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PARISH STAFF
Fr. Herb Weber
Pastor
Cell: 419-260-4849
Marla Overholt
Pastoral Associate for Life Long Faith Formation
Cell: 419-260-0252
Sr. Anne Mary Molyet
Pastoral Associate for
Evangelization, Engagement and Enrichment
Michael Puppos
Pastoral Associate for Music & Liturgy
Tina Carella
Office Manager
Phil Ward
Pastoral Associate for Youth Ministries
Waleska Ramirez
Campaign Secretary / Bulletin Editor
Terry Russell
Custodian
Reconciliation: Saturdays, 3:30-4:00 p.m.
For more information on preparation for Baptism,
Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation, contact Marla
Overholt.
For marriage preparation, reception of the Sacrament of the Sick or reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, contact
Fr. Herb.
Download the Blessed John App http://get.theapp.co/1583
Welcome to Blessed John
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/blessedjohn23
Follow us on Twitter
@23BLESSEDJOHN
Thom Headley
Deacon
Fr. Tom Wehinger
Weekend Associate
Welcome to all who are with us today! Thank you for
joining us.
Thanksgiving weekend brought many visitors to
us. It was a joy meeting so many persons from out of
state. One woman said that she always loves to join us
when she is in town visiting her family.
Many others may be here who are not from out
of state. You are most welcome as well. Please make
yourself at home and become part of our community
for this liturgy.
And if you are looking for a parish community
to help you on your faith journey, continue to check us
out.
BLESSED JOHN XXIII
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO December 8, 2013
THIS WEEK’S MASSES
Sunday, December 8 8:00 a.m. - Parish 9:45 a.m. - Ken Cappelletty 11:30 a.m. - Parish
Monday, December 9 9:30 a.m. - at St. Clare Commons Tuesday, December 10 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11 9:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12 6:15 p.m. Saturday, December 13 5:00 p.m. - Parish Sunday, December 14 8:00 a.m. - Parish 9:45 a.m. - Parish 11:30 a.m. - Parish
Ministers for December 14 & 15
Lectors
Sat 5:00 Jennifer Reighard, Connie Heck
Sun 8:00 Meghan Russell, Robert DeStazio
Sun 9:45 Nick Rossler, Debbie Rossler
Sun 11:30 Tina Roth, Maribeth Connor
Eucharistic Ministers
Sat 5:00 George Dunlevy, Cheryl Windisch, Shery Milz, Kendra Freeman,
Scott Basilius, Stgve Kirwen, Lisa Caswell, Phil Ward, Karen Pierce, Ronnie
Pinciotti, Ed Hoover
Sun 8:00 Sandy Mercurio, Tod Finch, Bob & Linda Schrinel, Ferd Seipel,
Dan & Ann Kujawa, Justin Russell, Dalton Giesige
Sun 9:45 Karen Cota, Brett Loney, Amy Waskowiak, Diane Ball, Lynn Priest
Vickie Askins, Bob & Marie Clark-Phelps, Dave Ross, Richard & Susan
Podlesny
Sun 11:30 Mary Zellin, Sharon Maxwell, Sara Tusing, Kaleigh & Kelly
Shank, Marilyn Hall, Bill Ryan, Paulette Baz, Jason & Valerie Eichenberg,
Beth Fisher, Rick Gibson
Servers
Sat 5:00 Tommy Milz, Jessica Reighard, Emma Gardner
Sun 8:00 Juney Wilson, Sammy Wilson, Natalie Merriman
Sun 9:45 Alex Loney, Thomas Clark-Phelps, Lauren Ross
Sun 11:30 John Dykes, Adam Dykes, Erin Burke
Ushers
Sat 5:00 Kay Asmus, Jerry Lucas, John & Marcia Buckenmyer, Alan Lynch,
Mark Frederick, Pat Golba-Lynch, Jeff Finch
Sun 8:00 Chuck Ore, Larry Daly, Wayne Vreeland, Steve Mochon, Nancy
Nirschl, John Farley, Chris Recker
Sun 9:45 Joni Donovan, Hector Ramirez, Mike Feldkamp, Gary Werling, Jim
Marquette, Rodger Siebeneck, Brent Welker, Dan Mouch
Sun 11:30 Sam Christie, Gary Christie, Chris Makar, Mike Makar, Sam
Veltri, Mike Hagan, Ryan Peiffer, Steve Mercer
Greeters
Sat 5:00 Ray & Denise Your, Gerry Lucas, Terry Fitzgerald
Sun 8:00 Kathy Ore, Paul & Diane Lumbrezer, Linda Edwards
Sun 9:45 Mike & Diane Bohland, Chris & Laura Egli
Sun 11:30 Betty Woz, Carla Lammers, Karen Bade, Stacy O’Brien
READINGS FOR THIS WEEK: Sunday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12 Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13; Lk 1:26-38 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80; Mt 17:9a, 10-13
Pastor’s Note:
TWO CANDLES When the power went off for many of
us a couple of Sundays ago, I
scrounged around and found a number
of candles in a kitchen drawer. Most
were those little votive lights inside small glass
containers. I ended up lighting fourteen candles. (I know
how many because I counted them, so that when it came
time to blow them out, I would not overlook any.)
