Church Bulletin Week of September 14, 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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TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
On Good Friday, at the heart of the Triduum, the commemoration of the Lord's Passion is colored by sobriety and decorum, but today the mystery comes in a luminous celebration of Christ's victory. In its deepest origins, it is the feast of a dedication of a church, since in the year 335 the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was dedicated on September 13, and on the following day the “true cross” discovered by St. Helena was brought outside to the faithful for veneration. It is a great feast of the Eastern Church, which often marks it by having the whole assembly prostrate themselves on the floor honoring the life-giving cross.
At the core of the tradition is the quest of Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, to acquire the cross and the nails of the Crucifixion from the ruins of Jerusalem. When she was satisfied that she had found them, thanks to the healing of a sick man whose body was placed on the cross, she had her son fund the building of the great basilica. The history of the relic is complicated, especially because it was carried off by invading Persians in the year 614 and “went missing” for fifteen years. Today's feast does not celebrate the relic, but rather the life-giving cross from which salvation flows. It's a good day to look around your house or office: Don't those walls look bare without a cross? What better day to remedy that? Rev. James Field, © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — Whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, they lived (Numbers 21:4b-9).
Psalm — Do not forget the works of the Lord! (Psalm 78).
Second Reading — Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped (Philippians 2:6-11).
Gospel — God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that those who believe might have eternal life (John 3:13-17).
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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for September:
General: That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defense and protection of their rights.
Mission: That faithful to the sacrament of matrimony every Christian family may cultivate the values of love and communion in order to be a small evangelizing community, sensitive and open to the material and spiritual needs of others.
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Catechetical Sunday - September 21, 2008
This year Catechetical Sunday, September 21, 2008, will focus on the theme, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” Those who have been delegated by the community to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel as well as to rededicating himself or herself to this mission as a community of faith. Provided by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Please consider becoming a part of this most worthwhile Ministry at Immaculate Conception. There are opportunities for assisting with all Religious Education classes, grades K-10 and as a Children's Liturgists.
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Last Weekend's Collection: $5435.00
We are grateful for your contributions this weekend and for all that you have done for our parish in the past.
The Second Collection this weekend is for Project Faith.
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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 973-827-9575
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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. All Candidates and RCIA Support Team Members are to attend an Orientation Meeting to be held on September, 23rd, at 7pm in the Rectory Conference Room.
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Sanctuary Flowers
The flowers this weekend are a 7th Anniversary Remembrance
In Loving Memory of Frank Rossi, Jr.
Requested by the Rossi and Scriffiano Families
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Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism
Casey Taryn Mulligan, daughter of Janeen and James
Jaxon Avery Neubig, son of Joyce and Joseph
May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
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Come Join Us for a Day of Fun!
Our Annual Church Picnic is today, Sunday - September 14th
12:00 Mass - 5pm
Franklin Fireman's Pavilion
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EAT OUT NIGHT at McDONALD'S - Sept 17th 4- 8pm
a percentage of all their sales will go to
Immaculate Conception Regional School
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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
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Upcoming Events
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1. CCD Classes begin this week for grades K-7
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2. Confirmation Classes begin Sept 21st
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3. Catechetical Sunday: All Religious Education Teachers are invited to the 9:00 Mass for Commissioning.
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4. RCIA Orientation Meeting: Sept. 23rd at 7pm
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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.
http://www.shopforcharityday.com/134508
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SCRIP
Help Support Immaculate Conception Regional School!
Scrip gift cards are available after Masses and at the school. The cards cost only face value with a percentage returned to the school from the retailer.
See Marie or Kathy at 973-827-3777
Weis, Shop-Rite, A&P, Staples, Sears, Wendy's, Applebee's, JCPenney, Sussex Meat Packing to name a few…
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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!”
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Exultation of the Holy Cross
The cross is today the universal image of Christian belief. Generations of artists have turned it into a thing of beauty to be carried in procession or worn as jewelry. To the eyes of the first Christians, it had no beauty. It stood outside too many city walls, representative of crucifixions, as a threat to anyone who defied Rome's authority. Although believers spoke of the cross as the instrument of salvation, it seldom appeared in Christian art unless disguised as an anchor or the Chi-Rho until after Constantine's edict of toleration.
"How splendid the cross of Christ! It brings life, not death; light, not darkness; Paradise, not its loss. It is the wood on which the Lord, like a great warrior, was wounded in hands and feet and side, but healed thereby our wounds. A tree has destroyed us, a tree now brought us life" (Theodore of Studios).
