December 2, 2007

First Sunday of Advent

Sisters and brothers in Christ, the Holy Spirit gathers us together in this holy place to begin a new liturgical year of grace and peace. We open our minds and hearts to the transforming power of God’s love. During Advent we acknowledge the presence of Christ in our hearts, our families, our parish, and our world. With praise and thanksgiving, we enter this holy season.

MASS SCHEDULE

Dec. 01 4:30PM Bill Marshall…………….…….Wife Gloria

Dec. 02 10:00AM Richard LaTorre…...................Bill and Marion Rocco

Alice Rose……………………….By Family

Dec. 06 12:15PM Novena to the Miraculous Medal

Dec. 08 4:30PM Amadeo Volpe…………….……By Wife

Elizabeth Delafano………Betty, Mike & Michael

Dec. 09 10:00AM John & Raffaela DeMatteo...................By Family

Joseph Delafano………….Betty, Mike & Michael

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

12/01:   E. Feuerstein, M. Burger & T. Lotano 12/02:   C. Mastan & D. Duggan & L. Lucas

12/08:   R. Abeel, S. Abeel & C. Kiszkiel 12/09:   R. White & B. White & C. Greene

COMMENTATOR & LECTOR

12/01:   C. Kiszkiel & R. Nicolella 12/02:   D. Holodak & J. Carosella

12/08:   E. Feuerstein & M. Burger 12/09:   J. Scheib & W. Chura

ACOLYTES

12/02: Mikayla Thomas & Catherine Hadcock 12/09: Mark DiCerbo, Emi Carosella & Maca

Holiday Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Carols

Christmas Eve Liturgy 4:30 PM

Christmas Day Liturgy 10:00 AM

MEMORIAL DONATIONS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON –We are now accepting memorial donations for the Holiday Season. Envelopes are located in the front entrance of the church. If you would like to make a contribution in memory of a loved one, please print this information clearly on the envelope. Completed envelopes may be placed in the offertory baskets or mailed to the rectory. All donations will be used for altar decorations for the Advent/Christmas Season.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Sunday December 9^th! We will be having a Pancake Breakfast for the SICM Food Pantry at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, State St., Schenectady. Serving will begin at 10AM. We will be accepting non-perishable foods and monetary donations in lieu of a set charge. All proceeds will go to the SICM Food Pantry. Please join us!

ANNUAL COOKIE WALK – Please plan on joining us on December 15^th from 10AM to 12PM and/or Sunday December 16^th following the 10AM mass. Purchase a container for $3.00 and fill it with your choice of cookies and browse through an assortment of lovely hand crafted items. We will also be doing a raffle. The drawing will be held on Sunday December 16^th. You will receive your tickets in the mail soon. Bakers and helpers are needed! A sign up sheet is located near the front entrance of the church. Baked goods may be dropped off at the parish center on Thursday December 13th from 12PM – 2PM or Sat. December 15^th from 8AM-9AM. We are still in need of small clean coffee cans (plastic or aluminum).

MAKE A WISH – ADOPT AN ANGEL CAMPAIGN -The most important members of the team of MAKE A WISH Foundation is the supporters. It would not be possible to grant wishes without YOU. Your help allows MAKE A WISH to give a sick child a healthy outlook for the hope and promise of his or her future. Angels will be sold after Masses beginning in December for $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.

Giving Hearts Program for Catholic Charities of Schenectady: Tags are located at the front entrance of the church. Please return the gifts no later than December 16^th. Questions: contact Donna or Frederick Simone (346-2097) or email: dasimone@aol.com.

SCHOOL OF RELIGION –Classes resume December 2^nd and continue Dec. 9^th & 16^th. NO CLASS Dec. 23^rd & Dec. 30^th (Christmas Recess) Class resumes January 6^th.

Regional Food Bank - 6^th grade and up youth and their families are invited to volunteer at the Regional Food Bank Thursday January 10^th 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The food bank is located at 965 Albany Shaker Road, Latham. To sign up, contact Donna Simone. Visit www.regionalfoodbank.net for more information on the Food Bank.

2008 CALENDARS - will be distributed this weekend compliments of Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home.

ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES At the Dominican Retreat Center, 1945 Union Street, Niskayuna, in December.  For more information or reservations, you can call: (518) 393-4169, email: dslcny@nycap.rr.com, fax: (518) 393-4525, or go to our web site: www.dslcny.org. 

December 6      Advent Day of Reflection:  "The Waiting Game” Presenter: Rev. Ed Deimeke

 December 7-9 Advent Silent Weekend “Finding Joy in the Word of God” Guest Director: Rev. Aidan McKeon, OP

MEETING DATES

THURSDAY December 6th Bible Study 11:00 AM in the Parish Center

MONDAY December 10th Parish Council 6:30PM (closed meeting)

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: The offertory collection for the weekend of 11/25/07 was $1,465.00. Needed to meet weekly expenses is $2,000.00. And keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Acts 20:35

MEDITATION: THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

"IT IS NOW THE HOUR FOR YOU TO WAKE FROM SLEEP. . . “Rom. 13:11
"Today, more than ever, [we] the Church, must play the prophetic role of confronting a sleeping world which risks losing its soul.  We should live so as not to be surprised by the judgment at the end of our lives and at the end of the world." (from St. Andrews Bible Missal, 1982, First Sunday of Advent, Year A)

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