Church Bulletin Week of November 2, 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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REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED DEAD
When Benjamin Franklin wanted to convey the inevitability of taxation by governments, he used death as an analogy. “Death and taxes” entered our vocabulary as a piece of folk wisdom. People of all religious beliefs around the world have acknowledged the place of death in the cycle of things, and have connected some of their deepest beliefs and most profound rituals to it. Those of us in the Christian tradition are no different. But what makes death different in our lives is that we connect the life of the departed not only to our own lives and the lives of those he or she knew and loved, but also to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Our celebration of the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls) on the Lord's Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to recall that on each Lord's Day we celebrate the mystery that Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. Moreover, as we remember and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us in faith, we take comfort in our sorrow by remembering that their lives—and their deaths—are intimately bound up in the life of Christ, who lives forever, no more to die. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
The readings listed here are chosen from the broad selection available for this Sunday.
First Reading — The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them (Wisdom 3:1-9).
Psalm — The Lord is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27).
Second Reading — Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts (Romans 5:5-11) or Romans 6:3-9.
Gospel — This is the will of the Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes may have eternal life (John 6:37-40).
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Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for November:
General:
That the testimony of love offered by the Saints, may fortify Christians in their service to God and neighbor, imitating Christ who came not to be served but to serve.
Mission:
That Christian communities in Asia, contemplating the face of Christ, may find the most suitable way to announce Him in full fidelity to the Gospel to the peoples of that vast continent so rich in culture and ancient forms of spirituality.
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Last Weekend's Collection: 2007: $5,147 2008: $4,329
We are grateful for your contributions this weekend and for all that you have done for our parish in the past. Thank you for your contributions to our SOUPer Sunday food drive. Your support is appreciated.
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Sanctuary Light is in Loving Memory of Mary Lepes.
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Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism
Troy Quinn Boffa
May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
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Choir Notes
Once again, we are organizing our annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Children's Choir which will sing on Tuesday evening, November 25 at 7:30 pm at Immaculate Conception Church. Youth from our parish and area congregations are invited to participate in joyful song for this annual community event. Children of all ages are most-welcomed! Three important practices will be held on Tuesdays November 11, 18 and (on the day of our Service) November 25; attendance is necessary at each rehearsal. We practice from 4:45-5:30 inside our Church. A hint?: We have an extra "smile" planned for this year's music.... So!....Please MARK YOUR CALENDAR with these rehearsal dates now! Let's fill the church with joyful sound! Love, Rosanne
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United in Marriage
We celebrate with the families of Lauren Leclech and Vincent Babij.
Congratulations and may God bless you with a lifetime of love and happiness.
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Thanksgiving Food Drive
Our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
begins this weekend.. You may bring food to the Church anytime. Donations can be placed in the front of the church. The food drive will end after the 12:00 Mass on November 23rd. Your response to the needs of many families within our community has always been one of great generosity. You may also purchase gift certificates to local food stores if you prefer. All items will be distributed to those in need within our community. Perhaps you would like to assemble a complete Thanksgiving Dinner. Turkeys are to be brought to the Rectory for proper storage. Whatever you are able to give will be greatly appreciated!
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Don't Forget: Daylight Saving Time Ends
Clocks are to be set BACK at 2am, 12/2/08
Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
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Upcoming Events:
* 11/4 Don't forget to VOTE!
* Grief Support Group Meeting: Wednesday, Nov 5th, 7-8:30pm in the Ministry House
* Veteran's Day Observed, Monday, November 10th
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Second Collection
On the 4th Sunday of every month we will take a special collection for Heating and Air-Conditioning. Due to the rising costs to heat and air-condition the church, it will be necessary for us to add a second collection to help defray the additional cost burden on our Parish. Your generous donations are most gratefully accepted.
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On the Lighter Side
Out of the Mouths of Babes
One night a dad was listening to his son say his prayers…. This is what he overheard:
“Dear God, please take care of my daddy and my mommy and my sister and my brother and my doggy and grandma and grandpa and me. Oh, yes, please take care of yourself, God. If anything happens to You we're gonna be in a big mess.
