Parish Bulletin

I join Father Patrick Peach, the pastoral staff of the parish and the staff and faculty of our parish school to wish you all the grace, blessings and peace of the Christmas season. As you make your plans for Christmas Mass, you might consider one of the Masses on Christmas Day, (8 a.m., 10a.m. and Noon). Parking and good seats are available for all the Masses on Christmas Day. I want to thank all of our volunteers who work so hard to prepare for the Liturgies of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day including: the ushers, servers, sacristans, lectors, cantors, music ministers, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, collection counting teams, and those who have cleaned and decorated our church. Your continued and dedicated service is deeply appreciated.

NOTICE: Father John Robbins has requested and received a voluntary leave of absence from priestly ministry beginning December 1, 2007. Archbishop O’Brien granted the request this past Saturday. Cards of appreciation and prayer cards may be addressed to the parish, and will be forwarded to him. Your continued prayers for Father John are deeply appreciated.

NOTICE: The parish offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 25^th and Wednesday, December 26^th,2007 for Christmas and will also be closed on January 1^st, 2008 for New Year’s Day.

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.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS for all who are homebound or in nursing homes and for all the sick, especially…Ann Kehoe, Helen Sobus, Andrew Shipton, Elizabeth McGraw, Mary Chubb, James Riordan, Regina Hoffman, Thomas Diehlmann, Jerry Vedrani, Bud McMillan, Phyllis Speelman, and Albert Jones.

WE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of Pat Loveless, Kathryn Hardesty, Francis Hardesty, Katherine Fleshman, Norman R. Bishop, Nancy Lee Griffith, Joseph Goss, Mary Pinkas, Albert Leroy Schmitz, Jr., Therese Belanger and Larry McBee and their families and friends.

BAPTISMS: Congratulations and welcome to Julianne Marie Barteck, daughter of Katherine and James Barteck; and Amara Catherine Okoye, daughter of Lauren and Chukwudi Okoye.

ELECTRONIC DEBITING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Total December, 2007 electronic contributions: $7,270.00

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!

THANK YOU to all who contributed to the Retired Religious Fund. The total amount collected was $9,274.65.

School Calendar

Dec.21 - Jan. 2, 2008 – School Closed for Christmas Holiday

Jan. 3, 2008 – School reopens

- Exec. Comm. Of School Board Mtg. 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 – School Liturgy – 9:30 a.m. - Church

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.

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.

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. The Religious Education staff wishes all of our students, teachers, classroom assistants, office helpers, hall monitors and their families a very blessed and joyous Christmas and continued blessings for the New Year.

WEEKLY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES resume on Tuesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 10^th.

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

Sat. Dec. 22 – Live Nativity – 6:00-7 p.m. in front of Portico

Get ready to experience the Christmas Nativity in ways you never thought possible. Join us while we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Sun., Jan. 13 – In God We Trust: How God wants us to trust him in everything!

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!

After the 6 pm Mass, join us in the Cafeteria as we walk down the hill and sing some Christmas songs! We’ll wrap up the night by heading back to St. John for some hot chocolate! What a great way to get ready for Christmas!

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! If you can donate towards this worthy cause of leading teenagers closer to Christ is greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible.

“KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS” POSTER CONTEST WINNERS: Congratulations to the following winners of the Knights of Columbus poster contest:

1-3 grade winners: 1^st place – Kayla Tucker, 2^nd place- Bridget O’Sullivan, 3^rd place – Grace Allen

4-6 grade winners: 1^st place – Rachel Sweeney, 2^nd place – Nathan Belk, 3^rd place – Hannah Barber

7-8 grade winners: 1^st place – Katherine Frances, 2^nd place- Rachel Linsenmeyer, 3^rd place – Brendan Krivak.

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING…Due to the snow the first training class had to be cancelled. Another training class for the altar servers will be rescheduled after the first of the year. Watch the bulletin for the details.

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.

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.

