THE GREAT HYMN TO LOVE
It is doubtful that Saint Paul, when he sat down to write what we now know as the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, knew that he was penning what was to become one of the keystones of Christian ethics. In this brief passage, he set down ideals about love that have held fast through the centuries. Sometimes we may think that because these are ideals to which we aspire, we are excused from them in our daily living.
But what Paul was writing was a letter to his friends, providing them with some sound advice about what it meant—and still means—to live in love, day by day, as a follower of Christ. We find in his words to his friends a broadening of the great commands of Jesus to love God and neighbor. Today we hear what this love must look like in our own actions, and how it ought to guide our relationships with others. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
Catholic Schools Week
Wednesday:St. John Bosco
Friday:The Presentation of the Lord;
Blessing of Candles; First Friday;
Groundhog Day; Tu B'Shvat
(Jewish new year of trees) begins at sunset
Saturday:St. Blaise; St. Ansgar; Blessing of Throats;
First Saturday; Blessed Virgin Mary
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Heb 11:32-40; Mk 5:1-20
Tuesday:Heb 12:1-4; Mk 5:21-43
Wednesday:Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Mk 6:1-6
Thursday:Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Mk 6:7-13
Friday:Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 [22-32]
Saturday:Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34
Sunday:Is 6:1-2a, 3-8; Ps 138; 1 Cor 15:1-11[3-8],
11; Lk 5:1-11
Faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. — 1 Corinthians 13:13
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord (Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19)..
Psalm — I will sing of your salvation (Psalm 71).
Second Reading — If I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 12:31 — 13:13).
Gospel — No prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown (Luke 4:21-30).
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The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are in loving memory of
Elizabeth Massey
as requested by her husband, Joseph
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Notice from the Diocese of Paterson Office of the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
Recent media reports have published allegations of sexual abuse committed by Monsignor Ronald Tully. Monsignor Tully had been assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in 1980-1981. If any person may have been abused by any priest, they should immediately contact their local County Prosecutor's Office and also Monsignor James T. Mahoney, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Paterson. He may be reached at 973-777-8818, Ext. 205.
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Prepare The Way Update
In 2001, the Prepare The Way Target for our parish was $210.000. 00.
The amount pledged as of January 4, 2007: $312,547.17.
The total amount received as of January 4, 2007: $239,262.17.
We are happy to report to you that the Diocese has forwarded to our parish a Prepare The Way check in the amount of $17,630.10 as part of the Parish Sharing portion of the Prepare The Way campaign.
Twenty percent of all money received up to the amount of our parish target is being returned to the parish as well as sixty percent of all money over our target.
These funds will be used towards the Lyceum renovations which are in the final stages.
Thank you to all who participated in the Prepare The Way campaign. Your generosity has had a great impact on both our Diocese and our own parish!
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United in Holy Matrimony
Our parish community rejoices with the families of
Rachel Brune and Robert Coombs
united in Marriage on January 27, 2007
Congratulations! May the Lord continue to guide you and bless you with a lifetime of love and happiness.
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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.
Harlie Madison Reardon, daughter of Jason and Stacey Reardon
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A Family Perspective
The people of Nazareth saw “Joseph's son” as part of their own home-town hero and celebrity. When Jesus told them His mission was not only in Nazareth, their pride turned to “indignation”; they felt cheated. Today's gospel teaches us that our concern must extend beyond our immediate family to all God's children.
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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: $5,786.00
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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 for 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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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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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Meeting is tomorrow evening February 19th 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 sudden deep loss can make it feel hard to even breathe. Be gentle with yourself, ask for help and let others help, put one foot in front of the other and with God's love and strength you can make it through. Believe it. There are many walking around us who are proof it can be done...one moment at a time.
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Love In Our Works - Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done. —Teresa of Avila
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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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Attention Parishioners
Parish Pictorial Directory
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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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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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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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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Kind words do not cost much ...yet they accomplish much!
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2007 St. Patrick's Grand Marshal's Dinner
On Saturday, February 17, 2007 the 4th Annual Sussex County Grand Marshal's Dinner will be held at the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta, NJ.
This year's honoree will be Glen Vetrano, Sussex County Freeholder.
The festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. There will be Irish Step Dancers, Bagpipers, and Irish Music provided by Kindred Spirits.
Tickets for the dinner are $65 per person and are available by contacting: Dennis Harrington at 973-827-9179 or Steve Oroho at 973-827-3774.
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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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Stephen Ministry
Whatever You Did for the Least of These...You Did for Me...
