RECONCILIATION
True reconciliation is emotional, dramatic, and cleansing. When two people meet heart to heart and work through old hurts, misunderstandings, and careless words, cleansing tears often flow and the encounter ends with an embrace that fills both with the warmth of a love too strong to fade.
The readings this weekend assure us of this healthy release that comes with reconciliation. They give us the courage to reach out to someone with whom we need to reconcile ourselves, and give us the courage to ask for forgiveness from God, too.
In the reading from Exodus, we see how God refuses again and again to give up on the Israelites. Even though they grow impatient with God and turn to false idols, God still calls them back. Luke's Gospel assures us that God rejoices when we turn away from sin. Paul's letter to Timothy encourages us, like Paul, to look back on our lives and recognize where God's patient mercy has been shown to us. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
 
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A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. —Psalm 51:12
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
Catechetical Sunday
Monday: St. Robert Bellarmine
Wednesday: St. Januarius
Thursday: Ss. Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong
Hasang and Their Companions
Friday: St. Matthew; Yom Kippur (Jewish day
of atonement) begins at sunset
Saturday: Blessed Virgin Mary
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: 1 Tm 2:1-8; Lk 7:1-10
Tuesday: 1 Tm 3:1-13; Lk 7:11-17
Wednesday: 1 Tm 3:14-16; Lk 7:31-35
Thursday: 1 Tm 4:12-16; Lk 7:36-50
Friday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Mt 9:9-13
Saturday: 1 Tm 6:13-16; Lk 8:4-15
Sunday: Am 8:4-7; Ps 113; 1 Tm 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13
[10-13]
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — “Why should your wrath blaze up against your own people, whom you brought out of Egypt?” (Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14).
Psalm — I will rise and go to my father (Psalm 51).
Second Reading — The grace of our Lord has been abundant (1 Timothy 1:12-17).
Gospel — We must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found (Luke 15:1-32 [15:1-10]).
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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…
Brandon James Alessio
son of Valerie and Nicholas
Loghan Sawyer Scerbo
son of Kelly and Ryan
Hailey Theresa Phillips
daughter of Kelly and Shayne
Michael Anthony Tidona
son of Gayle and Paul
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: $5,000.00
Project Faith Collection: $1,455.00
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Dear Parishioners,
Many thanks to everyone who attended our Parish Picnic and to everyone who was involved in planning and organizing this huge event. Parishioners had a delightful day together enjoying delicious food, great music and dancing, and fun activities for the children in the bounce houses, at the craft table and the pony and horse rides.
On behalf of the entire parish community I express deep gratitude to Ron Hoffman, the Knights of Columbus and all our parishioners who assisted all the preparations for the Picnic. I see we have a fantastic kitchen crew… your hard work and devotion to the success of the picnic is remarkable.
Our sincere thanks to Rosanne for providing music at the pavilion for the Mass and to our helpful confirmation students for assisting in the activities. The extra help you provide is very much needed and appreciated. Finally, our thanks to Janice Fitzsimmons and those who made it possible for our parish seniors to attend the picnic.
I truly enjoyed my first Parish Picnic with you and look forward to enjoying many more in the years to come. —Fr. Bogie
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2007 Bishop's Annual Appeal
In Giving … We Receive
There are several ways to contribute to the 2007 Bishop's Annual Appeal. Along with one-time gifts or pledges, parishioners are now able to use their Visa, MasterCard or Discover card as well as make a gift on-line. Gifts of securities are also welcome. For more information about these different giving options, please call 973-777-8818, extension 218.
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CCD RELIGIUOS EDUCATION CLASSES
CCD classes have begun:
Tuesday, September 11th for grades K-4
Wednesday, September 12th for grades 5-7
Sunday, September 16th for grades 8, 9, 10
Confirmation 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 YOUTH CHOIR of Immaculate Conception Church resumed weekly practice on Tuesday, September 11th.
Two identical practice sessions are 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).
Children wishing to join the choir may come to either group session any time during the school year.
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Monday, Sept. 17th, 7:30 p.m.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meetings are held in the Ministry House once a month. The next Prayer Shawl meeting will take place on Monday, September 17th at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome. No knitting/crochet experience necessary. Come join us to knit and pray as we create mantles of caring for the person who will receive the shawl.
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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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SOUPer Sunday Food Drive
The last Sunday of every month is designated as SOUPer Sunday at Immaculate Conception Parish. We will accept donations of non-perishable food items as well as toiletries and cleaning products. Donations will be sent to the Partnership for Social Services Family Center's Food Pantry. Through your good will, generosity and kindness we will be helping to meet the needs of the less fortunate families in our Community. As always, we thank you for your continued support and whatever you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Next Collection: September 29-30th.
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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 is Wednesday, Oct. 3rd from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House
“I cry to you, O God, for my grief is like a flood that sweeps me away, like a deep pit that swallows me. In your mercy, hear my prayer, for I am in distress. In your abundant love hasten to help me. For I am overwhelmed. Draw near to me, O Lord, and rescue me.”
—Prayers of Comfort and Consolation in time of Grieving
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Fall Craft and Vendor Fair
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Fatima Church
184 Breakneck Road, Highland Lakes, NJ
26 various crafters and vendors will be on hand. Food and beverages are also available. For further information, please call Karen at 973-764-4457.
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Sunday Social
Stop by the Lyceum after the 10:30 a.m. Mass to enjoy a light breakfast with Fr. Bogie and fellow parishioners.
The Parish community expresses deep gratitude to all of the parishioners who have come forward volunteering to help with the Sunday Social! Special thanks to Marianne Cammarano for her prolific efforts in coordinating the group. God bless all of you.
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Immaculate Conception Regional School
announces their
9th Annual Basket Bingo Fundraiser!
Friday, October 12, 2007
at St. John Vianney—Madonna Hall
Route 23, Stockholm, New Jersey
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
Bingo Begins at 7:30 p.m.
$15.00 for 15 rounds of bingo
additional rounds $10.00
For further information contact
Marie McKeever at 973-827-8921
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Blood Drive
We Need You!
Friday, October 12th
Immaculate Conception Lyceum
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood:
· Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion!
· 20% of recipients are children – many are cancer patients!
· Giving blood is 100% safe!
· One pint of blood from one donor can save up to three lives!!!
· Your donation will go to someone in your community
· Donating will not cost you money.
· About 60% of the population are eligible to donate blood, yet less than 5% do!
· Your body will replenish the fluid lost during the donation within 24 hours.
· We will provide juice, donuts and cookies!
Sponsored by:
The Knights of Columbus Marquette Council #588
Columbiettes 588 Marquette Council Auxiliary
Immaculate Conception Parish
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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, Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio, Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Flo Yurchak, Ethel Segarra, Mary Carmody, Lisa Stine and Charlie Westdyke.
 
