THE SHEPHERD'S FLOCK
In Christian art, the earliest depictions of Jesus Christ were not of his crucifixion or of his resurrection. The first known renderings of Jesus show him as the Good Shepherd, the image put before us in today's readings. In the Gospel passage Jesus reveals that he is the shepherd and his followers are his “flock.”
In the first and second readings, we are told more about the flock. The passage from Acts assures us that both Jews and Gentiles are called to follow Jesus. It is faith, not birthright, that makes us part of the company of believers. In the passage from the book of Revelation we learn that the flock that follows this Lamb of God will also be washed in his blood. They will endure a time of trial before they enjoy eternal life. Be assured of the promise, we are told, but know there is a price to be paid.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Fourth Sunday of Easter;
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Monday:St. Pius V
Tuesday:St. Joseph the Worker
Wednesday:St. Athanasius
Thursday:Ss. Philip and James;
National Day of Prayer
Friday:First Friday
Saturday:First Saturday; Cinco de Mayo
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:1-10
Tuesday:Acts 11:19-26; Jn 10:22-30 or (for the
memorial) Gn 1:26 — 2:3 or Col 3:14-15,
17, 23-24; Mt 13:54-58
Wednesday:Acts 12:24 — 13:5a; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday:1 Cor 15:1-8; Jn 14:6-14
Friday:Acts 13:26-33; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday:Acts 13:44-52; Jn 14:7-14
Sunday:Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145; Rv 21:1-5a;
Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
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“I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 13:47b
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region (Acts 13:14, 43-52).
Psalm — We are his people, the sheep of his flock (Psalm 100).
Second Reading — I had a vision of a great multitude, from every nation, race, people, and tongue (Revelation 7:9, 14b-17).
Gospel — My sheep hear my voice; I know them and give them eternal life (John 10:27-30).
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Healing Mass
On May 20, 2007 we will be celebrating a Mass of Healing at our 12:00 service. Please join us in our celebration of Healing and Anointing of the Sick.
Please send n any special intentions for healing. These intentions will be placed upon the altar during the Mass. As we pray with those present and for their intentions, we will also pray for you and your intentions.
Q. What is the Anointing of the Sick?
A.This is a common question. It is a sacrament administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. The name by which the sacrament is called has changed over time. It was once called Extreme Unction, which means, “the last anointing”, and has been referred to as part of “last rites.” A person need not be dying to receive this sacrament.
Q.Who can attend this Mass?
A. A communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick can be celebrated any time. All who are sick, elderly or who have physical or emotional problems are invited to come to be anointed. The celebration will include scripture readings, a homily and songs, followed by fellowship. People are encouraged and comforted by such a celebration. As people have more positive experiences, their ideas about the Anointing of the Sick may change and be seen in a more positive light. They can then see this sacrament as a source of strength, courage and love.
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Catholic Charities', Adoption Agency is currently accepting applications for its Adoption and Foster Care Programs. Any interested married couples in our Diocese can contact the adoption office at 973-523-9595 ext 20 or 27 or via email at
www.adoptcfcs@optonline.net.
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Family Life Office - Diocese of Paterson
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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May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead you to everlasting life.
Our community at Immaculate Conception Church rejoices with you and gives praise and thanks to God for this new gift of life.
God bless...
Jacob Thomas Dressner
son of Phillip & Traci
Alexa Reagan Carroll
daughter of David & Kimberly
Congratulations to you all and may God continue to bless and guide you and keep you in His loving care!
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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: $5,958.00
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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.
“A sudden deep loss can make it feel hard to even breathe. Be gentle with yourself, ask for help and let others help, put one foot in front of the other and with God's love and strength you can make it through. Believe it. There are many walking around us who are proof it can be done...one moment at a time.
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Thomasina Golf Tournament
Mark Your calendar for Wednesday, May 16, 2007.
We promise you an exciting day of golf and dinner at the Rolling Greens Golf Club. If you are unable to golf, you are more than welcome to join us for our BBQ Steak Dinner @ 3 PM and the opportunity to win fabulous Door Prizes and our 50/50 Raffle.
Call 973-827-4702 for more information or visit www.partnershpforsocialservices.org.
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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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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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Morris Catholic's High school Performing Arts Department presents: “West Side Story” on May 3, 4, and 5 at 8 PM in the school's auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Call 973-627-6674 ext. 350 to reserve seats. The show will be presented in a semi-round with a cast of 39 students in full-out dance numbers. The orchestra features 20 students and professional musicians, MAMBO!
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Weekend Retreat for Separated or Divorced
A Weekend Retreat for Separated or Divorced will be given on May 18, 19, 20, 2007 in Newton by a Franciscan Retreat Team. For more information call Fr. Tom Kelly, OFM 973-985-9736 or Deacon Milt 973-271-5097.
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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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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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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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Choose Life...
Some contend that the pro-life issue is less important than the war issue. Fr. Frank Pavone, director of Priests for life, comments:” how many innocent lives, and how many children, have been deliberately targeted for destruction in the current war? By comparison, every abortion deliberately targets and destroys a child, otherwise it wouldn't be an abortion... Catholic teaching allows more than one position on war, but it does not allow more than one position on abortion.”
Let us pray, for those burdened by sickness and impending death that they may realize that they are in God's hands.
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The Lord does us the honor of placing his confidence in us and calling us to the ministry, showing us his mercy. This call is not reserved for a few, it is for everyone, each in his own state of life. –Pope John Paul II
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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
The expression of Jesus in today's gospel could be said by any parent; My children “hear my voice. I know them and they follow me.” The big question is: If they follow, where are you leading them????
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Our parish community joyfully celebrates the birthday of
Mary Wronka
Happy 80th Birthday!
May God bless you many, many more years making wonderful memories
surrounded by those you love!
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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 they make great gifts!
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Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.
-Mother Teresa
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A WALK THROUGH THE MAZE
To be led is to follow. To follow is to allow another to decide the path. To walk the path chosen by another is to be brought to a new place. And we may not even know it until the end of the path.
INSIDE THE READINGS
In the Easter season the Church draws from the Acts of the Apostles, rather than the Old Testament, for the first reading on Sunday. These readings show the immediate effects of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, namely the establishment and spread of his church. Before returning to the Father, Jesus tells the apostles, "[Y]ou will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, chose the work of Paul to illustrate the fulfillment of that key promise made by Jesus. What happens at Antioch in Asia Minor sets the pattern for most of Paul's ministry. It is God's will that he first present the word to the Jewish community (Acts 13:46). Paul meets with initial acceptance, but later rejection. He then announces that he will turn to the Gentiles, quoting a text about the Suffering Servant: "I have made you a light to the Gentiles, / that you may be an instrument of salvation / to the ends of the earth" (13:47; see Isaiah 49:6). Paul sees this text as representing the Lord's command to him and enabling him to share in the work of Jesus himself, also a "light. . . to the Gentiles" (Acts 26:23).
Some Gentiles at that time were partial converts to Judaism (Acts 13:43), referred to as "God fearing." Beginning with Cornelius (10:2), many of these converts to Judaism were open to accepting Christianity.
Paul and Barnabas are expelled from the city, but have established a community of believers, "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52). Interestingly, Luke makes joy a principal theme at the birth of Jesus and also at the birth of the church in the Acts of the Apostles. The presence of joy and the Holy Spirit created a solid Christian community while "the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region" (Acts 13:49).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
At some point believers look at their lives through the lens of faith and recognize some greater wisdom, some nurturing presence, intertwined with their own, that has led them to a new place of grace. It is a grace to acknowledge God's presence in this way.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J.S. Paluch Co., Inc.4/29/07