Church Bulletin Week of October 12, 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, Lisa Hamler 973-823-0126
Children's Liturgy, Marianne Nichols 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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THE HEAVENLY BANQUET
The mountain of the Lord described in today's first reading is a place where there is no more hunger, no more weeping, and no more division of any kind. We need to pause and ponder these images every now and then, especially given the fact that we live in such a fractured world. The responsorial psalm continues to paint a picture of a place where only goodness and kindness flourish. These readings describe the heavenly banquet, to which God calls each of us through baptism and continues to call us throughout our lives. Let us “RSVP” to God's invitation and live our lives consistent with gospel values so that one day we will be welcomed to the table of the kingdom.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — On this mountain the Lord will make for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines (Isaiah 25:6-10a).
Psalm — I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life (Psalm 23).
Second Reading — God will supply whatever you need (Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20).
Gospel — I have prepared my banquet, and everything is ready. Come to the feast! (Matthew 22:1-14 [1-10]).
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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for October:
General:
That the Synod of Bishops may help bishops and theologians as well as catechists and pastoral workers engaged in the service of the Word of God transmit with courage the truth of the faith in communion with the entire Church.
Mission:
That in this month dedicated to the missions, through the promotional activities of the Pontifical Missionary Works and other organisms, the Christian may feel the need to participate in the Church's universal mission with prayer, sacrifice and concrete help.
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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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Last Weekend's Collection:
We are grateful for your contributions and for all that you have done for our parish in the past.
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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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New Office Hours
Beginning October 13th the Rectory Office Hours will be:
Monday – Friday….9am – 4pm
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Training for Ministers of the Eucharist
October 27th at 7-9:30pm
Immaculate Conception Lyceum
Training will be offered for anyone interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister or existing Ministers of the Eucharist who wish to attend.
RSVP by 10/20: 973-827-9575
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Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism
Andrew Joseph Babcock, son of Allison and Larry
Marley Rose Roff, daughter of Alyson and Bryan
May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
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Help Support Immaculate Conception Regional School
Scrip gift cards are available at the school. You can purchase Shop-Rite, Weis, A&P cards and they are available in many denominations. Also available: Sussex Meat Packing, Staples, Barnes & Noble, JC Penney, Sears, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wendy's Applebee's and many more. The cards cost only face value with a percentage returned to the school from the retailers. See Marie McKeever or Kathy Trainor at 973-827-3777.
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Immaculate Conception Regional School Fundraiser Night at McDonald's
October 15th...in Franklin
ICRS receives 20% of ALL purchases!
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50th Wedding Anniversary
Congratulations Bill and Jackie Howell who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this weekend with a renewal of their wedding vows.
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Upcoming Events
+10/15: ICRS “Eat-Out” at McDonald's Fundraiser
+10/25: 9:30-12:00CCD Teacher's Workshop:
+10/26: Diocesan Gold and Silver Wedding Anniv. Mass
+11/1: All Saints Day
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Immaculate Conception Regional School 10th Annual Basket Fundraiser
Friday, October 24th, 2008
St. John Vianney Church - Madonna Hall
Doors Open at 6pm.
Bingo Begins at &:30 pm
$15.00 for 15 rounds of BINGO
Night of FUN, FOOD, and PRIZES!
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Mission Sunday
This weekend is Mission Sunday second collection. October is the traditional month of universal mission and the Mission Sunday collection takes place around the world in October each year. Mission Sunday is about supporting young churches and missionaries in meeting the spiritual and material needs of their communities. Mission Sunday is one day of the year which is set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church's missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice and a financial gift.
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Ministry to the Homebound
If you are unable to come to Church or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion, please contact Janice at the rectory. Please consider becoming a Homebound Minister. We need you. You can make a difference in someone's life. The rewards are great and the service is invaluable.
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On the Lighter Side
A pastor was walking down the street one day when he noticed a very small boy trying to press the doorbell on a house across the street. The doorbell was too high for him to reach. The pastor walked across the street and asked the boy if he needed help. The boy said, “Yes” so the pastor lifted him up so he could press the doorbell. Crouching down to the child's level, the pastor smiled and asks, “Do you need any more help?” The little boy replied, “No thanks, but now we have to run before we get caught!”
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Italian Night Dance - ALL are Welcome
When: October 18, 2008
Where: Lyceum
Time: 7pm
Cost: $20 per person
Tickets on Sale: After All Masses on 10/11-12
At the Rectory @ 973-827-957
Call Tony @973-209-4044
Sponsored by the Immaculate Conception Marriage Ministry
The evening will include:
*Music by Ray Sikora
*New “Immaculate Conception IDOL Karaoke Contest”
*Cash Prizes
*Hot and Cold Delicious Italian Food
*Dessert
*Coffee, Tea & Soft Drinks (BYOB)
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Found on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered...Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives...Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends & some genuine enemies...Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you...Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight...Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous...Be happy anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough...Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
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Stephen Ministry
Whatever You Did for the Least of These...You Did for Me…
In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...” Stephen Ministry is a way to respond to Jesus' great love by showing that love to others. Stephen Ministry is a confidential, one-to-one caring ministry. Stephen Ministers care for people facing a variety of personal crises. Please contact Eileen at 973-579-6145.
