Announcements

August 22, 2010

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

PLEASE REMEMBER-

If you have someone who is sick in the hospital or nursing home or even homebound and would like us to visit them, please call the parish office and let us know where they are and we will visit them as soon as we can.  Thank you.

CHURCH BULLETIN  

PARISH BULLETIN  Liturgical Publications, Inc., will be our new bulletin publisher. It is our advertisers that make our bulletin possible with no cost to the parish.  We thank all who have renewed their ads and also our new sponsors.  Please patronize these generous sponsors and tell them you saw their ad in the bulletin.  Ads are still needed.  Please call 1-800-888-4574, ext. 3393 for more information.

 BULLETIN DEADLINE  Our new bulletin company has changed our deadline.  Therefore it will be required that all items to be added to, removed from or changed in the parish bulletin must be received in the office by noon on Friday in order to be in the following week’s bulletin.

PLEASE!  Enter the church quietly.  Before Mass begins, give yourself and others the gift of quiet reflection.  Before Mass, talk to God.  During Mass, God talks to you.  After Mass, talk to each other

PARISHIONER NEEDS TRANSPORTATION to Mass on the weekend from Luther Towers in Milton.  If you are able to help, please call Carole Frick at 422-3546. We would like to get a few people lined up if at all possible.

COMMITTEES / ORGANIZATIONS ATTN: 

 In an effort to conserve energy and to reduce expenses we are asking anyone who attends any meeting at St. John’s to please turn off ALL lights before leaving the room.  Even if someone else is scheduled for that room turn them off because the next meeting might have been cancelled.  Thank you.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR THE SICK 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR THE SICK are needed at St. John’s .  If you are interested please call the church office or Jim Malloy at 422-7661.  Thank you for responding to this very important ministry .

HOPE & HEALING PRAYER SERVICE   

Each Monday from10 am to 11 am there will be a Healing Prayer Service during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament by the Hope and Healing Ministry team.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  After prayer and adoration, the laying on of hands will be available to any who seek healing for themselves or for a loved one.  Please note Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament continues as scheduled. 

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION   

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins after the 11 AM Mass on Sunday and continues until the 7 PM Mass on Monday evening.    Summer is the time to relax and adoration is a wonderful opportunity to do that.   We are always looking for those who want to take advantage of this wonderful relaxing and peaceful devotion.  We are still in need of watchers in particular for the 10 PM to 11 PM time.  Can you find time to spend that hour with the Lord?  Call Kathleen at 430-7577 or Joan at 424-3406. 

CHURCH BULLETIN BOARDS 

All publications on the church bulletin boards must be brought to the office and approved by the pastor before they are posted.  The office staff is responsible for putting things on the bulletin board and for taking them down.  Thank you for your cooperation.

MINISTERS NEEDED  

If you would like to usher, lector, be a Eucharistic Minister to the sick, join the choir, or help in any ministry please call the parish office and leave your name and phone number.

ALTAR SERVERS 

NEEDED for all weekend masses. Please call Mike Hinton for more information at 424-3140.

ALTAR FLOWERS  

Please do not water the plants or flowers on the altar.  We have a committee that takes care of them.  If they are watered too much they will  rot.  Thank you for your cooperation.

PARKING 

The Fire Marshal requires that the driveway be totally clear of vehicles.  This means parking is only allowed in the parking lot or on the street.  We are requesting that you do not park on the grass at St. John’s.  In addition the fire marshal requires that the driveway be totally clear with no vehicles parked on it.  This means parking is only allowed in the parking lot or on the street.  Thank you for your cooperation.

DO NOT PARK in the driveway to the garage.  This space is reserved for our priests and visiting priests.  Many times they have to leave quickly and oftentimes they are blocked in.  Thank you.  Father George Brubaker, Pastor

LIGHTS AND LOCKS 

 A reminder to anyone who uses the church or meeting rooms, PLEASE turn off all lights and lock all doors when you are  leaving.  Many times there are people working in one of the offices and it is unsafe for doors to be left unlocked.  This will also help us to cut costs.  Thank you for your cooperation!  We have an ongoing problem of lights being left on in the building.  We are requesting that if you are using church facilities for a meeting, when your meeting is over  please turn the lights out.  If you are the last to leave the building please turn off all the lights.  This will help us to maintain expenses which are at an all time high.  Thank you.

