Church Bulletin Week of August 31, 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FOLLOWING CHRIST
If you've ever had an unpleasant but somewhat amusing practical joke played on you, then you have some understanding of how Jeremiah feels today when he tells God “good one—you duped me.” We can almost see him shaking his head with a bit of a rueful smile, but an angry undertone in his voice. In similar fashion, Peter thinks Jesus is “duping” him when Jesus starts to explain that being Messiah means suffering and dying, and being a follower of the Messiah means taking up a cross and doing the same. Jeremiah tries to deny God's will for him by trying to shut up; Peter—who has just been made the foundation of the church—out and out denies the teaching of Jesus, for which he is named “Satan” today. Fortunately for us, Jeremiah comes to realize that to have the word of God placed in your heart means that it will be futile to try and keep silent, even if it means scorn and derision from those around you. Luckily Peter ultimately returned to the faith he professed in last week's Gospel, and came to understand our need as baptized followers of Christ to follow in his way, even when it means following him to our very death.© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading -- The name of the LORD has become like fire burning in Jeremiah's heart (Jeremiah 20:7-9).
Psalm -- My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God (Psalm 63).
Second Reading -- Be transformed; renew your mind; discern what is good (Romans 12:1-2).
Gospel -- Those who lose their lives for Jesus' sake will find them (Matthew 16:21-27).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Saturday Devotions - Won't You Join Us?
Catholics have always honored the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday because of her constant faith in Jesus on that Holy Saturday before the Resurrection. On that first Holy Saturday, while everyone else had abandoned Christ, Mary continued to believe, demonstrating her deep faith by never doubting for a moment her Son's promise of resurrection. Saturday is designated as a memorial of the Blessed Virgin as “a remembrance of the maternal example and discipleship of the Blessed Virgin Mary who, strengthened by faith and hope, on that great Saturday on which Our Lord lay in the tomb, was the only one of the disciples to hold vigil in expectation of the Lord's resurrection.
We invite you to honor our Blessed Mother with us on the next First Saturday, September 6, 2008. Join us every Saturday for 9:00 a.m. Mass followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary and each “First Saturday” of every month.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Labor Day Prayer
On this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, loving Father, we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labor—in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and in family living. We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name. We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere. May all those now retired always remember that we still make a valuable contribution to our Church and our world by our prayers and deeds of charity. May our working and our resting give praise to you until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed in your Kingdom as you live and reign Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Weekend's Collection: $4,305.00
We are grateful for your contributions this weekend and for all that you have done for our parish in the past.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rectory Office Closed-Monday, September 1st , Labor Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RCIA is the place for you if you are interested in becoming a Catholic and in learning more about the Catholic Church or in receiving the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation. Classes begin in the fall. For more information call the Rectory Office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The flowers this weekend are a Birthday Remembrance
In Loving Memory of Nestor DeLaTorre, requested by his Family
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
URGENT Call for Children's Liturgists
Please consider becoming a part of the Children's Liturgy. The Diocese of Paterson requires TWO adults present in each Liturgy session. We currently have Children's Liturgy at the 5pm, 9am and 10:30am Masses. Currently, we do not have enough adults to run the program as we have in the past. Training will be provided. This is a wonderful way to share your faith with the children of our parish. Call the Rectory and speak to Cynthia if you have any questions or are able to assist. The rewards are great! THANKS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family through the sacrament of Baptism
Anthony Joseph Kilmat,son of Christine and Fouad
Natalia Anna Kuznar, daughter of Anna and Christopher
May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADULT CHOIR
The Adult Choir of Immaculate Conception Church will resume practice on Thursday, September 11 from 7:30-9:00 pm. Service in our Parish Ministries has taken on new momentum; why not elect to participate in one that is tuneful, social, intrinsic to our liturgy, and which bestows spiritual inspiration in its very action! We hope to welcome new participants this season into our friendly group. Though you may often see faces and hear voices you recognize from year to year, you undoubtedly notice newcomers as well. Our group is open and inviting; no special skill or experience is required, as each Singer moves within his own comfort level. What is required is the ability to consistently attend Thursday night rehearsals. You may even find yourself anticipating your "night out" all week long. Will this be your year to try something "new"? Please come to our first practice on the 11th and see if you and Adult Choir are a "good fit"! We warmly extend an invitation to sing with us. Why not say "Yes" and join in the song!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upcoming Events
1. SOUPer Sunday Collection: this weekend
2. Blood Pressure Screening this Sunday after 10:30 Mass
3. Grief Support: Wed. Sept 3rd, 7-8:30pm Ministry House
4. First Saturday Service: Next Saturday, Sept. 6th, 9am
5. Church Picnic: September 14th at Fireman's Pavilion
6. Liturgy Committee Meeting: September 8th, 7:30pm
7. RCIA Orientation Meeting: September 23rd, 7pm in the Rectory Conference Room
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Catholic Education at Immaculate Conception Regional School
+Programs for all 4 & 5 Year Olds
+Full and Part Time Preschool
+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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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. You will have the opportunity to help teach our children the Word of the Lord, embrace the opportunity to inspire them, and encourage and empower the children through their faith. Contact Cynthia at the Rectory.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You
A special THANK YOU to the Junior National Honor Society students from ICRS who spent several days painting the room and bathrooms under the Lyceum. All paint and supplies were donated by the students and their families. If anyone has a community service project the students might be able to help with please contact Mrs. Sowden or Mrs. McKeever at the school.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Youth Ministers Needed
Young adults and high school students please consider becoming part of the new Youth Ministry program at Immaculate Conception. See Fr. Bogie if you are interested.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the Lighter Side
Two little boys were spending the night at their grandparents. At bedtime, the two boys said their prayers and at the top of his lungs the youngest one said, “I pray for a new bicycle, a new PlayStation, and a new DVD…” His older brother leaned over and said, "You don't have to shout...God can hear you.” To which the little brother replied, “I know, but GRANDMA is hard of hearing!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be the Best Parents You Can Be
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend can teach you how. Here married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones for 44 hours and focus only on each other. Discover greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship. Call 1-800-499-6552 for information and registration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rachel's Vineyard
Weekend retreat for anyone, woman or man, suffering from the effects of abortion. It is an opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness, and compassion in a supportive and confidential environment. Through prayer and living scripture exercises, participants are able to make their way through the critical steps of post-abortion healing. For information contact:
Rachel@patersondiocese.org All calls are kept strictly confidential.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekend Retreat for Separated or Divorced
September 12, 13, 14, 2008 in Newton, NJ
Presented by a Franciscan Retreat Team.
