Church Bulletin Week of April 27, 2008
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Church Bulletin Week of April 27, 2008
Sixth 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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PEOPLE OF HOPE
Throughout this Easter season the readings have drawn us into the experience of the early church. We have tasted the excitement and zeal of the first Christians. Now, with them, we listen to the words of Saint Peter, who reminds us that when people notice that we are people of hope, we should be ready to explain why. This challenges us. Do others even notice that we are people of hope? In a world often marked by cynicism and hopelessness, do we stand out as people who offer hope and reassurance to others? In today's Gospel Jesus promises that when he leaves the earth he will not leave us orphaned. Today he promises to send his Advocate, the Spirit of truth who will be with us always. Let us acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit and ask the Spirit to make us people of hope. (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for April
General: That even in difficult and complex situations of present-day society, Christians may never tire of proclaiming with their lives Christ's resurrection, the source of hope and peace.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading -- The people of Samaria accepted the word of God preached by Philip (Acts 8:5-8, 14-17).
Psalm -- Let all the earth cry out to God with joy (Ps. 66)
Second Reading -- Act with gentleness and reverence toward all, so that when you are maligned those who defame you will be the ones put to shame (1 Peter 3:15-18) or 1 Peter 4:13-16.
Gospel -- I will not leave you orphans, but will come to you (John 14:15-21) or John 17:1-11a.
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Acts 16:11-15; Jn 15:26 -- 16:4a
Tuesday:Acts 16:22-34; Jn 16:5-11
Wednesday:Acts 17:15, 22 -- 18:1; Jn 16:12-15
Thursday:Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20 (for Ascension); otherwise Acts 18:1-8; Jn 16:16-20; or Gn 1:26 -- 2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Mt 13:54-58 (for St. Joseph the Worker)
Friday:Acts 18:9-18; Jn 16:20-23
Saturday:1 Cor 15:1-8; Jn 14:6-14
Sunday:Acts 1:12-14; Ps 27; 1 Pt 4:13-16; Jn 17:1-11a; or for Ascension, Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17- 23; Mt 28:16-20
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Sixth Sunday of Easter
Monday:St. Louis Mary de Montfort; St. Peter Chanel
Tuesday:St. Catherine of Siena
Wednesday:St. Pius V
Thursday:The Ascension of the Lord ,St. Joseph the Worker; May Day
Friday:St. Athanasius; First Friday; Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day)
Saturday:Ss. Philip and James; First Saturday
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Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Mass Schedule
Wednesday 7:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
On Holy Days of Obligation, the church asks us all to participate in the Eucharist. Technically, the obligation is not to “go to Mass” but to “participate” there. It is not just an obligation to attend Mass but an obligation of worship, happiness, and peace.
The Ascension of Our Lord, which occurred 40 days after Jesus Christ rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, is the final act of our redemption that Christ began on Good Friday. On this day, the risen Christ, in the sight of His apostles, ascended bodily into Heaven (Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9-11).
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Weekly Offering:
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: $4,817.00
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Welcome in Baptism
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:
Leah Gundersen daughter of Laura and Roger
Heliana Bruno daughter of Heatherann
Nevaeh Jean-Maire Henderson daughter of Lisa & Dustin
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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Bus Pilgrimage
49th International Eucharistic Congress inQuebec 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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Grief Support Group
On the first Wednesday of each month Immaculate Conception Parish offers an ongoing Grief Support Group. The next meeting is Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
We all have such busy lives. Sometimes it is overwhelming. Take time and find the silence. “Be still and know that I am God.”
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SOUPer SUNDAY FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
The last Sunday of each month is SOUPer Sunday at Immaculate Conception Parish. Donations are sent to the Partnership for Social Services Family Center's Food Pantry. As always, we thank you for whatever you can offer, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
It makes a difference!
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Blood Pressure Screening
Stop into the Lyceum this weekend after the 10:30 Mass and get your blood pressure taken….Be heart smart and get checked!!
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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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Mark your Calendars
Clothing Drive Fundraiser
Sponsored by Sr. 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.
Call: 973-462-0356 to make arrangements for drop off.