A Welcoming Session will be held at 10:30 a.m. in The Portico. This is a great opportunity for new parishioners to register with the parish and meet our parish priests, learn about our various programs, receive coupons for a free Knights of Columbus breakfast, and receive a warm welcome into this large and faith-filled parish. For further information call the parish office.

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.

PRE-CANA FOR 2008 – Saturday, January 12, 2008

The next Pre-Cana sessions are (Session 1) - 12-4 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 6:30-9 p.m., Friday, January 18 and 12-4 p.m., Saturday, January 19. Session 2 (May/June). For more information and to register, contact Rosalie Seeley at rosalie.seeley@verizon.net

level competition for the 2008 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held January 20, 2008 at 5:00pm at the St. John School Gym. All boys and girls will compete in their respective age divisions and can qualify for district and State competition. All contestants and winners will be recognized and winners will be provided with awards. Registration forms can be either picked up at St. John school's office or contact Steve Aquino, 410-635-3474 or email stevenjod@msn.com.

Join us at 7 p.m. in the Portico for an evening that promises fun, fellowship and good times with great friends. Tickets are now on sale and are $40, which includes hor’doeurves, buffet style dinner with carving stations, desserts, and open bar of beer, wine, rail drinks, sodas, and coffee. Tickets are available at the school office or call Michele Kirk at 410-795-9632 or Bobbie Planchon at 410-374-0206 for more details or to donate an auction item.

Save the date! The time is 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Portico. For more details contact Patti Spaar at 410-861-8510.

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.

ST. JOHN ROSES would like to thank all who supported the sale of our cookbooks. We are coming down to the final numbers. So if you need a last minute Christmas gift or just would like one for yourself, contact Chris Mort at 410-876-2014. Cost is $15.00.

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.

The members of St. Vincent de Paul Society send our parishioners our warmest wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Holy New Year. Thank you for the support you have given us throughout the year. All of you make it possible for our organization to help needy families and individuals throughout Carroll County. As you put your gift in the St. Vincent de Paul poor box, your heart will discover the true meaning of Christmas as you help those who are poor and suffering.

The St. Vincent de Paul volunteers express our heartfelt gratitude to Giant, Millers, Safeway and Panera for their abundant donations of food products to our Wednesday Soup Kitchen at the Ascension Episcopal Church. Their generosity assists our efforts to help feed the hungry of our community throughout the year.

The next meeting of St. Vincent de Paul is Wednesday, January 2 at 7 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.

This Day of Recollection and prayer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center with Fr. Bart Karwacki as presenter 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. The cost is $50.00 and includes lunch. 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.

VOCATION RETREATS…Are you called to be a monk, brother, or nun? Find out by attending an exciting free live in experience. No cost, food and room are free. Hear the vocation talks and experience the adventure of a life dedicated to the service of God. Locations and dates available for both men and women as follows:

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.

Bishop's Scholarship to Mount St. Mary's…The Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship provided by Mount St. Mary's University to a student from the Archdiocese of Baltimore in the amount of $15,000. Applicants for the Bishop's Scholarship must be accepted as a freshman to the university, have at least at 3.0 GPA, and 1100 SAT (CR and Math), and submit a 500-word essay with their scholarship application. Deadline is February 1. To learn more about the Mount and to obtain a Bishop's Scholarship application, visit www.msmary.edu/bishop or call 1-800-448-4347 to schedule a campus visit.

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

Tuesday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day

Sat. Dec. 22 – Live Nativity – 6:00-7 p.m. in front of Portico

Sun., Jan. 13 – In God We Trust: How God wants us to trust him in everything!

SUMMER CAMP TRIP MEETING… Sun., Jan. 27

PRE-CANA FOR 2008 – Saturday, January 12, 2008

The next Pre-Cana sessions are (Session 1) - 12-4 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 6:30-9 p.m., Friday, January 18 and 12-4 p.m., Saturday, January 19. Session 2 (May/June). For more information and to register, contact Rosalie Seeley at rosalie.seeley@verizon.net