LOOKING IN THE RIGHT PLACES
“Appearances can be deceiving,” as the saying goes. As we celebrate the epiphania, the “appearing” of the eternal Word of God on earth, this is still true.
What rapturous foresight must have filled Isaiah as he wrote the words we hear today. How, for four hundred years, they must have filled the hearts of the people of Israel with hope for the day when God's glory would shine on them. How deceived some must have felt when the glory of God came to them in the lowliest and humblest of human lives.
We have many expectations about how the divine presence will appear among us. But we can also set ourselves up, through these expectations, to miss the divine glory when it truly appears. We get caught up in looking for the star, forgetting that the star is not the divine sign, the babe is. It may take a persistent journey for us to come upon the true appearance of God's glory in our lives: Jesus Christ.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:The Epiphany of the Lord;
New Year Blessing of the Home;
National Migration Week
Monday:The Baptism of the Lord;
National Vocation Awareness Week
Tuesday:First Week in Ordinary Time begins
Saturday:St. Hilary; Blessed Virgin Mary
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Is 40:1-5, 9-11 or Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or
Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7 or Acts 10:34-38;
Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Tuesday:Heb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28
Wednesday:Heb 2:14-18; Mk 1:29-39
Thursday:Heb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45
Friday:Heb 4:1-5, 11; Mk 2:1-12
Saturday:Heb 4:12-16; Mk 2:13-17
Sunday:Is 62:1-5; Ps 96; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
—Isaiah 60:1
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! The Lord shines upon you and the glory of the Lord appears over you (Isaiah 60:1-6).
Psalm — Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (Psalm 72).
Second Reading — The Gentiles are coheirs, copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6).
Gospel — Magi from the east arrived, looking for the newborn king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-12).
May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead you to everlasting life.
Our community at Immaculate Conception Church rejoices with you and gives praise and thanks to God for this new gift of life .
Carolyn Reneé Patire
daughter of Jonathan and Heather Patire
Frank Joseph De Nicola
son of Frank and Enza De Nicola
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Sacrificial giving nurtures the spirit of the giver and
helps to build a better world. Thank you for your
support and generosity for last week's collection.
Last Sunday's Collection:$5,455.00
Additional Christmas Collections: $652.00
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Meeting is tomorrow evening January 15th at 7:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
Please join us in this loving Ministry. We share prayers and stories that affirm the power of God's presence.
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Immaculate Conception's Grief Support Group
On the first Wednesday of each month Immaculate Conception Parish offers an ongoing Grief Support Group. If you or someone you know has suffered a loss, please join us. The next meeting is on February 7th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House (former Convent).
Do not lose hope. Grief can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. There are many people suffering deep loss and finding it difficult to get through each day. Find support from friends, family, church, support groups. If your faith has not been shaken from the experience you will be able to feel God's presence in each tear you cry, each painful memory you recall. You are not alone. He is with us even when we are not ready to recognize His presence.
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Ministry to the Homebound
If you are unable to come to Church or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion, please call Janice at the Rectory at 973-827-9575 and arrangements will be made to visit your home. Janice is in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Words which do not give the light of Christ, increase the darkness.
Mother Teresa
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Theology of the Body - Seminar for Adults
Saturday January 13, 2007 9AM - 1 PM (including lunch) at the archdiocese Retreat Center in Kearney. The presenter will be David Hajduk.
With over 15 years experience in religious education and youth ministry, David Hajduk has a keen awareness of the challenges facing young people in the 21st century. With two theology degrees as a foundation, David presents the Church's teaching in a fresh, engaging, and inspirational way, and has become a highly sought-after speaker on Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body.
The cost is $20 and Daivd's book will be on sale. If you have any questions, call Sr. Loretta DeDomenicis at 201-998-0088 x4147 or email at dedomelo@rcan.org, website www.newarkoym.org.
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Children's Liturgy of the Word Ministry
Ministers are needed to teach Children's Liturgy once a month at either the Sat. 5:00 p.m. Mass, Sunday 9:15 or 10:30 a.m. Masses. Those interested may call Cynthia at the rectory at 827-9575. You will be guided through observing, practicing with an experienced liturgist, and finally assuming your individual rewarding responsibility. Please consider helping us keep this ministry thriving for the children.
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Monthly Food Drive
Boy Scouts of America, Wolf Pack #90 will be assisting us with our food drive on January 27th & 28th. Groceries and Scrip will be collected and donated to Sr. Thomasina's Partnership for Social Services Family Center Food Pantry.
