Church Bulletin Week of October 19, 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 Jerry 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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POWER STRUGGLE
Power struggles occur on every level of society, from the world stage to relationships at work, to our own homes. We struggle for position in the hierarchy of power: Who has power over whom? How do they wield it? What is the source of that power? What is the healthy response?
In this Sunday's Gospel reading the Pharisees engage Jesus in a power struggle over whether Jews should show tribute to Caesar by paying taxes. Jesus' response puts this and every struggle for power into perspective. In harmony with the words of Isaiah and Paul, Jesus teaches us that God is the ultimate source of all power—the power of earthly rulers, the Pharisees, Jesus, the Church, and the power within ourselves. Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The Lord said to Cyrus, his anointed, “I am the Lord, there is no other” (Isaiah 45:1, 4-6).
Psalm — Give the Lord glory and honor (Psalm 96).
Second Reading — Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians: We thank God always for all of you (1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b).
Gospel — Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:15-21).
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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:
2007: $5106 2008: $4230Mission Sunday Collection:$1,384
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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Sanctuary Light this week is in Loving Memory of Sean Allen requested by his Mother
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Attention Parishioners
Please Note a Change in Office Hours
The Rectory Office hours will be 9am - 4pm,
Monday through Friday.
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Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on the LAST Friday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30p.m. ending with a blessing. Sign-up sheets will be located on a podium near the confessional area. Please sign up for a time you are available to assure that there is adequate coverage each hour. If you sign up for a specific hour but find that you are unable to attend, please call the rectory.
What do you actually do during adoration? You may sign up to be an "adorer" which allows you to schedule yourself for one or more hours to pray before the very presence of Our Lord, exposed in the monstrance. It means that you can have some time alone with Jesus to recite your favorite prayers, read the bible, contemplate acts of faith, hope, charity, thanksgiving, reparation, pray a rosary or do whatever type of prayerful devotion that suits you before Our Lord. You can just sit and say nothing simply keeping Him company, just as you would with a dear friend.
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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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Grief Support Group
The next meeting of the Grief Support Group will be Wednesday, November 5th, from 7-8:30pm in the Ministry House. Holiday time can be stressful...we are here to help!
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Upcoming Events
10/25: CCD Teacher's (K-10) Workshop: 9:30-12:00 in the Lyceum. RSVP
10/26: Diocesan Gold and Silver Wedding Anniv. Mass
10/26: SOUPer Sunday Food Pantry Collection
10/26: Blood Pressure Screening after 10:30 Mass
10/27: Eucharistic Minister Training 7-9:30pm/Lyceum
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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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Eucharistic Minister Training Session
Dr. Patricia Bartle, Director of Worship and Spirituality, will be presenting a workshop for all new Eucharistic Ministers. Any current Eucharistic Ministers or members of the Parish interested in becoming a Minister of the Eucharist are welcome to attend. Monday, October 27th 7-9:30.
Call the Rectory to Register by 10/20/08: 973-827-9575
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Ministry to the Homebound
Anyone interested in becoming a Minister to the Homebound is asked to attend the Training Session for Eucharistic Ministers being conducted by Dr. Patricia Bartle. We are in need of Homebound Ministers. This training session is a requirement in order for you to participate in this very special ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish. Please consider visiting a member of our parish community who is not able to attend Sunday services. We may be their only connection to the Parish.
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On the Lighter Side
A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, and looked at the old pages as he turned them. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible, and he picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages. "Momma, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered: "I think it's Adam's suit!"
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All Souls Day Masses
Attention All CCD Students (grades 5-7) &
Immaculate Conception Regional School Students (grades 5-8)
In observance of All Souls Day, each year students from the CCD classes and students attending Immaculate Conception Regional School are asked to remember all those who have died in our parish during the past year by holding a lighted candle in memory of each person. We will continue this tradition and ask all students in the upper grades, who wish to participate, to contact the school office or Mrs. Nadine Allen, Director of Religious Education. Letters will be sent home with students and parents are asked to fill out the bottom portion of the letter giving them permission to participate in this very special celebration of remembrance.
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Feast Day of Saint Luke – October 18th
Luke, the writer of the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, has been identified with St. Paul's "Luke, the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). We know few other facts about Luke's life from Scripture and from early Church historians. It is believed that Luke was born a Greek and a Gentile. Luke's gospel shows special sensitivity to evangelizing Gentiles. It is only in his gospel that we hear the parable of the Good Samaritan, that we hear Jesus praising the faith of Gentiles. Luke's unique perspective on Jesus can be seen in the six miracles and eighteen parables not found in the other gospels. Luke's is the gospel of the poor and of social justice. Luke also has a special connection with the women in Jesus' life, especially Mary. It is only in Luke's gospel that we hear the story of the Annunciation, Mary's visit to Elizabeth including the Magnificat, the Presentation, and the story of Jesus' disappearance in Jerusalem. It is Luke that we have to thank for the Scriptural parts of the Hail Mary: "Hail Mary full of grace" spoken at the Annunciation and "Blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus" spoken by her cousin Elizabeth. Forgiveness and God's mercy to sinners is also of first importance to Luke. Only in Luke do we hear the story of the Prodigal Son. Reading Luke's gospel gives a good idea of his character as one who loved the poor, who wanted the door to God's kingdom opened to all, who respected women, and who saw hope in God's mercy for everyone. He is often shown with an ox or a calf because these are the symbols of sacrifice -- the sacrifice Jesus made for all the world. (taken from catholic.org)
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Did you Know?
