THE GIFT OF PEACE
We are offered another vision in today's second reading, a vision of the New Jerusalem, “coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:10). Read between the lines describing the radiant city, and we find that the greatest beauty revealed is the beauty of perfect symmetry and order, a city founded on the faith of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles, lit only by the glory of God.
The first reading and the Gospel are linked to this idealized description of the New Jerusalem. In both we read of distress and disturbance countered by the gift of peace. “[M]y peace I give to you,” Jesus assures his disciples at the Last Supper (John 14:27). In keeping with that gift, the apostles and elders, in the reading from Acts, decide not to disturb the peace of new Gentile believers. The undue burden of circumcision will not be imposed on them. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Sixth Sunday of Easter; Mother's Day
Monday:St. Matthias
Tuesday:St. Isidore
Thursday:The Ascension of the Lord
(unless transferred to Sunday)
Friday:St. John I
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Jn 15:9-17
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 or Heb
9:24-28; 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53 (for
Ascension); otherwise Acts 18:1-8;
Jn 16:16-20
Friday:Acts 18:9-18; Jn 16:20-23
Saturday:Acts 18:23-28; Jn 16:23b-28
Sunday:Acts 7:55-60; Ps 97; Rv 22:12-14, 16-17,
20; Jn 17:20-26; or, for Ascension,
Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17- 23 or
Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20
May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! — Psalm 67:6
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29).
Psalm — O God, let all the nations praise you! (Psalm 67)
Second Reading — The glory of God gave the city light, and its lamp was the Lamb (Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23).
Gospel — Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you (John 14:23-29).
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This Thursday, May 17th is the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.
It is a Holyday of Obligation and Masses will be celebrated on Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM, Thursday at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
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The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are in loving memory of:
Philomena Maugeri
as requested by Pat & Rob Rago and Ron & Brenda Maugeri
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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...
Sarah Rose Wynn
daughter of James and Helen Wynn
Congratulations and may our Lord continue to bless you,
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: $5,935.00
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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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“Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of peace of the world.”
-- Mother Teresa
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Healing Mass
On Sunday, May 20th at our 12:00 Mass we will be celebrating a Mass of Healing. All those in our Homebound Ministry, in Nursing Homes and in need of Healing are invited. Please join us as we come before our Lord asking his care for whatever may be our affliction in body, mind or spirit.
The Catechism of the catholic Church says,”The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the Passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace and courage to endure in a Christian manner the suffering of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life.”(CCC 1532)
Please send in 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.
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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 June 6th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
It is common to have regrets after a loved one dies...things we wish we had said or done or maybe not said or done. Do not put off telling the ones in your life that you love them, and forgive past disagreements.
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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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A Mother's Day Prayer
Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church.
Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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~ Sunday Social ~
Join us for the Sunday Social following the 10:30 a.m. Mass each week. Come, relax and enjoy time with fellow parishioners, while sampling the wonderful delights prepared by our “crew” of talented and devoted volunteers!
Please note that there will be NO Sunday Social today - ~Mother's Day~
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Senior Girl Scout Troop 752 is hosting a clothing/toys/bedding/drapes/stuffed animals/baby items DRIVE (to benefit the NJ based Valerie Fund), on Saturday, May 19th. Drop from 9 am - 2 pm at the Gazebo at the Municipal Building , Wheatsworth Road, Hamburg (in case of inclement weather - Littell Center on Munsonhurst Rd). Call Dale 973-462-0356 for more information. All items must be in black garbage bags.
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Our Lady of Fatima RC Church
Highland Lakes, N.J.
This October the Diocese will sponsor a Pilgrimage to Fatima Portugal to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Apparitions of Our Blessed Mother to the three shepherd children. It will take place October 9-15, 2007, leaving from Newark.
The cost is $1618.00 p/p. Call 973-764-4457 or visit www.olfatima-highlandlksnj.catholicweb.com for more information and for a link to the itinerary.
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Saint Thomas of Aquinas Parish
in Ogdensburg, NJ is having a trip to Italy from November 4-13, 2007, which includes Rome, Assisi, Florence, Padua & Venice. Brochures and additional information can be obtained by calling Ann Breslin at 201-261-8484. Reservation deadline is July 1, 2007.
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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 at 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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Choose Life...a new mother facing an unexpected pregnancy is often anxious and afraid. Those around her are called to be messengers of God's Word in action and deed. Then she will experience Jesus' promise:” Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you...Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14)
Let us pray, for all mothers who bear God's gift of new life, that they may inspire all of us to a greater respect for the unborn.
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BRAIN ATTACK!!
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKE
On May 18, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saint Clare's Hospital - Sr. Catherine's Health Center, 1st Floor- 400 West Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ will have on hand a number of accomplished medical experts to provide free cardiac and stroke screening for men and women.
The event will include:

• Blood Pressure
• Body Fat Analysis
• Height and Weight
• Non-fasting Cholesterol
• Vascular Assessment
• Diabetes Assessment and Education
• Glucose Assessment
• Counseling Services
• Heart Disease
• Stroke Education.
  

To register or for more information, call 1-866-782-5273.
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Immaculate Conception Regional School
Do you have a 3, 4, or 5 year old child?
Are you interested in a Catholic education for your child/children?
Immaculate Conception Regional School offers full and part-day Pre-K and full day Kindergarten, as well as before and after care.
Come and visit us!
Call the office at 973-827-3777 for more information.
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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, 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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Family Perspective
“I am going away and I will come back.” Goodbyes are some of the most painful family moments. After each family separation we are eventually reunited. These goodbyes prepare us for our death and resurrection and are the basis for our hope of future reunion.
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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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Camp Auxilium
Interested in a Summer Camping Experience?
Consider Camp Auxilium for girls (age 5-14) and for boys (age 5-10). For a brochure or more information, call 973-383-2621 or go to www.campauxilium.org.
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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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Attention Parishioners
Last Chance! Lifetouch photographers are here this weekend to take photos for our Parish Pictorial Directory. Stop by the Lyceum and inquire about the open time slots available to have your picture taken.
Alternative arrangements are available to those who were unable to make it to the allotted appointment dates. Contact Cynthia at the rectory 973-827-9575.
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REMEMBERING THE HOLY
We spend much time daydreaming when we are young. As we grow older daydreams give way to memories. Remembering, then, may be the most sacred thing we do, for our memories are the very story of how God has shaped us out of clay.

INSIDE THE READINGS
The Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John (14:1—17:26) is a farewell discourse. In today's Gospel, for example, Jesus says, "I am going away and I will come back to you" (14:28). Christ consoles his disciples at the thought of his departure with a number of significant promises.
To one who loves him, Jesus promises that the Father and he "will come to him and make our dwelling with him" (14:23). This dwelling begins in this life and reaches its perfection at the time of the parousia, the Second Coming of Jesus. Through the prophets Yahweh had made similar promises in the Old Testament. "Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD" (Zechariah 2:14). Christ also sounds the note of joy because he is leaving to return to his Father, having completed the work of salvation assigned to him by the Father (John 14:28).
Another important promise is the fact that the Father will send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, as their teacher. He will help them understand and put into practice the teachings of Jesus that they had received. This will be the ongoing role of the Holy Spirit for the church and for each Christian.
A third promise for Jesus' followers is peace. The biblical concept of peace involves far more than the absence of hostility. It is a positive term, denoting the fullness, the perfection of God's blessings. In the New Testament it promises all the messianic blessings, especially salvation to those who love Jesus and keep his commandments (John 14:23). This indwelling of Father and Son in the followers of Jesus is one of the fruits of peace.
In today's Gospel Jesus says that "the Father is greater than I" (14:28). Earlier in John's Gospel he said, "The Father and I are one" (10:30). Since the Father sent Jesus to carry out the divine purposes, the Father can be seen as greater than the one sent. The Incarnation and the relationship of Father and Son will be developed in great detail by later theology.

THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Dare to remember. It's where we begin to recognize the hand of God in our lives. It is the most radical thing we can do simply because it is of the Holy Spirit.

Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.5/13/07