Church Bulletin Week of August 10, 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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NOTHING TO FEAR
A rabbi was asked why God sends trials and troubles into human lives. “Because God gets lonely for his people” was the reply. There is some resonance with this wisdom in today's Gospel, as Jesus makes his disciples get into a boat without him and goes off alone while they venture into stormy waters. Of course, neither Jews nor Christians believe that the Almighty plays this sort of whimsical game with them, but there is some truth in the statement that we don't turn to God for saving help until we're in a bind. Peter's role today, as it is throughout the New Testament, is to be a sign or to represent each member of the church and the whole church. Our story is the tale told about Peter's faith today. What can bolster our faith is that even when Christ calls us to face bravely the tempests of life, if we are walking through them with our eyes fixed on him in faith, we have nothing to fear. Even when we falter or sink, simply crying “Lord, save me!” is enough to help us know the steady grasp of God's hand. Then, sheltered inside the walls of faith, the storms we endure lose their power over us. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — “Stand on the mountain; the Lord will be passing by” (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a).
Psalm — Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation (Psalm 85).
Second Reading — To the Israelites belong the covenants, the law and the patriarchs; and from them comes the Christ (Romans 9:1-5).
Gospel — As Jesus walked on the sea, he said to the disciples, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:22-33).
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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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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
For hundreds of years, Catholics observed the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15-celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death -- but it was not until 1950 that the Church proclaimed this teaching a dogma of the Church -- one of the essential beliefs of the Catholic faith.
The Feast of the Assumption has always been loved dearly by the faithful who are children of Mary. It is a sign to us that someday, through God's grace and our efforts, we too may join the Blessed Mother in giving glory to God. The Assumption is a source of great hope for us, too, for it points the way for all followers of Christ who imitate her fidelity and obedience to God's will. Where she now is, we are meant eventually to be, and may hope to be through Divine grace. Mary's being taken to heaven after her life on earth was ended is the logical outcome of her immaculate nature, uniquely protected -- also by God's grace -- from personal sin. We seek to imitate her self-sacrificing love, her indestructible faith and her perfect obedience.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day of Obligation Mass Schedule
8/14/08: 7pm
8/15/08: 7am and 7pm
“See the beauty of the daughter of Jerusalem, who ascended to heaven like the rising sun at dawn.”-- Benedictus antiphon from Daily Office
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CCD Registrations Due August 15th
While leisure summer schedules and vacation planning are the focus of many of our families, the Office of Religious Education is in the process of preparing for the new catechetical year. If your children are returning to the program and you have not yet registered, please do so immediately. Letters for the start of the new year have only been sent to families registered in the 2007-2008 CCD school year. Registration forms can also be found in the vestibule of the church. Please call the Office of Religious Education and our Director of Faith Formation, Nadine Allen, will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the CCD program or the upcoming school year.
CCD Teachers (Gr. 6 & 7) and Aides (Gr. K-10) are needed for this year.
Please consider volunteering for this most worthwhile Ministry.
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Donations:
Last Weekend's Collection: $4,614.00
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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RCIA
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, receiving one of the Sacraments of Initiation, seeking a deeper understanding of your faith, or wish to be part of our RCIA Support Team, please call the Rectory Office. Classes will 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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Sanctuary Flowers
The beautiful flowers this weekend are in Loving Memory of John Salmon - 25th Anniversary,
requested by his wife, Ruth.
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CCD Teacher's Meeting
There will be a meeting of all Religious Education Teachers, CCD and Confirmation, on Tuesday, August 26th, at 7:00pm in the Lyceum. Please call the Rectory Office, 973-827-9501, to confirm your attendance and participation.
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Volunteers Needed - Children's Liturgists
Please consider volunteering as a Children's Liturgist. Training will be provided. Contact Cynthia at the Rectory.
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Transportation Help Needed
· Wheelchair bound parishioner wishes to come to 5pm Mass. If you, or someone you know, owns/operates a wheelchair accessible van and can help with occasional transportation, please call the Rectory.