For information call Fr. Tom Kelly, OFM 973-985-9736 or Deacon Milt 973-271-5097
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wine and Cheese Festival
Sponsored by Friends of Hospice
September 14th 2-5pm
Waterwheel Farm, Fredon $35.00pp
Proceeds to benefit Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.
Call 973-383-0115
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephen Ministry offers free, confidential care for those who may be experiencing a crisis, whether long or short term in duration, in their lives. Call Janice at the Rectory if you or someone you know needs a listening ear, a caring spirit, and a kind heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prostate Cancer Panel Presentation and Discussion
September 2, 2008 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Franciscan Oaks, Denville, NJ
Registration required RSVP: 1-866-782-5273
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sister Thomasina's Bake Sale
Saturday, September 6, 2008
WAL-MART, Rt. 206, Newton
9:00am - 3:00pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Franklin Senior Center
Are you tired of the same routine? Need a change of pace?
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS
The Lunch Bunch Senior (60+) Activity Center
in Franklin offers a hot lunch and fun activity. Transportation can be arranged by the Sussex Country Transit System at 973-579-0480, M-F.
Reservations should be made a day ahead by 11am
Call 973-827-2973.
Suggested donation of $2 for lunch and the daily activity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Online Graduate Programs in Religious Education
Felician College, The Franciscan College of New Jersey
+Are you involved in Lay Ecclesial Ministry?
+Are you interested in teaching CCD?
+Are you looking for a program that meets the demands of your busy life by enabling you to study in the comfort of your own home?
Visit: www.felician.edu or call 201-559-6085
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chance to Win 2009 Volvo
Once again, New Jersey Right to Life is conducting its Annual Car Raffle this fall. Tickets are $10 each and the prize this year is a 2009 Volvo V50 AWS Sport Wagon valued at $35,000. Raffle Tickets will be sold outside of church al all Masses on the weekend of September 20 & 21st. Your support for this major fundraiser is deeply appreciated. Visit: www.njrtl.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hospice Volunteer Training
Monday and Wednesday Evenings
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton
September 3-September 29 from 7-9pm.
To Register Call 800-882-1117
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prayer Requests
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, Bernadette Hoffman, Syrina Bruno, Vicki Schroeder, Ed Gonzales, John Tidona & Lisa Stine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Altar Server Schedule
Sat 8/30 5:00NMoscalow
Sun 8/31 7:30JOroho, Morano
9:00ECox, MFalk
10:30CMcDonald, MMcDonald
12:00JPayne, MLattanzio
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE PASSION OF FAITH
Passion is like a river. What begins swift and churning amid tumultuous rapids and swirling eddies in time becomes a power that runs deep and silent, carrying with it all that it passes and touches. Over time it becomes the very intense power of life itself, like the mighty Mississippi as it flows through its delta into the Gulf of Mexico.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INSIDE THE READINGS
"From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem" (Matthew 16:21). As he begins this final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus will concentrate on the preparation of his disciples. His first important point is that he "must" go to his death and resurrection. Mark (8:31) and Luke (9:22) also stress the "necessity" of the sufferings of Christ. Clearly the Passion is necessary because that is the Father's will for the Son. He is to mount the cross as savior of all, fulfilling the words of the angel at his birth, "Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Peter and most of his contemporaries were expecting a powerful messiah who would free Israel from Rome. When Peter insists that Jesus should not suffer, he responds by calling Peter Satan. In the temptations at the beginning of his ministry Satan encourages Jesus to be unfaithful to his role as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Matthew 4:1-11). Peter, too, is tempting Jesus to abandon his proper role; the Rock is becoming a stumbling block, an obstacle (16:23). Earlier Jesus had said, "Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me" (11:6).
Jesus insists that his followers must be willing to accept the cross. Their lives must be Christ-centered, not self-centered. In today's first reading the prophet Jeremiah bemoans the consequences of fidelity to his role: "The word of the LORD has brought me / derision and reproach all the day" (Jeremiah 20:8). But today's Gospel ends with the promise of reward at the Last Judgment for those who are faithful in their actions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Jesus must have been a passionate person; he realized the death that awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he went forward anyway. The passion of faith also flows deep, focused outward and not on ourselves, bringing each of us to the brink of death and perhaps beyond. It was so for Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr. and Maximilian Kolbe and countless others. It is so for all believers. Though it may be less noticeable in you or me, it is no less demanding or intense. Faith is a passion.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.8/31/08
While you are visiting the Immaculate Conception web site, be sure to sign in our guest book!!