Church Bulletin Week of April 20, 2008
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Church Bulletin Week of April 20, 2008
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Mission 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 WAY
Today we sense the apostles' trepidation as they begin to realize that the Lord would soon be leaving them. In their fear, they ask, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" (John 14:5). Jesus tells them that he is the way. The Easter season has been a time of growing in Easter faith so that we, too, may learn to know that Jesus is the way. We can take comfort in the Lord's promise that he is going to his Father's house to prepare a place for us, his chosen people who have been called out of darkness into God's wonderful light. As the paschal candle continues to burn during this holy season, let us remember that in baptism we were given the light of Christ. With Christ our light as the beacon lighting our way, let us march toward the glory of Pentecost. (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading -- To meet their growing needs, the community chooses seven reputable men to serve the new Greek believers (Acts 6:1-7).
Psalm -- Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you (Psalm 33).
Second Reading -- We, like living stones, let ourselves be built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-9).
Gospel -- "Show us the Father," Philip asks Jesus. To which Jesus replies: "Whoever sees me, sees the Father" (John 14:1-12).
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Acts 14:5-18; Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28; Jn 14:27-31a
Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6; Jn 15:1-8
Thursday: Acts 15:7-21; Jn 15:9-11
Friday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Mk 16:15-20
Saturday: Acts 16:1-10; Jn 15:18-21
Sunday: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Ps 66; 1 Pt 3:15-18 or 1 Pt 4:13-16; Jn 14:15-21 or Jn 17:1-11a
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Monday: St. Anselm
Tuesday: Earth Day
Wednesday: St. George; St. Adalbert
Thursday: St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Friday: St. Mark; Arbor Day
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Pope Benedict XVI
Apostolic Journey to the United States April 15-20, 2008
Christ our Hope
“The one who has hope lives differently;
the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life.”
Pope Benedict, Spe Salve,2
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Weekly Offering:
Thank you for your support and generosity.
Last Sunday's Collection: $4,763.00
Second Collection-Human Development: $1,450.00
Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl Collection: $969.88
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Baptisms:
Baptism is a sacrament of welcome into the community of Jesus Christ. This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism:
Thomas William Fossett son of Wendy and Fred
&
Ethan Andrew Doering son of Deirdre and Chad
Congratulations to you and may our Lord in His infinite goodness continue to bless you, guide you and keep you in His loving care.
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Retreats:
Bethany Spirituality Center, Highland Mills, NY is offering the following retreats in May:
+ Mother-Daughter Retreat 5/9-10
+ Hispanic Retreat 5/16-18
+ Taize Evening Prayer 5/20
+ Day of Recollection 5/27
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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Girl Scout Troop 752 - Clothing Drive Fundraiser
May 3, 2008…...9:00-2:00 at the Littell Center
Proceeds go to the Valerie Fund for children with cancer and blood disorders. Call: 973-462-0356 more information.
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Blood Drive: We Need You
Friday May 9, 2008
3-8pm
Immaculate Conception Lyceum
Call the Rectory for more information: 973-827-9575
Registration requested but not required.
10 Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood
1. Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion
2. 20% of recipients are children – many are cancer patients
3. Giving blood is 100% safe
4. One pint of blood from one donor can save up to three lives
5. Your donation will go to someone in your community
6. Donating will not cost you money
7. 60% of the population are eligible to donate blood, yet less than 5% do
8. Your body will replenish the fluid lost during the donation within 24 hours
9. We will provide juice, donuts and cookies
10. It's a GOOD THING to do!
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SOUPer SUNDAY FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
Our next collection will be on April 26th and 27th. Thank you for your continued support and generosity! A small gesture on your part can make a world of difference for someone in need.
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Blood Pressure Screening
Our next Blood Pressure Screening is Sunday, April 27th, in the Lyceum after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Be heart smart and get checked!!
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Vendors wanted for Outdoor Flea Market
4/26/08
St. Paul's Abbey,
Rt. 206N, Newton
$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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The Miraculous Medal THE FRONT: Let us now examine the meaning of the medal. The front is the joyful side. Mary stands on the globe as the Queen and Mother of all. Her feet crush the serpent, to show that Satan is helpless before her (Gen. 3:15). As God's chosen instrument, her hands are open, shedding the graces that Christ won for us. Etched around the rim is the prayer "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." THE BACK: The back of the medal is the sorrowful side because it shows the sufferings of Jesus and Mary. The Cross is on top of the M, showing that Christ is the Savior of all, including Mary. The hearts of Jesus and Mary are pictured; Jesus' heart has a crown of thorns, representing the sufferings He underwent to free us from sin and to show His infinite love for each and every person.
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Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
On November 27, 1830, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, appeared in a vision to Catherine Laboure, a novice in the Sisters of Charity convent in Paris, France. Our Lady manifested the pattern of a medal to Catherine. Mary promised that "All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence." In 1832, the first medals were made and the medal quickly became known as the "Miraculous Medal" because of the many miracles of health, peace, blessings, protection, and conversion that were worked through the medal.
