GO AND DO LIKEWISE
Miss Collins, the dean of students at Olympic High School, was past the point of scolding Matt, though she liked him very much. “Four detentions in two weeks are too many.”
Still Matt wouldn't tell. It was only after Miss Collins went on a morning neighborhood patrol that she found out the real reason for Matt's tardiness. Thump, thump, thump, came the wheelchair down the stairs. It was Matt, steadying Shawnetta as he helped lower her down the stairs and then push her to the corner bus stop.
“She's a girl in my parish youth group,” Matt explained to Miss Collins.
There are many ways to describe Matt's actions—a random act of kindness, making a difference one person at a time. Jesus would understand. When the lawyer correctly identified the good Samaritan as the one who had treated the injured man with compassion, Jesus said simply, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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Christ Jesus … is the head of the body, the church.
— Colossians 1:15, 18
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Ex 1:8-14, 22; Mt 10:34 — 11:1
Tuesday: Ex 2:1-15a; Mt 11:20-24
Wednesday: Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Mt 11:25-27
Thursday: Ex 3:13-20; Mt 11:28-30
Friday: Ex 11:10 — 12:14; Mt 12:1-8
Saturday: Ex 12:37-42; Mt 12:14-21
Sunday: Gn 18:1-10a; Ps 15; Col 1:24-28;
Lk 10:38-42
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Wednesday: St. Camillus de Lellis
Friday: St. Apollinaris
Saturday: St. Lawrence of Brindisi;
Blessed Virgin Mary
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The word of the Lord is very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts (Deuteronomy 30:10-14).
Psalm — Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live (Psalm 69) or Psalm 19.
Second Reading — Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15-20).
Gospel — The Samaritan traveler was moved with compassion at the sight of the man stripped and beaten by robbers (Luke 10:25-37).
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Immaculate Conception warmly welcomes you Fr. Bogie!
God bless you in your ministry as Pastor of our parish.
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May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead you to everlasting life. Our parish community rejoices with you and gives praise and thanks to God for this new gift of life. God bless…
Ashley Lynn Boffa
daughter of Jaime and Michael
Hunter Charles Price
son of Jessica and Jayson
Austin Michael Mitchell
son of Robyn and Thomas
Olivia E. Kosco
daughter of Amanda and Wayne
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: $4,349.00
Project Faith Collection: $1,430.00
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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.
The next meeting will take place Wednesday, August 1, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
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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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Wisdom has been defined as knowing the difference between pulling your weight and throwing it around.
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CCD REGISTRATION
Registration packets have been mailed to all former students, 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 the rectory at 973-827-9575
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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MARION PILGRIMAGE TO THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
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.
Four parishioners are planning to attend this event! Consider joining them! 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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Blood Drive
We Need You!
Saturday, August 4th
Immaculate Conception Lyceum
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood:
· Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion!
· 20% of recipients are children – many are cancer patients!
· Giving blood is 100% safe!
· One pint of blood from one donor can save up to three lives!!!
· Your donation will go to someone in your community
· Donating will not cost you money.
· About 60% of the population are eligible to donate blood, yet less than 5% do!
· Your body will replenish the fluid lost during the donation within 24 hours.
· We will provide juice, donuts and cookies!
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Attention Parishioners:
Children's Liturgy will not be conducted during the months of July and August.
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. Thank you. Have a wonderful summer!
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Do you have a little time each week?
Help us 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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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 31 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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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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SUNDAY SOCIAL
NO Sunday Social this weekend, July 15.
Join us in the Lyceum each week following the 10:30 Mass ... relax and enjoy breakfast delights prepared by our devoted volunteers while enjoying time with fellow parishioners!
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Singles Ministry
Immaculate Conception Singles Ministry welcomes all singles of any age. The Singles Ministry focus is spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God's Community. This lay ministry provides an opportunity for singles to encourage, receive and give support to each other in our Faith Journey. For further information on activities, please contact Janice at the Rectory 973-827-9575.
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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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SUSSEX COUNTY DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES
SPECIAL PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION SERVICES
Every public school system offers special education programs and services for pre-school students as well as students who are already attending school. If you notice that your child between the ages of 3 and 5 is experiencing physical, emotional, or learning difficulties, he or she may be eligible for special education related services even before entering kindergarten. If you are concerned about your preschool child's progress, contact the Child Study Team in your school district. All evaluations and services are no cost to the parent.
