September 23, 2007

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sisters and brothers, the Holy Spirit once again summons us together in this holy place and asks us to focus on the challenges posed by the gospel. Today’s Gospel is one that cuts to the heart of any society that espouses a consumerist mentality. Let us be open to what the Lord has in store for us today and ask for strength to respond to the Lord’s challenges.

MASS SCHEDULE

Sept 22 4:30PM Francis Whitbeck…………...…Marie Walsh

Sept 23 10:00AM Eleanor Stevens........................The Bright Family

Richard LaTorre………………Mary Pidgeon

Sept 27 12:15PM Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Sept 29 4:30PM John Ciarmiello…………...…By Daughters

Sept 30 10:00AM Paul Tunke...............................The Bright Family

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

09/15:   C. Greene, G. Glover & C. Glover 09/16:   L. Zautner & A. Welch & J. Rey

09/22:   E. Feuerstein, C. Kiszkiel & W. Chura 09/23:   L. Lucas & S. Hedman & M. Seider

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

09/15:   W. Chura & L. Lucas 09/16:   Youth

09/22:   M. Burger & B. Nicolella 09/23:   W. Chura & L. Lucas

ACOLYTES

09/23: Mark DiCerbo Jr. 09/30: Rachel, Christine & Michael Natalie

LITURGY PLANNING MEETING - The next meeting of all those who direct or facilitate any liturgical ministries will be held on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 BEGINNING AT 6:15 P.M. IN THE RECTORY.  We will be planning for the entire LENTEN AND PASCAL SEASON (Ash Wednesday through Pentecost).  PLEASE PLAN AHEAD TO BE THERE.  All participants in liturgical ministries are welcome, as are any interested parishioners.

TOWN MEETING – Our next Town Meeting is scheduled for Sunday October 21^st from 11AM-12PM in the church. A light lunch will be provided. A basket with index cards is in the front entrance of the church. Please use the index cards to write down any topics, questions or concerns you would like to address at the Town Meeting.

ANNUAL FALL/WINTER CLOTHING SALE – The date is set for Saturday November 3^rd. We are in need of clean fall and winter clothing, boots, hats, gloves, coats etc…in good condition. Please no summer clothing. Please bring in your items beginning next Saturday September 30th.

INFORMATIONAL SOURCE – Using our Parish website sjb@albany.net, we hope to better communicate Parish announcements and information. Announcements may be sent to the parish email sjb@albany.net. This is the vehicle for committee chairs and lead ministers to obtain the most updated information.

SCHOOL OF RELIGION – Classes are scheduled for September 23^rd & 30^th. NO CLASS October 7^th (Columbus Day). Class resumes Oct. 14^th.

ANNUAL PASTA DINNER – On Wednesday October 10^th, mother Mary and her crew will be cooking in the kitchen for our Annual Pasta Dinner at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall, 1748 State St. Adults $7.00, children 12 and under $3.00, children 3 and under are free. Flyers are located in the front entrance of the church. Please take some flyers and distribute - help us get the word out!

BAPTISMAL RECEPTION COORDINATOR NEEDED – We are in need of a person(s) to coordinate our receptions following baptisms. If interested contact Donna Simone 346-2097 or dasimone@aol.com or the Parish Center.

INTERFAITH CELEBRATION SERVICE – will be held at St. John’s on Thursday October 18^th. The evening begins at 5:30PM with a light supper at Bethesda House followed by a Music Festival in our church at 6:30PM. An Interfaith Celebration Service will follow at 7:00PM.

ST. ANTHONY’S HOLY NAME SOCIETY – is holding their annual Night of Reflection on Sat. Oct. 20^th beginning with mass at 5:30pm followed by a dinner and a talk by retired priest, Fr. Leo Markert. Any male over the age of 18 is welcome. Cost is $15.00 and reservations must be made before Oct. 17^th. Contact John Ferro @ 372-0535 or Onnie Nappi @ 393-8027.

3^RD ANNUAL EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION AND HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE – will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s on Sunday Sept. 23^rd from 2-3PM. It begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by a Procession. Pray for the sanctity of life including the Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Pro-life scriptural reflection and Benediction. For more information call Carol (346-6721) or Jan (377-9703).

PARISH PICNIC – Our Parish Picnic was a huge success! Many thanks to our Chairman Mark DiCerbo for his hard work in coordinating this event! Thanks to all our parishioners who contributed in making our picnic successful!

MEETING DATES

THURSDAY September 27th Bible Study 11:00 AM in the Parish Center

THURSDAY October 4^th Liturgy Planning Mtg. 6:15 PM in the Parish Center

TUESDAY October 9th Parish Council 6:45PM in the Parish Center (note date change)

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: The offertory collection for the weekend of 09/16/07 was $1,631.00. Needed to meet weekly expenses is $2,000.00. "He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27

Meditation for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Mary's Prayer to the Master She Served

My soul proclaims Your greatness, O my God,

and my spirit rejoices in You, my savior,

for You have looked with favor upon your humble servant,

and from this day all generations will call me Blessed.

You Who are mighty have done great things for me.

Holy is Your Name.

You have mercy on those who are in awe of You

in every generation.

You have shown the strength of Your arm.

You have scattered the proud in their conceit.

You have cast down the mighty from their thrones

and have lifted up the powerless.

You have filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away hungry.

You have come to the help of Your servant Israel,

remembering the promise you made

to Abraham, Sarah and their descendants forever.

[see:  Luke 1:46-55]

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