Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Transcription

1 ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST NOVEM BER 19, 2017 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118; Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., West Chester, OH

2 St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Visit us online Contact Information Phone Fax Web... Weekend Church Office Parish Phone Numbers Pavilion Parish Center St. Vincent de Paul , ext. 120 Emergencies Only , & press 5 Office Hours Mon-thurs...8:30am-5:30pm Friday... 8:30am-Noon Saturday...3:30pm-6:00pm (Church Office) Sunday...7:30am-1pm (Church Office) Pastoral Team Rev. Don West...Pastor, ext. 133 Deacon Jerry Barney...Pastoral Associate, ext. 121 Scott Steinke... Pastoral Associate, ext. 115 Mary Montour... P.A. of Children s Faith Formation, ext. 118 Josh Plandowski...P.A. of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, ext. 114 Lynn Meisberger... Pastoral Associate of Music, ext. 128 Joan Seibenick... Business Manager, ext. 124 Angela Pugliano... P.A. of Communication, ext. 116 Parish Staff Karen Hake... Office Manager, ext. 110 Sharon Miller...PSR Administrative Assistant, ext. 111 Marianne Ball... Bookkeeper, ext. 119 Kirt Robb... Facilities Manager, ext. 122 Karen Simmons... Maintenance Darren Coe... Maintenance Jodi Krusling...Early Childhood Coordinator Mary Montour...Home Study Coordinator Bette Vorbroker...Weekend Office Administrator Janet Raters... Weekend Office Assistant Ellen Krumme... Weekend Office Assistant Fred Merritt... Deacon See page 10 for a list of addresses. November 5, 2017 Week 19 of Fiscal Year Sunday Offerings...$21, All Saints Day Offerings... $2, Second Collection: St. John Missions... $4, Electronic Funds Donations...$13, Total...$41, Total Amount: Actual: $35, Budget: $26, Fiscal Year-to-Date Amount: Actual: $477, Budget: $497, Over/(Under): $(19,829.00) Thank you for your contributions! 2 Collection Team for 11/20/2017 Team 3: Dan B., Jeanne C., Carole E.

3 FATHER DON S GOSPEL REFLECTION MT 25:14-30 For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. The parable of the talents is one I am sure we all know. Where can we find ourselves in this story? Those who have strong personalities might say they have way more than five talents. I bet a lot of us might see ourselves as having one talent, while others might believe they have none. No matter where we are in the story, each of us has been given gifts by the Lord. No one is cheated when it comes to God s unconditional love. After all, we were made in the Father s image and likeness. I think the question might be, how selfish are we? Are we willing to share what we have for the good of the kingdom? Does the master deserve to have a return on the talents he placed in each one of us? What is our motivation when it comes to using our gifts? How many of us fear God so much we are afraid to make a step in any direction? I doubt God would be very happy to discover that there was no growth in our lives because we were afraid to make a mistake. While perfection is nice, I think if it causes such fear that we are afraid to risk anything, it isn t worth the effort. However, if we are willing to risk, to trust in the Father, our efforts will not go unnoticed. Look at what happened when the first two doubled their return back to the master. Like the one with a single talent, the others knew what kind of master they were dealing with. Instead of being afraid, they risked what they had for the good of the master and it paid off. We don t want to find ourselves on the outside looking in. When we have a chance to use the resources that have been placed in our lives for the good of the kingdom, it is always worth the risk. We never journey alone. Jesus is always with us. We lose when we feel that we have nothing to offer. Sadly, so many today seem to either have that mentality, or they simply don t care about the kingdom journey. If we fail to acknowledge the gifts that have been given to us to use for the good of the Body of Christ we will be in the darkness lost forever. Is that what we really want? Are we suffering from such apathy that we just don t want to put in the effort? As we come to the end of this church year, we are reminded that we do not know when the master will return. But one thing is for sure; he WILL return with little or no warning. Will Jesus find us working for the good of the kingdom or hiding in the corner with our buried talent? Put to use what God has given you so that he sees the gratitude in which you live your life. Don t be left in the dark! Have a great week! Readings for This Week: Nov Monday 1 Mc 1: 10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Ps 119; Lk 18: Tuesday 2 Mc 6: 18-31; Ps 3; Lk 19: 1-10 Wednesday 2 Mc 7: 1, 20-31; Ps 17; Lk 19: Thursday 1 Mc 2: 15-29; Ps 50; Lk 19: Friday 1 Mc 4: 36-37, 52-59; 1 Chr 29; Lk 19: Daily readings can be accessed online from our parish Web site, You can also access them from our parish app! 3

