Church Bulletin Week of November 16, 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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SHARING OUR GIFTS
Autumn is the season for harvesting and sharing the fruits of our labors. This week's scriptures use images of the harvest, family life, pregnancy, and investment to describe the abundant harvest in the reign of God. We discover that sharing the gifts we have been given brings eternal rewards for everyone.
In the Gospel parable a master entrusts his possessions to three servants before going on a journey. Each is given some talents. What they do with those talents determines what the master will do with them when he returns. How about us? What are we doing with our talents? How will our Master treat us when he returns? Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31).
Psalm — Blessed are those who fear the Lord (Psalm 128).
Second Reading — You are children of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).
Gospel — To all those who have, more will be given (Matthew 25:14-30 [14-15, 19-21]).
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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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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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Thanksgiving Food Drive
Our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will conclude on the weekend of November 23rd after the 12:00 Mass. 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 sent to those in need within our community. Confirmations students in grade 10 will prepare the baskets for delivery to Partnership for Social Services on Sunday, November 23rd at 2:00-3:00. Whatever you are able to do will be greatly appreciated.
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Last Weekend's Collection:
2007: $4,281
2008: $4117
Project Faith: $1216
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, a reminder of the Divine Presence, burns this week in memory of Phyllis Zelehoski
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Sacrament of Baptism
This weekend we welcome into our parish family, through the sacrament of Baptism
Kayla Soto-Veltri, daughter of Edith and Christopher.
May the Lord bless you, guide you and protect you.
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Giving Thanks
“Jesus said to his disciples: 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me.' Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink, or naked and clothe you, ill and visit you? And the king will say in reply, 'Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' “(Mt 26, 34-41)
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Billy Balsam
All parishioners are invited to attend a special presentation of this heartwarming Christmas story on Sunday, December 7th at both 3:30 and 7:00pm. This presentation will be in lieu of our Annual Lessons and Carols.
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Plan Ahead…Christmas Tree Sale
Immaculate Conception School will be selling Christmas trees, garland, and grave-blankets starting November 29th.
The Immaculate Conception Confirmation Students will be selling Christmas wreaths on Dec.6-7
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Upcoming Events
+Attention 2nd Grade CCD Parents & Children
11/18: A Reconciliation meeting for all second grade parents and children will be held Tuesday, November 18th, at 7:00 in the Church. Contact Nadine in the Rectory, 827-9501, if you are unable to attend.
+11/23: Last day for Thanksgiving Basket Donations
+11/25 Interfaith Service at Immaculate Conception, 7:30pm. Refreshments in the Lyceum to follow.
+11/27 9:00am Thanksgiving Day Mass
+11/28 7:30 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
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It's That Time of Year!
Weather Advisory and Mass Cancellations
Call 973-827-9575
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Ministry of St. Joseph Your Parish Needs You
We are excited to announce our new St. Joseph's Ministry at Immaculate Conception.
We are seeking help in the following: Please call the Rectory if interested in…
+Assisting in periodic maintenance and improvement of church buildings and grounds.
+Helping with electrical, plumbing, or carpentry, needs of the parish buildings.
+Participating in seasonal upkeep and cleanup of the buildings and grounds at the parish.
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On the Lighter Side
Just ask a child….here are some very insightful responses!
Q: Is it better to be single or married?
R: It's better for girls to be single, but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them.
Q: How does love happen between two people?
R: I think you're supposed to be shot with an arrow or something, but the rest isn't supposed to be so painful.
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Attention Parishioners:
Change in Mass Times Beginning December 2nd.
+Weekday Masses, Tuesday-Friday, will be at 7:30am.
+Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 8:00am on the last Friday of the month.
+Adoration and Benediction will take place during Novena after Monday 7pm Mass.
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Suggestions for Preparing Your Child to Celebrate First Reconciliation
Read stories from the Bible about forgiveness and reconciliation to your child. The Lost +Sheep: Luke 15:3-7 or Matthew 18:10-16, The Lost Coin: Luke 15:8-10, or The Great Commandment: Mark 12:28-31
+Say "sorry" to your children. The best (and probably most difficult) way to teach children about conversion and reconciliation is to model it in our own families.
+The most important thing you can do to help your child understand and appreciate his or her call to reconciliation is to deepen your own appreciation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you have not been able to participate in this sacrament, or if you have not even been closely involved in the Christian community, for whatever reason, this is the perfect opportunity to re-establish your connection and to renew your own faith commitment. There is a communal celebration of Reconciliation twice a year (during Advent and Lent). Reconciliation takes place every Saturday from 4-4:30 or by appointment.