PLEASE DO NOT! 

Take utensils, pots, pans, dishes or any other equipment from the hall to the church basement or from the church basement to the hall.  We are required by the health department to have specific items in our hall kitchen therefore this is very important.  Thank you for your cooperation.  

PEWS & KNEELERS  

Please be aware that the broken kneelers and cracked pews in St. John’s Church are being repaired.  A very generous and busy parishioner has agreed to make these repairs at no charge to the church.  Please be patient as he gets this enormous task accomplished.  Thank you.

SWITCHES & BUTTONS 

We ask you to please be very careful when turning switches or pushing buttons on & off.  There are many emergency switches and buttons in the Church.  This past weekend, someone turned off the emergency switch for the church boiler.  As a result, there was no heat on Sunday morning.  Also please do not adjust the thermostats.  Thank you for your cooperation.

HALL & CHURCH SUPPLIES  

We remind you please not to take supplies from the new hall and bring to the basement of the church and vice versa.  Our supplies are bought specifically for either the New Hall or for the Church basement and budgeted accordingly.  Thank you for your cooperation.

CHURCH CLEANING 

Volunteers are need to help clean the church on the second Tuesday of each month.  If you can help please call Debbie Toms at 424-0610.  

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

OKTOBERFEST

Is just around the corner.  We are in need of volunteers and chairpersons for some of the booths.  If you are interested in filling a chairperson slot please call the office.  You should have received a sign up sheet in the mail.  Please complete it and leave in the church or drop off at the office.  Don't forget we can't do it without help.  

FIRST ANNUAL OPEN FORUM  

As you know, the First Annual Open Forum in our parish was held on April 25, 2010 at 2 PM.  You can  view a pdf version by clicking on this link.

RCIA - ENTERING THE CATHOLIC FAITH

Do you, or someone you know, want to know more about the Catholic faith?  Do you need to complete your sacraments?  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the usual way for people to come into the church.  For more information call the parish office at 422-5123 or call Deacon John@422-4554.

 RCIA ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN  

A one day retreat will be held for children 8 years of age and older who have not received the sacraments of initiation.  The date is Saturday, January 16th at 1:30pm with Mass at 6 PM with their families.

CENTENNIAL SOUVENIRS  

Souvenirs for our Centennial are available now.  There are:  (1) Afghans picturing St. John’s Church and  two of the stained glass windows from the church.  They are selling for $50.00 each; (2) beautiful Navy Blue sweatshirts with St. John’s Church embroidered on it and the years 1910 – 2010.  They are selling for $20.00 each, XXL are $22.00 each; (3) Red hats imprinted with St. John  1910 – 2010.  All are beautiful, you must see to appreciate.  Please call Cheryl Fancovic at 302-245-4042 or the church office.

CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK 

The Social Concerns Committee will be selling St.  John’s Centennial Cookbook after all masses on May 1st  and 2nd.  Sales will be outside weather permitting.  If inclement weather sales will be inside St. John’s Hall.  This cookbook will make a great Mother’s Day gift for all the mothers in your lives.  Proceeds will be shared by the Social Concerns Committee and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.  Cookbooks are also available in the church office or by calling Peggy at 430-0605.

PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND & EGYPT  

Msgr. Brubaker will be leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land & Egypt on October 31 thru November 11, 2010.  If interested please call the office for more information.  The itinerary and other details are available.

ATTENTION GARDEN LOVERS!  

With the help of the Knights of Columbus our gardens are in tip top shape.  However in order for them to remain in this condition, we need your help.  Currently the gardens are maintained by two to four women aged 65 to 84 years old.  Needless to say we need help from both men and women and also teenagers.   This also serves as community work for those who need it.  Our normal days to work in the gardens are the second and fourth Thursday from 9 to 11 AM, Remaining date for this month is May 27th weather permitting.  Thank you for any help you can give.  Please call Helen Dominguez at 422-7580 for more information.

