HUMILITY
Have you ever been in a group of people—maybe on a tour, at a social gathering, or at church—and discovered that you have just been talking with a well-known author, corporate CEO, great scholar, or politician? Your first thought is the hope that you didn't say anything to embarrass yourself; but your second thought is how much they seemed like such “regular” folks. What is it that makes people seem so “regular”? Today's readings give us a clue when they stress the importance of humility.
It is so hard for us not to tell the first person who will listen how busy we are, how hard we work, how much money we donate, and how important our job titles are. We think these accolades make a difference to people, and if we don't tell them, how will they ever know? But if our actions demonstrate our values, people will recognize our worth on their own. The words of Jesus show us how much better it is to let someone else recognize our worth than to be embarrassed because someone did not.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God.
— Hebrews 12:22a
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday:St. Gregory the Great; Labor Day
Friday:First Friday
Saturday:The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:1 Thes 4:13-18; Lk 4:16-30
Tuesday:1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37
Wednesday:Col 1:1-8; Lk 4:38-44
Thursday:Col 1:9-14; Lk 5:1-11
Friday:Col 1:15-20; Lk 5:33-39
Saturday:Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30;
Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 [1:18-23]
Sunday:Wis 9:13-18b; Ps 90; Phlm 9-10, 12-17;
Lk 14:25-33
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — Conduct your affairs with humility (Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29).
Psalm — God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor (Psalm 68).
Second Reading — You have approached the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a).
Gospel — When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind (Luke 14:1, 7-14).
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Our parish rejoices with the families of
Alison Flaherty
and
Christopher Reitter
united in marriage on September 2, 2007
May the Lord bless you with a beautiful lifetime together filled with everlasting love and contentment.

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The lovely flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are a loving remembrance of Edward M. Gaba, Sr.requested by his wife and family
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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 praises God for this new gift of life. God bless...
Vincent Salvatore Giacchi
son of Rita and John Richard
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: $4,792.00
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Our Parish Picnic is Next 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. Helpers please call the rectory, 973-827-9575.
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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.
CCD classes will begin on:
Tuesday, September 11th for grades K-4
Wednesday, September 12th for grades 5-7
Sunday, September 16th for grades 8, 9, 10Confirmation Students will begin by attending 9:15 Mass
and class after Mass 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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The ADULT CHOIR of Immaculate Conception Church will resume practice on Thursday, September 6th from 7:30—9:00 p.m. Our first endeavor will be that of preparing for Father Bogie's Installation Mass to be held on Saturday, September 15th at 5:00 p.m.; Bishop Serratelli will preside.
Our choir is especially energized in our Music Ministry; we wish to welcome new participants this season. No special skill or experience is required—just the ability to consistently attend Thursday night rehearsals.
Will this be your year to try something “new”? Our friendly group provides an opportunity for a unique night away from “routine”… to “blend” or “be featured” as each singer elects, through their own special mode of participation.
We warmly extend an invitation to sing with us. Let's welcome Father Bogie as we use our gifts in the music life of our parish. Why not say “yes” and join in the song!
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The YOUTH CHOIR of Immaculate Conception Church will resume practice on Tuesday, September 11th.
Two identical practice sessions will be held; students are welcomed to attend either session:
GROUP 1 — 3:00 p.m. assemble directly after school (please bring a light snack and drink) in the Lyceum for a 3:15-4:15 practice in the church.
GROUP 2 — 4:45-5:30 practice in the church.
We invite Singers from Grade 2 and up to participate in this dynamic and hard working choir. The only requirements for membership are a love of singing and the ability to consistently attend weekly Tuesday rehearsals. The Youth Choir sings on a rotating Sunday Mass schedule several times a month and at “special” liturgical occasions through the year.
Materials and additional information will be distributed on September 11. Also, know we always welcome adults interested in becoming weekly or occasional “Adult Helpers” (assistants).
Please mark your calendars today!
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On Monday, September 3, we will observe Labor Day with a Mass at 9:00 a.m.
There is no 7:00 p.m. Mass.
Lord on this Labor Day, we celebrate the work we do, and we thank You for the blessing of our jobs. We ask for those seeking employment that You guide them in their search for work.
We ask for guidance when we are confused. We ask for patience when working through conflicts. We ask for strength to complete each day. We ask for rest when we are weary.
We ask that You be with those whose faces we might never see but who work tirelessly each day for the good of us all.
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'Lord, support us all day long until shadows lengthen, evening comes, the busy world hushed, the fever of life is over and our life's work is done.
Then, in Thy tender mercy, give us safe lodging, holy rest and everlasting peace at your side for eternity.'
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Court Appointed Special Advocates Needed
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs in Sussex, Morris and Passaic Counties are recruiting volunteers to serve as advocates for abused/neglected children. Such volunteers help facilitate placement of children in to a permanent home and represent the child's best interest in family court. CASA volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and have a sincere desire to help abused/neglected children. Volunteers receive an initial 30 hour orientation and ongoing supervision and training. Make a personal difference in the life of a child.
To become a CASA volunteer call:
Sussex County: 973-579-0723
Morris County: 973-656-4330
Passaic County: 973-494-1509