4 WELCOME PARISH THEME I Have Called You By Name; You Are Mine HAPPY Thanksgiving! Welcome, New Parishioners! Donald & Maryann Nucerino WE WANT YOU TO KNOW No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, no matter what your current family or marital situation, no matter what your past or present religious affiliation, no matter what your personal history, age, background, race, or color you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved, and respected at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. PRESIDER SCHEDULE November 25 / 26 SATURDAY 5:00 p.m...fr. Don West SUNDAY 8:00 a.m... Fr. Don West 9:30 a.m...fr. Don West 11:30 a.m...fr. Don West Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Want more? Visit our website at Like our Facebook page: St. John the Evangelist West Chester & Follow us on St. John Christmas Craft Fair - Volunteers Needed Saturday, Dec. 2 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) You are invited to the St. John Christmas Craft Fair on Dec. 2nd! There will be three buildings FILLED with great crafts and gifts for the holiday! We will also have delicious, homemade baked goods and lunch available. Please join us. We will have over one hundred crafters with great Christmas gifts, crafts, and other items! This year, the Knights of Columbus are participating in the fair with some great Christmas gift ideas and all of their proceeds will go to Campton Mission. Please note: The show will NOT be canceled due to inclement weather unless there is a Level Three Snow Emergency in West Chester. Calling all volunteers! We need baked goods for the show. If you can donate items, please drop them off at the Parish Office from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. or at the Parish Center from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday December 1st, or anytime Saturday morning Dec. 2. If you have any questions, please contact George or Maxine Thomas at or geomax2005@ fuse.net. If you are available anytime from noon till 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, or anytime Saturday, Dec. 2 from 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and would like to help at the fair, let us know. On Friday, help is needed for security to watch a building as crafters load their crafts into their buildings and then leave. Students will help crafters unload the crafts after school. Also help is needed on Friday around 4 to wrap bakery goods with holiday decor. Saturday, help is needed to wrap bakery goods in the morning. Throughout the day help is needed for kitchen, bakery, and raffle. It is not necessary to work continually. Increments of time would be appreciated. Let us know your best times. If you wish to work, or have any questions, please contact: George or Maxine Thomas at , or geomax2005@fuse.net. 4 Thanks again.

5 CHILDREN S FAITH FORMATION Mary Montour - mmontour@stjohnwc.org , ext. 118 PSR News Many of the PSR classes are in the midst of, or completing, service projects. Thank you in advance to families who contributed in any way to these service projects. We will not be meeting for classes on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Families of home study PSR students are reminded to continue with family discussions and chapter reviews. Junior High PSR We will not meet on Sun, Nov. 19 or Sunday, Nov. 26. Students are reminded to continue work on your Scripture Scholar assignment, due Dec. 10. Many thanks to our parent mentors who also generously provide a light snack for the students. Breakfast in Bethlehem Reserve your spot now, as the city of Bethlehem is filling quickly! Reservations can be completed online. Thank you! YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Josh Plandowski - jplandowski@stjohnwc.org , ext. 114 Youth Ministry Confirmation Confirmation registration is now open online! Paper registration forms, Medical Release forms, and Confirmation booklets are available in the Church and Parish offices. Parents, please mark the calendar for the Confirmation parent meeting on Sunday, Jan. 7 from 12:30 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel. This meeting is just for parents, teens to do not have to attend. If you have any questions about Confirmation please visit the Confirmation website or contact Josh Plandowski at jplandowski@stjohnwc.org. There is no High School Youth Night Sunday, Nov. 19 & 26 due to NCYC and Thanksgiving weekend, respectively. What Does My Life Proclaim? Sunday, Dec. 3, 6:30 8:30 p.m. Youth Room All high school students are invited to our youth night as we explore what our lives say about our beliefs. Come prepared to compete as we play floor hockey together, explore our values through writing our own creeds, and wrap things up with some hilarious skits! Don t miss out on this wonderful youth night! All those who attend this youth night get a chance to win a $50 Chipotle Gift Card! Hope to see you there. 5 West Chester catholic Young Adults Reach Out Lakota - Thanksgiving Distribution Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. Join us as we help Reach Out Lakota with their distribution of Thanksgiving meals! We will be carrying meals to cars this is a fun and rewarding time! Check the Facebook event page for a sign-up link, as well as other volunteer times available if 6-8 does not work for you! Reach Out Lakota is located just north of St. John the Evangelist in West Chester. (6561 Station Rd, West Chester, Ohio Check out our

