Church Bulletin Week of May 11, 2008

Pentecost Sunday

Welcome to Immaculate Conception Parish
The faith community of Immaculate Conception welcomes all visitors, parishioners, family and friends. We hope you find your visit warm and inviting as well as spiritually nourishing. We will keep all of you in our prayers and wish you God's Blessings.
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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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Offertory Gifts: When the Mass intention is for your loved one or a friend, and you would like to bring up the gifts of bread and wine, please advise one of the ushers before Mass.

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The Beautiful Flowers this Weekend are In Loving Memory of Philomenia Maugeri requested by Pat & Rob Rago and Ron & Brenda Maugeri.

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SEND OUT YOUR SPIRIT
Last week we heard that, following the Ascension, the disciples, Mary, and other followers of the Lord retreated to the upper room in prayer. This week we hear that, while praying in that room, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Jesus' post-Resurrection promise, recounted in today's Gospel, is fulfilled: the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus' followers. Saint Paul tells us that all of us, in some way, are given gifts of the Holy Spirit, gifts that can be used to spread the Good News. Today is one of the Church's greatest festivals. Let us carry the refrain of the responsorial psalm with us throughout the coming week: "Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!" (Psalm 104:30) (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading -- Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles begin to speak in tongues (Acts 2:1-11).
Psalm -- Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (Psalm 104).
Second Reading -- In one Spirit we are baptized into one body and given to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13).
Gospel -- Jesus Christ appears to the disciples and sends them on their mission with the power to forgive or retain sins through the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23).

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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for May
General: That Christians may use literature, art and the media to greater advantage to favor a culture which defends and promotes the values of the human person.
Mission: That just as she accompanied the Apostles in the early stages of the Church, may the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of Evangelization and Queen of Apostles, continue to guide missionaries throughout the world with maternal affection.

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Donations:
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: $5,160.00
Ascension Collection: $776.00

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Baptisms:
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Alyxx Renee Mangine, Daughter of Donna and Michael
And Caden James Koger, Son of Shannon and Michael
May the Lord bless you, guide you and keep you in His loving care.
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Wedding: 
Our Parish Community joyfully celebrates with the family and friends of Gina Vogt and Anthony Dessino, United in Marriage this weekend. May your marriage be blessed with a spirit of love, respect, kindness, patience and forgiveness all the days of your lives.
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Pentecost
On Pentecost, we celebrate the full realization of Christ's work in the coming of the Holy Spirit who confers upon the Christian community strength and courage to live and proclaim the Gospel. Pentecost represents God's gracious, enabling presence actively at work among His people, calling and enabling them to live out in dynamic ways the witness of being His people. The sanctuary color for Pentecost Sunday is red, the color of the church. The red symbolizes both the fire of Pentecost as well as the apostles and early followers of Jesus who were gathered in the Upper Room for the empowerment from God to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now your Spirit over the earth. Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all nations, that they may be preserved from degeneration, disaster and war. May the Lady of All Nations, the Blessed Virgin Mary, be our Advocate. Amen.”

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A Catholic Education at Immaculate Conception Regional School
+Programs for all 4 & 5 Year Olds
+Full and Part Time Preschool
+Full Day Kindergarten
+Education in a safe, caring and spiritual setting.
+Extended Care available for working parents
+Most competitive rates in Sussex County
Call 973-827-3777 or visit www.ICRSCHOOL.com

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A Mother's Day Prayer
Today we pray for mothers-- our own mothers, and mothers everywhere, who have made such a major contribution to the good qualities we have... Strengthen them, soothe them, Wrap them in Your infinite love And shower them with blessings
Too numerous to count, too magnificent to describe. We love them, admire them, respect them, And we wish that You would give them back Many times the good they gave to us. In Jesus' name we pray; Amen.

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Franklin Senior Activity Center
Are you tired of the same routine?
Need a change of pace?
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS
Join The Lunch Bunch Senior (60+) Activity Center in Franklin for a hot lunch and fun activity. Transportation can be arranged by the Sussex Country Transit System. at 973-579-0480, M-F. Reservations should be made a day ahead by 11am; call 973-827-2973. Suggested donation of $2 for lunch and the daily activity. Call ahead for information on the menu and activities.

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Remembering Our Blessed Mother on Mother's Day
"The mood of springtime informs the church's interior; nature's blossoming, the warm air of May evenings, human gladness in a world that is renewing itself -- all these things enter in. Veneration of Mary has its place in this very particular atmosphere, for she, the Virgin, shows us faith under its youthful aspect, as God's new beginning in a world that has grown old. In her we see the Christian life set forth as a youthfulness of the heart, as beauty and a waiting readiness for what is to come." ~Cardinal Ratzinger

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May Crowning after 12:00 Mass
May Crowning became popular in the United States, prior to Vatican II and continues in many parishes today. A statue of Mary is honored with a wreath of blossoms to indicate Mary's virtues, virtues that were to be imitated by the faithful.
Join us after the 12:00 Mass in the front of the church.

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Diocese of Paterson to Honor Mary at May Crowning
On Friday, May 23 at 7:30, our Diocese will honor the Mother of God. All are invited to our annual May Crowning at Saint Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany. All are most welcome. A bus will be leaving the ICC Parking Lot at 6pm.

