KEEP PRAYING
St. Monica, whose feast we celebrate in August, is often known as “the persistent mother.” She watched her oldest son, Augustine, turn his back on his Christian faith.
Monica was exasperated. For years she gave up talking directly to her son on the advice of a local bishop, who told her that it was better to talk to God about Augustine then to Augustine about God.
The mother never gave up praying for her son. Eventually Augustine gave up his wild ways, was baptized, and later ordained and named bishop of Hippo. St. Augustine went on to become one of the Church's greatest scholars.
Today's readings address the importance of persistent prayer. Abraham, in spite of trepidation that he is bothering the Lord, continues to ask about the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. Jesus, in Luke's Gospel, tells his disciples to “ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). This is our charge: keep praying.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. — Colossians 2:12
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Peter Chrysologus
Tuesday: St. Ignatius of Loyola
Wednesday: St. Alphonsus Liguori
Thursday: St. Eusebius of Vercelli;
St. Peter Julian Eymard
Friday: First Friday
Saturday: St. John Mary Vianney; First Saturday
 
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Ex 32:15-24, 30-34; Mt 13:31-35
Tuesday: Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28; Mt 13:36-43
Wednesday: Ex 34:29-35; Mt 13:44-46
Thursday: Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Mt 13:47-53
Friday: Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37;
Mt 13:54-58
Saturday: Lv 25:1, 8-17; Mt 14:1-12
Sunday: Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23; Ps 90; Col 3:1-5,
9-11; Lk 12:13-21
 
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — Abraham said to the Lord: Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Should not the judge of the world act with justice? (Genesis 18:20-32).
Psalm — Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me (Psalm 138).
Second Reading — You were buried with Christ in baptism, in which you were also raised with Christ (Colossians 2:12-14).
Gospel — Everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds (Luke 11:1-13).
 
The lovely flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are a loving birthday remembrance of Nestor P. DeLaTorre requested by his family.
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Our parish community celebrates
with the families of
Amanda Gauld and Frank DiGangi
united in marriage on
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Congratulations ... May God bless you
with a long happy life together!
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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…
Erik Alexander Edelman
son of Eric and Adriana
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: $5,301.00
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Mission Co-op
Next weekend our second collection will benefit the Mission Cooperative Plan 2007. Join us in welcoming Fr. Royson Menolickal to our parish. Fr. Royson will speak on behalf of Mission Co-op and their appeal for the diocese of Nalgonda, India.
Your support is so very much appreciated.
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ROOM TO SPARE
A parishioner is reaching out to you for help in finding a temporary place for a mother and her son to live for 3 months. If you have room to spare or know of anyone who can assist in any way, please call Tona at 827-5576. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for the wonderful Sunday Social last weekend! I am honored to have such a warm welcome from all of you. I am very grateful for the hospitality the Sunday Social group provided and the delicious spread of food offered for everyone to enjoy. I sincerely look forward to our future together.
— Fr. Bogie
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Ice Cream Sunday Social!
On Sunday, August 5th
there will be an ICE CREAM SOCIAL!
Join us in the Lyceum after the 10:30 Mass each weekend and enjoy time with fellow parishioners. Many, many thanks to all our Sunday Social volunteers who share their time and talent for the enjoyment of our parish community.
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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 contact our new D.R.E., Nadine Allen, in the CCD office at 973-827-9501 or 973-827-9575.
Sincere thanks to all Teachers and Aides for their constant devotion to the children of our parish!
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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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Anyone who has not been baptized and would like to receive the sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil Mass or … even if you are baptized but not in the Catholic Church and would like to come into “full communion with the Catholic Church” you are welcomed to begin your spiritual journey with a Christian community. Call the Rectory office at 973-827-9575.
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Grief Support Group
Each day we may be mourning something or someone. We've lost a loved one, a pet, a job, a friendship, our health, or our youth! Grieving is a part of life. It is the expression of one's love and appreciation in acknowledging the loss of it. It is honoring what we have experienced. Let us not be afraid to be honest about our losses and let it deepen our commitment to the constant and the new in our lives.
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.
Join us for the next meeting this 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.

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.
Seven 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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Today is SOUPer Sunday!
Our SOUPer Sunday Food Drive is held the last Sunday of every month. Non-perishable donations and food store scripts are collected for Sr. Thomasina's Partnership for Social Services Family Center Food Pantry. Any help you can give is very much appreciated.
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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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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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No Children's Liturgy during the months of July & August.
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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
Today's gospel began with Jesus “praying in a certain place.” He prayed where he was, among his friends. Pausing to pray in our homes, a parent “gives a good gift” to their children teaching them to turn to the Lord as a partner and friend.
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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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God's grace within me and God's strength behind me can overcome any hurdle ahead of me. —Anonymous
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OF WANTING AND GETTING
We tend to be curious and wily creatures who want much from life, and yet we seldom seem to know what it is we really seek. So we keep on wanting, mostly because our insides keep on longing and aching and searching.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
The great love of the Father for his children and the importance of persistent, confident prayer on the part of those children are the highlights of today's Gospel. The selection opens with Luke's form of the Our Father. God is addressed as Abba, a child's word for father, expressing the family closeness between God and us all.
Luke's version of the Lord's Prayer has five petitions. The Christian looks to God for the fulfillment of all five. God is asked to reveal the holiness of the divine name and to bring the kingdom to fulfillment. "Thus says the Lord GOD: Not for your sakes do I act, house of Israel, but for the sake of my holy name" (Ezekiel 36:22). Christ will carry on this important work of the Father with the expectation that his followers will also cooperate in this work.
The Father is then asked to provide the children with some basic needs, namely food, forgiveness, and freedom from the test. The Greek word epiousios can be translated as "daily," as it is in the New American Bible, but it can also mean necessary or future bread.
Forgiveness of sins is necessary for all. But Jesus indicates that we also must be willing to forgive. Forgiveness of sins plays a large role in Luke's Gospel when, for example, John proclaims "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 3:3).
In the Old Testament and in the New there is talk of a "test." Whether a test in this lifetime regarding apostasy, for example, or the final eschatological test, Jesus teaches us to pray that we do not undergo that test. Later, he warns his apostles, "Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test" (Luke 22:46).
In the rest of today's Gospel (Luke 11:5-13) Jesus reminds the listeners of the Father's love, infinitely surpassing the love of any human father. God will answer prayers that are persistent and confident in a way that is best for each person, even giving the greatest gift, the Holy Spirit.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
In promising the Holy Spirit, Saint Luke's Jesus responds to our most basic needs. If we hunger for deep joy, or to become gentle or kind or generous, Luke's Jesus promises that the Father will give it.
 
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

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