Most of the candles I clustered together, one
group on the island in the kitchen and one on the coffee
table. It wasn’t enough light to read by, but I could walk
around without stumbling over anything.
The Christophers (cf. www.christophers.org) have
been advocating “light just one candle” for some 65
years. Theirs is a message of hope that also reminds us
that even a small effort on one person’s part can make a
difference for many. And if we are honest, most of us can
recall times when someone else providing a light for us
on our own walk through life.
This Sunday we light two candles in the Advent
Wreath. Just as I clustered candles together to provide
greater light, our circle of light increases. Nearing the
shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, we
find that we need more light. But we also realize that the
day to celebrate the birth of the Lord of Light is coming
soon.
Light another candle today…someone may need
the light.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY
Today, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception of Mary, how Mary was conceived pure and
free of sin, in God’s plan to prepare her to be the mother
of Jesus. Normally, this is a Holy Day in our church.
Since the date occurs on the Second Sunday of Advent,
the feast is transferred to Monday, December 9.
However, it is no longer seen as a holy day. We will have
one Mass, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Clare Commons.
CONGRATULATIONS
We welcome into our parish family recently baptized Ashlynn Dolores, daughter of James and Kristy Hughes; Crosby Brooks, daughter of Chris and Kelly Robinson; and Dominic Daniel, son of Greg and Allison Esposito. May God guide them in their growth in the discipleship of Jesus.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SACRIFICIAL COMMITMENT
Our Sunday offering for the weekend of November 23-24
was $15,467.50. Thank you. And our offering for the
weekend of Nov 30-Dec 1 was $16,664.50. Again, thank
you. With the beginning of December, many people think
about the end of the calendar year. Some parishioners
may want to make a special ‘end-of-the-year gift.’ Please
know that if you choose to do this, it would be well
appreciated as we work to move ahead with our building
project.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
(Dec 8-14) Sunday: Faith Alive!, Teen Fuel, Giving
Tree Items Return (all week); Monday:
Confirmation, St. Vincent de Paul;
Tuesday: Bible Study, Advent
Reconciliation Service; Wednesday:
Christmas Youth Choir, Brownies, HIPS
Rehearsal, Emmaus Rehearsal, Families
Anonymous; Thursday: Mixed Choir, Finance
Committee; Friday: Concert.
MASS AT ST CLARE COMMONS
St. Clare Commons is starting to ‘fill up’
with residents. We are happy to welcome
our new neighbors. Two things are in the
works. First of all, members of the St.
Clare Community will be starting to
come to Blessed John for Sunday Mass.
They have their own ‘St. Clare Shuttle’
that will bring them. Secondly, we will have one of our
weekday Masses at St. Clare, so their residents and those
of Blessed John who come to weekday Mass, can join
together.
Starting on Monday, December 9, the usual
Monday a.m. Mass will take place in the St. Clare
Commons chapel, beginning at 9:30 a.m. instead of our
usual 9:00 a.m. time. All parishioners are encouraged to
come to this Mass just as you would at your own parish.
