THE COSTS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Today's responsorial psalm, Psalm 40, is more familiar to us with the refrain “Here am I, Lord.” This “Here am I” is Jeremiah's great prophetic response to God's call. But today's story of Jeremiah and the refrain “Lord, come to my aid!” remind us that there are always two sides to following the call of God. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews knew this, too. He reminded his readers that even weighted down with burdens and sins, we can still persevere by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who himself knew the shame and pain of the cross, but saw beyond it to the joy of sitting at the right of the throne of God.
Jesus himself gave the disciples a “sneak preview” of a baptism that would not be as wondrous as the one in the Jordan that inaugurated his ministry, but would be one of fire and anguish. Today's words from scripture may not be terribly soothing, but in their honesty and strength we can acknowledge the difficulties of daily discipleship, and take comfort in the assurance of our own salvation in Christ.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
 
Jesus entered the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
—Hebrews 12:2
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday:St. Bernard
Tuesday:St. Pius X
Wednesday:The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday:St. Rose of Lima
Friday:St. Bartholomew
Saturday:St. Loius of France; St. Joseph Calasanz;
Blessed Virgin Mary
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Jgs 2:11-19; Mt 19:16-22
Tuesday:Jgs 6:11-24a; Mt 19:23-30
Wednesday:Jgs 9:6-15; Mt 20:1-16
Thursday:Jgs 11:29-39a; Mt 22:1-14
Friday:Rv 21:9b-14; Jn 1:45-51
Saturday:Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17; Mt 23:1-12
Sunday:Is 66:18-21; Ps 117; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13;
Lk 13:22-30
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — They took Jeremiah and threw him into the cistern (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10).
Psalm — Lord, come to my aid! (Psalm 40).
Second Reading — Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-4).
Gospel — I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing (Luke 12:49-53).
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 The lovely flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are a loving remembrance of
Nancy DiGangi-Cilibrasi
requested by
The Digangi and Cilibrasi Families
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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 to God for this new gift of life. God bless…
Ian Joseph Philback
son of Anna and Joseph Philback
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: $4,628.00
Mission Co-op Collection: $2,179.00
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Sunday Social Team
Volunteers Needed
Fr. Bogie is looking for a group of parishioners to form a Sunday Social Team.
Cathy Gleason, our Sunday Social coordinator, will no longer be able to help with the Sunday Social each week. Cathy has done a fantastic job and a great service to the parish. The parish community extends their deepest gratitude to Cathy for her dedication and hard work these past few years.
Forming a Sunday Social Team would take the burden off of the work which has been accomplished by one or two people and make the job more enjoyable with a full group of volunteers responsible for the tasks involved.
Please contact the rectory at 973-827-9575 if you are interested in being apart of this important team.
Many thanks to our Sunday Social Group for the wonderful Sunday Socials they have provided for the enjoyment of our parish community!!
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CCD REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE
If you have not sent in your registration for this year's classes, please do so as soon as possible as the deadline has past and classes are being set up.
If you need a registration form call or stop by the rectory and we will be happy to help you.
CCD classes will begin on Tuesday, September 11th for grades K-4, and on Wednesday, September 12th for grades 5-7. On Sunday, September 16th Confirmation Students will begin attending 9:15 Mass and meet afterwards for class in the school from 10:00 to 11:15.
If you have any questions, please call Nadine in the CCD Office at 973-827-9501on Tuesday or Wednesdays.
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Parish Picnic
Reserve the date!
Sunday, September 9th
Our annual parish picnic will be held on Sunday, September 9 at the Franklin Fireman's Pavilion. The event will begin with the 12:00 noon Mass celebrated at the Pavilion and will conclude at 5:00 p.m.
Bring your family to enjoy great food, entertainment by Ray Sikora and a wonderful afternoon with Fr. Bogie and fellow parishioners.
Attention Confirmation Students ... your help is needed at the picnic and will be added to your Community Service project work. Picnic volunteers are needed. Please call the Rectory 973-827-9575. Kitchen prep group contact Sal Giacchi at 827-6313.
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Diocese of Paterson
Silver and Gold Wedding
Anniversary Mass
Couples married in 1957 or 1982 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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Possibilities...
Faith makes all things possible—it does not make them easy. —Anonymous
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Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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 our Christian community. Call the Rectory at 973-827-9575.
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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.
Join us for the next meeting Wednesday, September 5, 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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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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Ministry to the Homebound
If you are unable to come to Church or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion, please call Janice at the Rectory at 973-827-9575 and arrangements will be made to visit the home. Janice is in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Host Families Needed
Pope John XXIII High School is looking for families to host several international students for the 2007-2008 academic year. Available students come from Germany, Vietnam, Turkey or South Korea.
For more information, please call Sharon Smith at the Pope John Guidance Office at 973-729-6125 ext. 227.
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SOUPer Sunday Food Drive
Our SOUPer Sunday Food Drive is held on the last Sunday of each month. Non-perishables and food store script cards are collected for the Food Pantry at Partnership for Social Services Family Center. Any contribution you can offer is so very much appreciated!
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
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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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 Community College
Catholic Campus Ministry Club
Catholic Campus Ministry Club is open to people of all faiths—come join us for prayer and reflection time. Visit us on campus Thursday, September 27th at the “Meet the Clubs” gathering and picnic. Meeting dates will be posted on our bulletin board in Bldg. D and on the flyers around campus. Plan to join us for prayer, reflective time and social and outreach activities. Call Carol Bezak for further information at 973-875-4521.
www.catholicministryclub.com
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Spiritual Growth Through Spiritual Gifts
Do you want to:
Grow spiritually through exploring God's Word?
Discover your own spiritual gifts through multiple activities?
Identify practical ways to use your gifts?
Experience the power of community?
Find ways to serve in mission?
Stephen Ministry of Sacred Heart Spirituality Center is offering a 9 session experience to help you to discover and develop your spiritual gifts.
To help you to understand and appreciate Spiritual Growth Through Spiritual Gifts, there will be an Information Session on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Spirituality Center in Newton, N.J. For more information please contact Ann Briggs at 973-383-1412 or Eileen Theys at 973-579-6145 or by email at etheys@nac.net.
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Pauline Trofimuk, Anna Elekes, Betty Swetz, and Frank Kalafut.
At Home: Loraine Schenker, Maria Woppel, Betty Garnis, Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Flo Yurchak, Ethel Segarra, Mary Carmody, Lisa Stine and Kath Sciascia.
 
