REDEMPTION
Do you remember Peter on the night Jesus was arrested? He claimed he had never heard of Jesus. Today we are called to join Peter in testifying to the name of Jesus as he does in the first reading, and in proclaiming our love for him as Peter does in the Gospel passage. The powerful imagery of John's vision in the second reading from the book of Revelation shows us the company we keep when we have faith in the name of Jesus. We join all living creatures, “countless in number” from “heaven, earth, under the earth, in the sea; everything in the universe” (Revelation 5:11, 13). The dignity and majesty described in each reading are in stark contrast to the dark and pitiful image of Peter and the other Apostles at the time of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. What a relief that we can all be redeemed so completely!
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
Humanity is part of a vast, evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The forces of nature make existence a demanding and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions essential to life's evolution. The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air. The global environment with its finite resources is a common concern for all peoples. The protection of Earth's vitality, diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust. –The Earth Charter
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Third Sunday of Easter; Earth Day
Monday: St. George; St. Adalbert
Tuesday: St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Wednesday: St. Mark; Administrative Professionals Day
Friday: Arbor Day
Saturday: St. Louis Mary de Montfort; St. Peter Chanel
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Jn 6:22-29
Tuesday: Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Jn 6:30-35
Wednesday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Mk 16:15-20
Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Jn 6:44-51
Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Jn 6:52-59
Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Jn 6:60-69
Sunday: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 100; Rv 7:9, 14b-17;
Jn 10:27-30
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.” –Revelation 5:12
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — God exalted Jesus as leader and savior (Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41).
Psalm — I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me (Psalm 30).
Second Reading — To the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might (Revelation 5:11-14).
Gospel — When the disciples came ashore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread (John 21:1-19 [1-14]).
Baptisms
May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead our children to everlasting life.
Anna Maria Formica and
Alexandria Colfax
daughters of Barbara and Concetto
Noah Philip Fernstrom
son of Melissa and Philip
Ethan Joseph Munoz
son of Jennifer and Dorian
Our parish community rejoices with you and gives praise and thanks to God for the gifts of life.
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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: $4,619.00
Campaign for Human Development: $1,515.00
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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!
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration takes place the last Friday of each month from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ending with a blessing. Parishioners are encouraged to take time out of their busy day to spend quiet time in the presence of the Lord. Please sign up for a time slot that you are available to assure that there is adequate coverage each hour. A sign-up sheet is kept on the podium next to the candle stand.
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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).
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us”
Helen Keller
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Impenetrable
The same fence that shuts others out shuts us in.
–Anonymous
Please notify the Rectory if you plan to attend...
TODAY, Sunday, April 22nd 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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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.
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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The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own.
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Parish Pictorial Directory News...
Lifetouch Photographers will return
Saturday, April 28th - Sunday, April 29th
Please schedule your photo shoot appointment as soon as possible. On-line at
or contact
Cynthia - Office: 827-9575 Home: 697-0821
email: cynthia@icrschool.com
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“Come Holy Spirit, enkindle the Fire of Your Love. Transform all that is fearful into boldness of heart. Inspire Your servants with Wonder and Awe at the Mystery of Your Presence. Confirm Your friends in Compassion and Forgiveness. Whisper Discernment in the midst of confusion; be Wisdom in time of trouble; Reverence in the face of Diversity; Patience with the unfolding of life and forever anoint Your messengers with Joy. Amen” Blessing: Pat Bergen, CSJ
Congratulations to those who were Confirmed here on April 20, 2007:
Kristen Alonso
Maciej Banach
Gregory Banki
Eric Barber
Paul Bowden
Robert Bowden
Matthew Briggs
Kristie Brino
Kaitlin Chegwidden
John Cox
Jonathan Cox
Michael DeStefano
Robert Felice
Dylan Fluri
John Joseph Friend
Richard Carey Gangloff
Ray Henderson
Kimberly Hennelly
Pamela Hitscherich
Breann Laughlin
Kevin Lewis
Alissa Mathes
Kaitlin Aileen Mattson
William Patrick McNeir
Michael Mena
Alexa Muller
Kathleen Oroho
Paola Ponce
Christopher Rago
Nicholas Repasy
Lindsay Schroeder
Dylan Sevean
Tyler Sihelnick
Daniel Sowden
Eric Stahl
Kaitlyn Sudol
Elizabeth Sydoryk
Erin Sydoryk
Krystal Taylor
Cristina Vilas
Richard Wille
Michael Williams
Sarah Woods
Michael Yadvish
Kristina Zarra
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Good News International
Kick Off Concert - An Evening With Tony Melendez
Tony is an internationally known singer/songwriter and author. He was born without any arms and plays the guitar with his feet. He will entertain and inspire you.