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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.
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Right to Life
The right to life is like the foundation of a house. Other rights, such as the right to work, the right to health care, etc., are the walls of the house that protect the precious gift of life from attack. It is meaningless to say we are going to guarantee the rights that enhance human life yet say that human life itself has no inherent worth. (Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of USCCB's Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities)
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Catholic Campus Ministry at SCCC
All parishioners who are students at Sussex County Community College are invited to become involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry Club. The club meets twice a month for an hour of reflective time and faith sharing. 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.
Call Carol at 973-875-4521 if you would like to learn more.
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2008 Bishop's Annual Appeal
Act as Beacons of Hope
For your convenience, you can make a gift to the Bishop's Annual Appeal on-line by going to: www.patersondiocese.org
and click on the make A Donation Button by the Bishop's Annual Appeal link. You can also make a credit card donation by completing the back of your pledge card. This year, American Express is being offered along with Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. No matter the method that works best for you, please consider supporting the 2008 Bishop's Annual Appeal with a gift today. Thank You!
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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.
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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
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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 at all Masses on the weekend of September 20th & 21st. Your support for this major fundraiser is deeply appreciated. Visit: www.njrtl.org
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Autumn Tea
The Paterson Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual fundraiser, an Autumn Tea, on Sunday, October 5, from 2-5pm at the Parish of Saint Ann, 781 Smith Road, Parsippany, N.J. Tickets are $20. For reservations call 973-473-8610 on or before September 23. Please bring a non-perishable food donation to help fill diocesan Catholic Charities food pantries.
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Save the Date: Friday, October 17, 2008
Guiding Youth to Success - 9th Annual Drug Awareness Program
8:30am-2:15pm Skylands at Randolph
Sponsored by: Saint Clare's Community Health Trust
Substance Abuse Action Team
Call 1-866-782-5273 to register or for more information
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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., Julia and 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
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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., SSG Sabrina Mohammed
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 9/13 5:00 JPayne JDragon
Sun 9/14 7:30 JOroho SMorano
9:00 ECox Radics
10:30 CMcDonald MMcDonald
12:00 MLattanzio RHolowienka
Sat 9/20 5:00 JHamler AHamler
Sun 9/21 7:30 MKHubbard JOroho
9:00 CBrossman KMorano
10:30 NCarafello KCarafello
12:00 DPeck EBriggs
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THE FULLNESS OF EMPTINESS
God gave away what was most precious, God's only Son, so that we might find life. And what Jesus did was to empty himself so that God could fill him with life and exalt him. It seems that while you and I are preoccupied with finding meaning by filling our lives, the divine instinct is to empty life so that meaning might find us.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
The serpent mentioned in today's Gospel and first reading is a type of the crucified Christ, who is the source of eternal life, not just physical life, to all who look at him with faith. "Lifted up" in the Gospel here has the double meaning of "crucified" and "exalted." Today's feast stresses the exaltation, the triumph of the cross of Jesus. To the casual bystander it appeared to be the instrument of Jesus' death, but to the person of faith it is the instrument of salvation.
Jesus insists that this work of salvation has the love of God as its source. "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (John 3:16). Given the emphasis in the Greek text, this sentence could be paraphrased, "God indeed loved the world so much that he actually sacrificed his only Son." God gave Jesus to everyone not only in the Incarnation, but especially in the Crucifixion.
In today's second reading Paul also gives wonderful testimony to the exaltation of the cross, using what may well have been a Christian hymn. The Christian is reminded of Jesus' humility by his "taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7). Isaiah had written of the Servant (Slave) of Yahweh who "gives his life as an offering for sin" (Isaiah 53:10). Jesus goes on to give up his life for all men and women. "He humbled himself, / becoming obedient to the point of death, / even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).
The exaltation of the cross is seen in the following verse. In the Greek text the author makes it clear that the cross led to Jesus' "superexaltation" and to his receiving the divine title "LORD," the translation of Yahweh in the Greek Old Testament. The sign of a true Christian and the way to salvation will be the confession "Jesus Christ is Lord" (2:11).
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Young people are good at risking. They do it with abandon, mostly because they've got nothing to lose, and so they do it almost instinctively and without thinking about it. As we begin to accumulate years, we also accumulate stuff. Perhaps to be young at heart is to be willing to risk being emptied.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, ©2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 9/14/08
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