BLESSED
When we think of the word “Beatitude” we think of today's discourse from Luke's Gospel, or the more familiar one from Matthew (which begins “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . ”). Actually, beatitudes occur throughout the prophets and Gospels. Today in Jeremiah (with an echo in the psalm) we hear, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7). Following his resurrection in John's Gospel, Christ proclaims, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29). The evangelists placed these sayings throughout the Gospels as short reminders about the characteristics that one will find in a follower of Christ, characteristics that will help spread the Good News in this life and lead to eternal blessings in the next. In Latin, the saints are called the Beati, the “Blessed,” for they are the ones who lived the “blessed” life as described by Jesus throughout the Gospels. How blest are we, when we also strive to make our own days a living beatitude! © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time; World Day of the Sick; World Marriage Day
Monday: Lincoln's Birthday
Wednesday: Ss. Cyril and Methodius; Valentine's Day
Saturday: The Seven Founders of the Order of Servites;
Blessed Virgin Mary
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Mk 8:11-13
Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Mk 8:14-21
Wednesday: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Mk 8:22-26
Thursday: Gn 9:1-13; Mk 8:27-33
Friday: Gn 11:1-9; Mk 8:34 — 9:1
Saturday: Heb 11:1-7; Mk 9:2-13
Sunday: 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Ps 103;
1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38
Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.” -Luke 6:20-21a
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The one who trusts in the Lord is like a treeplanted beside the waters (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
Psalm — Blessed are they who hope in the Lord (Psalm 1).
Second Reading — Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20).
Gospel — Blessed are you who are poor, hungry, weeping. Woe
to you who are rich, filled, laughing (Luke 6:17, 20-26).
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The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are in loving memory of
William Cowan
as requested by his Family
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World Marriage Day
World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life.
Father, we thank you for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Help us to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more One in Heart, Mind and Body. Strengthen our dialogue and help us become living signs of your love. Make us grow more in love with the church so we may renew the Body of Christ. Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother. Amen. – Fr. Bill Dilgen, S.M.M.
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World Day of the Sick
You, O God, who out of the fullness of your infinite being pour out compassion in our world, bring rest and peace to all this night. May your healing presence embrace all of our brothers and sisters who seek wellness and wholeness and life. We ask this through Jesus, whose touch, gaze and presence brought light where there was darkness and brought hope where there was despair, and through the Spirit who continues his presence and work. Amen.
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A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Jesus “stood on level ground” when teaching the people; this did not diminish his authority. Being on “level ground” enables loving and respectful relationships. This is different from domination which seeks to control. Choose the “level ground”, so that you can be the spouse and parent you want to be.
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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: $5,552.00
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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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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Meeting is 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.
Some of us knit quickly and others at a leisurely pace. Some of our members are experienced knitters, others are beginners. All are open to God's loving presence working through them.
If you would like to join or donate yarn or needles please call Janice or Isabel at 973-827-9575.
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Lenten Reflection Evenings
at St. Jude the Apostle Church
Lent is a special time for all of us to reflect on Christ's suffering and death. Dr. Thomas Wisniewski from the College of St. Elizabeth will present Christ's suffering and death in light of the gospels. His presentations will take place on Wednesday evenings March 14, 21, 28 and April 4th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the church hall at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Hamburg. There will also be time for questions and answers. Please take time for you and your family to enhance your love for Christ.
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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, N.J.
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 more information please call Fr. Tom Kelly,OFM 973-985-9736 or Deacon Milt 973-271-5097.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
takes place on the All Fridays during Lent beginning on February 23rd, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. concluding with Stations of the Cross and Benediction. 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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CAMP AUXILIUM LEARNING CENTER
Camp Auxilium learning center will be having OPEN HOUSE/REGISTRATION DAYS on February 12, 13, 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. for the September 2007 School Year. For further information call: 973-383-2621 between 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.
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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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Dear Fr. Martin Glynn and Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church,
I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being there for my mother and me with ticket sales, donations and prayers to help make my benefit a huge success. Words cannot describe my deep appreciation to each and every one of you. May the Grace of God continue to be with all of you.
