THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The church wakes up to an amazing message this morning. Look around and see who has been called. Listen to the voices of those who proclaim Jesus is Lord. You'll find no race of people left out; you'll find no language on earth unfit to proclaim the glory of God. We call Pentecost Sunday the “birthday of the church.” In many ways, the church is still being born. Only when we all know the peace Jesus offered in today's Gospel will we really know the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul assures us in today's second reading that “all of us have been given to drink of the one
Spirit.” When we look around us in the church we should see everyone. But we don't. Not yet. What is holding us back from fully embracing the one Body of Christ? When will we see our differences as manifestations of the same Holy Spirit?
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Pentecost Sunday;
World Communications Sunday
Monday: Eighth Week in Ordinary Time;
Memorial Day
Thursday: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday: St. Justin; First Friday
Saturday: Ss. Marcellinus and Peter;
Blessed Virgin Mary; First Saturday
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Sir 17:20-24; Mk 10:17-27
Tuesday: Sir 35:1-12; Mk 10:28-31
Wednesday: Sir 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17; Mk 10:32-45
Thursday: Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16; Lk 1:39-56
Friday: Sir 44:1, 9-13; Mk 11:11-26
Saturday: Sir 51:12cd-20; Mk 11:27-33
Sunday: Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15
In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.
— 1 Corinthians 12:13a
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) or Romans 8:8-17.
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) or John 14:15-16, 23b-26.
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Thank You...
Thank you so very much for the wonderful turnout at the Parish Meeting last Monday evening with Msgr. Lopatesky and your input with regard to the future pastoral leadership for the parish.
Thank you for all the great compliments you gave for what has been done over the last 12 years and your suggestions and concern for the future of the parish and the regional school.
Again, I invite you to a special celebration on Sunday, June 3rd at the 12:00 noon Mass with a reception in the Lyceum next door afterwards.
Many thanks, Fr. Martin
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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...
Patrick David Kane
son of of Patrick & Shelly
Preston Steven Molnar
son of Andre & Monica
Jayden Scott Gunderman
son of Scott & Jessica
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.
Ascension Thursday: $587.00
Last Sunday's Collection: $5,186.00
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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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Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. Mother Teresa
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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.
Why is it so difficult for us to let others express their emotions when they have experienced a loss? Loss is a part of life. The need to express our emotions is natural and healthy and a part of being human. Being able to feel pain, sadness, and anger means we are alive.
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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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~ Sunday Social ~
Join us for the Sunday Social each 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!
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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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The next Prayer Shawl Meeting will be held on June 18th at 7:30 PM in the Ministry House. Faithfully, those who are involved in this ministry knit into the mystery of God's loving presence. Our knitters (and crocheters) have created many shawls, throws or scarves to be given to those who are suffering a loss or celebrating joy, to friends and to family members near or far away.
Please join us in this loving Ministry. We share prayers and stories that affirm the power of God's presence. Some of us knit quickly and others at a leisurely pace. Some of our members are experienced knitters, others are beginners. All are open to God's loving presence working through them. If you are unable to attend the meetings but would like to create a shawl you may still be part of this ministry.
If you would like to donate yarn or needles that you no longer use, please call Isabel or Janice at 973-827-9575.
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Hibernian Charitable Events, Inc.
is proud to sponsor the 3rd Annual AOH Golf Outing to benefit Project Self-Sufficiency ,on June 12, 2007 at the Ballyowen Golf Club, Hardyston, NJ.
There is a 9 AM Shotgun Start. The cost is $185 per participant or $700 per foursome. The cost includes golf, deluxe BBQ buffet of hot dogs, hamburgers, garden salad, macaroni & potato salad, pies, complimentary two hour beer, wine and soda.
For information on sponsorship, donations and participation, please call 973-823-0980 or 973-810-3837.
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Please Note: Concert time is 5 PM
Sunday Afternoon, June 3, 2007 AT 5 PM at:
St. Francis De Sales Church
Route 517, Vernon, NJ
The Artists:
Leslie Newman, Flute, David Niwa, Violin, Ah Ling Neu,
Viola, Wolfram Koessel, Cello, Gail Niwa, Piano
Program:
Mozart Quartet for flute and strings K. 285
Prokofiev Sonata for flute and piano Opus 94
Smetana Piano Trio in g minor Opus 15
Post-Concert Bonus!
Present your ticket stub to receive a free desert with the purchase of an entree on 6/3/07 at the Crystal Tavern, Crystal Springs CC, Route 94, Hardyston. Reservations strongly recommended, call 973.827.1587.
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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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Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may inspire in each of us the courage to defend the right to life in whatever situation we find ourselves.
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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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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 $1,618.00 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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Kinship Navigator Program
New Jersey's Kinship Navigator Program is a program to help relatives who take on the responsibility of caring for their relatives' children. These children might be the caregiver's siblings, nieces, nephews or, most often, grandchildren. Taking on the challenge of raising a relatives' child is a big one and New Jersey recognizes that the special “kinship caregivers” need help to find the resources they need. A variety of support services and financial aid is available. Kinship caregivers may be eligible for monthly payments through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the children they are caring for may be eligible for Medicaid health insurance.
The Navigator Program can help the caregivers “navigate” their way through the government systems to locate local support and help they need like child care, child support information, housing assistance, educational information and legal services just to name a few. Call toll free: 1-877-816-3211 for information.
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Wanted - Part-time cleaning lady one or two times per month for about 3 hours. Needed for disabled parishioner with severe allergies. Private home in Franklin. Salary to be discussed. Please call 973-209-2660- ask for Diana.
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There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible - Mother Teresa

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, Sue Martin.
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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
Jesus' saying in today's gospel, “While I am with you,” reminds us this life is temporary. On Memorial Day we recall the deceased family members who gifted us with life and faith. Pass on this life and faith to your family and on future Memorial Days you will be remembered with the same joy and thanksgiving.
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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 Aquin 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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Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.
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DISCERNING THE SPIRIT'S WILL
Wherever we wander; wherever we lay our heart, it's a struggle to be true to where the Spirit of God calls us, only usually we don't call it the Spirit of God. We say it's what we want to do with our lives, or our heart's desire, or our passion.
INSIDE THE READINGS
Pentecost was a major Jewish pilgrimage feast, recalling God's giving the Law to Moses. Awesome signs accompanied the appearance of Yahweh to Moses to establish the covenant. "Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke, for the LORD came down upon it in fire" (Exodus 19:18). Similar signs appeared in the upper room on the Pentecost that we Christians celebrate. "[S]uddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them" (Acts 2:2-3).
Pentecost Sunday marks the birth of the church, the beginning of the New Covenant. As the Spirit came to these followers of Jesus, they were being commissioned to go out and proclaim the gospel. Their gift of tongues reversed the Tower of Babel scene (Genesis 11:1-9). There the one language was divided into many; on Pentecost the many languages represented were united into one by the intervention of God.
Saint Paul describes to the Romans today the effects of the Holy Spirit in the church. He assures them of final glorification with Jesus. "If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you" (Romans 8:11). To Saint Paul the only concern with eternal significance is whether one has the Spirit or not. The Apostle of the Gentiles assures the Romans, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are [children] of God" (8:14).
Pentecost Sunday is extremely important for all Christians. The Holy Spirit gives life to the church and to all Christ's followers. The Period of Jesus becomes the Period of the Church, the final period in salvation history with the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit.
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
As you and I go through life, we need to find out where the Spirit wants us to be. Often enough, however, it's not the same as where we would like to be, or sometimes even think we should be. It may be that at such times we're wrestling with the very Spirit of God.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORDfor Pentecost Sunday commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,© 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 5/27/07