THE MILFORD COMMUNITY CLOTHES CLOSET

This worthy organization is in need of volunteers throughout the year. The volunteers are drawn from area church communities. St. John’s regular assignment is in March; however we have been called to help at other times. The Closet is open the first and third Saturdays of the month at Calvary Methodist Church . If you can spare an hour occasionally on a Saturday morning please call Carole Frick, Social Concerns Committee member at 422-3546..  

CHRISTIAN FORMATION COMMITTEE 

One of the many prayers of St. Theresa, the Little Flower, goes like this:  'May there be peace within you, and May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith, and May you use those gifts that you have received to pass on the love that has been given.'  The Christian Formation Committee (CFC) invites you to join us as we share the gifts that have been given us by God.  Please leave your name and phone number at the church office.

BIBLE STUDY 

Continues, after the 4:30 Mass at St Bernadette's.  No homework involved. All you need to bring is yourself & a Bible (Bible optional--we can lend you one!) Start the liturgical year off right by learning more about Scripture. Questions? Ask Deacon Scott. How do we interpret Scripture? In the words of Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, “Tradition!!”— which is what we’ll talk about next month. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 

For more RE information and events go to our RE page

CONFIRMATION RETREAT DAY for candidates and sponsors is scheduled for Sunday, August 15th in the hall at St. Bernadette’s Church, Harrington.

BIKE-A-THON  The youth have planned a 5 mile bike a thon to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul.  The date is September 25th and we will gather in the church parking lot at 9:30 AM.  More details to come.  You can download the form by clicking the highlighted link.

 HOSPITALITY TENT A sincere thanks from our youth to all those who stopped by our tent and  shared a cup of cold lemonade with us.  We hope to continue serving our parish community throughout the year

Please pick up a calendar for the 2010-2011 RE year.  You can also view the program on this website and on Google calendar.

CATECHIST NEEDED: Catechists are needed for the coming RE year.  Please call the RE office for more information.

SNAPSHOT THURSDAY NEWSLETTER  will resume this coming fall.  Please watch for your monthly newsletter via email to our registered RE families.  If you would like to get a coipy of the monthly issues, please contact the RE office.

WE NOW HAVE ONLINE REGISTRATION which you can download and fill out.  The RE office does not mail registration forms unless asked to.  You can register for all RE grades on Sunday, October 4th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and for Teen Challenge courses during the September retreat.  For more information and to get the registration (English and Spanish) forms go to our RE page

ADULTS IN MINISTRY WITH YOUTH Catholic Youth Ministry will be offering training for adults in ministry with youth or those who might be interested in this ministry.  This is a certificate program and is scheduled for 2010 and 2011.  Dates, location, price and detailed information available by calling the Catholic Youth Ministry office at 302-658-3800.

DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON YOUTH: Birthdays are special days for both the individual and his or her family.  Memories are shared and stories are told. On your child’s next birthday, why not start a new tradition and have family members finish the statement; “I thank God for you, especially because….” You could also have everyone finish this statement on a piece of paper and store them in a jar with your child’s name on it.  It can serve as a wonderful reminder of how special both you and God made them feel throughout the years

 Our policy states that parents or person designated to pick up the student, must enter the building to pick up their children, grades Pre K-8 at the end of any R.E. or Youth Ministry program (in case of class cancellations in program, absence of a catechist).  

YOUTH MINISTRY   As we continue to put together a youth band/choir we need your support.  We are in need of a  stand for our Yamaha keyboard.  If you have a stand or would like to donate one please contact  Maritza in the Religious Education office.  

RE OFFICE will be closed from August 18 until August 23rd.

 RE CLASSES begin on September 12th for 6th grade and 2nd grade only.

 TEEN CHALLENGE RETREAT Teen challenge retreat will be held at St. Bernadette’s on Saturday, September 18th   From 12-4 PM.  This retreat is for 6th, 7th and 8th graders and their parents.  Retreat will be held from 12 TO 4 PM

 CONFIRMATION CLASS  There will be a pool / prayer party on Sunday, August 29th at St. John's.  We will gather at 10:30 AM in the downstairs hall and proceed to the 11:00 AM Mass and then to the pool

YOUTH MINISTRY  Brief Snapshot on five Characteristics of a healthy youth ministry:  Programs need to put relationships first. All Ministry is relational.  That is where it all starts.  If we are unable to create genuine connections with the young people that we serve, then our ministry will not thrive.  All programs that we create should focus on relationships (to be continued in the following weeks).

