PASSION
The word “passion” connotes deep, focused engagement. It also relates to passivity, interestingly. The deeply passionate person in the Gospel narrative from Luke is Jesus. He appears passive, but he is not. He is wholly self-possessed and wholly present for the one day that begins on Thursday evening at his last meal with his apostles and ends with his burial before sunset the next day. Then follows the long Sabbath silence.
The narrative of the Passion is read whole and without pause on the Palm Sunday of the Passion. This story, found at each of the Gospels, is unchanging. We are the ones who change. Each year, we bring ourselves with another year's history to hear and heed the story we so badly need. Life has its way with us, and we look again to the Passion narratives to learn to follow.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Is 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11
Tuesday:Is 49:1-6; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38
Wednesday:Is 50:4-9a; Mt 26:14-25
Thursday:Chrism Mass: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Ps 89;
Rv 1:5-8; Lk 4:16-21
Lord's Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; Ps 116;
1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15
Friday:Is 52:13 — 53:12; Ps 31; Heb 4:14-16;
5:7-9; Jn 18:1 — 19:42
Saturday:a) Gn 1:1 — 2:2 [1:1, 26-31a];
b) Gn 22:1-18 [1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18];
c) Ex 14:15 — 15:1; d) Is 54:5-14;
e) Is 55:1-11; f) Bar 3:9-15, 32 — 4:4;
g) Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28;
h) Rom 6:3-11; i) Lk 24:1-12
Sunday:Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 118; Col 3:1-4
or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9
or Lk 24:1-12 or (at an afternoon
or evening Mass) Lk 24:13-35
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion;
Monday:Monday of Holy Week; Paschal full moon;
Passover begins at sunset
Tuesday:Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday:Wednesday of Holy Week
Thursday:Holy Thursday; Paschal Triduum begins
Friday:Good Friday of the Lord's Passion;
Fast and Abstinence
Saturday:Holy Saturday; Vigil of Easter; World Health Day
The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced. — Isaiah 50:7a
TODAY'S READINGS
Gospel at the Procession with Palms — Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40).
First Reading — In spite of my sufferings I am not disgraced. I am not put to shame (Isaiah 50:4-7).
Psalm — My God, my God, why have you abandonedme? (Psalm 22).
Second Reading — Christ emptied himself, and God filled this emptiness with exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11).
Gospel — The account of Christ's passion according to Luke (Luke 22:14 — 23:56 [23:1-49]).
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Easter Schedule
Monday April 2nd Mass & Novena - 7 PM
Tuesday April 3rd Communal Penance Service - 7:30 PM
Holy Thursday, April 5th 8 PM Mass of the Lord's Supper, Washing of Feet, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight.
Good Friday, April 6th, 12:30 PM Stations of the Cross in the Cemetery (weather permitting - otherwise in Church)
3PM Christ's Passion and Death in Church.
Holy Saturday, April 7th, 12:00 Noon Blessing of Easter Food
8PM Easter Vigil Celebration of Sacrament of Initiation.
Easter Sunday, April 8th, Masses at 7:30AM; 9:15AM; 10:30AM; 12:00 Noon.
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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: $5,792.00
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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.
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~ Sunday Social ~
Please plan on joining us for the Sunday Social following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
Come, relax and enjoy time with fellow parishioners, while sampling the wonderful delights prepared by our “crew” of talented and devoted volunteers!
There will be no Sunday Social on Easter Sunday!
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Operation Rice Bowl
The story of the passion includes Jesus' last instructions to his disciples before he completes his mission through suffering and death. He directs them to share the bread and wine as a sharing in his life and new covenant. We are also called to follow Jesus in his mission that we may all be one. We are nourished through our faith and our communion with one another to live out a new covenant of love, both here in the United States and in the far corners of the globe.