In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...” Stephen Ministry is a way to respond to Jesus' great love by showing that love to others. Stephen Ministry is a confidential, one-to-one caring ministry. Stephen Ministers care for people facing a variety of personal crises. Two information nights will be held on Thursday, February 1, and Monday February 5, 2007, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at Sacred Heart Center, Newton, NJ. If you are interesed in attending or have any questions about Stephen Ministry, please contact Eileen Theys at 973-579-6145.
Please notify Fr. Martin of your plans to attend by calling the rectory office at 973-827-9575. Thank you!
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LUMEN CENTER presents:
HAGAR: Slave Girl and Our Mother in Faith
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2007
Time:Gathering: 9:30 a.m.
Presenter:Carol Gaeke OP
Place:Caldwell Domincan Motherhouse
1 Ryerson Rd, Caldwell, NJ
Fee:$25 - a light lunch will be served
Program:9:30 am - 3:15 p.m.
Our story of God's action in the world is based on encounters with God that changes our lives. Hagar is the first person in Scripture to see God and the only one to name God What does she have to say to us about our faith and how we see God?
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Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.
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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, Loraine Schenker, and Mary Carmody.
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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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The Delbarton School Mother's Guild is hosting a camp fair that is free and open to the entire community.
Event:SUMMER ACTIVITIES EXPO
Date:Saturday, February 3, 2007
Time:11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Place: Delbarton School Gym, 230 Mendham Road, Morristown, N.J.
Meet representatives from about 50 different Camps and Programs. Select brochures from another 75 Summer Programs.
Pick up Expo Camp Directory with description and contact information. Enjoy Delbarton refreshments and hospitality.
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Greece... A Journey in the Footsteps of St. Paul
Rev. Charles Perricone and St. Monica's Church in Sussex, NJ present their parish trip for 2007, “Greece...A Journey in the Footsteps of St. Paul,” - 11 spiritually uplifting and fun-filled travel days beginning on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 and returning on Friday, October 19, 2007. Trip highlights include Athens, Corinth, Patmos, Istanbul, Turkey and a seven day cruise of the Greek Islands. The price per person 9based on double occupancy) is $3,250. 00 and includes bus transportation to and from the airport, hotel accommodations in Athens, airfare (direct flights) all tips and taxes, bus transportation in Athens, breakfast and dinner daily each day and all cruise features (meals and entertainment)Category A Outside Cabins and shore excursions in Istanbul and Ephesus. Please call the rectory office at 973-875-4521 to obtain a copy of the brochure or for further information.
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When we serve others, we are imitating Jesus. We advance from volunteer to steward when we consciously choose to dedicate a portion of our time, talent, and treasure to the Lord, as a token of our gratitude for all He has given to us.
–Arthur Unknown
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A TIME FOR PASSION
At some point in life most of us make a commitment, either to someone or something. That's the first time, but usually we are called to remake that commitment again and again. It's seldom as exciting as the first time, and often more demanding. Still we stand upon the commitments we make.
INSIDE THE READINGS
Luke puts the visit of Jesus to Nazareth, his hometown, at the very beginning of the public ministry. His purpose is to have the reader realize that the initial acceptance of Jesus and then the sudden reversal to angry rejection foreshadow his entire public life. After a period of acceptance he will be victimized by the leaders, rejected, and finally crucified.
The initial favorable reaction to Jesus' gracious words is followed by questions about his background. "Isn't this the son of Joseph?" (Luke 4:22). Their problem is, how can the son of a carpenter interpret scripture and tell them, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing" (4:21)?
The response of the Savior is to point out that he is a prophet. He makes the strong assertion, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place" (4:24). Only Jesus uses that "Amen." He uses it frequently in all four Gospels as he teaches with conviction and with a prophetic mission. Opposition is building up among his neighbors because he has not worked miracles in Nazareth as he did in Capernaum. He teaches that he will reach out to the poor and vulnerable. He cites the example of Elijah (1 Kings 17:7-16) and Elisha (2 Kings 5:1-14), who worked miracles for Gentiles because they were persons of faith.
Finally, Jesus went on his way, a way that will lead to the cross and the Resurrection. The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) narrate the public life of Jesus as though it all happened in one year. As Jesus goes on his way there is always the goal of Jerusalem. For example, at a critical juncture in the life of Jesus, Luke highlights this purpose in his journey: "When the days for his being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Perhaps what happened in the synagogue was that Jesus came to see what needed to be said and so he said it, plainly and without hesitation and with passion, regardless of the consequences. The apostle Paul challenged the Corinthian community to remember their gifts and their once-passionate commitment to them. "So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). Commitment does happen.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Timecommentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.1/28/07
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