 IF YOUR CHILDREN HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF DATING,  you are no doubt wondering if you have given them enough guidance to date responsibility and in good Christian practice.  Talking with your teen about dating expectations (yours, theirs and God’s) is a good starting point, however here are a few suggestions to keep them more faith-minded while they date.  Encourage them to pray for their future spouse, that they might also be given the strength and grace to date in a Christian manner.  You should also encourage your teenager to compile a list of qualities and characteristics that they are looking for in a significant other.

CHAOS Lookout Elkton, Here Comes CHAOS  To allow for young people interested in attending St. Elizabeth and Padua High Schools, we have moved CHAOS back one day. The new date is Saturday, October 23, 2010 (time remains 10:30 am to 4 pm), at Immaculate Conception in Elkton. The new location is Immaculate Conception in Elkton.

Our youth gatherings are held on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30 pm.

ASSOCIATION OF THE TWO HEARTS

If you are interested in having your home enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary please call John Egan at 302-492-8598.

MARIAN DEVOTIONS

Join us for Our Lady Queen of Peace devotions. We meet on the second and fourth Mondays of  the month, after the 7 p.m. Mass. All are invited to attend.

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

The Fundraising Committee seeks more members.  If you are interested, please call Ann Burton at 422-9560.

PARISH GROUP BLOOD BANK 

Join our Group Plan now!  Our members get blood when needed anywhere in the U.S., at no cost!  If you cannot donate for any reason when it is your turn, our group has volunteer donors.  All this for a $5.00 annual fee (65 years and older, only $2.00 per year after the first year.)   Note: the cost of blood is usually not covered by health insurance plans. For more information, please call Don McDonough at 422-7859.

PARISH & FAMILY LIFE

Parish & Family Life  is seeking more members.  The areas of concern include home schooling, natural family planning, and communications within the parish.  If you are interested, please e-mail Joe Plummer at herbertjplummer@hotmail.com.

MESSENGERS OF COMFORT

MESSENGERS OF COMFORT is the Parish Ministry of Comfort that supports those in our parish who have lost a loved one.  This Support Group meets for breakfast on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am at St. John’s in Milford.  The Messengers of Hope Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 pm.  If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, we invite you to come and be ministered to by others who have and are going through the grieving process. For more information contact Deacon Jim Malloy at 422-7661, Eileen Murphy at 398-8269 or Debby Miller at 302 359-9583

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

St. Joseph Council 3792 is seeking a few good men.  If you are a practicing Catholic 18 years of age or older we invite you to join our council.  If you have recently moved into the parish and are already a Knight we invite you to transfer to our council.  You are more than welcome.  Please contact the Grand Knight, Dave Herron at 422-6119.

See our K of C page for more information on activities of the Knights and a schedule of our meetings for 2007-2008. 

We encourage all members of St. Joseph Council to attend meetings.  We will be busy with fundraisers and dinners to support our parish.   Please plan to attend our next meeting on Thursday, August 19 at 7:00pm at St. John's in MT.  For more information contact Grand Knight Dave Herron at 302-422-6119. Next officers meeting, September 2, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

K of C Breakfast is August 8, 2010 from 8-11 am in St. John's Hall.

NURSERY

A nursery for children 3 to 6 years of age ONLY is available during the 11 am Mass.  Younger children cannot attend unless we have other parent helpers in the program.  Please call the Religious Education office for details.

LECTORS and EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS  

If you are unable to keep your scheduled time, please get a replacement .  Ask them to please inform the Deacon or Priest that they are a substitute.

