A SUNDAY FOR REJOICING
Today's Gospel story of the prodigal son is a favorite of many. We can identify with all the major figures and their crisscross of emotions. The father's initial grief over his young son's avarice is turned to relief at his return. The son's grief over his loss of fortune, family, and friends is turned to delirious joy at the sight of his father.
We understand the eldest son's bewilderment over his father's generosity. For the older son, virtue seems not to be its own reward. For all his honorable toil and loyalty, there seems to be no celebration. The father, however, is prodigal in his forgiveness and mercy. He expects the same generosity from his older son. He wants all to rejoice when the lost one is found.
This is a Sunday for rejoicing. It's time to pause, consider, and encourage one another. We are the prodigal children heading home. We are the elder siblings waiting with the eager Father, who scans the horizon. In Christ Jesus we are reconciled to the Father and one another. In his death and resurrection we have passed over. We are a new creation. In this we rejoice.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Lent; Second Scrutiny
Monday: St. Joseph
Wednesday: Spring begins
Friday: St. Toribio de Mogrovejo; Abstinence
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18,
22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a
Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16
Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Jn 5:17-30
Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Jn 5:31-47
Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Jn 7:40-53
Sunday: Is 43:16-21; Ps 126; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11
Alternate readings (Year A):
Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130; Rom 8:8-11;
Jn 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]
Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The Israelites ate of the yield of the land of Canaan (Joshua 5:9a, 10-12) or 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a.
Psalm — Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 34) or Psalm 23.
Second Reading — Whoever is in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) or Ephesians 5:8-14.
Gospel — This man welcomes sinners and eats with them (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) or John 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38].
Baby Shower for Birth Haven
Our Confirmation students are sponsoring the Annual Baby Shower for Birth Haven each Sunday during Lent, at which time they will collect items needed for babies as well as the new moms.
Birth Haven has been in existence for over 20 years and has provided support and hope for teens and women who have chosen to carry their pregnancies to full term. It is an independent, non-profit organization that welcomes women from all over New Jersey, regardless of age, race, creed, nationality, financial ability or marital status. Birth Haven is the only transitional home that accepts and welcomes minors.
All donations may be brought to Church and placed near the bassinet any Sunday during Lent, ending on Palm Sunday.
Wish List
Phone Cards, Ladies' Watches, Boppy Pillows, Batteries (AA,C,D), Laundry Baskets, C-Fold Towels, 1"-3" Ring Binders, Journals, Week-a-glance Planners, Towels, Slippers, Spring and Summer PJ's, Gift Certificates to Block Buster, Old Navy, and Wal-Mart.
Thank you for your support!
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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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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 April 4th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House (former Convent).
Let us take time to feel blessed for those who are a part of our lives - for those who have died we may take time to think about and miss them, maybe we “talk” to them, light a candle, or say a prayer, but let us also take time for those who are living to say, “Thank you, I appreciate you, I love you.” Acknowledge the people in your life now, do not wait. Regret is painful.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Meeting is March 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.
If you would like to join or donate yarn or needles please call Janice or Isabel at 973-827-9575.
Easter Flower Memorials
Please submit your Easter Flower Memorial envelopes early. Remember to PRINT all information to ensure accuracy in posting your loved one's name in the Easter bulletin. Thank you.
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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: $4,411.00
Project Faith Collection: $1,896.00
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HELP SUPPORT
Immaculate Conception Regional School!
Scrip gift cards are convenient to use and are available in various denominations for Shop-Rite, A&P, Weis, Sussex Meat Packing, Staples, Barnes and Noble, J.C. Penney, Sears, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Wendy's, Applebee's and many more. ICRS benefits by receiving a percentage back from the retailer(s). To purchase, see Marie McKeever or contact Kathy Trainor at the school 973-827-3777. Thank you for your support!
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NET Retreat
On Friday, April, 13th the NET Team will conduct a retreat at the Msgr. Gacquin Youth and Religious Education Center located at 122 Layton-Hainesville Road, Sandyston. Rev. Richard Carton of Saint James the Greater, Montague and Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Branchville, has graciously extended and invitation to our Confirmation students.
There is no cost. If you would like to attend please call Isabel Natoli at the Office of Religious Education, 973-827-9575 before April 2nd so that the proper arrangements can be made.
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Help Wanted - Come Join Our Wonderful “Family”
Counselors for 5 high-functioning, developmentally disabled adults living in a private home in Whippany. Full and part-time positions available. Some weekend hours included. Benefits for full-time positions. Experience valued but not necessary. Please call 973-539-6233 or 973-539-4292.
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A Family Perspective
The older son in today's gospel thought he earned his father's love by obeying all the rules. He didn't understand a parent's love is not earned - it just is! This is the sacramental dimension of parental love; it gives us a glimpse of God's love for all His children. We are loved because we are - not for what we do! –Bud Ozar
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Lent... embrace a prayerful journey by attending:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Friday during Lent from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross and Benediction takes place every Friday evening during Lent at 7:00 p.m.
Abstinence means no meat or meat products for all who have reached the age of 14. All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Fast means one full meal or meat products for everyone between the ages of 18 and 59.
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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 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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Operation Rice Bowl
Jesus uses the image of the prodigal son returning to his father to explain how much our Father in heaven loves us. God wants us to know that in His love we must reach out to those who have offended us and invite them back into full participation in our community.
In Cambodia, Catholic Relief Services helps rebuild and improve community structures. One way CRS has helped Cambodians strengthen their communities is through sustainable agriculture. Improved agricultural systems provide food and income for families and encourage people to participate in community activities. Please support CRS' agriculture projects with your prayers, fasting, learning, and giving with Operation Rice Bowl this week. Visit www.crs.org/orb to learn more.
