HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!
“Holy, holy, holy!” Ancient languages, like the Hebrew used in the scriptures, did not always have a way to express superlatives in one word. Isaiah could not say God was “holiest,” so he used the threefold repetition of the same word. This bit of scriptural minutiae about these “three little words” that we sing at every Mass serves as a reminder that answering God's call has to be grounded in awareness of God's holiness. In Isaiah and in the Gospel passage today, we hear accounts of the revelation of God's power and might: the seraphim in the temple and the miraculous catch of fish. These are not wondrous revelations for their own sakes. They lead to a response in mission, Isaiah's “Here I am, send me!” and the disciples' leaving everything to follow Jesus. And so must our own “Holy, Holy, Holy!” lead us to Christ in the Eucharist every Sunday, and to a life following him day by day.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
World Day for Consecrated Life;
Boy Scout Sunday
Monday: St. Agatha
Tuesday: St. Paul Miki and his companions
Thursday: St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita
Saturday: St. Scholastica
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Gn 1:1-19; Mk 6:53-56
Tuesday: Gn 1:20 — 2:4a; Mk 7:1-13
Wednesday: Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17; Mk 7:14-23
Thursday: Gn 2:18-25; Mk 7:24-30
Friday: Gn 3:1-8; Mk 7:31-37
Saturday: Gn 3:9-24; Mk 8:1-10
Sunday: Jer 17:5-8; Ps 1; 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20;
Lk 6:17, 20-26
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth. — Psalm 138:1
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! (Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8).
Psalm — In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord (Psalm 138).
Second Reading — God's grace to me has not been ineffective (1 Corinthians 15:1-11).
Gospel — The crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God (Luke 5:1-11).
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Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato & Aristotle to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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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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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: $5,946.00
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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.
Curtis Richard Muth
son of Brian and Marna Muth
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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).
If you are feeling a lack of fulfillment in your life, a lack of deeper meaning you are needing...consider volunteering. The church and other worthy organizations could use your help. Someone else might deeply need and appreciate whatever time and energy you could spare and it might be just what your soul was needing.
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As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. -1Peter 4:10
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A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
We can learn how to handle stress from today's Gospel. When pressured by the crowd, Jesus got into a boat and “went out a short distance and taught.” Juggling parenting, scheduling, and work can be stressful. Parents need space also. A “short distance” is a good parenting tool.
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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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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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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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Wherever there is a human being, there is a chance for kindness.
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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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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. An information night will be held on Monday February 5, 2007, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at Sacred Heart Center, Newton, NJ. If you are interested 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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Great Adventure Bible Timeline Seminar
The Diocese of Trenton and Metuchen are hosting this seminar on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway, N.J. Jeff Cavins is the presenter. The seminar focuses on 14 books of the Bible, set in the context of 12 historical periods, to give God's plan for salvation. You can obtain registration forms online at www.dioceseoftrenton.org click on "more" under the event column on the homepage and scroll down to the February events where you will find the registration forms for this seminar.
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YOUR KIDS WILL THANK YOU FOR GOING ON A WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND!
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend allows married couples to get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phone for 44 hours and focus on each other. See the difference an encounter weekend can make as you grow and are enriched in your relationship! Come to the March 9-11th experience in Fairfield, N.J. For registration or more information call Ralph and Eileen Perez at 800-499-6552.
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SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
Military families, are you getting ready to deploy? Is your family trying to reconnect after deployment? Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers tools of communication that have kept many military marriages strong and happy through out the ups and downs of military service. Contact your local chaplain or call 800-499-6552 for further information.
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To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become in a special way, the servant of the others. Pope John Paul II
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Blessed Kateri Bereavement Support Group
427 Stanhope Road, Sparta, NJ
Spring Support Group, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
February 21: Upstairs Meeting Room
March 7& 21: Library
April 4 & 18: Library
May 2: Library
Register by February 20th by calling Laura Entwistle at 973-726-8978 or Kathy Kwasnik at 973-729-7849.
You grieve differently from other people-not so differently that you cannot find fellowship in suffering with them, yet so differently that no one else's grief is exactly like your own.”
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Singles Ministry - Immaculate Conception Singles Ministry welcomes singles of all ages. The Singles Ministry focus is spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God's community. This lay ministry provides an opportunity for single to encourage, receive, and give support to each other in our Faith Journey. For more information on current activities, please call the rectory Office (973-827-9575) and ask for Janice.
