JOINING THE COMPANY OF BELIEVERS
What will help you to believe? Today's scripture readings tell of faith and doubt. They offer stories “recorded to help you believe,” as the passage from John's Gospel (20:31) remarks today. There is an urgency about this. On this second Sunday of Easter we are challenged to join the company of believers—countless men and women who witnessed the power of the Apostles' faith.
There is no doubt that this power comes from Jesus Christ. The second reading, from the book of Revelation, reports John's mystical vision of the Son of Man, who proclaims, “Once I was dead, but now I live” (Revelation 1:18). The Gospel gathers everyone but Thomas to see the Risen Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit from him. Like Thomas, we who have come along later must have faith so that we can have life. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
The desire for the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday was expressed by our Lord in His revelations to St. Faustina: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who apporach the font of My mercy.” “Let no soul fear to draw near Me.”
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Second Sunday of Easter;
Divine Mercy Sunday; Yom Ha-Shoa
(Holocaust Remembrance Day)
Monday:Income Tax Day
Saturday:St. Anselm
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Acts 4:23-31; Jn 3:1-8
Tuesday:Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday:Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21
Thursday:Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36
Friday:Acts 5:34-42; Jn 6:1-15
Saturday:Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21
Sunday:Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Ps 30; Rev 5:11-14;
Jn 21:1-19 [1-14]
Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.
— Revelation 1:18a
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — A large number of people gathered, bringing the sick, and all were cured (Acts 5:12-16).
Psalm — Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting (Psalm 118).
Second Reading — Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives (Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19).
Gospel — The risen Christ comes to his disciples with peace and the Spirit. The absent Thomas doubts (John 20:19-31).
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Baptisms
May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead our children to everlasting life.
Blaine Marie Ramirez
daughter of Jessica and Louis
Kaylie Marie Orlando
daughter of Jacqueline and Frank
Skylar and Ava DeJesus
daughters of Amanda and Alfonso
Our parish community rejoices with you and gives praise and thanks to God for the gifts of life.
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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!
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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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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.
Palm Sunday's Collection: $6,803.00
Good Friday-Holy Land: $1,077.00
Easter Sunday's Collection: $16,148.00
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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 May 2nd from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House (former Convent).
“Each one of us is born for a specific reason and purpose, and each one of us will die when he or she has accomplished whatever was to be accomplished. The in-between depends on our own willingness to make the best of every day, of every moment, of every opportunity. The choice is always yours.”
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
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If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.
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Family Life Office
Diocese of Paterson
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.
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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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Please notify the Rectory if you plan to attend...
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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Deacon Milton Smilek announces a
BLUE MASS
HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Morris * Passaic * Sussex
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.
ALL ARE WELCOME
Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, Bishop of Paterson
Principal Celebrant and Homilist
at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson
With a special remembrance for fallen law enforcement personnel and fallen men and women of our armed services.
Luncheon to follow at The Brownstone House in Paterson.
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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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A Family Perspective
In today's gospel the apostles recognized Jesus by his wounds. It is silly to pretend we are without faults. Those closest to us know our wounds and still accpt and love us. Our wounded self is our true self. Accepting our own wounds we can accept the faults in others.
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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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Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School announces their Annual Tricky Tray!
The annual Reverend Brown School Tricky Tray will be held Friday, April 20, 2007 at Pope John XXIII High School. Doors open at 6PM. Calling begins at 8PM. There will be over 200 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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Choose Life..... Pat Anderson, a former attorney for Terri Shiavo's family says the family's efforts to prevent their daughter's euthanasia changed her mind on abortion. She stated in an interview, “Killing babies is not the way out of social problems or personal problems.” She now sees that “abortion is no solution to the economic and educational problems a woman faces in an unplanned pregnancy.” In many ways, euthanasia is simply the other end of the abortion debate, the former pro-abortion advocate commented. “Killing off your elderly or disabled is not the way to keep your healthcare budget balanced.” LIFENEWS.com 4/11/06
Let us pray, for all those who care for people with handicaps that they may see in those they love the image of God.
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CARMEL RETREAT offers...
April 28th Poetry Workshop - Reading and Sharing Poetry In the Christian Tradition - Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3 PM with lunch. Cost $35.00 For more information call 201-327-7090.
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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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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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Religious Retreat in Assisi, Italy - July 2-12, 2007
Nine glorious days in Italy; 3 day religious retreat in the city of
St. Francis; Masses at the Basilica of St. Francis, Santa Maria Maggiore; with Msgr. Paul Bochicchio, Spiritual Director.
Plus: six days sightseeing in Rome, Sienna, Orvieto; Mass at the Vatican; attend classical Music Concerts at the Assisi Music Festival.
Cost: $2,885, plus tax of approximately $180. This price includes airfare and meals. Contact Select Travel 800-752-6787 or email info@selecttrravel.com.
This retreat is sponsored by the Assisi Music Festival and is open to all Catholics and Christians of other denominations.
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LUMEN CENTER
Caldwell Dominican Motherhouse
1 Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ
Praying the Scriptures - Saturday April 28, 2007- Gathering time 9:30 am with the program beginning at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Fee: $25
Presenter: Katherine Andrews
This day focuses on dwelling with the richness and beauty of scripture. Come and experience this simple prayer style. Listen to the Word of God inviting you to a new way of being and doing. Please bring your Bible.
Registration is required 4 days before the program. Call the Lumen Center @ 973-403-3331 ext 25 or email lumencenter@caldwellop.org
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When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner peace and happiness.
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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, Mary Devine, Richard Gulitus, Betty Swetz, Ed Knight and 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, 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, Tom Oroho, and SSG Mary Lynch.
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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 4/15/07.
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Join St. Clare's Health System for an informative health fair. Tuesday, April 24th from 4-8 PM 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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Lifetouch Photographers will return
Saturday, April 28th - Sunday, April 29th
Please schedule your photo shoot appointment as soon as possible. On-line at
www.immaculateconceptionparish.org
or contact
Cynthia - Office: 827-9575 Home: 697-0821
email: cynthia@icrschool.com
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Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
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FAITH WOUNDS
For some folks the only things they know for sure in life are the hurts and the pains. Not just the nicks and scratches, but the wounds that one carries for the rest of one's life, or at least the memories of those wounds. And sometimes the memories of those wounds can be as painful as the wounds themselves. We remember the wounds, which is what Thomas did. They marked the pain for him, but they also marked the real Jesus.