RCIA- BECOMING A CATHOLIC

Adults get baptized too!   Do you know someone who’s never been baptized?  Maybe you know someone who never finished confirmation?  The RCIA is the usual way for adults and older children to receive their sacraments. Do you have a friend or loved one who has expressed interest in joining our Catholic Church?  Or perhaps you or someone you know has not yet received all the Sacraments.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the usual way for Adults to come into the Church.  For more information call the Parish Office at 422-5123 or call Deacon John at 422-4554.

BULLETIN DEADLINE

This is just a reminder that all bulletin items must be received no later than noon on Monday of each week in order to be in the bulletin the following weekend.  This also applies to Mass intentions.  Thank you for your cooperation.

DID YOU FIND A MISTAKE in the bulletin? 

We do apologize for any outdated information or incorrect dates that might appear in the bulletin.  Our source of information comes from our parish calendar.  The parish calendar is updated through information received in the office from the various committee leaders.  Please call the office if you have updated information for us and we will continue to strive for perfection.  Also for your convenience please review our web site www.stjohn-stbernadette.org  which is updated on a daily basis.  Thank you.

CHURCH WEBSITE

www.stjohn-stbernadette.org .    Check out our new church website and let us know what you think.  A big thanks to Jim Newton for setting up and maintaining it.  Is there anything you don’t like?  Would you like to see something else included on it?  Call the church office or e-mail us at denewts@comcast.net.

VISITS TO THE SICK

Several of our parishioners are presently residents of a nursing home and would love to have visitors.  If you would be interested in making a visit to the nursing home to share some quality time with them, please call the parish office for their names.  Thank you.

 BAPTISM PREP

Baptismal preparation class for parents is held on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s.  The next class is scheduled for June 8th.  Pease call the office to register if you plan to attend.

DID YOU KNOW

It cost many dollars to equip the new hall and kitchen?  We feel the kitchen is state of the art; however various items have been removed.  These items are the property of St. John’s Church.  If you have or know of anyone who has borrowed anything from the kitchen, could you please see that it gets returned?  Thank you for your help!

SOCIAL CONCERNS

RELIGIOUS ARTICLE SHOP  

We invite you to stop by the Religious Article Shop located in the new hall.  We have many beautiful new items and will be open on the 2nd Sunday of each month in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus’ monthly breakfast.  All proceeds go toward expenses for the new hall.  To purchase items outside of regular shop hours please call Manuela Wright at 424-2421.  Thank you for your support.

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE 

IT’S IN THE BAG  The Social Concerns Committee continues to fill bags from St. John’s food pantry to be distributed to needy families in our community.  The bags include enough food for a family of four for three days.  The items in each bag are cereal, powdered milk (in pouches), pancake mix, syrup, canned vegetables, soups (not cream), pork’n beans or baked beans, spaghetti or pasta,  spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, peanut butter & jelly, canned tuna (chicken, spam, ham, etc.),  mac’n cheese, bags of rice and dry pinto beans. Check our message board which will be in front of the church after all weekend masses for the items most needed. Thank you for your continued support.   DON’T FORGET OUR BACK PACK PROGRAM!

 THANK YOU PARISHIONERS! Matthew 7:7  "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."  The Social Concern's Committee now has a family in  need of a full sized bed. If you can help, please contact the parish office at 422-5123.  We thank you for your generosity.

MEETING ROOMS

When you are holding a meeting in any of the parish facilities please remember to turn off the lights, the heat and/or air conditioning.  We ask you also to please leave the area clean.  And last  but not least, please lock the entrance to the building as you leave.  Thank you.

DIVORCED & SEPARATED SUPPORT GROUP

A support program for the divorced and separated is being offered at St. John’s, Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. There is a one-time registration fee of $12.00.  For more information please call Susan Lewis at (302) 284-0331.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Call Cathi and Andrew Riddle at 684-4318 for more information.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Experience a Marriage Encounter Weekend and experience a better marriage.  For more information, please call Bob and Michelle Dooley at 1-800-688-9963.

ALUMINUM CANS 

St. John’s will no longer be collecting aluminum cans.  Therefore we request that you do not drop any more cans at the church.  Thank you for all your donations in the past.

CHURCH SUPPORT

Offertory Total Budgeted
St. John's - 08/08/2010 $6,109.75 $6,753.84
Mortgage $  $2,058.07
 

 

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