In 1927, in Philadelphia, Pa., a novena to the Miraculous medal was begun. It proved so popular that the novena was held every Monday and became the Perpetual Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Today this novena flourishes in churches and chapels here and all over the world.
Immaculate Conception Parish prays a Novena to the Miraculous Medal every Monday evening at 7:00pm.
Mary is our mother. Just as we ask others here on earth to pray for us, it is only natural that we ask the
Mother of Jesus to pray for us from Heaven.
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Liturgical Ministry Coordinator
Hello,
I am Eileen Morgan. My husband Mike and I head up the Liturgy Committee in this parish. Father Bogie has asked me to share a little bit about what our Liturgy Committee does. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that in the Christian tradition the word Liturgy means the participation of the People of God in the work of God. The Liturgy Committee's job is to make it possible for you to fully participate in the Liturgy of the Mass. There are parts of the Mass that do not change. The readings are the same for each Sunday throughout the whole Church. However, the Sunday readings also give us a message, a theme, an attitude that we are to take home with us and use throughout our week. For this reason the music, the way the reading is proclaimed, the colors of the vestments and décor should all reflect that message. The theme and attitude of the Liturgy should be communicated to you the minute you walk in the door of the church. The way you are greeted by our ushers and parishioners, the reverence with which our altar servers and lay Eucharistic Ministers carry out their ministry, and the music should all reflect to you the message of the Gospel and help you to participate more fully in the Mass by listening, focusing and responding in word and song. The Liturgy Committee reviews how we are doing in all these areas and looks for ways to better communicate the attitude and meaning of the different liturgical seasons. For example we chose to use the Gregorian Chant during Lent before Mass to indicate that Lent is a reflective time. Our heads of the different ministries are all a part of this committee. However, we welcome new members from the parish at large also. We also welcome your comments and suggestions. The liturgy is not a private devotion. It involves all the faithful, it involves all of you.
Sincerely,
Eileen Morgan
“Liturgy is like a strong tree whose beauty is
derived from the continuous renewal of its leaves,
but whose strength comes from the old trunk,
with solid roots in the ground.”
Pope Paul VI
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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
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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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Pasta Dinner
Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 48 of Hamburg
St. Jude's Church
April 26th at 6:00pm
$8.00/adults, $5.00/children 12 and under.
Take out will be available. Call Dawn at 973-209-2990.
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ICRS Golf Outing
Farmstead Golf Course in Lafayette, NJ
Come support the school and enjoy a fun filled day on the course!
$140 per person
$35 for Dinner
$40 for Hole Sponsorships
Includes…Greens Fees, Cart Rental, Lunch at the turn, Dinner, and Prizes!
Call Karen at 973-222-9222
RSVP by 4/21/08.
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Pauline Trofimuk,
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.
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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 and CPL Matt Lindquist.
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Altar Server Schedule
Server Schedule for
Sat. 5:00pm ASica, CBrossman
Sun 7:30 SMorano, JOroho
9:00 AHamler, NMoscalow
10:30 JFriend, DPeck
12:00 ECox, KAllen
Sat. 5:00pm CLynch, JMcKeever
Sun 7:30 MKHubbard, JOroho
9:00 KMorano, EBriggs
10:30 KCarafello, JDragon
12:00 JPayne, CBrossman
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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 ONE WHO TURNS US TOWARD LIFE
As people of faith we try to make our way toward the fullness of life. Still, perhaps it is less our doing and more being turned that way by the movements of life, without our knowing or effort.
INSIDE THE READINGS
The Christians of Asia Minor, to whom Peter is writing in today's second reading, have experienced God's goodness beginning with baptism. Now Peter reminds them of the great privilege and dignity but also the obligations connected with being a Christian. The author notes that Jesus is the living stone, the foundation of the church. "Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, / a cornerstone, chosen and precious" (1 Peter 2:6, based on Isaiah 28:16). The believers are "living stones" (2:5). In the words of Paul, "In [Christ Jesus] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22).
This union with Jesus, the living stone, makes the Christian "a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). To offer spiritual sacrifices properly requires that a person live a Christ-centered life with words and deeds that demonstrate his or her love for Jesus, ready "to announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (2:9).
Unfortunately not all respond to the gospel with faith in Jesus. The Old Testament people experienced the same pattern of acceptance and rejection. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22).
The covenant that Yahweh made with Israel on Mount Sinai is the most important event of Jewish history. The Israelites were very aware of the effects of that wonderful relationship with God. "You shall be my special possession. . . You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation" (Exodus 19:5, 6).
Peter applies those same attributes, " a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own" (1 Peter 2:9), to all those who are followers of Jesus Christ, members of the new covenant. Jesus states strongly at the Last Supper, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (1 Corinthians 11:25). Aware of all these blessings, Peter emphatically urges every Christian, "Come to [the Lord]" (1 Peter 2:4).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Peter wrote of the need for us all to be living stones in the pattern of Jesus the Lord, to turn drifters toward God's love, presumably by also becoming the Way, a community of flowing life that carries everyone to their intended dwelling places by journeying there ourselves.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Fifth Sunday of Easter commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 4/20/08
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