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A Family Perspective
Because family relationships are imprinted in our hearts, today's gospel reminds us our loved ones “always remain with you.” Even death and distance cannot erase this presence. We only need to pause and remember and our loved one is present to us again. It is a different presence, but a REAL presence.
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National Day of Prayer
Thursday May 1st, 2008 is the National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is “Prayer! America's Strength and Shield”
Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry,
You have given us food in abundance;
In a world where so many are hurting, You offer to bind up our wounds;
In a world where so many are lonely, You offer friendship to every heart;
In a world longing for peace, You offer hope.
Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant. Have mercy upon us, Lord.
Our nation is at a crossroads this year; we look to You to be our strength and shield.
Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor You and to respond to the wisdom from above so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.
In God's Holy Name.
Prayer by, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, 2008 Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
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For Those in Need of Healing
Our Immaculate Conception Church Community helps to bring healing to those who are suffering physically, spiritually, or physiologically through various programs it supports. Our Ministry to the Homebound provides Eucharistic visits to our parishioners at home and in nursing homes. There are so many more people who are in need of healing. We will be celebrating a special
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Mass for the Anointing of the Sick
Sunday, May 18th, 2008, at 12:00pm.
Special intentions for those not able to be present will be collected weekly. Intention cards can be found at the table by the Baptismal Font. Please return the forms to the basket on the table. These intentions will be placed at the altar during Mass. As we pray with those present and for their intentions, we will also pray for those for whom intentions have been submitted.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry and Request for Shawls
For anyone requesting a Prayer Shawl, they will be distributed after the Healing Mass on May 18th.. 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. Prayer Shawls are freely given in prayer and made with love by members of our Prayer Shawl Ministry.
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. Please call the Rectory for more information.
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Attention Parishioners
The Sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated next weekend, May 4th, at the 12:00 Mass. If possible, please arrange to attend an earlier Mass to accommodate the additional family and friends of the Communicants.
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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
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Blood Drive: We Need You
Friday May 9, 2008 from 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. About 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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Summer Camping Experiences At Camp Auxilium
Girls (ages 5-14)
Boys (ages5-12)
Call 973-383-2621 or visit www.campauxilium.org
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Prayer Requests Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams and 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: Please continue to keep all those serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers especially: 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.
Please notify us when you have recovered from your illness. Hospitals are now bound by privacy laws and can no longer release the names of their patients. It is up to a family member to let us know if a parishioner is hospitalized or homebound. Thank you.
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Altar Server Schedule for 4/26-27
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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DRAWING STRENGTH FROM JESUS AND THE SPIRIT
One of the signs of maturing wisdom is the ability to live with and sustain the tension between conflicting truths and so prevent them from overcoming one another. Though it seems to be an endless tug-of-war, it is also one that is fruitful, a worthwhile tension.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Earlier in his letter, before today's reading, Peter encouraged his readers: "Be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble" (1 Peter 3:8). This exhortation was very difficult to carry out in a community where the Christians suffered verbal abuse and ridicule from their pagan neighbors (4:3—4).
The followers of Christ under those circumstances had to draw their strength from Jesus, the holy one. They must proclaim that holiness by the word "Lord," the most important title for Jesus. It was the word used for Yahweh in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Paul wants all to confess, "Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:11). On Christmas Eve the angel said, "Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Today Peter gives this sage advice for dealing with non- believers: "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope" (1 Peter 3:15). The hope of Peter's audience was based on complete trust in God. Their explanations were to be given in a kindly, patient way accompanied by a virtuous life.
The justice of Jesus, his will to save everyone, led him to die for all, "the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous" (1 Peter 3:18). The justice of the followers of Jesus is essentially their will to be saved by living in harmony with the will of Christ, loving God and neighbor. Peter has in mind that Jesus fulfills the role of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. He was righteous, "[gave] his life as an offering for sin" (Isaiah 53:10), and brought salvation to all.
"Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus died in his human nature, but was restored to a glorious existence by the Resurrection. Every believer shares this experience of Christ at baptism. "We were indeed buried with [Christ] through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
The Spirit breathes upon our days giving life to our dreams and vitality to our faith. That Spirit enables us to stand in the midst of the swirling currents keeping truth in tension and Pentecost unending.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Sixth Sunday of Easter commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 4/27/08
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