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All Souls Day
Weaving ourselves back in time, thousands of years before Christ, we are able to find the roots of our practice of praying for the dead. While we understand and fully embrace the salvation that is only available to us through Jesus Christ, we also understand His call upon our lives to join our meager offerings [through our lives, prayers, achievements and sufferings] to His magnificent Cross and ask that He consider these offerings valuable for the poor souls of Purgatory. And so, on this All Souls Day, let us remember our faithful departed and ask that God's mercy be upon them. (Excerpts from Catholic Exchange)
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BILLY BALSAM
Rehearsals for our Christmas Musical "Billy Balsam" will take place on Sunday evenings starting on November 2 (through November 30), from 6-8 P.M.. All parishioners are invited to join us as we prepare to represent this charming story in song and action; we seek your help on "stage", and behind the scenes. We need many helpful hands as we celebrate this 50th Birthday Presentation of the heartwarming Christmas story in our own church on Sunday, December 7 at both 3:30 and 7:00 P.M.. Should you wish to audition for a role, please see Rosanne for rehearsal materials and audition scheduling; auditions opportunities conclude on November 5. Performed 12 years ago by our Adult Choir, this Christmas Musical for "children of all ages" has been performed annually in other states; we welcome its return to New Jersey as our parish embraces the story as our choirs and parishioners bring Billy and his Christmas tree to life once again. The presentation will be in lieu of our Annual Lessons And Carols, but will embrace the season's sounds concluding with the singing of carols by all present. Please help us by volunteering for the many practical (stage/program/publicity/lighting/etc.) tasks or as chorus/cast member so we can make the brilliance of the season's message come to life! Be assured your call to the rectory to volunteer will receive quick attention; or please see Rosanne between weekend Masses.
Gifts from Our Hands
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Holiday Craft Bazaar
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Swartswood, NJ
Friday, 11/7 from 4-8 pm
Saturday, 11/8 from 10am - 7pm
November 19th 2008 Caregiver EXPO
3-7pm Farmstead Golf and Country Club
Lafayette, NJ: 973-579-0555;
FREE Admission- Registration Required
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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
January 11-20, 2009
Spiritual Director: Fr. Tom McNamara, O
Nonstop air from NJ, JFK
See of Galilee, Jordan river, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea, & more: Call 1-800-773-2660
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A Family Perspective
"Come to me, all who are burdened, I will give you rest." Our loved ones, who have stepped through the door of death, are now at rest, free of all burdens. In going home to the Lord they brought their love and concern for us with them. Death cannot totally separate families; our love binds us together forever.
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Special Collection
A special collection will take place this weekend sponsored by The Knights of Columbus
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.
Second Collection next week will be for Project Faith
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Bethany Spirituality Center, November 21-23
Highland Mills, invites all to a Weekend Retreat,
“Listening to the Spirit Within”, with Sr. Stella Herrera,
The retreat will provide time for prayerful reflection, quiet and sharing.
The weekend will help participants become more aware o f the inner movements that drive us toward, or away from God. $150 (845) 460-3061.
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World Wide Marriage Encounter
November 7-9, 2008
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend allows married couples to get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones! Come to the November 7-9 experience in East Hanover. Call for more information: Sal & Sylvia at 1 800 823-LOVE or email elmwwme@peoplepc.com
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2008 Bishop's Annual Appeal
Act as Beacons of Hope
After decades of service to our Diocese, our diocesan priests have the opportunity of living at Nazareth Village in Chester. A number of our retired priests live there while also service parishes by celebrating Mass. Our Bishop's Annual Appeal helps support Nazareth Village. Your participation is a great way to recognize the generous gift of their vocation. Please make a gift today as a way of showing thanks.
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Eat Out Night at McDonald's
Immaculate Conception School Fundraiser
November 12th
ICRS will receive 20% of ALL food purchases.
EAT and RAISE MONEY...SO SIMPLE
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GRATITUDE FOR ALL WHO HAVE LIVED
When I was growing up, All Souls Days was a day to pray for the "poor souls" in purgatory. Somewhere along the way it got changed, for the better, I think, because no longer is it a day only for those anonymous souls who have not yet made it. It seems to have become a day for remembering all departed souls.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
One of the choices for the second reading in today's liturgy, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, looks forward to the bodily resurrection of all the souls who are saved by the grace of God. After giving the church's teaching on the resurrection of Jesus and of Christians, Paul asks, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come back?" (15:35) This is a "mystery" (15:51), the revelation of events at the second coming of Christ. The power of God will transform the bodies of the dead at the time of Jesus' parousia. Both those who have died over the centuries and those still living will benefit from this great grace of God, a resurrected body with incorruptibility and immortality.
Paul uses an apocalyptic term to describe this impact of the return of Jesus: the sound of a trumpet. Here at the sound of the last trumpet the dead will rise. The defeat of death is stressed by joining two Old Testament texts: Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14. The prophets teach that death, the result of sin, has been definitively destroyed. Paul adds that this is true because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (15:57).
The thanksgiving is to God, with Jesus as God's agent in destroying death. Paul speaks of "our Lord Jesus Christ" (15:57). "Jesus" means savior; "Christ" means Messiah, who fulfills the Old Testament expectations by his death and resurrection; "Lord" is a title proper to the Son of God. The reader is reminded of a text from Philippians: "Every tongue [should] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11).
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
We remember the people of our lives, and when we think about their goodness, even though they may not have been without sin, we realize how much less life would have been without them. Then with gratitude we bring them to God in prayer, giving God the glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD
for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.11/2/08
If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. Romans 6:8
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Ethel Segarra and Pauline Trofimuk
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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, Danielle Venturini & 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.
While you are visiting the Immaculate Conception web site, be sure to sign in our guest book!!