The concert will take place on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 8:00pm at St. Veronica Church, 4215 US Hwy 9 North, Howell, NJ. The tickets are $8 per person and special youth group and family rates are available.
Come join us under the tents for an unforgettable evening of inspiring music. You will be talking about this for weeks! Call 1-800-430-0586 for tickets or more information.
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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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Sussex County Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order
The Sussex County fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order invites you to an informative evening on Wednesday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m. We are a lay penitent Order united to Christ and each other inspired through St. Francis of Assisi. Through daily conversion, our lives are dedicated to going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel. Please join us at Sacred Heart Center, 20 Old Swartswood Road in Newton. For further details contact Charlotte Vnuk at 973-827-6277.
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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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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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Choose Life....Prenatal testing for some 450 medical conditions is now available. While prenatal screening may seem to give couples more power, it often actually takes choices away. “Society's demand for physical perfection places enormous pressure on couples to 'conform to the norm' by aborting less-than-perfect children.
-- Rev. Tadeusz Pacholcyzk, Ph.D. The Southern Cross. 8/17/06
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may guide those charged with leading the pro-life movement.
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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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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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A Family Perspective
In today's Gospel Jesus ate breakfast with the disciples and asked “Do you love me?” In families we express love in the preparation and serving of food. At meals we serve more than food by sharing, listening and confiding in each other. We serve love, acceptance and respect for each other.
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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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Health Fair ... Join St. Clare's Health System for an informative health fair this 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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Parish Cookbooks
The Parish Cookbooks are here! 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 and make great gifts!
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OUT OF EMPTY SEAS
Life can be fickle. Sometimes the expressions we use are that the river has run dry, and sometimes that the bottle is empty, or there aren't any more fish in the sea. Whatever words we put to it, however, don't much matter, only that whatever it was that seemed always to come up roses has turned into a devastated patch of personal crabgrass. Yet sometimes in those moments abundance overflows from barren labors, and we know it can only be God's doing.
INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel teaches much about Jesus and about the early church and its mission. Most scholars consider John 21 an epilogue to the Gospel. It is an early, inspired addition, preserving important material about Jesus and the church. This final chapter of the Gospel is found in all biblical manuscripts of the Fourth Gospel.
Significant teachings can be found in today's Gospel. The amazing catch of one hundred fifty-three fish symbolizes the universal mission of the church. St. Jerome notes that zoologists of his time believed that there were just one hundred fifty-three types of fish.
The role given to Peter here is also noteworthy. To the triple question concerning his love for Christ, Peter responds with strong, positive affirmations. Being reminded of his triple denial of Jesus no doubt upset Peter. The major point of the incident, however, is his present willingness to be a faithful follower of Jesus. After this expression of his conversion Jesus puts Peter in charge of his flock: "Feed my lambs. . . Tend my sheep. . . Feed my sheep" (John 21:15, 16, 17). This commission brings with it the authority of Christ, but also the mission to continue the example of the Good Shepherd's devotion to his flock. "A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
The evangelist presents Jesus' prediction of the future martyrdom of Peter: "[W]hen you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go" (21:18). When the author is writing this (about AD 100), Peter had already died a martyr's death in Rome (about AD 65).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
We learn something about ourselves in the midst of our emptiness. That's when confusion over the pieces of life's puzzle can reveal a new picture. Perhaps we discover an undreamed-of abundance from a sea we had thought to be fished out—all of it either a beneficent twist of fate or our risen Lord inviting us to breakfast with him on a new shore of our lives.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Third Sunday of Easter commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 4/22/07
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