More than 37 million people are living in poverty here in the United States. While 75% of our gifts to Operation Rice Bowl support Catholic Relief Services' overseas programs, 25% of our contributions remain in our diocese to support local programs that address hunger and poverty. The gifts of your prayers, fasting, learning and almsgiving make a significant difference in the lives of people in our community and communities around the world.
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The beautiful Paschal Candle was gifted in memory of
Barbara Suter
by The Allen Family
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Baby Shower for Birth Haven
Palm Cross Sale
Thank you so much to all who participated in the Annual Baby Shower for Birth Haven and Palm Cross Sale.
Your generosity to those in need within our community is truly remarkable and very much appreciated by all who benefit from these projects.
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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).
“The experience of grief is a great gift...for the heart that breaks is just opening again.” Sharon Callahan
Please notify the Rectory if you plan to attend...
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On Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m., 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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“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
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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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The new life given us by Christ's death and resurrection is a gift beyond our comprehension. So also the tiny new life in a woman's womb is an incomparable gift from God which we are asked to welcome rather than rejecting the gift, saying in effect, “return to sender.”
Let us pray, that this time of celebrating new life may awaken in each of us a deeper gratitude to God for each gift of human life.
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Family Life Office
Diocese of Paterson
Program for Troubled Marriages - Retrouvaille is a program designed to help heal and renew couples who are in trouble with their marriage, including those who are separated or divorced. Retrouvaille offers a weekend experience with follow-up sessions which helps couples reflect on the strengths as well as the difficulties of their marital relationship. The next weekend is April 13-15, 2007. For more information call 201-251-1031 or visit www.retrouvaille.org.
Teenage 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. It will be held on April 28th at St. Clare's Hospital, Denville from 1:00 - 4:00 PM for mature 12 year old girls to 15/16 year old girls and their moms. Registration forms are available from your parish office.
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat - Has an abortion experience from your past come up in your thoughts occasionally? Do you have the feeling that you should take a look at what is causing this reminder? Perhaps a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat would help you sort things out. This is a prayerful weekend open to anyone who has ever been involved with an abortion. This includes the mother, the friend who drove her, a counselor who suggested it was the best thing, the father, medical personnel, anyone who has ever been connected with the procurement of an abortion. Call 973-777-8818, ext. 264 for information about the May 4-6 retreat in our diocese or check www.rachelsvineyard.com for information on retreats throughout the country. All calls are kept confidential. There is hope after an abortion.
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LEGACY
We want to give our children what we didn't have; but let's make sure we give them what we did have: our faith. –Anonymous
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The term Easter Triduum might not sound familiar to you; however, you are very familiar with it. The Triduum is the three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday. The Church meets at times during those three days to remember what it is that Jesus has done for us.
Lent often overshadows the Triduum, but the documents from Vatican Council II tell us: "Christ redeemed us all and gave perfect glory to God principally through his paschal mystery: dying he destroyed our death and rising he restored our life. Therefore the Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of the entire liturgical year."
General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, # 18
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The Paterson Diocese Council of Catholic Women will hold its Annual Communion Breakfast on Saturday, April 14, 2007. The day will begin with a special Liturgy at St. Gerard Majella Church, West Broadway and Chamberlain Avenue, Paterson at 9:30 am. The Most Rev. Frank J. Rodimer, Bishop Emeritus of Paterson, will be the main celebrant. Following Mass, a complete breakfast will be served at the Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson. Guest Speaker at the breakfast will be Fr. John Catoir. He has written many books and his “Joy Trilogy” a series of books on Spiritual Joy, was written with each of us in mind.
Tickets are $17.00. Call Sharon Sullivan at 973-729-1343 for further ticket information.
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Irish American Cultural Institute
Applications are now being accepted for the 2007 Irish Way. The Irish Way is a four week high school summer study abroad program that has been educating students since 1976. Students are introduced to Ireland's history and traditions through structured classes and are able to witness Ireland's beauty by touring the southeastern and western regions of Ireland. Dates for this summer's program are July 2 - 26, 2007. If you would like more information on the Irish Way, please call 973-605-1991 or visit www.iaci-usa.org.
