Church Bulletin Week of August 3, 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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THE LOVE OF CHRIST
Some of the most comforting words in scripture come to us today in these readings. The passage from Romans is particularly comforting when we are worried about our spiritual life and fretting about it. “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35) Of course, nothing can! Christ's love, manifested in his life, death, and resurrection, was wholly for God and us, and he will not permit anything, great or small, to separate us from him. Our longing, our hunger for him is sustained by the Eucharist, and even in the darkest of times, when God seems absent and it is difficult to pray, we know by faith that God is with us. God's fidelity to us is absolute, especially when we are in darkness and confusion. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — All you who thirst, come to the water! You without money, come to the feast! (Isaiah 55:1-3).
Psalm — The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs (Psalm 145).
Second Reading — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35, 37-39).
Gospel — All ate until satisfied; they collected twelve baskets of what was left over (Matthew 14:13-21).
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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for August:
General: That the human family may learn to respect God's plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God's great gift.
Mission: That the answer of the entire people of God to the common calling to holiness and mission may be promoted and fostered by means of careful discernment of charisms and constant commitment to spiritual and cultural formation.
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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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Church Position Statement on the Recent Ordination of Women Priests
“[Women], as members of our religious communities, lay members in leadership roles within the Church, educators, canon lawyers, and as pastoral and social service providers across many other critical areas, are helping to shape the course of our Church in following the will of God. The ordination of men to the priesthood is not merely a matter of practice or discipline within the Catholic Church, but rather, it is part of the unalterable Deposit of Faith handed down by Christ through his apostles. The organization calling itself “Roman Catholic Womenpriests” is not recognized as an entity of the Catholic Church. Catholics who attempt to confer a sacred order on a woman, and the women who attempt to receive a sacred order, are by their own actions separating themselves from the Church….the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful.
Excerpts from the official statement issued by the Archdiocese of Boston
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Donations:
Last Weekend's Collection: $4,949
We are grateful for your contributions this weekend and for all that you have done for our parish in the past.
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Anyone interested in growing in their faith, becoming a Catholic, or being part of our RCIA Parishioner Support Team, please call the Rectory. Classes begin in the fall.
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Attention Parish Couples
Couples were you married in 1958 or 1983?
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 in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson on Sunday October 26, 2008 at 3:00 pm.
Arrangements can be made by contacting the parish office. Application forms are available through September 22nd. 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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New Youth Ministry Program
We are in the formative stages of developing a Youth Ministry at Immaculate Conception. We need “Youth Ministry Leaders”, young adults and high school students, who are interested in working with the young people of our parish. Please contact Fr. Bogie if you are interested in becoming a Youth Ministry Leader.
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Grief Support Group
If you or someone you know has suffered a loss, please join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, August 6th, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
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Upcoming Events: Holy Day of Obligation
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mass Schedule: Thursday 8/14: 7pm and Friday 8/15: 7am and 7pm
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Children's Liturgists Needed
Please consider volunteering as a Children's Liturgist. Training will be provided. Children's Liturgy is an integral part of every child's church experience. Call the Rectory Office if interested.
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Calling All Confirmation Students
Parish Picnic - September 14th
Help is needed with children's activities. Confirmation students will receive project hours. Call the Rectory Office if you are able to help.
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Immaculate Conception Regional School
· Two-day PreK-3 Program
· Pre K-4 Program is half day and/or full day
· Full Day Kindergarten through 8th Grade
· Education in a safe, caring & spiritual setting.
· Extended Care available to working parents
· Most competitive rates in Sussex County
Call 973-827-3777 or visit www.ICRSCHOOL.com
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School Supply Drive
The Knights of Columbus are conducting a school supply drive for children in the Bronx, NY. Donations can be dropped off in the box at the back of the church. Supplies will be collected until August 24th. Thank you.
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Thank You
As always, your generous contributions to our SOUPer Sunday food drive are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support.
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Religious Education News
CCD Teachers and Aides Needed
Registrations are due by August 15th. Registration forms can be found at the back of the church. Call Nadine at 973-827-9501 if you have any questions or concerns. CCD Teachers are still needed for 6th & 7th grades and CCD Aides are needed for all classes, grades K-10.
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On the Lighter Side
There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshippers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. The chips are worth lots of money so the Catholic churches send all the chips into the Diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. He is known as...Are you ready? The Chip Monk
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The Transfiguration of the Lord - Celebrated August 6th
The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the central events recorded in the Gospels. The feast of the Transfiguration of Christ celebrates the revelation of Christ's divine glory on Mount Tabor in Galilee (Matthew 17:1-6; Mark 9:1-8; Luke 9:28-36). After revealing to His disciples that He would be put to death in Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21), Christ, along with Ss. Peter, James, and John, went up the mountain. There, St. Matthew writes, "he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow." (Internet Resource: www.catholocism.about.com)
“A bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matt 17:5)
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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. Volunteer training is provided. Call 973-402-4712 if you have any questions.
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Cruise to Bermuda
October 18th - October 23rd
Sponsored by St. Monica's Church
Call the Rectory for details: 973-875-4521
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Vacation Bible School
Vernon United Methodist Church - August 11-15
9am - 12pm; Open for all pre-school to 5th grade.
