Church Bulletin Week of June 29, 2008
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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Parish Ministries Contact List
Coordinator of Ministries, Deacon Jerome Schenker: 973-702-1014
Grief Support, Charlene Castello: 973-827-9575 and 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:973-868-4523
Ushers, Henry Zarzycki:973-827-3228
Homebound Ministry, Janice Fitzsimmons: 973-827-9575
Hospitality, Marianne Cammarano: 973-827-9575
Children's Liturgy, Cynthia Hanenberg: 973-827-9575
Marriage Ministry, Tony & Sue Quartarolo: 973-827-9575
Liturgy Committee, Eileen & Mike Morgan: 973-827-9606
The Parish Community of Immaculate Conception has an active, living, liturgical life. Through the talents and skills of all those involved in various liturgical ministries, our experiences of workshop provide prayerful and meaningful signs of God's presence. If you are interested in becoming part of a Ministry at Immaculate Conception please contact Fr. Bogie at the Rectory Office or Deacon Jerry.
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PETER AND PAUL
Today is something of a rarity: the celebration of a saint's day that replaces the Sunday liturgy. Only a handful of these days, given the official rank of “solemnity,” are considered so foundational and primal to the mission of the Church that they can interrupt the Sunday sequence. And so it is with Peter and Paul today.
In a way, they each have personality traits with which we can identify. They are both impetuous, sometimes acting or speaking thoughtlessly, contradicting the spiritual gifts given to them by God. At such times, they might receive a nudge from God, much the same as many of us experience. On the positive side, these men were deeply rooted in their faith in Christ, tireless and fearless in living out their call to spread the Good News of his death and resurrection. Perhaps we might identify more with one or the other, but the essential truth we celebrate today is this: Through the Spirit, Christ built and continues to build the Church and make the kingdom known through fragile, remarkable human beings, each graced in a particular way for the work of the reign of God. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles
Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. Psalm 19:5
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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for June:
General:
That Christians may cultivate a deep and personal friendship with Christ so they are able to communicate the strength of His love to those they encounter.
Mission:
That the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Canada, may lead to ever deeper understanding of the Eucharist, the heart of the Church and source of evangelization.
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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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Our Sincere Thanks to Ms. DiSpagna
The Parish Community of Immaculate Conception offers to Ms. Diane DiSpagna , principal of Immaculate Conception Regional School, our thanks for her years of dedication and service to the children of our faith community. Through her guidance and encouragement the students of ICRS have gone on to have very successful careers at Pope John XXIII High School and other area high schools. Ms. DiSpagna has made a wonderful contribution to our school. She will be missed by students, parents, and staff. Good Luck Diane.
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Welcome ICRS New Principal, Mr. David Carr
Congratulations, to Mr. David Carr, current Vice-Principal of ICRS, on his promotion to Principal. We are looking forward to working with him in this new capacity. His enthusiasm, dedication, competence and school leadership skills have been recognized and appreciated. Mr. Carr earned his BA Degree from William Paterson University and his MA Degree from the College of St. Elizabeth. He is married for six years and he and his wife, Melissa have a six month old son named John. He is a volunteer coach in football, track and ski club. Welcome and Good Luck, David!
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June 29th, Solemnity of Apostles: St. Peter and St. Paul
Veneration of the two great Apostles, Peter and Paul, has its roots in the very foundations of the Church. They are the solid rock on which the Church is built. They are at the origin of her faith and will forever remain her protectors and her guides. To them Rome owes her true greatness, for it was under God's providential guidance that they were led to make the capital of the Empire, the center of the Christian world, the center for the preaching of the Gospel.
Lord our God, encourage us through the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul. May the apostles who strengthened the faith of the infant Church help us on our way of salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Taken from www.catholicculture.org
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Weekly Offering:
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: $5072.00
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A Way to Freedom - Sussex County Self-Help Center
Open Monday - Friday, 3pm to 7:30pm and Saturdays, 11am to 4pm.
