St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Every Catholic church holds a special place in the hearts of believers.  We go to our parish churches to encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, both at Mass and in the tabernacle.  We bring our babies there to have them brought into the family of God, and we bring our deceased loved ones there to pray for them on their journey home. Couples exchange and renew wedding vows in their parish church.  The repentant sinner finds the consolation of the sacrament of Reconciliation.  In their parish church, people find the support and nourishment that can only be given by other members of the Body of Christ. 

Welcome to the parish church of St. John Neumann – 1825 households strong, 72 of which have joined us since July 2012!  Pray with us, worship with us, walk with us as we grow in our identity as daughters and sons of a loving Father and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ!

Rev. Joseph MPR Cocucci, KCHS

Pastor

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE FOR THE JOSEPH HOUSE

NOVEMBER 16 AND 17, 2024

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is requestiong your help in replenishing the Joseph House food pantry which serves the needy in our area.  A list of suggested food items can be found in the Gathering Space.  Please bring your non-perishable food donations to the church Gathering Space the weekend of Novemer 16/17 before the scheduled Masses.  Food gift cards (such as Food Lion and ACME) would  be greatly appreciated. Federal Law prohibits us  from accepting outdated food items.  The St. Vincent de Paul Society is grateful for your continued prayers and financial support for the needy in our community.  Thank you for your generosity.     

ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP

Friday, November 22, 2024

5:00 - 7:30 PM at MBS

$35/per person (includes supplies and refreshments)

Limited to 25 participants

**Must be 21 or older to attend.**

As we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Our Lord, you are invited to an Advent Wreath Workshop.  Our Parishioner Joan Guerriero, Art Instructor affiliated with the Art League of Ocean City, will provide step-by-step instructions to craft a beautiful Advent wreath for your home.  Enjoy a glass of wine, or apple cider, and some cheese and crackers while you work on your wreath.

Call the St. John Neumann Parish Office to register (410-208-2956).  Payment (checks and cash only) is due no later than November 5^th.

NOVEMBER 23 AND 24, 2024

Once again our parish will be helping others during The Most Blessed Season of Christmas.  Our Christmas Giving Tree will be in the Church gathering area beginning the weekend of November 23/24.  This year we well be supporting our neighbors at Worcester County GOLD, Seton Center, Gull Creek, Berlin Nursing Home and Grace Center for Maternal and Women's Health.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS BELOW:

 STEP ONE:  Take a tag from the Giving Tree.

 STEP TWO:  Purchase what is written on the tag. 

STEP THREE:  Wrap the gift and attach the tag to the outside of the gift (If you purchase a clothing item, it may be helpful to place the sales receipt inside with gift.)              

 All gifts MUST be returned ON or BEFORE December 15, 2024.  (Earlier returns would be appreciated.)

FOOD LION and WALMART GIFT CARDS can be purchased in the Gathering Space after all Masses or at the parish office during the week.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT EVERY GIFT IS PART OF SOMEONE'S CHRISTMAS!

Each year the parishioners witness the return of the Christmas gifts placed under the Giving Tree.  It is always amazing to see parishioners making the gifts extra special and sometimes even giving more!  Just think about the hope, the happiness and the smiles of the families and especially their children - what a blessing for all!                                                                                                                                                                      

 SAINT JOHN NEUMANN WOMEN'S RETREAT

FEBRUARY 1, 2025

Women of Faith: Witness, Pray, Love

**THE RETREAT IS FILLING UP**

Come join us as we gather as sisters in Christ to re-ignite our faith, to reflect on the graces of Catholic devotion, to explore the powerful intercession of saints whose lives impact our times, and to give thanks for the intercession of our Blessed Mother.

The retreat will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Andrew Parish Center, 144^th Street and Sinepuxent Road, Ocean City, MD.  We will begin at 8:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM.  Following the retreat, you are invited to attend the 4:00 PM Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church (100th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD).

Facilitator Ginny Dauses has a degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.  She is the founder of 12 Noon Ministries, has been a Campus Minister, Youth Minister, Retreat Leader and National Speaker.

The cost of the retreat will be $35.00 which includes lunch and snacks.  Please contact the St. John Neumann Parish Office at 410-208-2956 to register and/or for additional information.  Space is limited to 75 participants.  Registration and payment are due no later than December 31, 2024 (checks and cash only).

SJN BIBLE STUDY

An on-going Bible-study based on the Little Rock Scripture Study and the Collegeville Bible Commentary programs began in September.  The group meets twice a month at 6:00 PM in the Parish Library with Greg Kinsey coordinating.  The first part of the program will focus on the Gospel of St. Matthew.  All are welcome.

FUTURE BIBLE STUDY DATES

November 4, November 18, December 2 and December 16, 2024

January 6 and January 20, 2025

2025 50/50 RAFFLE

52 Chances to Win in 2025!!

Tickets are 1 for $20, 3 for $50, 7 for $100 or 12 for $150.

Tickets can be purchased after all weekend Masses and at the Parish Office during regular business hours.  Also, there are packets (12 tickets/packet) and individual tickets with return envelopes available in the gathering area.  Drawings take place every Monday throughout the year.  All proceeds benefit Parish Religious Education Programs.  We are grateful for your support!  

AN INVITATION FROM THE DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON TO JOIN

THE JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY

See link below for more information

https://youtu.be/xjNhw0F3wOk?si=Lkzlp-Ua1I63XRwu

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the diocesan Share in the Spirit tuition assistance collection last week.  For those of you who have not yet participated, you may still contribute to the Share in the Spirit collection for tuition assistance. Please drop your envelope in the collection basket or parish office or, visit the Share in the Spirit website at http://www.cdow.org/share-in-the-spirit and click on "Click Here to Donate Today".

This important collection supports the mission and ministry of our Catholic schools by assisting parents who seek a Catholic education for their children but who struggle to afford the full cost of tuition.  Your support is gratefully appreciated.

Consider automating your donations with our electronc giving program.  Electronic giving is convenient for you and provides much needed consistency for our parish.  There is no cost to you to participate.  And if you travel or other circumstances prevent you from attending mass, this program will allow your monthly offerings to continue uninterrupted.  Many of our families have taken advantage of this easy-to-use approach to contributing to our parish ministries.  If you are interested, please complete an Electronic Giving Form or contact Deacon Dave Kolesky in our parish office at 410-208-2956.  The form can be found on the parish website, in the Online Giving tab, in the gathering space, and at the parish office.  All online giving information is secure and kept totally confidential.