USE OF BACK EXIT (THROUGH ST CLARE)
You are welcome to enter/exit our parking lot, using the
back road that goes through St. Clare Commons. It is open
and available. It connects with Five Point Road and may
allow you to avoid the busier traffic on Dixie Highway.
Of course, we ask that you use caution wherever you
drive.
FAITH ALIVE!
Faith Alive! is today at 2:00 p.m. and
5:30 p.m. Adults with children are
reminded to come early, so their
children can visit Book Check and the Prize Patrol.
Please remember to bring your bibles.
SUNDAY MORNING SACRAMENTAL
CLASSES FOR OLDER CHILDREN These children will receive the Sacrament of
Reconciliation at our Advent Reconciliation Service,
7:00 p.m., Dec. 10. There will be one final class on Dec
15, in Room 105, to reflect on their experience of the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. Class will be finished by
11:20 a.m., so the students and their families will be able
to attend 11:30 a.m. Mass.
Several of the children who have already
completed their First Eucharist preparation will be
receiving First Holy Communion at the 11:30 a.m. Mass
on Dec 22.
VIOLET IN THE SNOW
The children of the parish who participate
in Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be
singing a Communion meditation at the
4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve
liturgies and the 10:00 a.m. liturgy on Christmas Day. We
will be singing our song for the Responsorial Psalm
throughout Advent during Children’s Liturgy. Children
will receive the words this weekend. There will not be
Children’s Liturgy of the Word or this Communion
meditation at the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.
NEW PARENT RETREAT
Our next New Parent Retreat for parents
wishing to baptize their first child here at
Blessed John is at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan 5.
Those who wish to baptize their
children should be aware we do not baptize
children during Lent, which begins on March
5. Baptisms will resume the week after Easter, April 20.
MAKE YOUR OWN MANGER
There are sheets of stickers to create your
own manger scene, available in the new
display rack this weekend found on the
south end of the hallway by Room 105.
BLESSED JOHN XXIII
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO December 8, 2013
TEEN FUEL TEXT ALERTS! Click on the “Youth Ministry” tab on the parish website to sign up!
Blessed John Teen Fuel
@teenfuel23
High School Grade 8
Confirmation
Grades 6 & 7
Grades 3– 5
GENERATION LIFE
Make sure you remember that there will be a session for
parents, sponsors, and candidates on the “Theology of
the Body” 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, December 9,
presented by the traveling Generation Life Missionaries.
Candidates, please let sponsors and parents know about
this evening so they can be in attendance with you. It is
not mandatory for parents to be there, but it’s definitely
an opportunity not to be missed! Within this evening we
all will learn to treat each other with a greater
admiration because of our divine dignity given to us by
God. The hope is that we come to appreciate that
dignity through this evening’s presentation.
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
The next time we’ll meet for Confirmation is January
11 for the Confirmation retreat. Let sponsors know that
they will have a part in this day later in the evening.
Make sure this day is on your calendar! More
information to follow!
3:45 CLUB NEXT WEEK
Our 3:45 Club will have a Winter Wonderland holiday warm-up 2:00-$:00 p.m., next Sunday, December 15,
at the Lamb Center Lodge, Side Cut Metropark (this is on the side opposite the river). Activities include
decorating Fr. Herb’s Christmas tree, roasting chestnuts on an open fire, and making winter birdseed pinecone
feeders. Of course, there will also be Christmas caroling, cookies and hot cocoa. Sign up in Room 103 today.
GUYS AND GIRLS NIGHT
6:00-8:30 p.m. this Sunday, December 8, Guys and Girls
nights meet at two specific locations. Guys will be at
Miriam Berger’s house as usual and will have some
delicious barbecue, some Christmas fun and help
Miriam put up some decorations in her house. The
women will meet at Bailey’s house instead of the club
house. Check texts and e-mails for locations as to where
we will meet.
WANT TO MEET OTHER YOUTH FROM
AROUND TOLEDO WHO ARE CATHOLIC?
No, it isn’t a Catholic speed dating night hosted by the
diocese. Parishes and schools from the Toledo area have
united to offer youth a night of joyful praise and
worship. It is sure to be a night full of conversion and
fun! There will be a moving talk followed by a powerful
praise and worship session. Don’t miss it! The event is
from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Sunday, December 15 in the St.
