Parish Bulletin

Thank you to all who worked on and participated in our 54^th Annual Christmas Bazaar. The success of a parish event such as this is measured in the fellowship that was shared as well as the profit that was realized. Much of the work took place last weekend, but there is also a tremendous amount of work that began last summer. Thanks so much for all you do for the good of our parish.

Among the beautiful characteristics of the Advent season are the feasts dedicated to the Blessed Mother. I invite you to a special Mass to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in Spanish.

The Advent Penance Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the church: Opening Prayer, Gospel, introduction of visiting priests, and individual confessions. All are encouraged to attend this service in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Tuesday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day

Note: Confessions before Mass on Sat., Dec. 22 from 4:00–4:45 p.m. and on Sun., Dec. 23 at 6:45, 8:45 & 10:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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, Marnin Fuchs, Selma Mangan, Jerry Dedrani, Mary Chubb, Tom Cornelius, Anna Mummaugh, Carmele Petra, and Phyllis Kordon.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Edna Vincent, Donald Dillman, Regina Mawry and Priscilla Nefflen and for their families and friends.

Amount collected in November from the 5^th Sunday of the month

Envelope Program………………………… $6,644.00

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. 11 – Sacrament of Reconciliation – 10 a.m.

Dec. 12 – Kindergarten St. Nicholas Program- 6:00 p.m. – gym

Dec. 14 – School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m.- Church

- High school information forms due

- PTF Family Fun Night – 7-8:30 p.m.- Cafeteria

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.

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.

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.

REMINDER: There will be no Religious Education classes on Tuesday, Dec. 25^th or Thursday, Dec. 27^th. No classes on Tuesday, Jan. 1^st or Thursday, Jan. 3^rd.

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

Sun., Jan. 13 – NO EDGE NIGHT

SUMMER CAMP TRIP MEETING…Sun., Jan. 27

We are beginning to plan for a summer camp trip to CoveCrest, Georgia for The Edge. The camp we have chosen to attend will run from July 14-19 and our teens will join others from around the country for an incredible week that challenges their body and spirit as they prepare to take on white-water rapids and the thrilling zip line. We are still working out costs, etc. and we ask that anyone interested in sending their child attend this meeting on Jan. 27^th from 5-5:30 p.m. in the Emmaus Room at the Parish Center.

LENTEN RETREAT will be Feb. 22-23 at Camp Hashawa. We are doing this retreat in response to the many requests that were made on the Fall Retreat, and we have a special discount for anyone who registers early. We are giving a $10 discount to any kids who turn in their money before January 20^th. The cost is $40 before that date and $50 afterward. This would make a great Christmas present! Please send payment, payable to St. John, to Mandy Komar in the Religious Ed Office. If you have any questions, please email Mandy at mkomar@sjwest.org.

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!

STEUBENVILLE 2008: “Witness”: Are you looking for a great retreat this summer? You should definitely check out Steubenville, a high energy youth conference! The tentative date we are shooting for this year is June 27^th-29^th. The grand total cost of the trip this year is $235. You must have your initial deposit of $60 in by December 30^th. Don’t be left out of a great summer experience! “Parents, this makes a great Christmas gift for your teenager!”

STEUBENVILLE 2008 SPONSORS NEEDED: For the past 12 years, teenagers from our parish have been going to the Steubenville Youth Conference. Unfortunately, the cost of the retreat is very high each year and it is hard for a number of our teenagers to attend because of the cost. We need you! Any money you can donate towards this worthy cause of leading teenagers closer to Christ is greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible.

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.

This will be our last week to wrap gifts for the shut-ins. Many, many thanks go out to all who donated gifts and to the many ladies who came to help wrap and package the gifts for our shut-ins. These gift bags and stockings will put smiles on many faces. THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED!

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. 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 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!

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 at Martins from 11:30 - 3:00 p.m. Entertainment provided by the "Timeless Tunes by Two" - Joe and Audrey Cimino." For details contact Bonnie (410-795-0786) or Eleanor (410-875-3336). The cost is $25.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members.

Get ready for some great family fun and join us for an evening of holiday cheer and for a memorable tradition of making ornaments for your family and friends’ Christmas tree! It’s our annual St. John PTF Christmas Crafts Family Fun Night! We'll also have lots of Christmas music to get you in the holiday mood, as well as serve light refreshments. New this year we'll have a slideshow of photos from the first semester of this school year taken by our PTF photographer. This event is sponsored by the St. John School PTF and is open to all families and parishioners of the St. John Community. Join us from 7-8:30pm in the school cafeteria.

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.

This spiritually based group is for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We meet in the Parish Center from 10:30 a.m. – noon. Continental breakfast. No registration required. Call Janet Tenney at 410-833-1542 for more information.

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 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.

RESPECT LIFE POSTER & ESSAY CONTEST for 7^th & 8^th Graders…this year’s theme “A Person is a Person No Matter How Small” and the scripture “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” Jeremiah 1:5. First place winners receive RipRoar Creative Video Station. Winning poster to be carried in National March for Life. Deadline for submitting posters/essays is Friday, January 11^th. For more details contact Maria McCarthy at mariamom5@comcast.net. Return posters to Religious Ed Office.

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 Sundays 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.

PRE-CANA FOR 2008 – BEGINS IN JANUARY, 2008

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

LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE…Our parish is again participating in Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s search for the longest married couple in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. One nominee from each parish will be honored during a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Edwin O’Brien. Please give the names of your candidates, married 50 years or more, to the parish office no later than January 27, 2008. Please include their names, address, telephone number and wedding date.

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.

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 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the school. For information, contact Sr. Maria Jude, CSJ at 717-637-5969.

Are you called to be a monk, brother or priest? Find out by attending an exciting free live in experience. No cost, food and room are free. Hear the vocations talks and experience the adventure of a life dedicated to the service of God. Locations and dates available for men:

1. Conventual Franciscans of St. Anthony in Baltimore (Dec. 14-17, Jan. 10-13 and Feb. 7-10.

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.

PORTICO BOOKS + GIFTS: Keep Christ in Christmas, and shop at your parish store. New inspirational gifts arriving daily. Did you miss Fr. Leo’s guest appearance on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” show? We’ll have DVD’s of the show available very soon.

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. Call Teresa Richardson at 410-848-4744 x227.

Monday, December 10 - Is 35:1-10; Ps 85; Lk 5:17-26

Thursday, December 13 - Is 41:13-20; Ps 145; Mt 11:11-15

Tuesday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day

Sun., Jan. 13 – NO EDGE NIGHT

SUMMER CAMP TRIP MEETING…Sun., Jan. 27

HEALTH CARE MONTHLY MEETING…Tues., Dec. 11

PRE-CANA FOR 2008 – BEGINS IN JANUARY, 2008