GRATITUDE
Surely we can all recall at least a few days in our lives when things were going so well that nothing could put us in a bad mood. Maybe it was the day a very special person asked us to the senior prom, or perhaps it was our wedding day. Maybe it was the day we learned that we were expecting a long-awaited child, or the day we got an overdue promotion. There was elation in our hearts and lightness in our step, an extraordinary vitality throughout the day. We probably got on the phone right away to tell at least a few key people about our good fortune.
This is surely how Naaman and the leper must have felt when they were rid of their terrible diseases. They were hard-pressed to contain their gratitude, and although they were both unfamiliar with the customs of a foreign land, they had the good manners to thank the people responsible for their cures.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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If we have died with Christ Jesus we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. — 2 Timothy 2:11-12a
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
Monday: St. Teresa of Jesus
Tuesday: St. Hedwig; St Margaret Mary Alacoque;
World Food Day; National Boss Day
Wednesday: St. Ignatius of Antioch
Thursday: St. Luke
Friday: Ss. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues
and Their Companions
Saturday: St. Paul of the Cross; Blessed Virgin
Mary; Sweetest Day
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Rom 1:1-7; Lk 11:29-32
Tuesday: Rom 1:16-25; Lk 11:37-41
Wednesday: Rom 2:1-11; Lk 11:42-46
Thursday: 2 Tm 4:10-17b; Lk 10:1-9
Friday: Rom 4:1-8; Lk 12:1-7
Saturday: Rom 4:13, 16-18; Lk 12:8-12
Sunday: Ex 17:8-13; Ps 121; 2 Tm 3:14 — 4:2;
Lk 18:1-8
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:14-17).
Psalm — The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power (Psalm 298).
Second Reading — If we have died with Christ we shall also live with Christ (2 Timothy 2:8-13).
Gospel — The Samaritan, realizing he had been healed, glorified God in a loud voice (Luke 17:11-19).
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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…
William and Daniel Wallace
sons of Rachel and Brian
Jake Norbert Noel
son of Sharon and Norbert
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: $5,683.00
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 The Center for Theological and Spiritual Development College of Saint Elizabeth announces three
OPEN HOUSES
Tue. Oct. 16 Our Lady of the Lake, Sparta 6:30 p.m.
Tue. Oct. 8 Our Lady of Consolation, Wayne 6:00 p.m.
Discover Your Calling
Learn how to serve God and the People of God with competence and confidence.
Complete Ministry Certificate Program
Catholic theology, formation and internship
Certificates in:
Parish Life Ministries, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Religious Education, Pastoral Administration
Four locations: Morristown, Piscataway, Sparta and Wayne
50% tuition discount available for qualified
parish volunteers and employees. Online program available.
Call Mary Ann Badenoch at 973-290-4364 or email mbadenoch@cse.edu also visit our website: www.cse.edu
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The lovely flowers in the sanctuary this week are in celebration of the
gift of life and baptism of baby cousins
Lucas and Hanna Garofano
requested by the family.
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Immaculate Conception will host a
Lector Workshop
with Dr. Patricia Bartle, Director for Worship and Spirituality of the Diocese of Paterson
Saturday—October 27th—in the Church
The workshop will begin with Mass at 9:00 a.m. This workshop is a training session for new lectors and a renewal session for current lectors.
Lectors have a unique role in the celebration of the Mass. The Lector is proclaiming the Word of God. It is essential that they develop the skill required to communicate God's message competently.
All Lectors are encouraged to attend. Parishioners wishing to become a Lector need to attend this workshop. Please call the rectory to register, 973-827-9575.
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Help reduce poverty in the United States
“Poverty Around Us”
It's a fact of life that people with health insurance have a better chance to be healthy. The number of Children in New Jersey without Health insurance rose by 37% between 2000 and 2005 while the national rate dropped by 9%. To learn more about poverty visit