Thank you so much for whatever you can give.
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Sussex County Right to Life
Washington DC Bus Trip 1/22/07
Sussex County Right to Life buses will be leaving from Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta. Mass will be at 5:30 a.m. and buses will leave at 6:00 a.m. We will leave Washington, D.C. at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 per person. Payment must be received no later than 1/15/07 to reserve your seat. Sussex County RTL, P.O. Box 141, Augusta, N.J. 07822, 973-948-5989
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
takes place on the LAST Friday of each month from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ending with a blessing. Sign-up sheets are located on the podium near the confessional area. Please sign up for a time you are available to assure that there is adequate coverage each hour. If you sign up for a specific hour but find that you are unable to attend, please call the rectory.
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Parish Pictorial Directory
you can schedule your photo shoot appointment online at
www.immaculateconceptionparish.org
click on the lifetouch web link
appointment dates are March 13th - 18th, 2007
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HELP SUPPORT Immaculate Conception Regional School!
Scrip gift cards available after Masses and at the school. Shop-Rite, Weis, A&P available in many denominations.
Also available: Sussex Meat Packing, Staples, Barnes and Noble, J.C. Penney, Sears, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Wendy's Applebee's and many more. The cards cost only face value with a percentage returned to the school from the retailer. See Marie McKeever or contact Kathy Trainor at the school 973-827-3777.
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ICRS TRICKY TRAY!
Immaculate Conception Regional School will hold it's annual tricky tray in the Emerald Ballroom at the Crystal Spring Country Club in Vernon on Friday, February 9, 2007. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Calling begins promptly at 8:30. Hundreds of trays and special prizes will be available to win. No one under 18 years old will be admitted.
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LUMEN CENTER presents:
SOUL SEARCHING
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2007
Time:Gathering: 9:30 am
Presenter:Inez Marie DiBonaventura, OP and Mary Lanni, OPA
Place:Caldwell Domincan Motherhouse, 1 Ryerson Rd, Caldwell, NJ
Fee:$20
Program:10:00 - 12:00 pm
Using reflection, meditative prayer, music and poetry, we will explore what lies deep within us that is waiting to be recognized and expressed.
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Felician College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, NJ announces Instant Decision Days for Freshmen and Transfers on January 15-20th 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Kirby Hall, Lodi Campus. Special tour times on January 15th at 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
No appointment necessary...just stop by with your:
High school transcripts or GED
SAT/ACT scores
College transcripts (transfer students)
Scholarships are available for qualified students.
For more info call 201-559-6131; admissions@felician.edu
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Diocesan Pilgrimage to Spain
July 12-20, 2007
Deposits are still being accepted...
Bishop Serratelli will lead a pilgrimage for the youth of the Diocese (ages 16 and up). “Pilgrimage to Compostela ... the Road to Holiness” includes Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca and Santiago do Compostela. Daily Mass and prayer, talks and reflections on St. Teresa of Avila, St. James and others, and much fun!
The per person cost is: $2,600.00-two in a room, $3,000.00-single occupancy, round-trip transportation from central locations to Kennedy International Airport, round-trip airfare and departure taxes, 7 nights hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary.
A chaperone is required for every six youths under the age of 18. All sightseeing and transportation by private motorcoach with a professional tour manager. All taxes, service charges and tips included. Brochures are available in the rectory or by contacting Pat Terranella at 973-777-8818, ext. 268. Reservations are limited and should be made promptly.
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Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children
Street S.M.A.R.T. Street Outreach Program
Providing services to runaway and homeless youth ages 13-21. The goal of the street outreach program is to meet the needs of adolescents who are living on the street or in other unsafe environments and are at risk of sexual abuse and/or exploitation. It is the mission of the Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children to provide abused, neglected and homeless youth with housing, a stable environment, and supportive services that equip them to become contributing members of society. Call Street Outreach at 908-526-6605. We can help or find someone who can.
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Retrouvaille Program for troubled Marriages
Retrouvaille is a program designed to help heal and renew couples who are in trouble with their marriage, including those who are separated or divorced. Retrouvaille offers a weekend experience with follow-up sessions which help couples reflect on the strengths as well as the difficulties of their marital relationship. Couples from all ages and backgrounds attend. Some are separated or divorced but want to try again. Many have struggled to stay together, sometimes with outside help, but more often not knowing where to turn. What all these couples have is a desire to build a stable relationship. The next Retrouvaille weekend in our area is January 19-21, 2007. For more information please call Roger or Pat at 201-445-4045 or visit www.retrouvaille.org.