6 Turkey Ministry The holidays are fast approaching! Now s the time to begin planning for providing turkeys and gravy for the hungry and poor of the innercity. With your help, we will provide for the holiday dinners at both Thanksgiving and Christmas at Our Daily Bread (located in Cincinnati at Race & Elder Streets, near Findlay Market). If you intend to cook a turkey, please use the following instructions: Cook turkey; cut all meat off the bone. Wrap white and dark meat together and freeze. Save ALL drippings. STRAIN and freeze in a throw-away container. The gravy makers ask that you DO NOT use plastic bags for the juice (they leak). Use hard plastic containers such as Cool Whip tubs. It is a really big help for our ministry if you can make your own gravy. Please mark the containers appropriately GRAVY or JUICE..Please drop off your cooked and frozen turkey and juice, or donated frozen turkey, as below. Please include your name, address, telephone number, and the date, so we can keep the records current. The dates for cooking and/or delivering the turkeys are as follows: Thanksgiving Bake and deliver to the St. John Parish Office during normal business hours before Tuesday, Nov. 21, Christmas Bake and deliver to the St. John Parish Office during normal business hours before Thursday, Dec. 21, No uncooked turkeys accepted after Dec. 10! If you wish to donate money, please put your check or cash donation in the Sunday church collection, or drop it off at the Parish Office in an envelope marked Turkeys. The money will be used to either purchase and cook turkeys by volunteers, or donated directly to Our Daily Bread for their needs. Be sure to make your check payable to St. John Church. If you have any questions please call the Parish Office at Anything you can do to help us in this inner-city outreach is greatly appreciated. Marianne and Greg Ball Members of the Turkey Ministry leadership team of St. John Church 6 Blood Drive Wednesday, Dec. 6 St. John and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor a Blood Donation Drive on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Pavilion. Donating blood is easy and takes about 20 minutes. The eligibility screening prior to your donation takes about 15 minutes. Donating requirements: It must be at least 8 weeks since your last whole blood donation You must be 17 or older (16 with parent consent form) You must weigh over 110 lbs. You are not eligible to donate if you recently had major surgery Donations of Double Red Cells or Platelets & Plasma are also being accepted. Call Matt Palaggo at to schedule an appointment or to answer any questions you may have. Walk-ins during the blood drive hours are always welcome. SVdP Society at St. John Church. We would like to say thank you from the Society for the Sunday Collection on the 5th. Pope Francis has declared Nov. 19 the first World Day of the Poor ; this is a perfect time to remind ourselves about the people in poverty in our community and the work that we do to help these people. Also, the effects of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria are still being felt. SVdP Society has ongoing disaster relief efforts. If anyone would like to help, contact: Elizabeth Disco-Shearer, CEO of Disaster Services Corporation for SVdP-USA at ldisco@svdpdisaster.org. Thanks for all that you do for us, we appreciate it! Mary Bonser, President Hamilton District Council Advent Lectionary Reflections with Father Don Want to do something a bit different for the season of Advent? Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 7-8:30 p.m., we will begin Lectionary Reflections with Fr. Don in the Hospitality Room. Four Wednesdays in a row, we will be looking at the readings for Sunday Mass for the four weeks of Advent. All that is needed is a bible and an open mind. Take some time out of your busy Christmas rush and look at the season of Advent with a new view. Hope to see you there.

7 Christmas Baskets Please prayerfully consider helping a needy family have a better holiday this year by participating in our 29th annual Christmas Food Basket project. The drop-off date is Saturday, Dec. 9 between 9 and 10 a.m. If you would like to help with the drop-off/delivery on December 9, please call Charlie or Karen Hake at (513) Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection Nov. 18 & 19 On Nov. 19, Pope Francis is instituting a World Day of the Poor, the same weekend as our annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the national, anti-poverty campaign of the U.S. bishops. Just this past year, the agencies funded by CCHD have empowered nearly 2,000 low-income people to break the cycle of poverty through such feats as finding jobs, responsibly reentering society after prison, educating youth, and securing decent housing and public services for their communities. Please prayerfully consider how you can give on Collection Weekend. Your dollars are making real change! Visit to learn more. Also, check out the Archdiocesan CCHD website for more local information: Catholic Charities Mental Health Services We all have stress and challenges. We all can use a little help from time to time. Your mental health impacts your view of yourself and others, and it can be easy to lose our way. We are here to give you tools to assist you in finding ways to maintain a sense of well-being during those times of crisis. If you need the assistance of a mental health specialist to cope with life and various stressors, call Catholic Charities to schedule an appointment today. Catholic Charities has 9 different locations to serve you. Call the main intake line at to schedule your first appointment. Catholic Charities takes several insurance plans, medicaid and self pay clients. Online Contributions - An Easy Way to Give! Tired of filling out weekly envelopes? Sometimes forget your envelopes when you go to Mass? It is easy to set up your contributions electronically by using the Donate area on our website. Setting up regular payments (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or any timing that suits your needs) is as simple as spending 3 minutes online. You can have your contributions deducted from your bank account (EFT) or a credit card. Please consider using this option for your St. John giving at If you are also interested in donating stock, please contact Marianne Ball in the Parish Office at or mball@ stjohnwc.org. Have questions about giving? Contact Joan Seibenick at jseibenick@stjohnwc.org. Stephen Ministry Training For Our Parish Beginning in January 2018 Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy helping others with their problems? You may be the right person to respond to the invitation to be a Stephen Minister at St. John. A Stephen Minister is not expected to be a counselor but a caring, loving person who is there to give support and hope. There is no doubt that this is a big time commitment, including 50 hours of training (beginning in January of 2018), a 2-year commitment thereafter, ongoing support meetings, and of course time with your carereceiver. However, the rewards, in every way, are wonderful! We are currently looking for females in our parish who are interested in becoming Stephen Ministers. If you have an interest, or have any questions about this ministry and would like more information you may call the office ( ext. 115) and talk to Scott Steinke. Thank you and God Bless!! RCIA RCIA meets on Thursday nights from 7:00 9:00 p.m. in the Spirit House. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a formation process that affords participants the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. It is designed to help non-catholic adults discern whether or not the Lord is calling them to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. If they choose to become a Catholic, they will be initiated at the Easter Vigil Mass on March 31, Please call Deacon Jerry Barney at , ext. 121 if you re interested. 7