Jerome Gymnasium, but we will meet 6:00 p.m. at
Blessed John XXIII for dinner and will carpool over to
St. Jerome at 6:30 p.m. to get seats. If you plan to come,
please let Phil know so we can have enough carpool
drivers. Parents, if I could get a few of you to assist in
driving for this event, that would be great!
TALENT SHOW CHRISTMAS PARTY!
Do you have a gift God has bestowed on you that you would like to share? Impact youth, you have
a chance to show off these gifts 6:30-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 18, in the atrium during
Impact! You can sign up to share your talent by contacting Phil through an e-mail or phone call
with a description of your talent and how long you need to perform it! We will also have dinner
and games as well!
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THOUGHTS ON ADVENT
Last weekend we entered Advent with a
sense of becoming a ‘dwelling place’ for
the Lord this year. That means all of us,
both collectively and individually, are
called to be open to Jesus dwelling within
us. We are precisely where the Lord chooses to reside.
To help make this happen:
Create a little quiet time/place each day
Use your own Advent Wreath and have a table prayer
with your family
Take a walk and look for an empty bird nest in a tree,
acknowledging that the nest is a symbol of Advent as
a dwelling place
Sing an Advent song at home (how about “O Come,
O Come Emmanuel”) as well as Christmas songs
Attend the Concert at church this Friday
Read the daily readings for weekday Advent Masses
(can be found at parish website or at usccb.org)
Bake cookies for a neighbor
Participate in Advent Reconciliation Service
ADVENT RECONCILIATION
On Tuesday of this week we will have our parish Advent
Reconciliation Service. As we move into Advent, it is
good to take time to reflect and place yourself honestly
before the Lord. The service, with six priests present, will
take place at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10. Plan to
make this part of your pre-Christmas preparation for your
family.
FAITH ALIVE – SLIDES OF
BUILDING Thanks to all who came to each of the
two sessions of ‘Sneak Peek’ of the
building plans for our parish church
building. To help more people see
where we are heading, we will show those same slides
TODAY at the beginning of each session of Faith Alive!
You don’t want to miss this.
COMMENTS ON BULLETIN
It has been a couple of months since we’ve had the new
format of the church Sunday Bulletin. We have pictures
and a lot more information. Our goal, of course, is to do
more than merely use the bulletin for announcements. We
want it to be something that stimulates thought and helps
people invest themselves more into their faith. Your
comments are welcomed.
MUSIC REHEARSALS THIS WEEK
Christmas Youth Choir, 5:00 p.m.,
Wednesday
Hidden in Plain Sight, 7:00 p.m.,
Wednesday
Mixed Choir, 7:00 p.m., Thursday
CHRISTMAS MASS VOLUNTEERS
There are still available spots for many liturgical
ministries for each of our Christmas Masses. Please log in
in the web terminal to volunteer for the Mass you plan to
attend. With so many visitors at Christmas time, the
hospitality at Blessed John is essential to making it a
positive experience for everyone!
220b CONCERT
The Christmas concert
with Christian vocal
band 220b is THIS
Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. Based out of
Cleveland, OH, 220b is a 4-person high energy
contemporary Christian band. Their music is an eclectic
mix of pop and rock with infectious urban beats. Their
sound is a combination of tight harmonies, creative
musical arrangements and powerful percussion. Advance
tickets are $5 for kids 12 and under, and $10 for adults.
Ticket prices will increase at the door the night of the
concert. We hope you can join us for an awesome night
of music as we continue to prepare for Christmas!
CHRISTMAS YOUTH CHOIR CONTINUES
After a fun first rehearsal last Wednesday, the Christmas
Youth Choir will continue rehearsals at 5:00 p.m. this
Wednesday. This group of 1-5 graders will help lead the
music at the 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.
DINING FOR WOMEN
Our gathering will focus on the
empowerment of indigenous tribal
women in Thailand through college
education and leadership mentoring. Bring your table
service and a soup or salad or bread to share. We will
meet 6:30 p.m., Monday, December 16. If you recently
joined Blessed John, this can be a nice way to meet other
women of the parish.