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Souper Sunday Food Pantry Donations
will be collected the last weekend of every month. Your donations supply Partnership for Social Services Family Center Food Pantry helping to meet the needs of the less fortunate families in our community. Thank you so much for whatever you are able to give.
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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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LENTEN REFLECTIONS WORKSHOP
On Saturday, February 24th from 9:30am - Noon, Dennis Fisher, Staff Member of Catholic Relief Services, will facilitate a morning session on Catholic Social Teaching and possible action steps we can take both individually and/or as a parish. The workshop will be held at St. Catherine of Sienna, moutain Lakes and is open to interested youth and adults. You must register to attend. The cost is $5.00 per person. The deadline to register is February 21st. To register, call Phil Russo at 973-777-8818 or email Pat Terranella at pterranella@patersondiocese.org.
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A sense of Stewardship tells us we must take time to do God's work on earth. When you compare what you have contributed in time, do not compare it to what your fellow church member has done. Compare what you have done to what God has done for you. This must be the standard for your comparison.
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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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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. Please call the rectory office at 973-875-4521 to obtain a copy of the brochure or for further information.
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ADOLESCENT FERTILITY APPRECIATION PROGRAM
This program offers a wonderful opportunity for mothers and daughters to be together as they learn about respect and appreciation for the gift of human fertility and sexuality as well as communication between parent and child.
The purpose of the program is to provide an atmosphere of love and learning to discuss the important topic of growing up and establish a foundation for respect and continued communication between parent and child. The program will be presented by the Paterson Diocese Office of Family Life and volunteer mothers who believe this special time should be shared by mothers and daughters together.
DATE: Sunday, March 4, 2007 TIME: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
WHO: 1-12 year old girls and their mothers
WHERE: St. Clare's Hospital Auditorium, 25 Pocono Road, Denville, NJ
COST: $20 per daughter. Mothers attend free. $30 maximum per family.
Reservations are required due to limited space and must be received by Friday February 16, 2007.
Registration forms are available at the back of the Church.
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Natural Family Planning - Give your health and your marriage a fresh start — learn NFP! A spring session on Natural Family Planning will begin March 2nd at St. Anthony's Church in Butler. To register please call, 973-838-3731 or email njnfp@hotmail.com. For information on modern methods of NFP visit www.ccli.org
ONCE UPON A TIME
Once upon a time. . . and ever since we've lived with the hope that today might just be such a time. Once upon a time the good guys and the bad guys did battle, and the good guys won. Once upon a time Prince Charming kissed a sleeping beauty, and she awoke to love him happily ever after. Once upon a time the sun rose and a new day happened like never before. Once upon a time a miraculous catch of fish changed the life of a fisherman and his companions.
INSIDE THE READINGS
In today's Gospel Luke highlights the role of Simon, who had witnessed Jesus' acts of power in an exorcism and a number of miraculous cures (see Luke 4:33-41). Now he benefits from a miracle in his own field of expertise. Jesus will help him and his companions make a huge catch of fish when his knowledge of fishing tells him there would be no results. But he has faith in his Lord and says simply, "At your command I will lower the nets" (5:5). His trust is rewarded with a huge catch of fish. Two boats were filled to the point "that the boats were in danger of sinking" (5:7).
In light of this miracle Simon does not feel worthy to be with Jesus because he realizes that he is a sinful person. Isaiah had the same reaction when he experienced a vision of God. As he said in today's first reading, "Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). The fear of doom reflects an Old Testament belief that seeing God or a remarkable divine intervention could lead to one's death. So Jesus says to Simon, "Do not be afraid." Simon then receives this promise from Christ: “From now on you will be catching men" (5:10).
Simon and his fishing companions "left everything and followed him" (5:11). To leave everything is in harmony with Jesus' insistence on detachment from material possessions. The Greek word for "follow" is an important word in all the Gospels. It indicates a disciple's commitment to Jesus and his ministry. From this point on Simon will be an outstanding missionary and the spokesperson for all the disciples.
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Life is marked with turning points when we choose to walk in a different direction. It isn't always because life was not good. Sometimes it's simply because we've realized we had to be true to ourselves or to God's call. Then we take on new roles, become different persons.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 2/4/07
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