JOHN THE BAPTIST
Since June 24 falls on a Sunday this year, the Church has the opportunity for a more intense celebration of the birth of John the Baptist, who is often described as the last of the Old Testament prophets and the bridge between Judaism and Christianity. More commonly, John is known as the “precursor” of our Lord Jesus Christ. All the Gospels report John's basic message: repent, the kingdom is near at hand, one greater than I is coming.
Though he was a wandering preacher who dressed in camel skins and ate grasshoppers, John's legacy is one of true royalty. His origins are similar to those foretold by God through the prophet Isaiah: “You are my servant, he said to me, Israel through whom I show my glory” (Isaiah 49:3). John's humility—“I am not he”—was surpassed only by that of his Lord Jesus, the humble servant who followed. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Monday: Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Wednesday: St. Cyril of Alexandria
Thursday: St. Irenaeus
Friday: Ss. Peter and Paul
Saturday: The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church; Blessed Virgin Mary
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Gn 12:1-9; Mt 7:1-5
Tuesday: Gn 13:2, 5-18; Mt 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday: Gn 15:1-12, 17-18; Mt 7:15-20
Thursday Gn 16:1-12, 15-16 [6b-12, 15-16]; Mt 7:21-29
Friday: Vigil: Acts 3:1-10; Gal 1:11-20; Jn 21:15- 19 Day: Acts 12:1-11; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18;
Mt 16:13-19
Saturday: Gn 18:1-15; Mt 8:5-17
Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Ps 16; Gal 5:1, 13- 18; Lk 9:51-62
“Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.”
— Acts 13:25
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — You are a light to the nations, that the salvation of God may reach to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:1-6).
Psalm — I praise you for I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139).
Second Reading — To us the word of salvation has been sent (Acts 13:22-26).
Gospel — John grew and became strong in spirit (Luke 1:57-66, 80).
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THE DIVINE THREAD
Our lives hang by a thread, one common thread to which all else is tethered, that holds it all together. Life unfolds more smoothly when we are able to recognize that thread and honor it.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
The birth of John the Baptist can truly be called a blessed event. It was a blessing for his mother, Elizabeth, because it removed the stigma of barrenness. It was a blessing for his father, Zechariah, because it led to healing of his muteness. But more importantly, it was a blessing for all of Israel, because John would prepare the way for Jesus, the "glory for your people Israel" (Luke 2:32). It was a blessing for all followers of Jesus since John also prepared the way for the "light for revelation to the Gentiles" (2:32).
This blessedness is clear from the name given Elizabeth's child in today's Gospel. The name John has the meaning "Yahweh has shown favor." As with the name Jesus, this name came to Zechariah through the intervention of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:13), indicating the importance of the name. Jesus himself gives testimony to the fact that John lived up to his name. Jesus refers to the Baptist as "a burning and shining lamp" (John 5:35) and also says, "I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John" (Luke 7:28).
Joy characterizes the birth of John as it also will the birth of Jesus. The angel promised Zechariah, "[Y]ou will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth" (Luke 1:14). These words find fulfillment: "Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her" (1:58). The angel of the Lord told the shepherds when Jesus was born, "I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (2:10).
The circumcision mentioned in today's Gospel (1:59) is important. Since the time of Abraham circumcision has been the sign of the covenant. Luke places great importance on this because he wants to show that both John and Jesus were part of the people of Israel. In Acts Luke will make clear that Christianity developed directly from Judaism.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
There is a wholeness to life, a common thread woven through all that we are about. For each of us, then, the task is to live out what God has set for us to be, something so much more than appearances would suggest. As it was for Isaiah and for John the Baptist and for Jesus, so is it for each of us as well.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Nativity of St. John the Baptist commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, 6/24/07
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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, 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 PERSEPECTIVE
The question in today's gospel, “What will this child be?” concerns all parents. We spend years trying to influence and shape the answer, hoping our children will be “strong in spirit”, like the Baptist, and also “blessing God” like Zachariah.
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Parish Cookbook
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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Achieving Sanctity
Our Lord has created persons for all states in life, and in all of them we see people who have achieved sanctity by fulfilling their obligations well. —— St. Anthony Mary Claret
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The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are in loving memory of
Helen Hyde requested by her loving husband, Raymond
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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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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: $ 5,070.00
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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.
Due to the Fourth of July holiday, the next meeting is on July 11th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
Do not lose hope. Grief can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. There are many people suffering deep loss and finding it difficult to get through each day. Find support from friends, family, church, support groups. If your faith has not been shaken from the experience you can and will be able to feel God's presence in each tear your cry, each painful memory you recall. You are not alone. He is with us even when we are not ready to recognize His presence.
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Stephen Ministry
If you or someone you know has recently experienced the loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, a terminal illness, or another difficult life change, you may benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one care for people facing a variety of personal crisis. If you have questions, please contact Eileen Theys, Coordinator, at 973-579-6145, or by email at etheys@nac.net. You may also contact Sacred Heart Spirituality Center at 973-383-2620.
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How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!
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Please join us today for the Celebration to commemorate our new Pipe Organ beginning with 12:00 Mass followed by a Choir presentation of “Queen of Peace” and a performance by John Peragallo of the Peragallo Pipe Organ Company.
