SURPRISE
Life is full of surprises, some pleasant, some not. The Scriptures are filled with stories of God's surprises cropping up where least expected: younger children obtaining the inheritance; the lowliest being seated up highest; an itinerant preacher, killed like a criminal, exalted to eternal, heavenly glory.Anybody who has planned a wedding or similar event knows that they are filled with opportunities for surprises. For that bridegroom (who, in the Gospel story, has no direct contact with Jesus) the pleasant surprise came because somebody else had paid attention and had faith in Jesus.
We may think that the point of today's familiar story of the wedding at Cana is that when we have faith in Jesus, our lives will be pleasantly changed. A Christian, however, needs to have a broader perspective, and realize that to have faith in Christ means that somebody's life—maybe our own, maybe somebody else's—will be surprised for the better. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wednesday: St. Anthony
Thursday: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins Saturday: St. Fabian; St. Sebastian;
Blessed Virgin Mary;
Muslim New Year 1428READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22
Tuesday: Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28
Wednesday: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Mk 3:1-6
Thursday: Heb 7:25 — 8:6; Mk 3:7-12
Friday: Heb 8:6-13; Mk 3:13-19
Saturday: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Mk 3:20-21
Sunday: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps 19;
1 Cor 12:12-30 [12-14, 27]; Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory. — 1saiah 62:2
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you (Isaiah 62:1-5).
Psalm — Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations (Psalm 96).
Second Reading — To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Gospel — At a wedding at Cana in Galilee, Jesus revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him (John 2:1-11).
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The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary this weekend
are in loving memory of:
Joseph and Mary Reilly
as requested by Glenn Hetrick & Family
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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 .
Nicole Constance Charuka
daughter of Gregory and Renee Charuka
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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: $5,208.00
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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).
A new year, a new start...for some this may be a comfort or spark excitement...for others, especially those who have suffered a loss, it can be overwhelming and frightening. How will I make it through this year without my loved one? What joy will I have to look forward to without them in my life? We all need to be aware that what is joyous for some is painful for others. Be mindful and available to those who may be hurting now.
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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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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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Congratulations to the following children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation here this weekend. The community of Immaculate Conception Church prays for you all as you continue your Journey of Faith.
Brittany Bokor``````````````````
Kayla Bokor
Daniel Bolio
Molly Cheevers
Zoe Colpaert
Kaitlyn Coppolella
Haley Cunniff
Jake DeAnda
Luca DeMarco
Michael Dietrich
William Dietrich
Kurt Driemel
Bryce Falk
Christopher Fischer
Alysha Fluri
Brandon Fonseca
Bryan Fonseca
Sheridan Formoso
Caleigh Fortunato
Austin Goens
Ryan Gutt
Stephen Hamler
Raymond Hentz
John Hoek
Raymond Hoek
Samantha Hopper
Devin Horn
Kayla Klass
Jacob Komnath
Alaina Kurish
Danielle Line
Anthony Marsico
Bethany Martel
John McCloskey
Matthew McDonnell
Emily Millier
Gaige Moore
Benjamin Muller
Ryan Oleksy
Gabrielle Pfeil
Abigail Post
Eric Robertson
Madison Rosko
Destinie Schlereth
Lindsay Scriffiano
Taylor Simon
Ryan Smith
Matthew Takesh
Olivia Tarantino
Jarred Traill
Amelia VanArsdale
Kayla Vangelokos
Lindsay VanTassel
Julianna Verso
Jason Viera
Ryan Weber
Emily Wyer
Lindsay Zugelder
The words of absolution recited over you will renew your inner peace. St. Paul assures us that "whoever is in Christ is a new creation....and all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). The Sacrament of Reconciliation can set you free.
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Congratulations to parishioner Nadine Allen... who has agreed to serve on the newly formed Lay Ecclesial Ministry Board at the Center of Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth.