· Franklin parishioner, without transportation, wishes to attend 12:00 Mass. Anyone able to help with transportation, please call the Rectory Office.
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Parish Picnic September 14th
Confirmation students are needed to help with children's activities. We are also seeking adult volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up crews. Please call Cynthia if you are able to assist on Sunday morning for set-up and Sunday afternoon for clean-up. EXTRA HANDS are always appreciated.
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Immaculate Conception Regional School
· Two-day PreK-3 Program
· PreK-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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On the Lighter Side
6yr old, Angie, and her 4 yr old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, Angie had enough. “You're not supposed to talk out loud in church.” Why?”, he asked, “Who's going to stop me?”… Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, “See those two men standing by the door?
They're hushers!”
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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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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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Catholic Campus Ministry Club
All parishioners who are students at Sussex County Community college are invited to become involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry Club. This is one of the many clubs you can join at the college, and it is a good way to meet other people who also share your Catholic ideals and values. The club meets twice a month for an hour of reflective time and faith sharing. Call Carol Bezak at 973-875-4521 or 973-875-7041 for more information.
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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 - Shrines of Philadelphia
Sponsored by…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. Reservations first come, first, serve, paid basis. Call Fr. Michael at 973-729-6107
Plan Ahead for the Spring Semester....Deadline is Nov 30th: Call 973-777-8818 X243 for more information.
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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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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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Shop Online for Charity
Visit the Paterson Diocese - Shop for Charity Online Mall
There are 1000+ stores in the online Mall. When you visit the Home Page you will see featured stores just select the store. Once you have selected the store you want, you simply go shopping. Every purchase you make will return a % to Catholic Charities diocese of Paterson helping them make a difference in your world. This gives YOU the power to make a difference with your every day purchases. Visit: http://www.shopforcharityday.com/134508
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Prayer Requests
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 8/095:00JMcKeever JMcKeever
Sun 8/107:30JOroho
9:00APost MPost
10:30RHolowienka 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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LIFE IS A ROLLER COASTER
Life can be like a roller coaster ride; either we stay on the platform, safe and secure, or we get on and flirt with death. Yet even such flirting is controlled and safe, knowing the roller coaster will return us to the same spot. Real life loses control once you get on. Thus it was for Peter when he stepped into the water.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel teaches much about the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus says to the disciples in the Greek text, "Take courage, I AM, do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). "I AM" is the divine name that Yahweh revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus (3:14). Peter calls out to Jesus, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). The Greek word for "Lord" translates "Yahweh" in the Septuagint. At the end of the episode the disciples say, "Truly, you are the Son of God" (14:33).
The disciples' faith in Jesus is strengthened as they see him "walking on the sea" (14:25). The Old Testament attributes such power to Yahweh: "You still the roaring of the seas" (Psalm 65:8) and God "treads upon the crests of the sea" (Job 9:8). The whole account was important to the early Christians. They, much like the disciples in the boat, were often "being tossed about by the waves" (Matthew 14:24) of rejection and persecution by their contemporaries.
The words of Jesus were especially comforting. Even though Christ has ascended to the Father, he continues to say to his early followers and to Christians down through the ages, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (14:27). This continuing presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was seen especially in the Eucharist. It is not surprising that in John=s Gospel today=s miracle appears just before the promise of the Eucharist by the Lord (John 6:53C58). Every Christian as she or he receives Communion should hear Jesus saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).
It is helpful to remember that Christ has patience with persons "of little faith" (14:31). Though we believe in Jesus, our faith is not perfect; but he will continue to work with all of us as he did with Peter and the disciples.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Those moments arise for each of us when we come face to face with death, or at least with death's second cousin the possibility of real failure. Then it is no longer so easy or so enticing to step off the roller coaster platform, for suddenly the ride is no longer carefree or without risk. Yet through the risk, it is possible that life in God may be found. Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE.WORD for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, ©2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.8/10/08
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