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Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
If any person may have been abused by any priest, they should immediately contact their local County Prosecutor's Office and either the Diocesan Response Officers: Rev. Msgr. James T. Mahoney, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, 973-777-8818, ext. 205 or Sister Mary Edward Spohrer, S.C.C., Chancellor/Delegate for Religious, 973-777-8818, ext. 248.
The entire text of the Policy of the Diocese of Paterson in Response to Complaints of Sexual Abuse is available on the Diocesan website: www.patersondiocese.org.
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Cub Scout Pack 90
thanks you for supporting their Pasta Dinner Fundraiser!
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Catholic Charities
Annual Summer Concert
“Music for a Midsummer Night”
Please save the date for this year's Catholic Charities Summer Concert. Join us at the Catholic Campus Ministry Center of William Paterson University on Tuesday evening, July 31st at 7:30 p.m.
Fr. Ed and friends will perform songs by the great American composers Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, Cole Porter and more. Reception to follow at the Center. $75 per person. All proceeds will go to the programs and services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson.
For further information contact Ruth Saginario in the Development Office at 973-523-4456.
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Reward Yourself—Volunteer to Help Others!
Partnership for Social Services Family Center is looking for dedicated volunteers. Please call 973-827-4702 if you want to volunteer, meet new people and make new friendships while at the same time helping others.
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Continue to Change—When you're through changing, you're through. -Anonymous
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MARION PILGRIMAGE
Bishop Arthur Serratelli has designated Saturday, September 29, 2007 as the day for our MARIAN PILGRIMAGE to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. We unite with our Bishop in honoring our Blessed Mother, in this largest Catholic church in the America's!
Bishop Serratelli will celebrate a Liturgy of Thanksgiving; there will be time to visit the many Marian and ethnic shrines.
Price for 1-day bus pilgrimage is $35, leaving parishes between 6 and 7:00 a.m., returning about 10:00 p.m. Overnight pilgrimage is also available.
Call Cynthia at the Rectory 973-827-9575 or call ITC TOURS at 1-800-828-2126 for information or registration.
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Waiting, Dating and Mating...
LIFENET is presenting “Waiting, Dating and Mating… the When, Who and What God's calling you to.” This is a program on dating and relationships for college age men and women or young adults in their 20s and 30s to be held at St. John the Apostle Church in Linden this summer. The 5-session program will be on Sundays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. June 24 thru July 22. Topics include: the languages of love, differences between men and women, what is a real man or woman, and God's plan for life and love. Includes: National Speaker and Psychologist, Dr. Philip Mango. For information call Enza at 732-264-1865 or email enza19@hotmail.com.
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Ministers are needed to teach Children's Liturgy. Children's Liturgy is offered at the Saturday, 5:00 p.m. Mass, and at the Sunday 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. If you have interest in becoming a minister for Children's Liturgy please contact Cynthia at 827-9575.
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Don Bosco Preparatory High School
2007 Ironman Football Basketball and LaCrosse Camps
to be held at Don Bosco Prep
Ironman Football Academy for boys ages 7—18:
Three sessions:
June 25-28; July 9-12; July 16-19 (DBP Freshmen).
Ironman Basketball Camp for boys grades 2-9
Three sessions: June 25-29; July 9-13; July 16—20
Vision Lacrosse Camp for boys ages 7-18
Three sessions:
July 23-27; July 30-August 3; August 6—10.
For information please call in the daytime 201-327-8003 ext 104 or evenings 201-444-9497 for football; 201-722-0885 for basketball; 201-925-4255 for Lacrosse.
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Religious Education News
Registration packets will be mailed to all former students within the next couple of weeks, as well as Immaculate Conception Regional School students who will be entering 8th Grade in September.
If you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten or First Grade in September please call the Rectory so a packet can be mailed to you.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Isabel, who will be in the office until June 29th, at 973-827-9501.
Sincere thanks to all Teachers and Aides for their constant devotion to the children of our parish!
Have a wonderful Summer! God bless!
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Caldwell College's Center for Continuing Education has three Adult Open Houses this summer. Come to the Alumni Theater on Tuesday, July 17th at 6:30 pm, Thursday, August 2nd at 6:30 pm or Saturday, August 4th at 10:00 am to get all of your questions answered. At this event you will get the opportunity to meet representatives from admissions, academic advising and financial aid who can suggest various programs and address all of your concerns. Remember to bring copies of your college/university and/or high school transcripts for immediate acceptance!
Caldwell College makes it easy for you to earn a Bachelors Degree. Caldwell is flexible in transferring your previously earned credits towards a Bachelors Degree while you continue to earn a living. With the assistance of your personal academic advisor, build a flexible class schedule that works for you. Choose from on-campus, day, evening, Saturday or distance learning classes. For more information, contact Lynn Marie Peluso, an Adult Undergraduate Admissions Recruiter, at 973-618-3216 or email at lpeluso@caldwell.edu.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Meetings will be suspended for the summer months but will resume in September! Please continue to knit or crochet. Completed shawls may be brought to the rectory at any time.
Wishing you all a happy, safe and relaxing summer!
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Music Festival Family Day Event
Samaritan Inn will be holding a fundraiser at Sussex County Community College on July 21st from 1:00—5:00 PM. Musicians from New York and New Jersey will be performing at the college pavilion. The fun-filled family event will entertain you as well as delight your pallet and engage ones interest through items available from intriguing merchants near and far. Admission: Adults $16; 12 and under $8 Under 5 free. For ticket information call Gail 973-827-8911.

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