Nadine will be instrumental in helping to shape the future programs at the Center and an important link for the Parish, spreading the word about upcoming events and programs. She can provide guidance for the types of lay ministry certificate programs, workshops and events that would best meet the needs of our parish interests and educational goals.
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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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Retrouvaille Program for Troubled Marriage
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 at 1-800-499-6552.
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Intense love does not measure, it just gives....
Mother Teresa
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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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Catholic Schools Week 2007
Immaculate Conception Regional School, your parish school, will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week beginning Sunday, January 28 through Friday, February 2, 2007.
Registration fro grades Pre-4 through 5th will begin at our Open House on Wednesday evening, January 31st from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For further information, please call the school at 973-827-3777
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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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A GREAT PREPARATION FOR EASTER!
Lenten Weekend Retreat “Seek the Lord” by Franciscan Retreat Team - February 23, 24, 25, 2007 in Newton, N.J. For information please call Fr. Tom Kelly, OFM 973-985-9736 or Deacon Milt 973-271-5097.
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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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Oratory Preparatory School: Come live the Oratory experience at our OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, January 28th form 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Oratory is a Catholic college preparatory day school for boys in grades 7-12. The main school building is located at One Beverly Road, Summit, off Morris Avenue. For further information call: 908-273-5771, ext. 11 or visit us at www.oratoryprep.org.
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A Family Perspective
It is appropriate that the marriage at Cana was the “first sign” where people “saw and believed” God acting in Jesus. In a married couples' loving fidelity we catch a glimpse of God's love for each of us. Marriage is a “sign” leading us to “believe.”
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The Sussex County fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will host two information nights on Wednesday, January 24th and February 7th. We are a lay penitent Order united to Christ and each other through St. Francis of Assisi. We work with several ministries to assist the poor. Through daily conversion, our lives are dedicated to going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel. If you have a call to learn more about our Order, please join us at Sacred Heart Center, 20 Old Swartswood Road in Newton, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Contact Hugo Bader at 973-579-1430 or Ken Majewski 973-668-5167 for additional information.
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A TOAST TO NEW WINE
The thing about new wine is just that—it's new. Because it's new and hasn't yet been tasted, no one knows if it's any good. The only way to know, of course, is by tasting it. So when life runs out of wine, taste the new wine, if for no other reason than that it may be better than the old.INSIDE THE READINGS
Seven significant miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of John are referred to as signs. The miracle at the wedding feast of Cana is the first of these. The signs are intended to point the reader to a deeper understanding of Jesus and his ministry. The change by Jesus of an immense amount of water into choice wine symbolizes the end of the Period of Israel and the beginning of the Period of Jesus. The Old Testament often uses an abundance of wine as a symbol of the Messianic era. "And then, on that day, / the mountains shall drip new wine" (Joel 4:18). Also, a wedding feast was seen as a symbol of the Messianic banquet.
Scripture scholars have difficulty with several parts of John 2:4. Mary is called "woman" by Jesus, who then goes on to say, "[H]ow does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." The use of "woman" is not disrespectful, but symbolic. Genesis 3:15 speaks of a woman and her offspring defeating Satan. Christians see Mary as the woman involved. When Christ engages in the final defeat of Satan on the cross, Mary is present and is again called "woman" by her Son. This symbolism is also seen in Revelation, "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (12:1). Here, too, the child of the woman defeats Satan.
This first sign has wonderful results: it manifests the glory of Jesus and leads his disciples to faith in him (2:11). The glory of Yahweh in the Old Testament and of Jesus in the New represents a manifestation of their presence. Jesus' messianic miracle makes it possible for his followers to reach firm faith in their Lord.
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
It seems that somewhere along the path of life, the wine runs out for each of us. We get bored with jobs, or relationships, or maybe just the same four old walls. Or life gets bored with us, or exhausted by our demands and expectations. We can lament the loss of old wine, or we can open a new bottle, and carry on God's work in perhaps a new way.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1/14/07
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