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Catholic Charities Adoption Agency is accepting applications for its Adoption and Foster Care Programs. Any interested married couples in our Diocese can contact the adoption office at 973-523-9595 ext. 20 or 27 or via email at
adoptcfcs@optionline.net
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Beginning Experience
Single Again? Enjoy a weekend away for a lifetime of change. The Beginning Experience weekend is designed to be a time of closure on the past and renewed hope for the future. Call 866-610-8877 or visit www.beginningexperience.com.
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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 this Wednesday, Sept. 5th, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.

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Sussex County Division of Senior Services announces The Balancing Act
Free Balance Screening at the Franklin Senior Center on Tuesday, Sept. 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Maintain your independence! Take a few minutes to learn if you are at risk for falls and how you can take action to prevent them. Call 973-579-0555 to make an appointment or to schedule a Balance Screening for your group.
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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.
Nine 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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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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Religious Education
Teachers and Aides Needed
Our children need teachers and aides for their Religious Education Classes as retirements from teaching are out pacing our recruitments.
Set an example. Share your faith. Lead the children closer to the Lord.
Please talk to God and your family and consider becoming a teacher for our Religious Ed program. Contact Nadine Allen, Coordinator of Religious Education, in the rectory CCD Office at 973-827-9501.
Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work. —William A. Ward
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Lectors Needed
for the 12:00 noon Masses
The lector serves a unique role in the liturgy. It is Jesus himself who speaks in the Scriptures.  The lector in proclaiming the Scriptures, uses voice, presence, and personality so that the Word of God may be heard.  "Faith comes by hearing," says St. Paul.
One called to be a lector should be trained in reading and proclaiming the Word clearly and expressively to the people.  If you have a special gift speaking in public and you are a confirmed teen or adult, we invite you to become a lector or reader.  Contact the rectory office.
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Many thanks for last week's contributions to the Food Bank!
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ELUSIVE HUMILITY
Though most of us seek happiness, nothing guarantees that God made us to be happy on this side of the great divide we call death. Nevertheless, we sometimes come to expect happiness, even demand it as if we had some sort of right to it. Perhaps we should be seeking humility first, as Jesus urges in today's Gospel.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
The second reading today is from the Letter to the Hebrews. It is in fact a written homily, a "message of encouragement" (Hebrews 13:22) rather than a letter like those of St. Paul. The purpose of the homily is to keep Christians from abandoning their faith. While there are many questions concerning such issues as its authorship and recipients, this letter contains wonderful teaching about Jesus and his relationship to the old covenant. It asserts that Christ is especially the Word of the Father, God's final revelation. He is also the priest of the new covenant. In contrast to the sacrifices of the old covenant, Christ's single offering removes sin once and for all.
Today's passage from the last section of Hebrews brings together the principal themes of the book. The reader is presented with the strong contrast between the Mosaic covenant and the new covenant of Jesus. Gloom, darkness, and prohibited access to God characterize the beginning of the old covenant (see Exodus 19:16-25).
The Christian covenant, by contrast, is presented as a joyful experience. God is present with Jesus. The Father and the Son are approachable. The angels, the saints of the old covenant, the assembly of Christians all join in this joyful experience on Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. Though many Christians are still on earth, the author portrays them as with Jesus since they have already known his graces, his saving action.
Verse 24 highlights the role of Jesus as priest of the new covenant, saving us by shedding his blood. The blood of Abel calls for vengeance (Genesis 4:10), but the blood of Christ calls for confidence (Hebrews 10:19).
God is there on Mount Zion as "judge of all" (Hebrews 12:23). Though the covenant of Jesus is infinitely superior to the old covenant, there will be judgment, accountability for one's actions. The author of Hebrews is therefore imploring all Christians to remain faithful to Christ.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
In the end, an attitude of humility toward life and its patrons affects our comings and goings, the paths that we walk and the tables at which we sit. In fact, it has already begun. It happens at the Lord's table, where all are welcome.
 
 
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 9/2/07

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