8 I Have Called You By Name; You are Mine... Isaiah 43: 1 Our theme highlights that we have all been called by God and to emphasize places within our community where others can execute their time and talents. In this section, we highlight parishioners, groups and ministries within the St. John Parish who have been called by God to give, serve, and share their talents. Please contact Angela at apugliano@stjohnwc.org if you have a ministry in mind. These groups have been called by name... Advent John A. Dorger, Member, Worship Commission The celebration of Advent involves spending time in spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. In the Western Christian tradition, the season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve. According to the Catholic encyclopedia, the celebration of Advent originally began sometime after the 4th century as a time of preparation for Epiphany, and not necessarily in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Later, in the 6th century, St. Gregory the Great was the first to associate the season of Advent with the birth of Christ. And by the Middle Ages, the Church had extended the celebration of Advent to include the coming of Christ through his birth in Bethlehem, his future coming at the end of time, and his presence among us through the promised Holy Spirit. Modern-day Advent services include symbolic customs related to all three of these "advents" of Christ. Many different variations and interpretations of Advent customs exist today, depending on the denomination and the type of service being observed. But keeping Christ as the focus of Advent can be a challenge as the secular world constantly demands our attention. And while there is certainly nothing wrong with celebrating this secular side of Christmas with the shopping, the parties and the children s eager anticipation of the arrival of Santa, some families choose to create a balance by incorporating Advent activities into their holiday traditions. One of the most popular family activities is the Advent wreath, a circle of branches or garland typically containing four candles arranged in the shape of a wreath. During the season of Advent, one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday with each candle representing an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. 8 St. Nick Toy Drive for Campton Mission Nov. 25 & 26 In celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas, and in honor of his generous spirit, we will hold our annual Toy Drive for the Campton Mission of Appalachia. We encourage children and all parishioners to bring unwrapped new games, new toys, and various types of new balls for children ages 1 11 to the liturgies on Saturday (11/25) or Sunday (11/26). Place the toys in the Gathering Space before Mass. Sister Susan in Campton requests that the toys be UNWRAPPED. Also, please do not include toy guns. Thank you for making a brighter Christmas for the parents and children in Campton! Share-A-Lunch- Bulk Food Drive Thank you to all contributors and volunteers of SAL in October. As is our normal tradition in November & December, we will not be making sandwiches or lunches. Instead, we will be accepting nonperishable donations. The pantries are in particular need of healthy cereal/ oatmeal, sugar, flour, cooking oil, canned meat/ tuna, canned vegetables, and canned fruit. We also welcome personal hygiene products and all-purpose cleaners. Donations can be dropped off between 9 & 9:30 AM in the parking lot by the pavilion on Sunday, December 3rd or in advance at the parish office. Please contact Diane Claytor at with questions. Download our parish app today! Stay connected with St. John. Set up prayer reminders. Listen to homilies. Scan the code or search your app store for myparish.