BLESSED JOHN XXIII
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO December 8, 2013
BLESSED JOHN APP
The Blessed John app continues to grow in popularity
since our launch in early October. To date we have had
over 830 downloads. In addition to accessing the weekly
bulletin and Mass LIVE streaming, there are several
weekly features available through the app that you may
not know about.
Advent Special Feature: Looking for some great
content for you or for the kids this Advent season?
Be sure to check out this seasonal special feature.
The Catholic Playlist: A compilation weekly
podcast/radio show that features established and
new Catholic music artists.
The SIP: A weekly podcast with Blessed John
Youth Minister, Phil Ward, that breaks apart the
upcoming Sunday’s scriptures readings.
Serenity with Sr. Anne Mary: Looking to have
some quiet time each week? Join Sr. Anne Mary
through this podcast for a prayerful and quiet
reflection on the scriptures.
Fr. Herb’s Blog: Access Fr. Herb’s Mid-Week
meditation each week.
There are many more features, but these are some of
the highlights that we bring to you each week. Do
you want to download the Blessed John App?
Simply visit http://get.theapp.co/1583.
FAIR TRADE SHOPPING OPPORTUNITY
On Saturday and Sunday, Dec 14-15, after all Masses,
Bead for Life products will be available for sale here at
Blessed John. This is a great opportunity to purchase
fair trade Christmas gifts and to also
help change lives in Uganda. Bead for
Life, an innovative poverty eradication
organization, provides economic
opportunities to women in Uganda by
creating global markets for the beautiful,
recycled paper jewelry and shea nut
butter products that these women
skillfully craft.
Jewelry prices range from $5.00 to
$50.00 and shea products from $4.00 to $24.00. Cash
or check accepted after all Masses; credit cards
accepted only after the Sunday morning Masses.
WOMEN’S RETREAT
Ladies, mark your calendar for a weekend retreat starting
7:00 p.m. Friday, February 7 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday,
February 9. The retreat will be hosted at Lial Renewal
Center, 5908 Davis Rd, Whitehouse. More details later.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS
POSTER PARTY The K of C is having a KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS
poster decorating party at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday December
10. The contest is for children in
grades 1-8; younger children are also
welcome. We will be decorating
posters and cookies, and having a
special visit from Santa.
Prizes will be awarded to the
winners. The grand prize winner will
be submitted to the Diocese with a chance to have their
poster blown up on a billboard on the AW trail the month
of December next year. Please plan to attend.
KNIGHTS THANKS
The Knights of Columbus would like to
thank everyone who supported the Fall
Bash. The party was a great success, with
special thanks to the fall bash committee
as well as Deets BBQ, InSync DJ
Services, and True House of Munch.
JOIN “FAITH & LIGHT”
We would like to expand services to Blessed John’s Faith
and Light community. This community is centered
around adults who have more or less significant
intellectual disabilities. In order to do more, we need
adults to assist in providing periodic prayer and
fellowship. If you have a heart for persons who are
vulnerable because of disabilities and would like to learn
more how you can help, contact Sr. Anne Mary.
THANK YOU
A word of thanks to Don Burkin, who built the
processional cross for our church, to match the altar
candle and the Easter candle stand. It totally enriches our
sanctuary.
LECTOR BOOKS
All Lectors are asked to pick up one of the Lector
Workbooks after Mass this week, in Room 102. We are
now in the new liturgical cycle which began on
December 1.
CONDOLENCES
We offer our prayers and sympathy to
Bob Venzel at the death of his niece
Lauren Kutchenriter last week. May she
find fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord of Peace,
and may the family find consolation..
WINTER WEATHER MASS POLICY
If and when snow days occur this winter,
please know that we cancel weekday Masses
on those days when the Perrysburg schools
are canceled (not delayed). As for Sunday Masses, they
are almost never canceled!
PRAY FOR NEW BISHOP
We had our farewell for Bishop Leonard Blair last week.
During the next week he is in the process of moving to
Hartford where he will become their new Archbishop.
Technically, he remains our bishop until December 16.