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On Pentecost, we celebrate the full realization of Christ's work in the coming of the Holy Spirit who confers upon the Christian community strength and courage to live and proclaim the Gospel. Pentecost represents God's gracious, enabling presence actively at work among His people, calling and enabling them to live out in dynamic ways the witness of being His people. The sanctuary color for Pentecost Sunday is red, the color of the church. The red symbolizes both the fire of Pentecost as well as the apostles and early followers of Jesus who were gathered in the Upper Room for the empowerment from God to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now your Spirit over the earth.
Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all nations,
that they may be preserved from degeneration, disaster and war. May the Lady of All Nations, the Blessed Virgin Mary, be our Advocate. Amen.

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Healing Mass All those in Need of Healing are Invited
On May 18th we will be celebrating a Mass of Healing at our twelve o'clock service. All those who are part of our Homebound Ministry, in Nursing Homes, and in need of Healing are invited to attend. A light luncheon will follow in the Lyceum. RSVP is requested.
Q: Is there special oil used for anointing?
R: The oil of the sick is used for the sacrament in the Catholic Church. Traditionally this oil is olive oil. The Bishop blesses fresh oil each year at a special Chrism Mass.
Q: How is the anointing with oil administered?
R: The priest anoints the forehead and the palms of the sick, while praying that God will save and raise them up. The priest says a special prayer for physical and spiritual healing.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry
For anyone requesting a Prayer Shawl, they will be distributed after the Healing Mass on May 18th.
Prayer Shawl Request Cards can be found by the Baptismal Font and left in the basket on the table.

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ATTENTION: All 8th and 9th Grade Confirmation Students:
The Healing Mass is a required project for the current year. Please check your notebooks for your assignment; a reminder will be sent in the mail. Attendance will be taken.

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Need A Ride? Call-Sussex County Assisted Transportation
Sussex County Assisted Transportation is a nonprofit service, funded through a grant from the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, the United Way of Sussex County and the Diocese of Paterson. Escort services for older adults (60+) are available for medical appointments and food shopping. Shopping for those who are homebound is also available. Appointments can be made in advance…for information, Call 973-209-0123.

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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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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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Save the Dates!
Good News International Summer Celebrations
June 22,23, and 24th ...The 12th Annual Catholic Tent Revival in Howell, NJ. This year's theme is Forgiveness and Healing. Join us for 3 days of unforgettable grace and blessing.
July 25-29th... The School of Evangelization will be held at Georgian Court University in Lakewood. Additional information can be found at www.goodnewsinternational.net

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CAR WASH
Sponsored by ICRS National Jr. Honor Society
To Benefit St. Jude's Building Expansion Fund.
Saturday, May 17th & June 7th in St. Jude's Parking Lot 
Thank you to all who supported us at the first Car Wash, held April 12th, we raised $275 so far!

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Retreats:
Bethany Spirituality Center, Highland Mills, NY
+Justice Through the Window of God's World 6/5-8
+Love: In the Word, In the World 6/18-14
+Twelve Steps to Inner Freedom 6/16-22
+Day of Recollection “Healing Service” 6/27-29
845-460-3061 or visit www.bethanyspiritualitycenter.org

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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends:
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:
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, Shannon Barr 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 5/10-11 & 5/17-18
Sat. 5:00pm CLynch, NCarafello
Sun 7:30 MKHubbard, SMorano
9:00 CMcDonald, JFriend
10:30 RHolowienka, MHocking
12:00 AAllen, JDragon
Sat. 5:00pm NMoscalow, JMcKeever
Sun 7:30 JOroho, MKHubbard
9:00
10:30 (Contact Mrs. Morano)
12:00

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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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SPIRIT FOR THE COMMON GOOD
We humans always seem to want to be something other than what we are, either because we don't recognize our own unique contribution to life, or another's gift holds more glitter. Still, life needs each of us for what we offer, whether or not we recognize the gifts we have.

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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's first reading gives a moving account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on what is known as the birthday of the Church. The effect of Pentecost could be seen very soon in the conduct of the apostles. No longer locking themselves in a room "for fear of the Jews" (John 20:19), they soon were boldly confronting the Sanhedrin. "It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
Paul in the second reading deals with the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian community that was established about AD 51. There were problems among the Corinthians because of "spiritual gifts." These spiritual gifts could be impressive: prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, and interpretation of tongues.
Paul wants all the Christians to avoid both pride in their own gifts, their charisms, and disdain for those of others. A key aspect of charisms is that they are for the common good, for the service of the community, not for the individual's benefit
The author uses the terms "the spirit of God" and "the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3). "Spirit of God" teaches that the Spirit comes from God and "Holy Spirit" recognizes the Spirit's role of making persons holy, as happens at baptism. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body" (12:13). Another important point is that "no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit" (12:3). Faith that "Jesus is Lord" is essential for all Christians.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each follower of Christ begins at baptism. This role of the Spirit makes it possible for all followers of Jesus, "whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons" (12:13), to form the one body of Christ.
The role of the Holy Spirit is expressed very well in the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer. Jesus "sent the Holy Spirit from you, Father, as his first gift to those who believe, to complete his work on earth and bring us the fullness of grace.
"Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for Pentecost Sunday commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 5/11/08

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Giving Thanks When You Shop
Please be sure to thank the generous advertisers in our bulletin. Through their participation, our parish receives our weekly bulletin free of charge. Please cut out the thank you and present it the next time you patronize one of our fine advertisers.


While you are visiting the Immaculate Conception web site, be sure to sign in our guest book!!

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