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A Family Perspective
In today's gospel, the leaders brought false charges against Jesus because it was easier to live a lie than live the truth. Families sometimes maintain “secrets” for the same reason, but they soon learn, just like Peter in today's gospel, lies only lead to shame.
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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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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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Beginning Experience Weekend
May 4-6, 2007 - Villa Pauline, Mendham, NJ
For men and women who know the pain of separation, divorce or the death of a spouse, a Beginning Experience Weekend provides participants with the opportunity of taking the first step toward resolution, wholeness and a new direction. For information call Peggy O'Neil 973-887-4541, Bernice Carr 201-848-8261 or Donna Mura 973-927-2864.
Reservations must be made prior to April 15, 2007.
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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR PROGRAM
Do you know someone who feels lonely or isolated or a Senior Citizen who would enjoy a friendly visit from a volunteer? The NORWESCAP RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) has started a new program called NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR for friendly visiting to Sussex County seniors who are homebound. If you or someone you know would benefit from this program, call 973-940-9094.
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Join St. Clare's Health System for an informative health fair. Tuesday April 24th from 4-8PM in the lobby of St. Clare's Hospital, 400 Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ.
Meet with physicians and healthcare professionals representing Cancer Care, Cardiovascular Care, Maternal/Child Health and the Women's Health Center.
Free Screenings: Blood Pressure l Non-fasting Cholesterol
l Glucose Assessment l Carotid Assessment l Body Fat Analysis l Osteoporosis l Stroke Screening and Education.
Light refreshments will be served. Call 1-866-782-5273 for more information.
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Reminder...
The Easter Flower Memorials need to be submitted to the Rectory by Tuesday to be included in the Easter bulletin.
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CLOAKS, NOT PALMS
Surprisingly, this year the Church's Palm Sunday processional Gospel is not at all about palms. In other years there are branches cut from trees and strewn on the roadway, but when Saint Luke tells the story there are only cloaks on the roadway, no palms. This year it's not the trees that are stripped and stand naked so that the Holy-One-made-flesh may be praised. No, it's the people who are stripped—stripped of their cloaks, of that which hides them, of that which conceals the most vulnerable and weakest aspects of who they are as well as the most precious.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
The Third Gospel has been called the Gospel of Great Pardons. The Passion account manifests that interest of Luke. After Peter denies Jesus, the Savior looks at him kindly with merciful forgiveness. Peter then "went out and began to weep bitterly" (Luke 22:62). His first word from the cross is a prayer to his Father to forgive his executioners. This is comforting, since Christians realize that we, because of our sins, are the true executioners. Also, there is the moving exchange between Jesus and the repentant criminal. The mercy of Christ responds to the penitent with the promise, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise" (23:43). Jesus ends his life prayerfully and serenely, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" (23:46).
Examples of the compassion of Christ include his prayer for his disciples. Luke alone notes that the kindness of Jesus led him to heal the ear of the servant (22:51).
Luke's Gospel has also been identified as a Gospel of Prayer. It is not surprising that prayer plays a large part in the Passion account. Jesus prays for his disciples and especially for Peter. He observes a prayerful celebration of Passover with the institution of the Eucharist. In the garden he encourages his disciples to pray and petitions the Father to be freed from crucifixion, but adds, "not my will but yours be done" (22:42).
The Third Gospel has also been named the Gospel of Women. In the Passion account we hear of the daughters of Jerusalem, of women standing at a distance from the cross, and of women helping to prepare Jesus' body for burial (23:27-28, 49, 55).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Prayer can be risky business simply because it's one of the niches in our lives where we can find ourselves without a cloak to hide beneath. It can be one of those times when God rides into our lives and we begin to see our real selves. Whether it takes place willingly or unwillingly, there can be something good about being decloaked.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for Palm Sunday of The Lord's Passion
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.4/1/07
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