At that time, we will have a ‘vacant see.’ Although there
will be a temporary administrator of the Diocese selected
from among our priests, the new bishop may not be
appointed for some time. (Often it takes up to a year or
so.) Please keep in prayer both the administrator and the
person who will become bishop. Pray that the Holy Spirit
provide us with someone who is pastoral and is tuned to
the needs of the members of the diocese.
RETIRED RELIGIOUS FUND
This Sunday we have our ‘Retired
Religious Fund’ collection. This
collection is held each December to
support various religious communities
of sisters (nuns) and brothers. Many of
these communities are made up
primarily of retired persons, and many
are simply not prepared financially for
the future.
The Catholic Church in this country owes much
to religious sisters who taught in schools, served in
hospitals, ran orphanages, and did consistent outreach to
immigrants and the poor. Often they were paid little or
nothing for their services.
There are special envelopes in your church
packets. In addition, you will see special envelopes on the
chairs in the church. Thank you.
BLESSED JOHN XXIII
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO December 8, 2013
This Week’s Pic…
Stocking shelves at Assumption Center
Please go to Parish Facebook to see pictures of 3:45 Club taking Thanksgiving Food to Assumption Center
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
REPORT Thanks to your generous support, during our fiscal year which ended September 30, we were able to help as follows: Housing 33 Gasoline 61 Utilities 28 Car repairs 3 Food 6 Other 14 Please note these totals do not include your many contributions to the Thanksgiving and Easter Baskets or the Giving Tree. A special THANK YOU to Mary Kurt who coordinated the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Basket project.
CHRISTMAS MASS
PLANS Most families are already
planning their Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day gatherings and
dinners. Please take some time to
consider the Mass you and your
family will be attending. Two
things to consider:
All the Masses will be crowded, so we ask that you
arrive early and that you be ready to offer hospitality
to others. The most crowded Mass by far is the 4:30
p.m.; some may choose to avoid coming to that Mass.
Many in recent years have ‘discovered’ the joy of
coming to the Christmas morning Mass.
Because of the heavy traffic for all the Masses, we
ask you to plan to use special care in coming and
leaving the premises. Please do not plan your events
SO CLOSELY that you find yourself rushing. Most
Masses will run a little longer, simply because of the
crowd. And, remember, you are welcome to use the
back driveway that goes through St. Clare Commons
and brings you out on Five Point Road.
Mass times for Christmas Eve are 4:30, 7:30, and 11:00
p.m. On Christmas Day we have one Mass at 10:00 a.m.
GIVING TREE
Thanks to all who already have brought in gift items for
the Giving Tree. Once again, Blessed John will be
sponsoring a number of families in need for the upcoming
Christmas holiday.
If the ‘gift idea’ is large and
you are unable to provide, you may
consider working with another family
or even your Small Faith Group.
Remember, it is important that
the item(s) you purchase come to
church wrapped and have attached the
“tag ornament” you took off the
Giving Tree, so that our team of
volunteers will know to which family
the gifts will go. There is also a sign-
up opportunity in the atrium for
those who would like to donate a ham or cookies. As in
the past, we need families and individuals to volunteer to
deliver these Christmas gifts. You can sign up in the
atrium as well.
A heartfelt Thank You in advance. Please return
all items by December 15. Questions? Call Shirley
Urbaniak at 419-350-7086.
PEOPLE ASK…
With many visitors each week, we know that many people
ask similar questions. Here are a few with some answers.
Q. Will the new church building somehow change the
spirit of Blessed John?
A. There are many who, although excited about our
finally building a church building, are a bit fearful that we
will lose our warmth or spirit of adventure as a parish
community. The answer is that it is up to us.
When we moved from our temporary use of
Perrysburg High School to this Parish Life Center, people
expressed the same fear. As our parish started growing
very fast with lots of new members, people once again
expressed the same fear. People don’t want to lose ‘it.’
The ‘it’ that people love is our genuine sense of
community, our spirit of hospitality, and our authentic
concern for others. A new building will help us have a
more permanent home but the building is not the church.
We are the church! And as church, we will maintain all
that attracts us right now. And we will also have a prayer
space that is set aside for that purpose. It will be larger
than what we have, and it will continue to be a special
setting for dynamic and communal worship of Sunday
Mass.