For more information, call 973-300-0830
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Summer Retreats at Bethany Spirituality Center
A directed retreat provides time for prayer, solitude, and daily guidance from a personal director trained in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. In addition to individually scheduling of personal retreats, Bethany offers three 8-day directed retreats during July:
July 1-9, July 12-20, July 23-31.
Visit: www.bethanyspiritualitycenter.org for information.
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Good News International
School of Catholic Lay Evangelization
Workshops 7/25—7/29 at Georgian Court University
1-800-430-0586
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CCD Teachers Needed
It's not too soon to start thinking about volunteering in our Religious Education Program, starting in September as a teacher or as an aide. We can really use your help. You need to be an active, registered member of Immaculate Conception, with a desire to minister to the children of the parish. If you can commit an hour a week to the program, please call Nadine at the Rectory Office.
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CONCETTA TOWERS
Apartments for the Elderly and Handicapped located at 75 Catlin Road, Franklin, NJ, is accepting applications to add to its existing waiting list:
· Subsidized by US HUD
· Must be 62 years or older
· One bedroom and studio units,
· Certain units designed for mobility impaired.
· Call 973-209-2808 for an application.
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Parish Picnic - September 14th
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with this annual event please call the Rectory Office.
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Attention: Change in Mass Schedule
Friday's 4th of July Mass we be held at 9:00 am.
(Rectory Office will be Closed on Friday, July4th)
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4th of July Prayer
We lift up our hearts, O God, on this day of celebration in gratitude for the gift of being Americans.
We rejoice with all those who share in the great dream of freedom and dignity for all.
With flags and feasting, with family and friends, we salute those who have sacrificed that we might have the opportunity to bring to fulfillment our many God-given gifts.
As we deny all prejudice a place in our hearts, may we also clearly declare our intention to work for the time when all people, regardless of race, religion or sex, will be granted equal dignity and worth.
Come, O gracious God, who led your children Israel from slavery, keep us free from all that might hold us in bondage.
Bless our country and join our simple celebration that we may praise you, our Source of freedom, the One in whom we place our trust.
By: Ed Hays Pilgrim's Almanac: Reflections for Each Day of the Year, p. 111
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Online Graduate Programs in Religious Education
Felician College, the Franciscan College of New Jersey
· Are you involved in Lay Ecclesial Ministry?
· Are you interested in teaching CCD?
· Are you looking for a program that meets the demands of your busy life by enabling you to study in the comfort of your own home?
Visit: www.felician.edu or call 201-559-6085
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Are you Caring for an Elderly Love One?
Caregiver's Support Group
When: Last Tuesday of Every Month
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Sussex County Homestead Auditorium
129 Morris Turnpike
Newton, NJ 07860
Contact: Lori Baker, MSW, LSW
Phone: 973-948-5400, ext. 3140
We're Here to Help You!
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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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Volunteers Needed
Compassionate Care Hospice offers palliative care to individuals of all ages who are terminally ill and desiring Hospice services. A new office in Sparta has just opened and volunteers are needed to make supportive visits, offer emotional support and companionship. Volunteers can also assist with errands and help by doing administrative tasks in the office. Volunteer training is provided.
Please call 973-402-4712 if you have any questions.
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Lay Ministry Leadership Formation Endowment applications are available. The funding comes from the Prepare the Way Campaign by the people of our diocese. Lay leaders are eligible to apply for grants to attend courses leading to a certificate or degree in lay ministry. Deadline for the Fall of 2008 semester is June 30th. Call: 973-777-8818.
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Attention Sussex County Seniors
You may be eligible to receive $20 in Farmers' Market Vouchers for participating farm stands in Sussex County.
Income Guidelines: Single/$19,240 annual - $370 week
Married/$25,900 annual - $499 week
Proxies may be assigned for the homebound. Contact Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555.Must be 60 years of age or older and
a resident of Sussex County. Enjoy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs!