INSIDE THE READINGS
Both the fact and the importance of the resurrection of Jesus are found in today's second reading from the book of Revelation. Characteristics of this last book of the New Testament are evident in this passage, which recounts a vision received by John on the island of Patmos. Visions are an important aspect of the apocalyptic writing in Revelation.
Symbolism is another key aspect of this type of literature. The trumpet of verse 10 is used in the Old Testament in connection with an appearance of Yahweh (Exodus 19:16) and in the New Testament to announce the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Other symbols are the ankle-length robe, which indicates the priesthood of Jesus (Wisdom 18:24), and the gold sash around Christ's chest, a reference to his role as king (1 Maccabees 11:58).
The author gives an excellent portrayal of Jesus. John speaks of Christ as "one like a son of man" (Revelation 1 :13). "Son of man" can simply mean a human being. However, John expects the reader to recall this important passage in the book of Daniel: "One like a son of man coming, / on the clouds of heaven; / When he reached the Ancient One / and was presented before him, / He received dominion, glory, and kingship" (Daniel 7:13-14). Of great significance in this passage from Revelation are the words, "I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever" (Revelation 1 :17-18). Jesus receives titles in these verses normally applied to Yahweh. There is also the clear reference to the resurrection of the Savior.

THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
We all struggle with believing. We all doubt; it is the essence of faith. The difference is in where we look for renewed strength and reaffirmed faith. For some the thermometer or measuring stick is the calm of life. For others it is in our wounded helplessness that we come to faith simply because it is also then that we recognize that the new life that comes is not our doing.

Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Second Sunday of Easter commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.4/15/07