Church Bulletin Week of October 26, 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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BALANCE
Today's scriptures emphasize the fundamental link between love of God and love of our neighbors, especially those who are most in need. Love of God should compel us to love the people whom God cherishes. Conversely, work for justice and charity for those in need should be rooted in our love of God. That connection and balance, however, isn't always easy to maintain in our lives. Even in religious orders we find that some Christians are more oriented toward contemplation and prayer, while others are more active in reaching out to those who are oppressed. Today Jesus reminds us of the necessity for both in the life of faith. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — You shall not oppress an alien, for you yourselves were once aliens in Egypt (Exodus 22:20-26).
Psalm — I love you, Lord, my strength (Psalm 18).
Second Reading — You became imitators of the Lord, so that you became a model for all believers
(1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10).
Gospel — You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40).
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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: $5,098
2008: $4,617
We are grateful for your contributions this weekend and for all that you have done for our parish in the past. Second Collection next weekend will be for Project Faith.
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Sanctuary Light this week is in Loving Memory of James Fitzsimmons requested by Janice
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Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism
Vanessa Anne Spatola, daughter of Rebecca and Jeffrey
Zoey Wesler, daughter of Allison and Jonathan
Albert James Schotanus, son of Jennifer and Albert
May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
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Sacrament of Marriage
Congratulations to the families of
Shannon Katchen and Jeffrey McCarick,
who were united in marriage this weekend.
May the Lord guide you and bless you with a lifetime of love, fidelity and happiness.
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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 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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Attention Parishioners - Change in Office Hours
The Rectory Office hours will be
9am - 4pm,
Monday - Friday
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Upcoming Events
+Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Friday
+SOUPer Sunday Food Drive this weekend
+Blood Pressure Screening after the 10:30 Mass
+First Saturday Mass: next Saturday, November 1st, at 9am, Recitation of the Rosary to follow
+10/27: Eucharistic Minister Training 7:00-9:30/Lyceum
+11/5: Grief Support Group in the Ministry House 7-8:30
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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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Act as Beacons of Hope
The important work of our diocesan Bishop's Annual Appeal is only as successful as the number of people who participate by making a gift. Your gift is critical since it helps bring life to our Catholic Charities agencies and supports seminarian education, our diocesan priests' retirement residence and many of our needy schools. Mother Teresa once wrote about her missionary's work that “we feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but that ocean would be less without that drop.” Please know that the Bishop's Annual Appeal is able to do that much more with whatever you are able to give. Every gift makes a positive difference so please make a pledge today.
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Ministry to the Homebound
Anyone interested in becoming a Minister to the Homebound is asked to attend a Training Session for Eucharistic Ministers on Monday, 10/27, from 7 to 9:30pm in the Lyceum.
We are in need of Homebound Ministers. 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
Mother Ghost was preparing breakfast for her family on Halloween. “What's for breakfast?” asked one of her little ghosts. “I'm making a special breakfast just for today!” said Mother Ghost. “It's just what you need for tonight's festivities.” “What is it?” asked another of her little ghosts.
“Why, it's pancakes with extra BOO-berries!”
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
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.
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 cannot attend your designated time, please call the rectory.
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Halloween - All Hallow's Eve
Almost as old as the celebration of All Saints' Day is the tradition associated with All Hallow's Eve. ("Hallows" mean "saints," both mean "holy ones," as in "Hallowed be thy name." "Eve" means the evening before.) So, Halloween means "the evening before All Holy Ones' Day." Today we call that festival Halloween (Hallow's Eve) and we have many fun secular ways of recognizing it in addition to religious ways. However, it's important to remember that its celebration has a long, positive history in the Church. Christians remembered death itself on All Hallow's Eve and celebrated Christ's victory over death. During the Middle Ages, Christians would gather in Churches for worship and they would remember the saints' victories over evil.
