THREE MISSIONS
Today we begin with one of the "servant songs" from the book of Isaiah, a song prophetic of Jesus' ministry of service. Isaiah's mission is not only to bring back the children of Jacob to gather in Israel; it is also to be "a light to the nations" (Isaiah 49:6). Jesus Christ, as servant, will be the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy and the basis of the new.
This Sunday we begin a series of readings from Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Here Paul is identified by his mission: he is an apostle of Jesus Christ. The church at Corinth to whom he addresses this letter is also identified: it is part of the universal church of God. The Corinthians are called to holiness, as are all Christians.
Though the feast of the Baptism of the Lord was celebrated last Sunday, today's Gospel also alludes to the importance of that event. The reading emphasizes that Jesus "outranks" John: his baptism in the Spirit will eradicate sin. Jesus accepts John's baptism, even though it is he himself who is the Lamb of God.
(c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co., Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1/20/08
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I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6b
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Agnes; Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday: St. Vincent; Day of Penance for Violations to the Dignity of the human Person
Thursday: St. Francis de Sales
Friday: The Conversion of St. Paul; Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends
Saturday: Ss. Timothy and Titus
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: 1 Sm 15:16-23; Mk 2:18-22
Tuesday: 1 Sm 16:1-13; Mk 2:23-28
Wednesday: 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Mk 3:1-6
Thursday: 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Mk 3:7-12
Friday: Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22; Mk 16:15-18
Saturday: 2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5; Mk 3:20-21
Sunday: Is 8:23 -- 9:3; Ps 27; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Mt 4:12-23 [12-17]
 
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading -- The glory of the LORD shows through Israel, a light to all nations, that salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6).
Psalm -- Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will
(Psalm 40).
Second Reading -- All those who call upon the name of the Lord are called to be holy (1 Corinthians 1:1-3).
Gospel -- John the Baptist testifies: The one who comes after me, on whom the Spirit comes down and remains, is the Son of God (John 1:29-34).
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The beautiful flowers this weekend on the Sanctuary are in Loving Memory of Helen Hyde Requested by her Husband Ray.
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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: $5,062.00
Project Faith: $1,577.00 
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Lenten Weekend Retreats
“Seek the Lord”
by Franciscan Retreat Team,
Feb 7, 8, 9, 2008 in Newton, NJ.
For more information please call Fr. Tom Kelly, OFM 973-985-9736 or Deacon Milt at 973-271-5097.
Bethany Spirituality Center
Highland Mills, NY, is offering the following retreats in February: “Valentine's Day Dinner Retreat for Married Couples:, with Margaret and Richard Green, February 14; “From Guilt to Grace”, with Rev. Michael Holleran and Dr. Edward J Poliandro, Feb 16. For information please visit www.bethanyspirtualitycenter.org or call (845-460-3061.
 
Association of Marian Helpers
Divine Mercy Conference
Will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, NY. The theme is:
 
“Healing and Forgiveness through God's Mercy.”
 
January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968
Please call: 1-800-462-7426
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SOUPer SUNDAY FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
The last Sunday of each month is SOUPer Sunday at Immaculate Conception Parish. Donations are sent to the Partnership for Social Services Family Center's Food Pantry. Through your good will, generosity and kindness we will be helping to meet the needs of the less fortunate families in our Community. Our next collection will be on January 26-27.Thank you for your continued support.
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Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers who are interested in bringing the Eucharist to the HOMEBOUND are asked to call Janice at the Rectory. This is a beautiful Ministry and we are looking for caring Ministers to assist in our need to provide for our Homebound Parishioners.
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March for Life—Washington DC—1/22/08
Saint Francis de Sales Church in Vernon, NJ is sponsoring a bus trip to the Right-to-Life March in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, January 22, 2008.
If you are interested in participating, please call the parish office at 973-827-3248. Cost is $35 per person and is due by January 16. The bus leaves the Vernon A&P parking lot at 6AM and will return approximately 10:30PM. (HS Students require a signed permission slip.)
 
