Church Bulletin Week of April 13, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepard Sunday
Church Bulletin Week of April 13, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepard SundayMission Statement of Immaculate Conception Parish
We, the faith community of Immaculate Conception Church of Franklin, New Jersey, under the safety of and with special devotion to Our Mother Mary, and empowered by our Baptism, commit ourselves to live the gospel message. Guided by the Holy Spirit we strive to share our gifts, our love and our faith to make the presence of God a reality in our lives and in our community by:
+ Faithfully celebrating the sacraments
+ Working for peace and justice
+ Serving all who are in need
+ Sharing the faith with our children
+ Reaching out to all and welcoming all
Thus fostering an ever-increasing circle of faith in God, hope of eternal salvation and
love and respect of all of God's creations.
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THE CALL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The Twenty-third Psalm, today's responsorial psalm, is arguably the best known of all the psalms. The line that reads "Even though I walk in the dark valley / I fear no evil; for you are at my side / with your rod and your staff / that give me courage" (Psalm 23:4) connects this week's scriptures to the wonderful story of the road to Emmaus, which we heard last week. The Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is constantly at our side. He calls us each by name, beckoning us into a deeper relationship with him. That call, issued to each of us at the moment of our baptism, carries with it the promise of the Good Shepherd: "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading -- All peoples called by God will receive the gift of the Spirit if they repent and are baptized (Acts 2:14a, 36-41).
Psalm -- The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Psalm 23).
Second Reading -- Once we were like straying sheep; but now we have been returned to the shepherd, our guardian (1 Peter 2:20b-25).
Gospel -- The shepherd leads the sheep out into pastures of abundant life (John 10:1-10).
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:11-18
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26; Jn 10:22-30
Wednesday: Acts 12:24 -- 13:5a; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday: Acts 13:13-25; Jn 13:16-20
Friday: Acts 13:26-33; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday: Acts 13:44-52; Jn 14:7-14
Sunday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33; 1 Pt 2:4-9; Jn 14:1-12
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Easter; Good Shepherd Sunday; World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Tuesday: Income Tax Day
Saturday: Passover begins at sunset "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our Easter Paschal Candle
The paschal candle should stand in the sanctuary during the entire season of Easter. This candle symbolizes the risen Christ who conquers sin and death and, for that reason, is lit during baptisms and usually at funerals as well. Each year a new paschal candle is prepared during the opening rites at the Easter Vigil. It is marked with a cross, an alpha and omega, and the numerals of the year. Five grains of incense, representing the wounds of Christ are also embedded into the wax.
This year's Paschal Candle was donated in memory of Barbara Suter by the Allen Family.
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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.
Last Sunday's Collection: $5,055.00
Total Easter Collection: $13,779.00
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Marriage Encounter Weekend
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 throughout the ups and downs of military service. For more information call 1-800-499-6552.
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Blue Mass at the Cathedral - Honoring Those Who Protect Us
On Tuesday, April 29th the Diocese will celebrate the Blue Mass at the Cathedral at 10:30am.
This service will honor and recognize the sacrifice of our police, and to remember those who have given their lives in service to their communities. For more information contact Msgr. Giordani at 973-345-4070.
Our police serve selflessly to foster peace and justice in our communities.
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49th International Eucharistic Congress
Quebec City ... June 18-23, 2008
Bishop Serratelli has called for a bus pilgrimage and is looking for people who will represent our Diocese at this great gathering honoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Call 973-779-0427.
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Catholic Divorced Ministry
Baseball Season Opener Dance for Separated and Divorced Catholics
Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church Little Falls, NJ
Wear your favorite baseball team colors and caps. For more information call Charlie 201-986-9676.
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Mark your Calendars
Clothing Drive Fundraiser
Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 752
Saturday, May 3, 2008…...9:00-2:00
at the Littell Center, 12 Munsonhurst Road, Franklin
Accepting: Clothing, shoes, hats, gloves, coats, blankets, drapes, curtains, stuffed animals, larger baby items all in GOOD condition.
Proceeds go to the Valerie Fund for children with cancer and blood disorders.
