Church Bulletin Week of September 28, 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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GOD'S WAYS
In the stream of readings during this portion of Ordinary Time one week's texts can often appear to pick up exactly where the previous week's concluded. The sentiments expressed in today's first reading seem to be a direct reaction to the Gospel passage we heard last week. In that Gospel, the landowner pays the same wages to his workers whether they worked for a full day or for only a few minutes. Today Ezekiel gives us the lament, “The Lord's way is not fair!”(Ezekiel 18:25). These Sundays in Ordinary Time offer us a glimpse into the ways of the Lord. We see how God's way has the tendency to turn the accepted conventions of the day upside down. Those who always expected that their way to heaven was guaranteed are disappointed. Those who thought they never had a chance are given that chance. Today offers us another opportunity to discover the abundance of God's mercy and love.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — When the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is right, they shall surely live (Ezekiel 18:25-28).
Psalm — Remember your mercies, O Lord (Psalm 25)
Second Reading — Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-11 [1-5]).
Gospel — Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you (Matthew 21:28-32).
Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 2:5
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Offertory Gifts
When the Mass intention is for your loved one or a friend, and you would like to bring up the gifts of bread and wine, please advise one of the ushers before Mass.
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GUARDIAN ANGELS - October 2nd
The servants of Christ are protected by invisible, rather than visible, beings. But if these guard you, they do so because they have been summoned by your prayers.
—St. Ambrose, fourth century
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Choir Notes
As the new Choir Season begins, the Choirs' role of Leadership in Music Ministry is affirmed. At choir Masses and all Masses throughout the year, the act of singing beings an opportunity for avid praise, for faith affirmation and communal inspiration. We again welcome and encourage new choir participants this season, and embrace participation of the congregation in song with the choirs as catalysts for worship. One expression of involvement and respect for the full process of Sunday Mass is our energetic conclusion to the liturgy through the duration of the Closing Hymn. How edifying it is when all remain attentively in place, thoughtfully participating in music through the final, brief verse, prior to moving to the sacristy, the candles, or departing. May this be the year where our devotion is both visibly and audibly propelled - through the very last note!
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Last Weekend's Collection: $4,500.00
We are grateful for your contributions this weekend and for all that you have done for our parish in the past.
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The Parish is looking for a company or individual to do SNOW-PLOWING this winter. Please call the Rectory if you are interested.
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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. “Protecting God's Children” a Diocesan Program requires two adults and at least two children for each class. We are hoping to be able to provide Children's Liturgy at several Masses. Catechists are required to continue the Children's Liturgy sessions at our 9:00 and 10:30 Masses. Call the Rectory if you are able to assist.
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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.
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October is the Month Dedicated to the Holy Rosary
October Recitation of the Rosary
Recitation of the Rosary will be said after Daily 7am Mass and 7pm Monday Novena as well as our regularly scheduled Recitation of the Rosary on Saturdays after the 9am Mass.
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Sanctuary Flowers
The flowers this weekend are in Loving Memory of Andrew Massey requested by his wife,
daughters & son-in-law
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Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism
Ty William Pearson, son of Diane and William May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
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Sunday Social
Don't forget to stop by the Lyceum after the 10:30 Mass each Sunday for our Sunday Social. Take the time to have a great cup of coffee and a donut or bagel and chat with your fellow parishioners! Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who make the social possible each week!
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RITE OF CALLING
Attention 8th Grade Confirmation Students
Rite of Calling will take place October 5th at the 9:00 Mass. Attendance at Mass is required.
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SOUPer SUNDAY FOOD PANTRY
This weekend is our food drive. As always, we appreciate your efforts to help in providing the supplies needed to stock the food pantry shelves at Partnership for Social Services. Your small donations make a world of difference for a family in need.
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PRE-WINTER SALE AT SR. THOMASINA'S SECOND CHOICE SHOP
48 WYKER ROAD FRANKLIN, NJ 07416 …973-827-4702
WEDNESDAY, OCTOER 1st and 8th AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th and 11th
9:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
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Be Heart Healthy and Heart Smart
Stop by the Lyceum after the 10:30 Mass today to have your blood pressure check by one of our Health Ministers.
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Upcoming Events:
10/1: Grief Support Group Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 in the Ministry House
10/4: 9:00 First Saturday Mass and Rosary
10/4: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Blessing of the Animals in the Church Parking Lot at 10:00...if it rains bring your umbrellas!
10/5 9:00 Mass: Rite of Calling; All 8th Grade Confirmation students will be called into the Confirmation Program and presented with the Bibles they will use in their continued studies in preparation for Confirmation.
10/24 ICRS Basket Bingo...Doors open at 6pm, $15 for 15 rounds of BINGO
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On the Lighter Side
A farmer lived alone in the countryside with his much loved little dog. After many long years of faithfulness, the dog dies, so the farmer went to the parish priest: “Father, my dear dog is dead. Could you say a Mass for him?” The priest replied, “I am so sorry to hear about your dog's passing, but, unfortunately I can't say a Mass for him…” The farmer said, “I understand, Father, I guess I'll go to the church down the road; do you think $500 is enough to donate for the service?” Father replied, “Why didn't you tell me your dog was Catholic?”