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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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Celebrating the Catechetical Year
This year Catechetical Sunday, September 16th will focus on the theme “Catechesis: Encountering the Living Christ.” 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. —USCCB
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Adult Parishioners and Friends are Invited to Join Us for a Special Evening in Welcoming our New Pastor Fr. Bogie
Saturday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyceum fellowship hall.
Music by Ray Sikora · Hot and Cold Buffet · Dessert, Coffee, Soft Drinks · BYOB
$20.00 per person. Limited tickets available.
Tickets for sale after all Masses on Sept. 15, 16, 22, 23 or call Tony Quartarolo at 973-209-4044.
Sponsored by the ICC Marriage Ministry
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Altar Server Schedule
Next Weekend's Masses
Saturday 9/22
5:00 p.m. E. Radics, C. Lynch
 
Sunday 9/23
7:30 a.m. Oroho, Williams
9:15 a.m. A. Sica, J. Payne
10:30 a.m. M. Hocking, D. Peck
12:00 noon K. Morano, S. Morano
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LOST AND FOUND
Sometimes life finds us when we didn't know we were lost. We can be like toddlers wandering off into a countryside exploding with amazing discoveries, even straying obliviously to the edge of calamity, and then snatched back into life and love without even realizing we'd walked away.
INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel is an amazing teaching on the unconditional love of God for all. God's children are more important to God than anything they may have done. Jesus welcomes the tax collectors and sinners, the marginalized of his day. The self-righteous Pharisees and scribes are upset and say, "This man [a pejorative expression in the Greek text] welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:2).
Jesus' response here, as always, is that he cares for sinners because his Father loves everyone. The three parables all present God as not only looking for the sinner, but also accepting the sinner back with great rejoicing. God not only forgives and forgets, but also does it with great joy! In the final verse today the father, symbolizing God, says, "We must celebrate and rejoice" (15:32).
The shepherd rejoicing over his sheep that was lost and then found and the woman who recovers her lost coin represent God, who pursues sinners and tries to bring them back so that there can be "rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (15:10).
The third parable portrays a loving father dealing with two children who have different problems. But the principal point is that the father has great love for both his sons. One important difference in this parable is the fact that the son who left his father has free will. After his departure and life of dissolution, he ends up tending pigs. Since the Jewish people consider pigs unclean, this occupation represents the worst moral degradation. But he does repent freely and returns. The compassionate father "ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him" (15:20).
When the elder son, representing the Pharisees and scribes, becomes aware of the banquet prepared for his brother, he is angry. But the father comes out to him and invites him into the banquet. Jesus stops there with the parable. The invitation is there for the Pharisees and scribes to enter God's kingdom and rejoice with the repentant sinners. The decision is up to them!
 
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
God does seem to find us, and also finds a life calling for us, and finds love for us, and finds meaning for us, and even finds a way out of our sin for us—even when we didn't know we needed to be found.
 
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 9/16/07

 

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