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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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Enroll now!
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 and the 7th largest in the world.
Bishop Serratelli will celebrate a Liturgy of Thanksgiving; there will be time to visit the many Marian and ethnic shrines. Relax and enjoy a spiritual trip of coming together as a Diocese with our Bishop expressing love and honor for our Blessed Mother.
The price for a 1-day bus pilgrimage is $35, leaving designated parish pick-up areas between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., returning at about 10:30 p.m. which includes a rest stop each way.
An overnight pilgrimage is also available lodging at the beautiful Hilton Homewood Suites Hotel in downtown Washington. Tour includes dinner Saturday night at Philips Restaurant on the Potomac River and a full buffet breakfast on Sunday at the hotel. A Latin Mass on Sunday at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington. A guided tour of Washington to include an overview of the Capitol Building, Jefferson and Lincoln Monuments, Vietnam, Korean and World War II Memorials. Tour of Arlington Cemetery by tram-ride around the cemetery. Box lunch. 5:00 p.m. depart for home from Arlington Cemetery.
Eight parishioners are planning to attend this event! We are hoping to reach the goal of 24 or half a bus load. Consider making this wonderful trip with fellow parishioners! Call Cynthia at the Rectory 973-827-9575 for information or registration.
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STANDING ALONE
As much as the coming fall urges us back into living with greater intensity, somewhere along life's way there comes an even more poignant time when each of us must decide what we stand for in life, what is worth caring about and struggling for.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
As Jesus continues on his way to Jerusalem and the events of his passion, he speaks of the challenges facing him and all of his followers. He begins by saying, "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" (Luke 12:49). Fire can be a symbol of the Holy Spirit, but here it seems to refer rather to the fire of judgment, a biblical concept. "But who will endure the day of his [messenger of the covenant] coming? / And who can stand when he appears?
/ For he is like the refiner's fire, / or like the fuller's lye" (Malachi 3:2). John the Baptist says of Jesus, "He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire" (Luke 3:16).
Jesus next speaks of a "baptism with which I must be baptized" (Luke 12:50). Again, while some see this as a reference to baptism in the Spirit, it seems more plausible that Jesus is referring to his mission, which will culminate in Jerusalem. He is in anguish until his mission from the Father is completed.
The person and ministry of Jesus the prophet will be the source of division. It is not that he wants division. He speaks of establishing division on the earth rather than peace in the sense that he permits every person to choose freely for or against him. Jesus clearly came to bring peace; the angels announce at his coming. "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). Unfortunately, many freely choose to reject this true peace of Jesus and division results, even within families.
Today's first reading highlights the prophet Jeremiah. He caused division among the people, as did Jesus. Every follower of the Lord must make the free decision to accept him. That acceptance demands assigning the highest priority to love of God and neighbor in one's daily life.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
The willingness to stretch ourselves into the unknown
is part of what makes us human. At such times we walk in the shadow of Jesus as he leads us into new ways of being human. Each of us must choose to step into some unknown, guided by our God-given vision of what our lives must be about. At these moments one can feel both most alone and most alive.
 
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, 8 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 8/19/2007

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