God's Blessings Always,
Danielle Dionisio
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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 March 7th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
We often fill our lives with doing for everyone else but ourselves and we put ourselves last on the list. Today will you do something for yourself? God wants us to take care of ourselves as well and we may lose sight of that in our spirit of giving. We are each a unique and beautiful creation of God and giving to yourself what you need is honoring that creation.
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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, April 4, 18 & May 2 in the 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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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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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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Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain
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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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College of Saint Elizabeth
WITH GRATEFUL AND CONTRITE HEARTS: A Lenten morning of reflection, refreshment and renewal.
Come for an experience of prayer, personal reflection, and practical insight with these fine presenters and spiritual guides. Take a journey into the fullness of joy with our retreat leaders as they invite us to explore a key rhythm in the spiritual life. In our saying yes with gratitude to a God where all is gift, we are challenged to examine how we have been stewards of grace.
Friday, March 23, 2007 at 9:30m a.m - 1:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph Hall, The College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ . The cost is $30 per person with a hot lunch included. To register call 973-290-4300.
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Mark your calendars for the
Reverend Brown School Tricky Tray!!
Don't forget to mark your calendars to attend the Reverend Brown School Tricky Tray. This year the event will be held Friday, March 16, 2007 at Pope John XXIII High School. Doors open at 6p.m. Calling begins at 8 p.m. There will be an extensive selection of trays, specials and super specials! Free coffee and dessert is offered for all attendees. This has always been a great event so don't forget to come!! For more information, call 973-729-9174.
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CARMEL RETREAT
1070 Ramapo Valley Road -Mahwah, NJ
February 11th Valentine's Celebration 4 - 8 p.m.
Sunday Night At The Movies - Dinner, Movie & Discussion - February 18th - The Nun's Story ($25 with dinner).
For more information please call Mary Ann at 201-327-7090.
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The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid.
~Author Unknown
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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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Parishioners ... thank you for your generous contributions to the
Super Bowl of Caring
over $1,000 collected last weekend
will benefit our local food pantry!
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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
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ROOTS MATTER
Where we put down our roots matters. Greatly. We don't do it often—put down roots, that is. It takes time and energy, and to pull up roots and move on is no easy thing. So we settle in and make serious commitments infrequently, maybe only a few times in our lives.
INSIDE THE READINGS
The prophet Jeremiah provides a perfect introduction for today's Gospel. He outlines contrasting religious attitudes. "Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, / . . . Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, / whose hope is in the LORD"(Jeremiah 17:5, 8).
Jesus began his preaching with a major sermon, giving his values and his expectations for his disciples. The words are addressed to the disciples, but Luke's Gospel with its stress on universal salvation notes the presence of a great crowd, made up of Jews and Gentiles (Luke 6:18).
The Beatitudes of Luke's Gospel reflect the social and economic conditions of that time. People at that very moment are poor, hungry, weeping, and victims of hate. But Jesus says that they are blessed because God will reverse their lot. The poor shall be part of the kingdom of God; the hungry will be satisfied; those who are weeping will laugh. In this context laughter reflects a joyful awareness of God's favor. "Those who sow in tears / will reap with cries of joy" (Psalm 126:5). The ones who are hated because of the name "Christian" will share joyfully in the redeeming work of the Son of Man.
In exact opposition to the Beatitudes are the four woes. Woe to the rich; they have already received their consolation, material possessions. Those who are filled with an abundance of food will go hungry. Grief and tears will be the lot of those who are laughing now. Laughter here has a different meaning from that in the Beatitudes. It refers to self-centered satisfaction with present worldly good fortune. Those receiving popular acclaim will find that praise deceptive. The false prophets of the Old Testament were also esteemed highly; but that was because they curried favor by telling the rulers and people what they wanted to hear, instead of what God wanted said.
Jesus wants every Christian to seek the kingdom of God by pursuing the values of the Beatitudes rather than earthly values and material possessions.
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Where we put down our roots matters. Commitments matter, so that in the end they are the means by which we are made into the divine image and likeness—but also unmade, should we become the instruments of some other force.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 2/11/07
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