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Feast Day of Saint Vincent DePaul - September 27th
It would be impossible to enumerate all the works of this servant of God. Charity was his predominant virtue. It extended to all classes of persons, from forsaken childhood to old age. The Sisters of Charity also owe the foundation of their congregation to St. Vincent. In the midst of the most distracting occupations his soul was always intimately united with God. Though honored by the great ones of the world, he remained deeply rooted in humility. The Apostle of Charity, the immortal Vincent de Paul, breathed his last in Paris at the age of eighty. His feast day is September 27th. He is the patron of charitable societies. (Catholic Online)
The Society of St. Vincent DePaul, known as Vincentians, witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served, because in them Vincentians see the face of Christ. < A HREF=http://www.svdpusa.org/ target=blank> http://www.svdpusa.org
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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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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 on retreats, contact Rachel@patersondiocese.org.
All calls are kept strictly confidential.
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Couple's Prayer Series
Engaged and married couples: do you want to grow closer to God and one another? Consider attending the Together with Jesus, Couple's Prayer Series starting October 5 at St. Patrick, Chatham from 4:00-5:45pm. Learn how to pray together and receive the gift that is life changing. For the flyer with registration information, go to www.patersondiocese.org and or call 973-777-8818 ext. 264.
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Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
October 4th - Blessing of Pets
Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to god's living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” For many, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature. Children can be comforted in their sorrows and thrilled in the joy of companionship of a beloved pet. The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat are two creatures of love. (excerpts from American Catholic.org)
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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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Joy in the Puzzle of Life, a conference offered as a ministry of the North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics, is taking place Saturday, October 11, at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel, Cedar Knolls from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Keynote speaker and author of a three volume series, "Joy Trilogy," Fr. John Catoir is the founder and president of an outreach to millions of unchurched persons. There will be workshops and a healing service. For information on registration go to www.NACSDC.org.
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Catholic Schools Running Race!
Mark your calendars for the first annual 5K Spirit Run and 1-mile Fun Run beginning at 9am on Saturday, October 18th at Pope John High School. This run will benefit technology in each of the county's Catholic Schools. Registration is $7 for the Fun run and $20 for the 5K Run (Due October 1st!) Day of event registration will be $25 for the 5K. For more information visit www.5kspiritrun.com or email SpiritRun@hotmail.com. Registrations are located at all Catholic Schools in Sussex County.
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Altar Server Schedule
Sat 9/27 5:00 DPeck MLattanzio
Sun 9/28 7:30 JOroho MKHubbard
9:00 APost MPost
10:30 JDragon NMoscalow
12:00 Radics MFalk
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In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Ethel Segarra and Pauline Trofimuk
At Home: Maria Woppel, Robert Zuener, Evelyn Caljean, Danielle Dionisio, Thomas Dionisio Jr., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Julia Novak, Flo Yurchak, Mary Carmody, Harold and 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 and 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 Barrr, SSG Sabrina Mohammed, Danielle Venturini, and CPL Matt Lilndquist
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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NEW WINE FOR NEW SKINS
After the events of September 11 we found ourselves asking what went wrong; why do so many seem to hate us? Though some proposed the event as God's punishment, it would rather seem that some of the old ways of being a nation no longer work. Sometimes the rules can change. When Jesus discovers that his cousin John has been arrested and imprisoned, he proclaims a major shift in what it means to be alive and human, and that what may have worked at one time no longer does.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel explains why Jesus chose to exercise his ministry in Galilee rather than in Judea with its key city of Jerusalem. The reading from Isaiah provides the background for Matthew. Almost all of Christ's public ministry in Matthew is exercised in the Galilean city of Capernaum, a fishing village on the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee.
Isaiah is promising restoration for the northern tribes in the Galilean area. Assyria had "degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali" (Isaiah 8:23) in 733/732 BC and imposed a cruel exile on them. But the light of God would later come to these tribes in the person of Jesus. "You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing," cries Isaiah to these northern tribes (9:2). Matthew (4:15-16) quotes the prophet to assure his readers that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
The continuity between Jesus and John the Baptist is also clear. Jesus uses the same words at the beginning of his public ministry that the Baptist had used: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). Repentance, a life centered on God, is the preparation for the coming of the kingdom as embodied in the person of Jesus.
Choosing his disciples is an important step in Jesus' ministry. It indicates that he intends to start a community, which would eventually become a church. Jesus calls his disciples and asks that they follow him. The word "follow" becomes the technical term in the New Testament for the positive reaction of a disciple. They are to share in his work by becoming "fishers of men" (4:19). The immediate and unconditional response of these four disciples testifies to the powerful personality of Jesus. Peter, James, and John will become the intimate inner circle for Jesus throughout his ministry.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
It is not only the world that must repent, but the Church as well, for a new kingdom has been proclaimed, one that continues to call all of us to leave the nets and boats of our former life and become ever closer followers of Christ's ways. Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD
for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1/27/08
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