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Blood Pressure Screening
Remember to stop into the Lyceum after the 10:30 Mass to have your blood pressure checked. If you are a Health Care Professional and certified to take blood pressures, our Parish Health Ministry could use additional volunteers for our once a month screening. Call the Rectory if you are interested. Thanks, an active parish needs everyone's participation.
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SOUPer SUNDAY FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
The last Sunday of each month is SOUPer Sunday at Immaculate Conception Parish. Donations are sent to the Partnership for Social Services Family Center's Food Pantry. Through your good will, generosity and kindness we will be helping to meet the needs of the less fortunate families in our community. The need is great so please continue to help! As always, we thank you for whatever you can offer, it is greatly appreciated. We will be collecting donations after every Mass this weekend. Thank you for your continued support and generosity!
It makes a difference!
Suggested Items:
Canned meats (ham, Spam, corned beef), canned fish, canned soup, canned stew, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned spaghetti sauce, canned spaghetti, pasta, macaroni & cheese, Parmalat, peanut butter, jelly, canned juices, canned milk, baby formula, diapers, and Supermarket gift cards.
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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 for the next meeting on Wednesday, July 2nd, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House. We all have such busy lives. Sometimes it is overwhelming. Take time and find the silence. For in the silence, you will hear His voice.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
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Summer Carnival...July 9th—July 12th Our Lady of Fatima R.C.Church
Highland Lakes, NJ. Call: 973-764-4457 for more information
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Prayer Requests
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Ethel Segarra and Pauline Trofimuk
At Home: Maria Woppel, Robert Zeuner, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Flo Yurchak, Mary Carmody, Harold & May Dickey, Debbie Yodice, JoAnn Ritz, Regina Kobus, Jerzy Kobus, George Kobus, Harry Kosminsky, Jeanine Hodgins, Janice Rogers, Beverly Hand, Joan Boyer, Doris Gancarcik, Elizabeth Schaible, Bernadette Hoffman, Syrina Bruno, Doris Herron, Vicki Schroeder, Ed Gonzales, & 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, Pvt. Michael Gannon, 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.
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THE ROCK OF FAITH
Peter was named Rock because he was able to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, as God made flesh, as the divine presence in their midst. It is upon such a grace that the church was founded, and it is still that graced Rock that people seek today—the ability to point out to us the divine strands in the fabric of life.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's first reading from Acts spells out the problems for the early Christians. Herod Agrippa I has martyred the apostle James and is planning a similar fate for Peter. But God intervenes. Responding to the incessant prayers of the church, God miraculously delivers Peter. Luke writes, "A light shone in the cell" (Acts 12:7). In the Bible, "light" is the sign of God's presence. At Paul's conversion, for example, "a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him" (9:3).
Peter was an outstanding preacher of the Good News and clearly the leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem. However, as Paul explains, "I have been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter to the circumcised" (Galatians 2:7). His ministry for Jesus finally led Peter to Rome, where he earned the martyr's crown.
Today's second reading witnesses to the greatness of the Apostle to the Gentiles. He sees his life "being poured out as a libation" (2 Timothy 4:6), as a sacrifice. At the Last Supper Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many" (Mark 14:24). Paul had "kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). He had proclaimed the gospel throughout the Mediterranean area. He definitely fulfilled the words spoken by God at his conversion: "This man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites" (Acts 9:15). Although his primary mission was to Gentiles, Paul always went first to the synagogues in the cities that he visited and taught about Jesus.
Accepting the fact that martyrdom is a real possibility, Paul is confident that Christ "will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom" (2 Timothy 4:18). The apostle points out that all who have lived a Christ-centered life and "who have longed for his appearance" (4:8) will also receive the "crown of righteousness" (4:8). Paul gained the grace of martyrdom in Rome.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
When we find people who have been given the gift that Peter had, it is to them that we instinctively give authority in our lives. We look for it in the pope and in bishops, in priests and parish ministers. It is what Jesus embodied, and it is what today draws people to communities that are alive with faith.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD
for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis,
© 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 6/29/08
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