There are many ways in which we can pay tribute to those who have passed away or pray for those who have a special need. At Immaculate Conception Parish weekly donations are accepted for the following:
+Mass for the Deceased
+Spiritual Bouquet Mass for the Living
+Sacristy Flower Donations
+Sanctuary Light Dedication
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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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2nd Annual Healthy Living Festival for Seniors
Saturday, October 25th
9am-2pm Hardyston Middle School
183 Wheatsworth Road, Hamburg, NJ
Free Health Screenings:
Balance, Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, CO2 Level,
Oral Cancer, Hearing, Vision, Posture, & More!
Chem18 Blood Screening: $25 fee
Vaccine Clinic
Flu: $15 fee Pneumococcal: $35 fee Tetanus: $20 fee
No charge for flu or pneumonia vaccine for seniors who present a Medicare Card.
SHIP Counselors
On-site counselors will assist you in choosing a Medicare Part D plan...bring your list of medications for assistance.
Call 973-579-0570 for appointments
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Sussex County's 8th Annual Salute to Military Veterans
Sunday - November 2, 2008
1-4pm Sussex County Fairgrounds
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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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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 well-being of a homebound senior citizen. For more information call 973-209-0123 and speak with the Volunteer Recruiter.
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Thank You from Partnership for Social Services
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to you and your parishioners for the food collection donated to our Food Pantry...Ending hunger world-wide is one of the most critical challenges that humanity faces today. Ending it locally, however, is something we can do, one donation at a time. Thank you for helping the Partnership for Social Services achieving this mission in meeting the needs of those who are less fortunate in our community.
Sincerely,
Sr. Thomasina Gebhard
Next weekend, 10/25-26, is our October SUPER Sunday Weekend. We will, again, be collecting non-perishable donations outside the Church. Thank you for your continued support and generosity! It makes a difference!
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Mark your Calendar
Worldwide Marriage Encounter - 11/7-9/08
Your kids will thank you for going on an 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 November 7-9 experience in East Hanover….call Ralph or Eileen at 1-800-499-6552
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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, Danielle Venturini, Sabrina Mohammed, & CPL Matt Lindquist.
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 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 5:00 DPeck NMoscalow
Sun 10/26 7:30 MKHubbard SMorano
9:00 ECox JPayne
10:30 APost MPost
12:00 CMcDonald MMcDonald
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WHATEVER YOU DO
Sorting out the pluses and minuses of life can seem like an impossible task. What will lead to goodness and what will bring disaster? What makes us holy and what does not? Sometimes the dilemma can paralyze us.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
In today's Gospel from Matthew, the Pharisees and Herodians appear together in an effort to trap Jesus. It is a strange combination. The Pharisees resented the rule of Rome. The Herodians were connected with Herod Antipas, who owed his role as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea to the power of Rome.
With hypocritical flattery they present Jesus with a dilemma. "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" (22:17). They are asking if the law of God permitted that payment. The Romans had imposed this tax, equivalent to a day's work, on the adult men, women, and slaves of the Jewish people. Roman coinage must be used. At that time the coin would have the image of the emperor Tiberius Caesar (AD 14C37). The wording on the coin was "Tiberius Caesar, august son of the divine Augustus, high priest." The coin itself, a bitter reminder of Rome's rule, was distasteful to most Jews. The Herodians, on the other hand, would have had no problem with the coin or the tax.
The response of Jesus, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God" (22:21), not only avoids the trap, but also makes an important religious point. Repaying to God must always be the first priority for every person, a payment manifested by justice, by good works. For Matthew's readers down through the centuries Jesus is saying, as he said in the parable of the tenants, that he wants followers "who will give him the produce [good works] at the proper times" (21:41).
As to the role of Caesar, Jesus' words to Pilate are helpful: "You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above" (John 19:11). There is, therefore, a place for government, but the ultimate source of any power is God. Paul expresses the attitude of the early church: "Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God" (Romans 13:1).
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Being Catholic is being sacramental, which means that everything speaks of God, because it all belongs to God the singing and the dancing, the laughing and the crying, the living and the dying. St. Paul was right when he wrote to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus" (3:17).
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 10/19/08
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