27

HEALTH CARE MONTHLY MEETING…Tues., Dec. 11