REVISITING OUR BAPTISM
A mere seven weeks ago thousands of new Church members were baptized. Their new life in Christ has once again infused new life into the Church. Their new-found faith has inspired and bolstered the faith of those who have followed Christ for many years. As the Easter season nears its end, we revisit the scene of our baptisms. In the second reading we hear Christ calling us: “Come. ¼ Let ¼ the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water” (Revelation 22:17).
But our baptism is not one of water only. John refers to washed robes, and we know that this washing is to be “in the blood of the Lamb.” To make sure we get this message, we have today's first reading from Acts. It is the story of Stephen, the first Christian to be killed for his faith in Jesus. We remember the promise and also the cost of being a disciple of Christ.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Monday: St. Christopher Magallanes and his companions
Tuesday: St. Rita of Cascia;
Shavuot (Jewish observance)
Friday: St. Bede the Venerable; St. Gregory VII;
St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi
Saturday: St. Philip Neri; Vigil of Pentecost
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Acts 19:1-8; Jn 16:29-33
Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27; Jn 17:1-11a
Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38; Jn 17:11b-19
Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26
Friday: Acts 25:13b-21; Jn 21:15-19
Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Jn 21:20-25
Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or
Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104;
Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39
Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3b-7,
12-13 or Rom 8:8-17; Jn 20:19-23 or
Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26
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“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
— Revelation 22:13
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — Stephen looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-60).
Psalm — The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth (Psalm 97).
Second Reading — I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20).
Gospel — Jesus prays that the love of the Father may be in those who believe (John 17:20-26).
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Dear Parishioners,
Last Friday I received a phone call from Bishop Serratelli asking me to go to St. Mary's in Denville. Msgr. James Murray, the pastor of St Mary's is retiring in June and Bishop wants me to be the next pastor there.
Since that time, I've had mixed emotion and anxiety. It is not easy to leave a people and parish that you love after 12 years. I have seen the parish grow tremendously in spirituality and in members. I have celebrated with you in good times and sad times, from baptisms, weddings, graduations, communions and with you in the loss and burials of your loved ones. For me it has been a wonderful experience. It is very difficult to say no to your Bishop. I have worked with him over the last years as Vicar of Evangelization and he is truly a good Bishop, we are blessed to have him, and so, I said yes. My new assignment will be effective in June.
As a result, the Diocesan Office of Personnel has offered to come to the parish on Monday evening, May 21st at 7:30 p.m. to conduct a meeting with you, parishioners of Immaculate Conception, to obtain your input regarding the future pastoral leadership for the parish. They will then send a profile of the parish to all the priests of the Diocese and interview those who are interested in serving as pastor. Recommendations will be made to the Bishop and he will appoint your new pastor.
To express my gratitude to you, I invite you to a special celebration on Sunday, June 3rd at the 12:00 noon Mass and a reception with plenty of food immediately following in the Lyceum.
God's Blessings always,
Fr. Martin
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“Our Future
Monsignor Raymond Lopatesky, Director Ministry to Retired Priests and a member of the Clergy Personnel Board, will be here to meet with the parishioners on Monday, May 21, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of his visit is to obtain your input and respond to your concerns with regard to furture pastoral leadership for the parish.
This meeting is not a political forum; therefore, it would be inappropriate to make nominations or offer petitions for a new pastor.
If you would like to communicate with Monsignor Lopatesky or Monsignor Hundt, Director of Clergy Personnel, privately on the matter, you can write to them directly, c/o The Clergy Personnel Office, 737 Valley Road, Clifton, N.J. 07013.
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“~ Sunday Social ~
Join us for the Sunday Social next week 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!
Please note that there will be NO Sunday Social TODAY, May 20th.
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“The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary are a Birthday Remembrance
in loving memory of
Frank Rossi, Jr.
as requested by the
Rossi and Scriffiano Families
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“Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense and is not resentful.
Our parish community congratulates ...
Oscar Molina and Deanna Mackey
as they celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony
May God bless you with a lifetime of happiness and love.
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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: $5,117.00
Second Collection for the Holy Father: $1,610.00
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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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A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace. – Mother Theresa
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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.