For drop off arrangements call: 973-462-0356
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Retreats
“Bethany Spirituality Center, Highland Mills, NY is offering the following retreats in April:
+No Future Without Forgiveness: 4/19
+Aging with Grace: 4/20-25
+Mother-Daughter Overnight Retreat 5/9-10
+Hispanic Retreat 5/16-18
Call 845-460-3061 or visit www.bethanyspiritualitycenter.org
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30th Thomasina Golf Tournament
Wednesday, May 14, 2008. Join us for an exciting day of golf and dinner at the Rolling Greens Golf Club or for our BBQ Steak Dinner @3:00pm and the opportunity to win fabulous Door Prizes and a 50/50 Raffle. This event is sponsored by Partnership for Social Services.
Call 973-827-4702 for more information.
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1st Annual Rev. Brown Golf Classic
Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Farmstead Country Club
Contests - Prizes - Food
Registration closes on April 18th
Call Mary Kay at 973-726-6107 or Kelly at 973-940-0769.
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Immaculate Conception Parish Welcomes Lay Ministers
Lay ministry is an important concept in the life of today's church. Vatican II began to recognize that those lay Catholic Christians who answer their baptismal call to serve the church in an ongoing way can indeed be considered ministers. Although lay ministers serve the church in other capacities, those in liturgy usually include lectors, cantors and other music ministers, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of communion, and ministers of hospitality. Because they serve the community in order to build up the kingdom of God, lay ministers should do all they can to carry out their responsibilities with care.
Please call the Rectory if you are interested in becoming a Lay Minister at Immaculate Conception Parish.
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Looking Forward to a Spiritual Get-Away?
+St. John Vianney Parish is sponsoring an 11 day trip to Lourdes and the Shrines of France, June 5-15, escorted by Fr. Matthew Twiggs. Call 973-208-1200
+Join Bishop Serratelli on a diocesan pilgrimage to the Shrines of France and Lourdes, July 9-16. Call 201-825-3725 or E-mail: greatexinc@verizon.net
+Religious Pilgrimage in Assisi, Italy, July 5-15 This pilgrimage is sponsored by the Assisi Music Festival. Join Msgr. Paul Bochicchio, Pastor of Holy Family Church, Nutley, NJ. with special Masses at The Basilica of St. Francis and the Vatican. For more information call Gregory Scime 908-277-1145
+“Travel to Egypt; Land of Ancient Gods, Pharaohs and Sphinx” Sept. 21-30, 2008 sponsored by Rev. Charles Perricone and St. Monica's Church in Sussex, NJ. For details call Carol at 973-875-4521.
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WANTED Crafters and Venders
Craft Show - Flea Market - White Elephant Sale
Sponsored by St. Jude's Rosary Society
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 9:30—3:30pm
St. Jude the Apostle Church Hall. Only $15 rent per table.
For information call 973-827-2045.
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Outdoor Flea Market
Venders Needed
Sponsored by Don Bosco Columbiettes #7784
Saturday, April 26, 2008 (rain or shine)
St. Paul's Abbey, Rt. 206N
Rental $20 per space; Call 973-579-2582 to rent your space.
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Youth Day with Bishop Serratelli
April 27th, 2008
Saint Mary's Abbey, Morristown, NJ
This would be a perfect time to reflect on your relationship with Jesus and the Church. Immaculate Conception Parish has openings for ten young parishioners to attend this conference. Registration is required. Please call the Rectory Office if you are interested.
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Pass It Along “Serve -A- Thon”
On May 17th Pass It Along will hold their biggest day of service. They will be offering 20+ project sites for volunteers to donate their time to be part of a team who will be doing everything from making meals for families in need, to creating vegetable gardens for senior citizens. Please consider spending the day with others who have committed themselves to making a difference in the lives of others. Contact Susan at Pass It Along 973-726-9777 x226 or visit www.passitalong.org. If you would like to coordinate an Immaculate Conception Team of volunteers or if you are interested in being on the ICC team, Please call the Rectory Office.
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One day can make a lifetime of difference in someone's life.
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First Communion Rehearsals
Rehearsals for both Saturday and Sunday Celebrations will take place on
Saturday, April 26th.
+May 3rd Communicants at 10am Mass will practice at 11:00.
+May 3rd Communicants at 12:30 Mass will practice at 11:45.
+Sunday's 12:00 Communicants will practice at 12:30.
Both students and parents are to be present for the rehearsal.