Pro-Life Rally-Trenton, NJ-1/22/08
For those who cannot make the trip to Washington for the March for Life, a pro-life rally is being held at the State House in Trenton. If you are interested in going please call the Sussex County Right to Life at 973-948-5989.
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Rose Sale
Sponsored by:
Knights of Columbus
Marquette Council No. 588
 
Proceeds from this sale will be used to defray the cost of bus transportation to the March for Life Rally to Washington, D.C. The sale will take place before and after all Masses on January 19th and 20th.
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Inclement Weather
Weekday Mass Cancellations
In case of inclement weather, please call the Rectory, 973-827-9575, to check on the possible cancellation of the 7:00 AM Weekday Mass.
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Catholic Schools Week
Immaculate Conception Regional School will hold an Open House during Catholic Schools Week - Sunday, January 27th to Friday, February 1, 2008.
All interested families are welcome to come learn about the school. The school will be open for new families and to visit the classrooms. Open House times are: Sunday, January 27th, 9am—1pm, and Thursday, January 31st 7-9 pm. Any questions can be directed to Immaculate Conception www.icrschool.com: 973-827-3777. Interested families are also welcome to make appointments to visit the school at any convenient time.
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Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program—LIHEAP
LIHEAP provides grants to eligible households that pay for home heat directly or have it included in rent. Application period is from November 1 through March 31, eligible Food Stamp households are automatically enrolled.
Universal Service Fund—Applicants for LIHEAP are automatically screened for this program. Households that spend more than 3% of gross income on natural gas or electric are eligible to qualify. Call 1-888-454-4778.
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The Irish American Assn. of NW Jersey offers Irish Language classes on Monday evenings.
For info call 862-266-3563
Traditional Celtic Art classes
For info email: pgallagher45@optonline.net
Frequent traditional Irish music concerts and sessions. Check the website for dates: iaanj.com
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Stewardship
Christian stewardship is not just an ideal, but a way of life that strengthens our relationship with the Lord. It is a scriptural call to discipleship through the contribution of our time, talents, and treasure. Immaculate Conception Church encourages its parishioners to share God's gifts, not only with the Church, but also with each other and with the community at large. The call to stewardship involves more than just donating money; it encompasses the sharing of all the many gifts we have received from God.
“How can I repay the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12).
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Cabin Fever Dance
Saturday, February 9th
7:30 PM in the Lyceum
$20 per ticket

Hot & Cold Buffet - BYOB
Music by DJ Sikora
Tickets will be on sale after Masses January 26-27, Feb 2-3, and at the Rectory Office.
For Information Call Tony Quartarolo 973-209-4044
Or Cynthia at the Rectory 973-827-9575
 