Immaculate Conception Singles Ministry will hold a POT LUCK SUPPER on Friday, June 1st at 7:00 PM at the home of Linda Massey, 40 Sterling Street, Franklin, NJ. Please join us for fun, conversation and an evening of relaxation.
Suggestions to bring: Pasta Salad, Casserole, Nacho Dip/Chips, Cheese & Crackers, Veggie Platter & Dips, Salad, Bread, Beverages, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken/Fish/Beef Dish, Fruit Platter.
R.S.V.P to Linda by May 25th at 973-209-2412.
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“Immaculate Conception Regional School
Come ... visit us!
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.
Call the office at 973-827-3777 for more information.
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Let us pray for people of all faiths, that they may unite to return this nation to greater respect for the life of the unborn.
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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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“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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“TENTH ANNUAL SUMMER INSTITUTE
at the COLLEGE OF SAINT ELIZABETH
July 8-19, 2007
July 9th - Opening Event with Dr. Phyllis Zagano
Week 1 Classes July 9-12 featuring Patricia Ann Garrido, D. Min., Dr. Joseph Martos, Dr. Lucinda Nolan
Week 2 Classes July 16-19 featuring Dr. William Cavanaugh, Dr. Doris Donnelly, Rev. Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
July 14th Spirituality Festival with Carol Dempsey, OP, PH.D and Dr. Paul Lakeland
For more information call the Center for Theological Development at 973-290-4300 or visit our website at www.cse.edu/center.
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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.
If you are feeling a lack of fulfillment in your life, a lack of deeper meaning you are needing...consider volunteering. The church and other worthy organizations could use your help. Someone else might deeply need and appreciate whatever time and energy you could spare and it might be just what your soul was needing.
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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, N.J. 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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The First Presbyterian Church of Sparta presents...
Shooting Stars - Prison Tour Fundraiser.
Veteran Singer/Songwriter Tony Loeffler will be performing an evening of Praise and Worship with special guests “GLORIA” led by Raun Baretto. The date of the event is TODAY, May 20th at 6:30 PM, 32 Main Street, Sparta, NJ .
Come, bring a friend! This will be an exciting evening with great Praise and Worship, Testimonies and Video.
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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
The sacramental vocation of family life is revealed today when Jesus prayed “may they be one...so that the world believes.” A family's effort to forgive, accept and love one another, not only leads to family unity but also gives a glimpse of God's accepting and forgiving love so that others might believe..
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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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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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Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns.
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A HUNGER TO BE ONE WITH GOD
The Bible is a book about us. It's a book about God, too. It's about both—us and God and how the two happen to one another. So when John's Gospel says that Jesus and the Father are one, then that's what our lives are all about as well, precisely because that's what God is all about.
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“INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel from John is the remarkable conclusion of Jesus' Last Supper Discourse (chapters 14-17). It is especially meaningful for today's Christians since Jesus says, "I pray not only for them [the disciples at table], but also for those who will believe in me through their word" (John 17:20). What Jesus asks of the Father in prayer is "that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you" (17:21). Jesus' prayer indicates clearly that this unity will come from God, but with the cooperation of the free will of his followers.
Unfortunately, the situation of Christianity today indicates that the followers of Jesus have not achieved unity. Jesus had prayed that unity would bring his disciples to perfection in order that "the world may know that you sent me" (17:23). In his mind, unity would lead to effective proclamation of the gospel to the world. Jesus prayed to the Father for his followers, "that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them" (17:26). This indwelling love of the Father and the Son will support his followers in their efforts for unity in order to proclaim the gospel to the world.
Jesus also wants all his disciples to share in his glory in heaven. As the Son of God it was his will "that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world" (17:24). This sharing in the glory of Christ at his Second Coming (final eschatology) begins for the Christian already in this world (realized eschatology).
Jesus also notes that his work of making known the Father will continue through his death, resurrection, and ascension and through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. "[W]hen he [the Advocate] comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth" (16:13).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
The urge toward unity is there even when it's at the cost of great suffering, for it seldom happens without some dying. It's the way of love, and those who have ever made the journey know it to be so.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Seventh Sunday of Easter
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 5/20/07