We will meet in the Lyceum prior to going into the Church.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawls are passed on person-to-person, hand-to-hand, and heart-to-heart in times of sorrow or joy. Sometimes words cannot express our love and concern for another to help them ease their pain. But with the giving of a shawl, few words are necessary. Placing a beautiful, warm wrap around someone's shoulders in a hug of empathy and support is transcendent.
If you know of someone who would benefit from receiving one of our shawls or throws, please call the Rectory. They are freely given in prayer and made with love by members of our Prayer Shawl Ministry. Call 973-827-9575 for information.
Uses for Prayer Shawls: Undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss, marriage, new baby, as a bridal shower gift, during an illness and recovery; and for ministering to others.
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Prayer Requests
Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Pauline Trofimuk, and Anna Elekes
At Home: Loraine Schenker, Maria Woppel, Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Flo Yurchak, Mary Carmody, Harold & May Dickey, Debbie Yodice, JoAnn Ritz and Lisa Stine.
In the Military: Jamison Micke, Stephen Saski, Jr., Christopher Faber, SFC Morgan McHose, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler, Tom Oroho, Maj. Stephen McKenzie, Ryan Halkirt, Joseph Trainor and CPL Matt Lindquist.
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Altar Server Schedule for 4/12-13 and 4/19-20
4/12-13
Sat. 5:00pm N Carafello, J McKeever
Sun 7:30 MK Hubbard, J Oroho
9:00 K Morano,E Briggs
10:30 C McDonald, J Payne
12:00 J Dragon, N Moscalow
4/19-20
Sat. 5:00pm A Sica, C Brossman
Sun 7:30 S Morano, J Oroho
9:00 A Hamler, N Moscalow
10:30 J Friend, D Peck
12:00 E Cox, K Allen
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Parish Ministries Contact List:
Coordinator of Ministries: Deacon Jerome Schenker 973-702-1014
Grief Support -Charlene Castello 973-827-9575 / Nadine Allen 973-827-9575
Religious Education- Nadine Allen 973-827-9501
Eucharistic Ministers- Christine Muller 973-827-9575
Lectors - Charlotte Vnuk 973-827-6277
Music Director -Rosanne Huttman 973-827-9575
Altar Servers - Barbara Morano 973-209-8121
Ushers -Henry Zarzycki 973-827-3228
Outreach Ministry -Janice Fitzsimmons 973-827-9575 (Health, Transportation, Homebound, Prayer Shawl)
Hospitality - Marianne Cammarano 973-827-9575
Children's Liturgy - Cynthia Hanenberg 973-827-9575
Liturgy Committee - Eileen and Mike Morgan 973-827-9606
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THE SOUL OF SOUL
Every once in a while you and I get lost in our search for what we sense is missing in our days, and so we wander in search of soul, only we don't call it that. We say we need to put some life back into our lives.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's second reading brings together several themes that are very important in both the Old and New Testaments. First, there is the reality of the poor and defenseless in both covenants. For example, God demands of Israel, "Hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). The selection that we hear today from the First Letter of Peter highlights the sad situation of vulnerable Christian slaves.
A second theme is the reality of unjust suffering. The two principal examples are Jesus and the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). Peter brings these two great figures together. By the Servant's "stripes we were healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Peter says of Jesus, "by his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24). In the face of these injustices Christ "handed himself over to the one who judges justly" (2:23).
Jesus' sufferings provided an example for the Christian slaves of Asia Minor who also often endured harsh treatment unjustly. Since suffering will always be a part of human experience-sometimes unjustly all followers of Jesus should join the Christian slaves of First Peter and "follow in his footsteps" (2:21). His sufferings also made redemption possible for all persons. There was tension between the slaves' Christian freedom and the slavery imposed upon them by the world. Paul makes it clear that they were treated as equals in the Christian community. "For the slave called in the Lord is a freed person in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:22).
The slaves had been outside the fold, "but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). This introduces a third important theme, namely, the concept of the shepherd. Today's responsorial psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1) is an excellent example of this motif in the Old Testament. Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" in the Gospel of John (10:14). The role of the "shepherd and guardian of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25) is to provide loving care for the flock of believers.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
It seems a contradiction, but if we're willing to lose our souls, we seem to find them not as a reward, but as if we were looking in the wrong place all along, and what we thought was the wrong place turns out to be the right place. That's how the gospel seems to work.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Fourth Sunday of Easter commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc 4/13/08
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