June 24, 2007

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Today God gathers us together to celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist. During the course of the liturgical year, when certain feasts fall on a Sunday, we set aside our usual calendar of ordinary Sundays and focus on a particular feast. Today is such a day. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ. He prepared the way for the Lord. As we remember with joy the birth of this remarkable figure, let us pray that we like John the Baptist, will lead others to Christ.

.MASS SCHEDULE

June 23 4:30PM Lawrence Hebert…………………...Margaret Hebert

John Ciarmiello……………………..By Daughters

June 24 10:00AM Silvio Tremante….…Ferruci Family-Frank, Louise & Sons

June 28 12:15PM Novena to the Miraculous Medal

June 30 4:30PM People of St. John’s Parish

July 01 10:00AM Angelina & Vincent Rotundo....Formichelli Family & Nancy Adams

Silvio Tremante………………………Adinolfi Family

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

06/23:   E. Feuerstein & G. Glover & G. Glover 06/24:   L. Zautner & C. Mastan & L. Lucas

06/30:   A. Lotano & T. Lotano & L. Lucas 07/01:   M. Perrella & M. Sieder & S. Hedman

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

06/23:  M. Burger & B. Nicolella   06/24:   J. Scheib & M. Perrella

06/30:  C. Kiszkiel & E. Feuerstein   07/01:   L. Lucas

ACOLYTES

06/24: Mark DiCerbo 07/01: Vitas & Mattias Carosella

REST IN PEACE – Please pray for Anna Shealy and her family. Anna went to her eternal rest on June 16th. Her funeral was held in our church on June 20th.

MANDATORY BACKROUND SCREENING – Per a memo from Bishop Howard Hubbard, ALL VOLUNTEERS IN ALL MINISTRIES that have ANY contact with children must have a background screening. Screening forms must be filled out, given to an usher and they will then be placed in a sealed envelope.

FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST/STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Our annual Strawberry Festival will be held this Sunday June 24^th, following the 10AM mass.

ATTENTION ALL EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTOR/COMMENTATORS:  YOU WILL BE COMMISSIONED FOR YOUR MINISTRIES AT MASSES THIS SATURDAY/SUNDAY, JUNE 23/24, AS PART OF THE CELEBRATION OF  OUR PATRONAL FEAST DAY, THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.  Please participate in this sign of your dedication to serve the people of our parish through the ministries of WORD and SACRAMENT.

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC – Our parish picnic is in need of a chairperson(s). The picnic has traditionally been held in July. If you are interested in chairing this event please contact Diury Alvarado or the parish center 374-9148.

SCHOOL OF RELIGION – Registration forms for the 2007-2008 school year are located in the entrances of the church. Early registration enables us to properly plan for the upcoming school year. Please register by June 30^th.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED – We have baby items that were not sold at the rummage sale which Catholic Charities can use. We need a volunteer(s) to take these baby items to Catholic Charities on Eastern Ave. If you would like to volunteer, please call the parish center 374-9148.

THE Rummage Sale was another SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY EVENT!

Thank you to all who donated your rummage, sorted, baked, cooked and donated food.  A very big thanks of appreciation goes out to all of you who worked that “VERY HOT Day of the Sale”.  We raised a total of $2,000.00 which includes the money from our Spring/Summer clothing sale.  Anyone who still owes money from the sale, please put it in an envelope marked “rummage sale” and drop it off at the rectory or in the collection basket.    Donna Lessard and Fred Simone

Relay for LIFE – Our team raised over $1,200.00! A big thank you to all who donated or purchased luminaries!

MEETING DATES

THURSDAY June 28th Bible Study 11:00 AM in the Parish Center

MONDAY July 9th Parish Council 6:45PM in the Parish Center

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: The offertory collection for the weekend of 06/17/07 was $1,549.00. Needed to meet weekly expenses is $2,000.00 "Thus should one regard us:  as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

1 Corinthians 4:1

MEDITATION FOR THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The voice of one crying in the wilderness

"The Church observes the birth of John as in some way sacred; and you will not find any other of the great men of old whose birth we celebrate officially. We celebrate John’s, as we celebrate Christ’s. This point cannot be passed over in silence, and if I may not perhaps be able to explain it in the way that such an important matter deserves, it is still worth thinking about it a little more deeply and fruitfully than usual.
John is born of an old woman who is barren; Christ is born of a young woman who is a virgin. That John will be born is not believed, and his father is struck dumb; that Christ will be born is believed, and he is conceived by faith.
I have proposed some matters for inquiry, and listed in advance some things that need to be discussed. I have introduced these points even if we are not up to examining all the twists and turns of such a great mystery, either for lack of capacity or for lack of time. You will be taught much better by the one who speaks in you even when I am not here; the one about whom you think loving thoughts, the one whom you have taken into your hearts and whose temple you have become."

ST. AUGUSTINE, (354-430 A.D.)

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Schenectady’s Historic Church

Over 175 Years of Worship and Service

Rev. Michael T. Schmitt – Sacramental Minister

Administrative Assistant –Eileen Mazur

Parish Office Hours 8:30AM-2:30PM Monday through Thursday 374-9148 Closed Friday

Parish Center Email: sjb@albany.net Web Site: www.albany.net/~sjb/

Saturday Mass taped for Channel 16 – Shown: Sunday 2 PM & Monday 2 PM

St. John the Baptist Mission Statement

Dedicated to Celebrating Christ’s Love in

Worship, Works of Charity and Fellowship