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On Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 pm, the Diocese of Paterson will gather in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, in celebration of the rich history and tradition of the generations of immigrants who have joined together as the Church of Paterson. A new stained glass window will be dedicated in honor of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants.
The celebration will consist of a Rite of Dedication which includes songs and prayers performed in various languages followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction Following the liturgical services, a reception will follow in the Bishop Frank J. Rodimer Center which will showcase desserts from the many cultures that are present in the Diocese of Paterson.
All are invited to attend this very special celebration.
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Blood Pressure
Screening
Our Parish Blood Pressure Screening will resume in the Lyceum on Sunday March 25th after the 10:30 am Mass.
Be Heart Healthy and have yours checked!
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~ Sunday Social ~
Please plan on joining us for the Sunday Social following the 10:30 a.m. Mass which returns after a long absence!.
Come, relax and enjoy time with fellow parishioners, while sampling the wonderful delights prepared by our “crew” of talented and devoted volunteers!
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Paterson Diocesan Council of the
National Council of Catholic Women
Lenten Spiritual Enrichment Day for Women
Presenter: Rev. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2007 from 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. St. Clement Pope & Martyr Parish, 154 Pleasant Ave, Rockaway 2 minutes from Rt 80 - near Rockaway Townsquare Mall.
Coffee and registration at 9 a.m. - Program at 9:30 a.m.; Celebration of the Eucharist at 11:00 a.m.
All women of the Diocese are invited to attend and to enjoy this enriching and inspiring program. Donation (including registration) is $5.00. Please bring a “brown bag” lunch; beverages and dessert will be served. Call the rectory at 973-827-9575 if you would like to attend. All reservations and fees must be in by March 13th.
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Choose life...President Bush proclaimed Sunday, January 21, 2007 as National Sanctity of Human Life Day to help “foster a culture of life and reinforce our commitment to building a compassionate society that respects the value of every human being.” He pointed out that “One of our society's challenges today os to harness the power of science to ease human suffering without sanctioning practices that violate the dignity of human life. With the right policies, we can continue to achieve scientific progress while living up to our ethical and moral responsibilities.”
Let us pray, that we may live out our vocation to be ambassadors for Christ by spreading the message that each human life is sacred.
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Parish Cookbooks
The Parish Cookbooks have arrived!! If you would like to purchase a copy, they will be for sale at the Sunday Social each week or you may call the rectory at 973-827-9575. The cost is $10.00.
Lent - 40 Days
If we were knives, Lent would be a time to sharpen our cutting edges.
If we were cars, Lent would be a time for an oil change and a tune up.
If we were swimming pools, Lent would be time to filter the dirt out of the water.
If we were gardens, Lent would be a time to fertilize our soil and dig out our weeds.
If we were carpets, Lent would be a time to get power-cleaned.
If we were VCRs, Lent would be time to clean out our head and adjust our tracking.
If we were computers, Lent would be time to overhaul our disk drive.
If we were highways, Lent would be time to repair our cracks and fill our chuckholes.
If we were TV sets, Lent would be time to adjust our focus and fine-tuning.
If we were batteries, Lent would be a time to get recharged.
If we were seeds, Lent would be a time to germinate and reach for the sun. 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, Betty Swetz, Ed Knight, Frank Kalafut.
At Home: Loraine Schenker, 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, Flo Yurchak, Ethel Segarra, Mary Carmody, Madison Dorr, Michael Soojian, Don Tilley, Jr. Lisa Stine, Kath Sciascia and Edward Padgett.
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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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Give Blood... on Sunday, March 25th from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Church of Saint Jude the Apostle located on Beaver Run Road in Hamburg. No appointment is necessary.
If you are 17 years of age you can now donate blood without parental consent. Your support would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please call Debbie Sutton at 973-875-0654 or Saint Jude's at 973-827-8030.
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Kindness in words creates confidence
Kindness in thinking creates profundity
Kindness in giving creates love
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THE BITE OF FORGIVENESS
It's been said that forgiveness is the most difficult thing we do. Too often we find ourselves living with fractured lives and fractured loves, sometimes because we don't know how to do the mending, and sometimes because we don't wish to do the mending. In either case, we suffer.
INSIDE THE READINGS
Chapter 15 of Luke's Gospel is an amazing tribute to the loving forgiveness of God. The audience represents two very different groups. The tax collectors and sinners are the outcasts, the marginalized of that time. They are eager to hear Jesus. The self-righteous Pharisees and scribes are complaining because Jesus is reaching out to sinners.
The focus of all three parables is the loving God who rejoices to welcome lovingly the lost sinner. The major difference in the parable of the prodigal son is that he has free will. He uses his freedom to abandon his father and squander his possessions. Finally he reaches the lowest stage of degradation—a Jewish man tending pigs and contesting with them for their food.
He then uses his free will to return to his father. He knows that he has sinned against God and his father and is repentant. But the father sees him at a distance and not only forgives him, but welcomes him with a joyous celebration. Clearly the teaching here is that God as the father sees sinners at a distance and pursues them with graces. But the sinner must follow the example of the prodigal son and return with love and repentance to God.
The father shows his compassionate love also for the elder son in the second part of the parable; but this son is bitter, self-righteous, unforgiving of his brother. He represents the Pharisees and scribes who refuse to join with Jesus in welcoming and joyfully forgiving the "tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 15:1).
This incredible forgiveness of God was made possible by the death and resurrection of the Savior. Our second reading today has a remarkable statement of St. Paul, "For our sake [God] made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Whenever real forgiveness happens, we tell its story. Because Jesus knows the difficulty we have in imagining what such forgiveness looks like, he tells a story as well. It's his way of letting us know how the old things have passed away and new things have come, and how all of this is from God.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 3/18/07
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