973-764-3188
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Weekend Retreat for Separated or Divorced
will be given on Sept. 12,13,14, 2008 in Newton, N.J. by a Franciscan Retreat Team. For more information Call Fr. Tom Kelly, OFM 973-985-9736.
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Bus Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Philadelphia
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta
Saturday August 9th, 2008
Directed by Fr. Michael A. Rodak
The one day pilgrimage includes stops at the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, the Shrine of St. Rita, Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, and the Shrine of St. John Neumann.
Includes: transportation, lunch, dinner, and prayer booklet. Cost $60….reservations first come, first, serve, paid basis. Call Fr. Michael at 973-729-6107
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Plan Ahead for the Spring Semester....
Consider a Lay Ministry Leadership Formation Scholarship to attend courses leading to a certificate or degree in lay ministry. Deadline is Nov 30th: Call 973-777-8818 X243 for more information.
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Choose Life
For all young people, that they may learn the true value of God's gift of life, we pray to the Lord.
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WANTED! Rosary Makers for the Cause of Our Blessed Mother
Respond to the call of Our Lady. Become a missionary by making rosaries for missions in the US, the military and around the world. Please call Our Lady's Rosary Makers 502-968-1434 or visit www.olrm.org. $13.50 for a beginner's kit for 50 rosaries. Instructions are included. Great summer craft activity for children, too!
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Need a Ride?
Sussex County Assisted Transportation is a nonprofit service funded through a grant from the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, United Way of Sussex County and the Diocese of Paterson. Escort services for frail older adults (60+) are available for medical appointments and food shopping.
Call: 973-209-0123 for more information.
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St. John Vianney Parish Feast Day Celebration
50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee Celebration
Saturday, August 2nd from 12-7pm
Sunday, August 3rd from 12-5pm
Games, Rock-Climbing Wall on Saturday, Crazy Caterpillar, Raffles, Food, Beverages, and Fun! Fun! Fun for all ages! For more information call:973-697-6550.
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Newark Bears Minor League Baseball Team
will be hosting a special night of faith on Saturday, August 23rd. After the baseball game, Point of Grace, the sensational Christian pop group, will be giving a concert at the ballpark… at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark.
Meet Scooter
Franklin Branch of the Library is offering a Special Program on Wednesday, August 13th at 2:30. See Scooter the Skyhawks' mascot and meet a real Skyhawks' player… enjoy some Italian ice, too!
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Poverty Around Us
The direct purchase of health insurance in NJ since 2000 decreased by 19% (or 6,000 fewer children). To learn more about poverty
visit: www.catholiccharitiesuse.org/poverty
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends.
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, Harry Kosminsky, Jeanine Hodgins, Janice Rogers, Beverly Hand, Joan Boyer, Doris Gancarcik, Elizabeth Schaible, Bernadette Hoffman, Syrina Bruno, Doris Herron, Vicki Schroeder, Ed Gonzales, John Tidona & 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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Altar Server Schedule
Sat 8/02 5:00 NMoscalow
Sun 8/03 7:30 JOroho
9:00 ECox MFalk
10:30 CMcDonald MMcDonald
12:00 JDragon AAllen
Sat 8/09 5:00 JMcKeever JMcKeever
Sun 8/10 7:30 JOroho
9:00 APost MPost
10:30 RHolowienka JFriend
12:00 JPayne DPeck
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Th 8/14 7PM ECox
Fri 8/15 7AM JDragon & MLattanzio
7PM JPayne
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THE WAYS OF GRIEF
Like a bad penny that won't be spent, grief can find its way into our lives on all sorts of occasions. We grieve over the death of someone we love or someone who has influenced our life. We grieve when a chapter of our life comes to a close or when a dream goes its own way. At such times, we look for the opportunity to go off to some lonely place, as Jesus did in today's Gospel upon hearing of the death of his cousin, John the Baptist.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel miracle of the feeding of the five thousand shows both the compassion and the power of Jesus. Yahweh had also fed the chosen people in the desert with manna, a gift preserving natural life. "God rained manna upon them for food; / bread from heaven he gave them" (Psalm 78:24). Jesus clearly has the Eucharist in mind as he performs today's miracle. The phrases that are used by Matthew namely '”taking the five loaves, saying the blessing, breaking the loaves, and giving them to the disciples” are repeated in the account of the institution of the Eucharist. "Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; this is my body' " (Matthew 26:26). The compassion of the Lord leads him to make eternal life possible for all Christians through the Eucharist.
Today's first reading from Isaiah adds the point that God gives freely to the people. "You who have no money, / come, receive grain and eat; / Come, without paying and without cost, / drink wine and milk!" (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus feeds the crowd in today's Gospel and especially feeds all in the Eucharist without any cost. However, it did cost him the sufferings of his passion, "becoming obedient to death, / even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).
The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand also looks forward to the eschatological banquet in the kingdom of heaven. "On this mountain [Zion] the Lord of hosts / will provide for all peoples / A feast of rich food and choice wines, / juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines" (Isaiah 25:6).
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
In spite of our grieving, we are at times fed as if from a basket that in the beginning seemed more empty than full. At such moments, then for Jesus and now for us, we begin to sense the pervading presence of God. Like Jesus, we also find ourselves being pulled back into life by the hungers and needs of those around us.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 8/3/08
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