The county also offers a special services program known as Special Child Health Services to babies from birth to 3 years who may be thought to have a developmental delay. Call 973-948-5239 for further information.
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TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
The first “presbyters” were advisers to the bishops rather than what we would call “priests,” yet by the year 1000 our present-day understanding of the ordained priesthood is clearly in place. The Germanic influence was strong in those days, reflected in a series of questions posed to the candidate about his intentions.
The priest's role in the celebration of Mass had by then come to the fore, as the ritual notes that Mass vestments must be worn, the hands of the priest must be anointed with chrism, and a chalice with wine and water and a paten with a host must be given. Up to then, the ordination rite had stressed the presbyter as a collaborator with the bishop and a member of the order of presbyters. Then, in a not-so-subtle shift, the presbyter came to be seen as a “priest” designated to celebrate the Mass and, as the prayer suggests, to touch the chalice. By these days, remember, the cup had long vanished from Communion for the laity. A thousand years ago, today's patterns were already in place. The priest no longer saw himself as a member of a council of elders, a presbytery, and in some dioceses he had little influence over the bishop. Instead, he was either a pastor, with relationship to the Eucharistic community in the parish, or he was a priest monk, offering Mass for the salvation of the departed or the intentions of the living.
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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, 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, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler, Tom Oroho, and SSG Mary Lynch.
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A Family Perspective
Jesus set the scene: “a man was robbed, beaten and left for dead.” How would people react? Two found an EXCUSE to avoid helping; another saw and OPPORTUNITY to be merciful. When we encounter situations calling for mercy, do we create excuses or seize the opportunity to extend the compassion of Christ?
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Parish Cookbooks
Parish Cookbooks are available! 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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Diocese of Paterson
Silver and Gold Wedding
Anniversary Mass
Couples, were you married in 1957 or 1982?
You are warmly invited to celebrate your 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary with the Church of Paterson. Bishop Arthur Serratelli will be the main celebrant at Mass at St. Mary Church, Passaic, where you will renew your marriage commitment on ...
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements can be made by contacting Cynthia in the Rectory, 973-827-9575. Application forms are available through Tuesday, August 28, 2007. A confirmation letter will be sent from the Diocesan Center once your application has been processed. Bring family and friends to attend this joyous event with you!
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THE MYSTERY OF HUMAN MOTIVATION
We humans are indeed a mysterious lot. We wonder why others do what they do, and even find ourselves perplexed over our own behavior. Where does it all come from, we wonder?
INSIDE THE READINGS
In today's Gospel Jesus is pleased that the scholar of the law understands the key role of love of God and neighbor. Jesus then uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to stress that this love of neighbor can have no exceptions.
This Sunday's second reading teaches much about the right of Christ to demand that love of God and neighbor. The New Testament does not have a book of hymns like the psalms of the Old Testament, but does have beautiful, theologically informative hymns scattered among its various books. There is the wonderful Prologue of the Gospel of John (1:1-18), the christological hymn in Philippians (2:6-11), and today's hymn about the preeminence of Jesus (Colossians 1:15-20). This hymn is truly outstanding in its teachings about Christ and is probably from the liturgy of the early church.
The Letter to the Colossians intends to counteract some false teachings in the local community. While these false teachings are not completely understood by biblical scholars, it does appear that they were undermining the work of Jesus. Accepting and following Jesus was, according to the false teachers, not sufficient for salvation. In that context, the hymn declares emphatically the pre-existence of Jesus, his preeminence in both creation and redemption and his role as head of the church. The wisdom literature of the Old Testament has influenced the writing of this hymn. Proverbs 3:19 provides an example, "The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, / established the heavens by understanding."
Jesus is called the image of God, a perfect reflection of the Father. He is God's agent in causing and sustaining all of creation. He deserves, therefore, to be called "the firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15). He is also declared emphatically to be "the firstborn from the dead" (1:18), and "the head of the body, the church" (1:18). Jesus then is also preeminent in the work of reconciliation. Having the fullness of God, he achieved this reconciliation by shedding his blood on the cross.
As creator, Jesus Christ affects "all things in heaven and on earth" (1:16). As reconciler, he brings peace, salvation for "those on earth or those in heaven" (1:20).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
We are never who we were, but always in the process of becoming. Deep within us something calls us into being more fully human, always in the image of Jesus.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, 8 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 7/15/07