9 November Chapel...CHA Church...CHU Center... CTR Gathering Space... GS Favret Hall...FH Reconciliation Room... RR South Wing of FH... SW Hospitality Room...HR Pavilion... PAV Room D... RmD Room E...RmE Rooms D&E...RmDE Youth Room... YR Staff Conf. Room...SCR Spirit House... SPH Plaza... PLZ MONDAY, NOV. 20 8:30am... Mass in memory of Elena Sivira...CHA 9:30am... Bible Study...HR 7:30pm... Divorced and Separated...HR TUESDAY, NOV. 21 5:30pm... Youth Choir...CHU 7:00pm... Mass in honor St. John Meal Ministry...CHA 7:30pm... Book Club...HR WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 Office Closes at 12 p.m. 8:30am... Mass in memory of Virginia Kish...CHA THURSDAY, NOV. 23 Happy Thanksgiving! Office Closed 9:00am... Mass in memory of Ray Brankamp...CHU SATURDAY, NOV. 25 4:00pm... Reconciliation...RR 5:00pm...Mass in memory of Frances & Sebastian Trussalo...CHU SUNDAY, NOV. 26 8:00am... Mass in memory of the Fahey family...chu 9:30am... Mass for the Parish...CHU 11:30am... Mass in memory of Justin Asher...CHU 1:00pm... Baptism...CHU 2:30pm... K of C Chosen...CTR 6:00pm... CRHP (men)...sph 8:15pm... Adult Recreational Basketball...CTR All bulletin submissions must be received at least twelve (12) days in advance of the date the article is to be included. FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Office Closed 8:30am... Communion Service...CHA On the first weekend of each month the K of C leads the rosary before all Masses. The rosary will start 20 minutes before Mass except for the 11:30 a.m. Mass. At the 11:30 a.m. Mass, the rosary will begin at 11 a.m. Come and join us as we lead the rosary. We have much to be thankful for and you can also include any special intentions. 9

10 RCIA / Ministry to Returning Catholics Jerry Barney , ext. 121 Stephen Ministry/CRHP Scott Steinke , ext. 115 Young Adult Ministry Josh Plandowski , ext. 114 Companions on the Journey (Grief support for those who have lost a loved one; meets the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month in the Hospitality Room at 7 p.m.) Ron Meyer Small Church Communities (Journey of Faith) Jerry Barney , ext. 121 Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing) Contact the office Communion to the Sick/Shut-Ins Julie Chapman St. Vincent de Paul Steve Gross , ext.120 Divorced & Separated Father Don West , ext. 133 Prayer Network If you or someone you know is struggling w/ a difficulty or crisis, contact the Prayer Network. They will ask members of the Network to pray. ...prayernetwork@stjohnwc.org Margaret Kellogg Mary Moore Cry Room Cry Room is available to parents during all Masses. Scott Steinke , ext. 115 Hospital Notifications If you know that you are going to the hospital and would like to be remembered at Mass or have a pastoral staff member visit, please call the parish office at We are no longer notified by hospitals or chaplains about parishioners who are ill. Formation & Education Early Childhood Program (during 9:30 Mass) Jodi Krusling... jkrusling@stjohnwc.org PSR (Grds 1-8), 1st Eucharist, 1st Reconciliation Mary Montour... mmontour@stjohnwc.org High School Youth Ministry, Jr. High/High School Activities, Young Adults, Retreats, Confirmation Josh Plandowski... jplandowski@stjohnwc.org St. Gabriel Consolidated School (our Parish School) Mary Richardson, Parish Rep Amy Tanaka, Parish Rep St. Gabriel Grade School Pastoral Team Rev. Don West... dwest@stjohnwc.org Deacon Jerry Barney... jbarney@stjohnwc.org Scott Steinke....ssteinke@stjohnwc.org Mary Montour... mmontour@stjohnwc.org Josh Plandowski...jplandowski@stjohnwc.org Lynn Meisberger... lmeisberger@stjohnwc.org Joan Seibenick... jseibenick@stjohnwc.org Angela Pugliano...apugliano@stjohnwc.org Parish Staff Karen Hake...khake@stjohnwc.org Sharon Miller... smiller@stjohnwc.org Marianne Ball... mball@stjohnwc.org Kirt Robb... krobb@stjohnwc.org Jodi Krusling... jkrusling@stjohnwc.org Deacon Fred Merritt...fmerritt@stjohnwc.org Parish Organizations Pastoral Council, Leslie Nelson.pastoralcouncil@stjohnwc.org Worship Commission, Scott Steinke Justice & Peace Commission, Tony Klimek Finance Committee, John Insco... (513) Athletic Boosters, Don Bretl Knights of Columbus, John Dorger K of C Membership, Bob Heglin Boy Scouts Troop #940, Bill Bentley Girl Scouts, Diane Biehle Festival Committee, Anita Turpin..anitaturpin@catholichealth.net 10