• www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty


• www.actnow.org/docs/07/First-Things-First-New-Jersey.pdf


• www.lsnj.org/PDFs/budget/FinalBenchmarksReport012507.pdf


• www.njpp.org/rpt_fallingshort.html

Catholic Charities USA
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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 volunteer to help with the preparations each week.
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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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SOUPer Sunday Food Drive
The last Sunday of every month is designated as SOUPer Sunday. Donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, cleaning products and scripts are needed.
Contributions are brought 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.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meetings are held in the Ministry House once a month. The next Prayer Shawl meeting will take place on Monday, October 15 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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VENDOR FAIR
Saturday, October 20th
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
at the Franklin American Legion Hall
on Mitchell Ave (behind Shop Rite)
All your favorite Home Party Hosts under one roof !!!
BAKE SALE, FOOD & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE
Hosted by Wallkill Valley Junior Football League & Elite Competition Cheer
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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.
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20 Jesus promises we will see Him again, just as one day we will see our loved ones who have died who now rest with Him in the Kingdome of Heaven.
Join us for the next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 7th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
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LIFENET will be holding an adult training seminar for youth leaders, teachers, parents and people with a heart for youth called “True Love Waits 1” which is a program to empower young people to save sex for marriage. Come and be trained to present this 5-session program to your youth group or high school and jr. high school age students and see resources to help you communicate the message of sexual purity in an interesting and positive way. Saturday, November 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Denville. Sponsored by LIFENET. For further information call 732-264-1865 or visit www.lifenetnj.org.
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Securing Youth as Our Future
8th Annual Drug Awareness Program
Friday, October 19th, 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Skylands at Randolph, 792 Route 10 West, Randolph. Program highlights include: Current Drug Trends, Dating Violence, Suicide Prevention, Binge Drinking, Self-injury. For information call 973-989-3311 or 973-625-1998. To register call 1-866-782-5273.
St. Claire's Community Health Trust Substance Abuse Action Team.
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2007 Writing Contest
This writing contest is open to all high school students on the topic The Mystery and Joy of Christmas. Contest is sponsored by the Institute for Christian Spirituality of the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. For further information contact Debbie Kurus at 973-313-6329 or email kurusdeb@shu.edu.
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The Sussex County Right to Life cordially invites anyone interested in working in the pro-life movement to attend their meeting which is being held on October 22, 2007at 7:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Center in Newton, N.J. For more information call Sussex County Right to Life at 973-948-5989.
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Camp Auxilium Learning Center has limited spaces available in our 3 year old program and our year-to-grow program for the 2007-08 school year. Contact Sr. Karen at 973-383-2621 between 9-2:00 p.m.
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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 and Lisa Stine.
 
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Please continue to keep all those serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers especially:
Jamison Micke, Stephen Saski, Jr., Christopher Faber, SFC Morgan McHose, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler and Tom Oroho.
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2 Guys from Hoboken
a Milesquare Mystery
Hilarious and Entertaining
Dinner and Show
Saturday, October 20, in the Lyceum
An original audience participation comedy and mystery dinner theater production to benefit Samaritan Inn, Inc.
Doors open at 6:30 show begins at 7:00 with dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person at the door or call 973- 827-8911 (days) or 209-4104 (evenings/weekends) for reservations.
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A Family Perspective
Jesus traveling to Jerusalem in today's gospel reminds us families are together on a life-journey. As Jesus did not ignore the lepers he encountered, our family must not turn away from the poor we meet on our journey who call out “have pity on us.” by Bud Ozar
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Altar Server Schedule
Next Weekend's Masses
Saturday 10/20
5:00 p.m. J. McKeever, J. McKeever
 
Sunday 10/21
7:30 a.m. M.K. Hubbard, J. Oroho
9:15 a.m. J. Cox, E. Cox
10:30 a.m. A. Knapick, G. Knapick
12:00 noon K. Allen, A. Allen
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Please Consider Helping Meals on Wheels!
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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REMEMBERING WITH GRATITUDE
Gerald Stern once said that it is the poet's job to remember. He was right, but it's the task of all art to help us remember. Gratitude moves us to faith, and remembering moves us to that gratitude. That's why we need to treasure those whose gifts of beauty in the arts help us to remember. They nudge us into faith.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's readings highlight the hardships, but also the cure of two lepers, Naaman of Aram and the unnamed Samaritan. Both men are non-Jews, a lesson to the reader that God's love is universal. The Samaritan had a double problem. In addition to being a leper, he could experience bitter racial hatred on the part of the Jews. Lepers had to stay outside the camp and cry out to warn passers-by (see Leviticus 13:45—46). Both men seek help. Naaman approaches the prophet Elisha and the Samaritan is part of a group of ten lepers who callout, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" (Luke 17:13).
Naaman and the Samaritan carry out the instructions from Elisha and Jesus. Healing then follows through the intervention of the prophet of the Old Testament and Jesus, the prophet of the New Testament. Faith is the result of the miraculous healings. Naaman declares, "I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD" (2 Kings 5:17). Jesus assures the Samaritan, "Your faith has saved you" (Luke 17:19).
The key teaching of Jesus here is that faith is essential for his followers, a faith that gives glory to God and thanksgiving to Jesus. The Samaritan "returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him" (17:15—16). The Samaritan here becomes the great example of faith, just as the Good Samaritan earlier in Luke's Gospel (10:29—37) is recognized even in our dictionaries as the model for unselfish love of neighbor.
Today's story of the healing of ten lepers also has the strong theme of thankfulness. All ten were healed, but only one, a "foreigner" (17:18), showed his gratitude. Jesus was concerned and asked, "Where are the other nine?" (17:17). It is important to call out to Jesus for help, as the Samaritan did; but one should also make prayers of thanksgiving a part of one's spiritual life, as the Samaritan did.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
In the end the healing with which the ten lepers were blessed moved the non-Jew, the Samaritan, to return not only with an armful of gratitude for the new life but also with a new way of looking at the powers of life. His gratitude moved him to faith.
 
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch

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