All Adult Parishioners and Friends Invited
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Looking Forward to a Spiritual Get-Away?
Religious Pilgrimage in Assisi, Italy, July 5-15. This pilgrimage is sponsored by the Assisi Music Festival. Join Msgr. Paul Bochicchio, Pastor of Holy Family Church, Nutley, NJ. with special Masses at The Basilica of St. Francis and the Vatican. For more information call Gregory Scime 908-277-1145
· Bethany Spirituality Center Pilgrimage to Italy, including Assisi, Siena, Florence and Rome, March 25-April 3, 2008 led by Sr. Pat Reid, OSF, and Rev. Bill Drobach, SA. Mass will be celebrated daily. For information call 845-460-3061.
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Just for FUN!
St. Monica's Church Presents
the Caribbean with Cunard Cruise Lines
Queen Mary2.: 11days-10 nights
April 6, 2008. Contact Carol Besak 973-875-4521
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Mark Your Calendars
Pancake Sunday
Sunday, January 27th
7:30-1:00, Church Lyceum After each Mass
$5 per person
This fund raiser is hosted by the students of I.C.R.S. Your support to this and future endeavors, in their aspiration to purchase lockers for the school, is very much appreciated.
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4th Annual 8th Grade Spaghetti Dinner
Friday, February 1st
Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner served to you by our 8th graders. The proceeds will go to offset the costs of the 8th grade field trips. Dinner includes: beverages, spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread & desserts.
Adults $7.50 & Children (ages 4-12) $4.00
Two dinner seatings: 5:30 and 7:00pm
Dinner will be held in the Lyceum. Call the school for details and reservations: 973-827-3777
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Tricky Tray Friday, February 8th
I.C.R.S. will hold its Annual Tricky Tray in the Emerald Ballroom at the Crystal Springs Country Club in Hardyston. Doors open at 6:30pm and calling begins promptly at 8:30pm. There will be special trays and PRIZES!
No one under 18 will be admitted.
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Help Support
Immaculate Conception Regional School
Scrip gift cards are available at the school. You can purchase Shop-Rite, Weis, A&P cards and they are available in many denominations. Also available: Sussex Meat Packing, Staples, Barnes & Noble, JC 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 retailers. See Marie McKeever or contact Kathy Trainor at the school 973-827-3777.
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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 for the next meeting Wednesday, February 6th, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Pauline Trofimuk, Anna Elekes, Pete Yurchak, and Frank Kalafut.
At Home: Loraine Schenker, Maria Woppel, Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Flo Yurchak, Mary Carmody and Lisa Stine.
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Please continue to keep all those serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers especially:
Jamison Micke, Stephen Saski, Jr., Christopher Faber, SFC Morgan McHose, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler, Tom Oroho and CPL Matt Lindquist.
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Recitation of the Rosary
 Pope Pius X, speaking of the Rosary said, "Of all prayers the Rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces; of all it is the one which is most pleasing to Mary, the Virgin Most Holy; therefore love the Rosary and recite it every day with devotion.”  Please join in the recitation of the Rosary after Mass on Saturday morning and after Mass on the last Friday of each month at the beginning of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 
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Parish Nurse Ministry
 
If you are a Registered Nurse and would like to become part of the monthly Blood Pressure Screenings, please call the Rectory for more information. We need your help to continue to provide this important service to our parishioners. Our next Blood Pressure Screening is January 27th, in the Lyceum after the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21, 2008
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”
“I Have a Dream Speech”
August 28, 1963
 
Martin Luther King, Jr.,
January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968
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CAST INTO GREATNESS
Few if any of us are great for a lifetime. Certainly most of us don't do it for extended stretches of time. Yet every once in a while, or maybe just once, God's Spirit comes upon us in a way that others take notice, as it did upon JesusC only with him the Spirit stayed beyond fifteen minutes.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
In today's Gospel reading John the Baptist, at the approach of Jesus, provides a special identification for the sake of the bystanders: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Since the title "Lamb of God" is such a prominent part of the liturgy of the Mass, it merits further consideration. Scholars see three references behind the "Lamb of God" title for Jesus. First of all, Jewish tradition and the book of Revelation mention the triumphant Lamb who will destroy evil at the end of time. "They will fight with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is the Lord of lords and king of kings, and those with him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).
A second source for the "Lamb of God" title is the paschal Lamb of the Old Testament: "But the blood [of the lamb] will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you" (Exodus 12:13). The early church identified Jesus as the paschal lamb of the new covenant. "For our paschal Iamb, Christ, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). As the blood of the paschal lamb saved the Israelites from destruction, the blood of Christ, "our paschal lamb," has saved us from our sins.
The image of the sacrificial lamb is also found in the final hymn of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. "Like a lamb led to the slaughter / or a sheep before the shearers, / he was silent and opened not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7). The theme of the Suffering Servant is an important component of early Christianity: "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). In today's first reading God promises that the Suffering Servant will be "a light to the nations, / that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6).
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
For a person of faith true greatness has the look of Jesus shining forth from it, and the light of it can be almost blinding. Such greatness is certainly enough to light our paths as we strive to carry on the mission of the Lamb of God.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD
for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
8 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1/20/08
 

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