Sussex County MOWs Volunteers
Your help is needed. Become a volunteer for Sussex County Meals on Wheels. By donating one hour a week of your time to help deliver meals in your community, you will enhance the wellbeing of a homebound senior citizen. For more information call 973-209-0123 and speak with the Volunteer Recruiter.
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OPEN HOUSE at Pope John XXIII High School
Sparta, NJ 973-729-6125
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
7:30pm
Challenging our Students to be…“An Honor to the Father”
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Mark Your Calendars
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
November 7-9, 2008
Your Kids will thank you for going on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend! A weekend allows married couples to get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones for 44 hours and focus on each other. See the difference an encounter weekend can make as you grow and are enriched in your relationship! Come to the Nov 7-9 experience in East Hanover. For registration or more information call Ralph and Eileen Perez at 1-800-499-6552
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Need A Ride? Call-Sussex County Assisted Transportation
Sussex County Assisted Transportation is a nonprofit service, funded through a grant from the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, the United Way of Sussex County and the Diocese of Paterson. Escort services for older adults (60+) are available for medical appointments and food shopping. Shopping for those who are homebound is also available. Appointments can be made in advance…for information, Call 973-209-0123.
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2008 Bishop's Annual Appeal - Act As Beacons of Hope
Your participation in the Bishop's Annual Appeal comes with the expectation that your gifts will be used wisely. The diocesan website posts the most recent diocesan financial statement, including a report on the Bishop's Annual Appeal. When you give to our Bishop's Annual Appeal, you can be sure t that the funds are used for the ministries and programs described in the Appeal materials only. Please make a pledge to the Bishop's Annual Appeal today.
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Retrouvaille Weekend - October 17-19, 2008
Thinking about Separation or Divorce?
Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend in trouble? Do you know how to save that marriage, or do you feel helpless? RETROUVAILLE is designed to help troubled marriages regain health. It gives spouses the tools to re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program has also been successful at leading some couples to reconciliation after having already separated or divorced. For information about the program call Pat or Tom at 732-238-0234 or visit: www.retrouvaille.org All calls are confidential.
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Cancer Support Group Ministry
Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm
Christian Faith Fellowship Church, Franklin, NJ
Ministering through God's Word,
Study Guide - “Christ the Healer” by F.F. Bosworth
For more information call Jeanne 973-875-7708 or JoAnn 973-729-2933
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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., Steven “Itchy” Novak, Julia 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, Sabrina Mohammed, Daneille Venturini & CPL Matt Lindquist.
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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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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel centers on a royal feast prepared for the king's son. A banquet is often the symbol for eschatological joy. Isaiah in today's first reading offers a wonderful example of that symbol. "On this mountain the LORD of hosts / will provide for all peoples / a feast of rich food and choice wines, / juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines" (Isaiah 25:6).
The key point of this parable of the royal wedding feast is the response of the invited guests. Two invitations are extended, but some of the invitees refuse to come. Others abuse and even kill the servants. The servants represent the prophets of the Old Testament, who often were persecuted, and also the early Christian missionaries. Later, Jesus predicts, "Behold, I send to you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify" (Matthew 23:34). In today's parable, the king even "burned their city" (22:7). This is a clear reference to the burning of Jerusalem in AD 70 by the Romans.
Frustrated with the reaction of the first group that had been invited (representing the Jewish leaders), the king reaches out to the poor and marginalized. In Luke's version of this parable, the master says, "Bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame" (Luke 14:21). Matthew adds the important point that both "bad and good" (Mathew 22:10) were brought into the feast. This prepares for the additional parable about the man without a wedding garment (22:10-14). Jesus insists that coming into the kingdom of heaven is not a guarantee of salvation. All, both bad and good, must respond to the call by a faith-filled life, marked by good deeds.
This parable serves as a warning to Matthew's community and to all Christians down through the ages. Everyone is to appear before the Father with the "wedding garment" of a Christ-like life, marked by love of God and loving concern for all one's neighbors. To be among the few who are chosen (22:14) demands a change of mind and heart, a constant turning to Christ and his values.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
If "many are invited, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14), then perhaps we should think about how we get to be chosen and what that requires of us. Proclaiming that we are chosen without doing anything to merit the honor just might get us tossed out of the banquet.
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Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.10/12/08
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Altar Server Schedule
Sat 10/11 5:00 Radics Radics
Sun 10/12 7:30 MKHubbard SMorano
9:00 ECox NMoscalow
10:30 CMcDonald MMcDonald
12:00 JPayne CBrossman
Sat 10/18 5:00 MLattanzio JHamler
Sun 10/19 7:30 JDragon JOroho
9:00 NCarafello KCarafello
10:30 MFalk RHoloweinka
12:00 DPeck AAllen
Sat 10/25 5:00DPeck NMoscalow
Sun 10/26 7:30MKHubbard SMorano
9:00ECox JPayne
10:30 APost MPost
12:00 CMcDonald MMcDonald
While you are visiting the Immaculate Conception web site, be sure to sign in our guest book!!