For the Tradition of the Jack-O-Lantern go to: http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Halloween/jack-o-lantern.asp
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Gifts from Our Hands -HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Swartswood, NJ
Friday, November 7th from 4-8pm
Saturday, November 8th from 10am-7pm
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November is National Family Caregiver Month
2008 Caregiver EXPO
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, November 19th
from 3-7pm
Farmstead Golf and Country Club - Lafayette, NJ
973-579-0555: Admission is FREE -Registration Required
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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
January 11-20, 2009
Spiritual Director: Father Tom McNamara, OMF Cap.
Nonstop air from NY JFK
Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea, and lots more.
Call 1-800-773-2660: M and M Travel
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Marriage Encounter Weekend-November 7-9, 2008
Does God care about your Marriage?
You bet! Find out how much on a Marriage Encounter weekend. Obtain information and registration for the upcoming weekend in Northern NJ...call Sal and Silvia at
1-800-823-5683.
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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 cal
Jeanne 973-875-7708 or JoAnn 973-729-2933
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Eucharistic Minister Training 10/27
Monday evening 7-9:30 in the Lyceum
Required for all new Homebound Ministers
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“Bereavement Support Retreat Day”
Bethany Spirituality Center, Highland Mills, NY, will offer a “Bereavement Support Retreat Day” on Saturday, November 8th, 9am to 5pm. The day will consist of peaceful reflection, sharing, and prayer for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The day will close with Eucharistic Liturgy. For more information and registration call: 845-460-3061
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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 contact Kathy Trainor at the school 973-827-3777.
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A Family Perspective
Halloween is the night before All Saints Day. Today's gospel asks us to concentrate on loving our neighbor. Our closest neighbors are the people with whom we live. Anyone can be "saint" in front of strangers but the daily acts of patience, acceptance, forgiveness, listening, and dying to oneself within the family are religious acts. Family life is the turf of sanctity. by Bud Ozar
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Special Collection
The Knights of Columbus will be collecting outside the doors of the church next weekend to benefit Deborah Heart and Lung Center. Deborah offers the best surgical techniques and non-surgical alternatives for diagnosing and treating all forms of cardiac, vascular and pulmonary diseases in adults and congenital and acquired heart defects in neonates and children. Generous donations are a significant factor in helping Deborah Heart and Lung Center provide the highest quality of care to all patients without distinction as to race, gender, sexual preference, creed, color, religion, age, national origin, handicap, or ability to pay.
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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 10/25 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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A HOLE IN OUR HEART
Most of us live with a hole in our heart, and on rare moments we sense that it might be filled. The exhilaration of falling in love, the satisfaction of overcoming a daunting challenge, the feeling that one has truly made a difference in someone's life they all seem able to fill the hole in our heart. Still, such moments are all too fragile. They seem to evaporate much too quickly.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Jesus answers his interrogators in today's Gospel with a statement that would inspire and challenge all his followers down though the ages. The lawyer, a Pharisee, "tested him by asking, 'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' " (Matthew 22:35-36). "Testing" in this Gospel has a negative connotation. The man is trying to trap Jesus. The rabbis realized that there were hundreds of Mosaic laws and also many interpretations of the law. To help cut through all that mass of material, teachers would try to find an adequate summary.
Jesus' answer provides the ideal summary by connecting two quotations from the Old Testament. The command to love God with all one's being is based on Deuteronomy 6:5: "Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." The command to love one's neighbor is found in Leviticus 19:18: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Today's first reading from Exodus gives practical examples of those who are in special need of love, namely, the alien, the widow, and the orphan.
Jesus' summary of the law gives an important teaching. The ideal that he proposes is that all God's creatures must love God with all their being and must have a similar love for all their neighbors. One cannot love God and not love God's children, God's daughters and sons.
Jesus adds, "The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:40). Without love for God and neighbor the other commandments lose their meaning. Modern social justice teaching is based on this concept taught by Jesus. The themes of Catholic social justice, for instance, are based on the religious conviction that every human being is a child of God and must be treated with dignity and respect. Pope Benedict XVI in his first encyclical, God Is Love, makes this important point.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Selfless loving, even when the other is unlovable, brings meaning to our days. Ultimately little else does, strangely enough. It is there that we come to know true love God's and ours, one and the same, even if only fleetingly. Excerpted and edited from LlVING THE WORD for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, ©2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 10/26/08
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