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STRESS- PROOF YOUR FAMILY! Go on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend! On a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores and phones for 44 hours and focus only on each other. If you'd like greater depth, growth and enrichment in your relationship, you'll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend can make! The next weekend is March 9th in Fairfield, NJ. For more information call Ralph and Eileen Perez @ 1-800-499-6552.
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Anna Elekes, Beatrice Brown, Catherine Alvino, Arthur Schaffhauser, Joanna Tugoluko, Mary Devine, Richard Gulitus, Marie DeMario, Betty Swetz, Ed Knight, Frank Kalafut.
At Home: Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Russell Covert, Jr., Evelyn Caljean, Agnes Maselli, Anthony Fehir, Zina Restivo, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Christine Huntley, Steven “Itchy” Novak, Gabbi Welsch, Eric Cerra, Anthony DePietro, Flo Yurchak, Ethel Segarra and Loraine Schenker.
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Please continue to keep all those serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers especially: Dan Greene, Jamison Micke, Stephen Saski, Jr., Christopher Faber, SFC Morgan McHose, Kevin Remus, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler and Tom Oroho.
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LIVE AUCTION - fine art, sports memorabilia, music memorabilia and more!
Sponsored by the Marquette Columbiettes Council #588
Proceeds to benefit: Danielle Dionisio, a parishioner, afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis.
At: McKenna Hall at our Lady of the Lake Church - 294 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ.
Date: Friday, January 26, 2007
Time: Preview: 7:00 - 8:00 pm; Auction 8:00pm
Admission:$10 per person.
For tickets or information, call 973-827-4396. Hors d;oeuvres; coffee and cake; Door Prize.
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Diocese of Paterson Office of Family Life
Pornography use and addiction can wreak havoc on marriages and families. There is new material available to help.
Visit www.ArlingtonDiocese.org web page and click the web link on the top right “Bought With a Price: Pornography and the Attack on the Living Temple of God”.
Also, there is a new website developed by the Diocese of Austin, Texas. Visit www.pornographyisntpretty.com for facts and information.
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A Family Perspective
The Magi looked first in Jerusalem and Herod's palace but didn't find Jesus until “they entered and home.” Like the Magi we often look for God and fulfillment in the wrong places only to discover that God is waiting for us in the loving acceptance of our home. -- Bud Ozar
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Additional Christmas Flower Offerings
In Loving Memory of
James and Olga Brady
Mike and Mary Fischer
Joseph J. Kovach
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THE WISDOM OF THE MAGI
Every Christmas we hear warnings about how to prepare for the post-holiday letdown and avoid January's blue blahs. Somewhere along the way you would think we'd catch on that the payback from our own strivings for joy and good times is somewhat limited, and that worlds of our own making tend to be global houses of cards.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
As the name Epiphany indicates, there is a remarkable manifestation of Jesus on the occasion of the visit of the magi (Matthew 2:1-12) He is called "king of the Jews" by the magi. Herod then uses "Christ" interchangeably with "king of the Jews." It reflects the concept of a royal Messiah, popular since God promised David an everlasting kingdom (see 2 Samuel 7:13). "King of the Jews" will appear on the cross on Good Friday (Matthew 27:37), but it will be as hypocritical then as Herod's indication that he wants to pay homage to the Christ Child.
The expression "pay homage" also teaches that Jesus is regarded as a person of great dignity, of great authority. It is repeated three times in this account of the magi (2:2, 8, 11). The magi show their respect also through gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The fact that the magi are Gentiles prepares us for Christ's great commission: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
Bethlehem is identified by the Jewish chief priests and scribes as the place of the Messiah's birth. The quotation is
a combination of Micah 5:1 and 2 Samuel 5:2. The star that is so prominent in this incident may well reflect the colorful story of Balaam in the book of Numbers (22 — 24). Balaam is hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites; but
God forces him to bless them instead. In the fourth of these blessings, Balaam promises, "A star shall advance from Jacob" (24:17).
Herod the Great was "king of the Jews" from 37 to 4 B.C. Jesus probably was born between 9 and 5 B.C.) Herod was always willing to shed blood to keep his title. He even killed two of his own sons who were a threat. As the Gospel indicates (Matthew 2:16), he was determined to remove this Jesus whom the magi called "the newborn king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Love (whether at Christmas time or at any other time of the year) is not really love if it's a search for what we get out of it. That is the wisdom of Jesus for all peoples, believers and non-believers alike.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Epiphany of the Lord
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.1/7/07
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