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Paterson Diocese Lay Ministry Grants
Lay Ministry Leadership Formation Endowment applications are available. The funding comes from contributions made to the Prepare the Way Campaign by the people of our diocese. Lay leaders will be eligible to apply for grants to attend courses leading to a certificate or degree in lay ministry. Spring 2009 deadline is November 30, 2008. For more information please contact Ivannia Vega-McTighe at 973-777-8818, ext. 243 or imvega@patersondiocese.org
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Have you asked yourself these questions?
How do I get in touch with God in my busy life?
How can I find a group of women with whom I can pray and share regularly?
Contemplative Taize Prayer/Share Evenings
November 21, 2008
6-9 pm, Light supper, Prayer & Share
St. Andrew's Church Convent
400 Mt Prospect Ave
Clifton, NJ 07012
RSVP: 973-290-5331
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Bethany Spirituality Center,
Highland Mills, invites all to a Weekend Retreat, November 21-23.
“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 of the inner movements that drive us toward, or away from God. $150 (845) 460-3061.
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Carmel Retreat
Guest Speaker Series
Grieving: A Healing Process
Presenter: Margaret Ellen Burke
9:30am - 4:00pm Fee: $50, includes lunch
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Dancing...Dinner….Cash Bar
Catered by the Irish Cottage
Saturday, November 22, 6-12pm
Hillside Park, Andover, NJ
$30pp Sponsored by Partnership for Social Services
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Morris Catholic High School
10th Annual Beefsteak Dinner
Saturday, November 22, at 7:00pm
Cost: $45pp/BYOB
Call 973-627-7228 for more information
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Poverty Around Us
Health care premiums increased 80% in the past 5 years in the New Jersey private healthcare sector while wages only increased 8.7%. New Jersey's average premium for a family was $11,966 in 2005, the fourth highest in the nation, and higher than the annual salary of a minimum wage job that year. Since 2000 the number of New Jersey children with employer based health insurance decreased by 4.5% (31,000) fewer children. To learn more about poverty visit: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty.
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Shop Online for Charity
Visit the Paterson Diocese
Shop for Charity Online Mall
There are 1000+ stores in the online Mall. When you visit the Home Page you will see featured stores just select the store. Once you have selected the store you want, you simply go shopping. Every purchase you make will return a % to Catholic Charities diocese of Paterson helping them make a difference in your world. This gives YOU the power to make a difference with your every day purchases. Visit: http://www.shopforcharityday.com/134508
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Carnegie Hall Comes to Pope John High School
Pope John XXIII High School invites you to share in a special tribute to Father Joseph Ryan when world renowned Carnegie Hall Concert pianist, Katya Grineva, makes her premiere in Sussex County on Sunday, December 7th, at 3:00 pm in the Pope John Auditorium. The tickets are $20. All purchases will directly benefit the Reverend Joseph Ryan Scholarship Fund at Pope John High School. A reception will follow the concert. For more information call 973-729-1185 or send orders and payment to: The Father Ryan Scholarship Fund, C/O PJHS Alumni Office, 28 Andover Road, Sparta, NJ 07871
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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, 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.
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INVEST IT OR BURY IT?
Sometimes God comes in very welcome fashion, and we make much of life's fullness. At other times life can be painful, and so we try to bury the pain. But that means that nothing new will be born. And then we might find ourselves outside wishing we were inside, where all the real life is happening.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
In today's parable from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus emphasizes that there will be an accounting for all at the last judgment. One of Matthew's favorite themes suggests that the vigilance desired by Christ is best realized in the practice of justice and charity toward one another. Jesus, the Master, gives amazing gifts to all. The talent mentioned as a symbol of God's gift had great value, the equivalent of the average worker's pay for six thousand days. The generosity of these monetary gifts teaches the great love of God for all.
God does expect everyone to make proper use of these gifts. "After a long time" (Matthew 25:19) reminds the listener that the parousia may be delayed. Nevertheless, Christ will return at the end of time for the final accounting. The first two servants symbolically perform good deeds by increasing the gift given them. Christ says, "Come, share your master's joy" (25:21, 23). This is an invitation into the eternal banquet of the kingdom of heaven with greater responsibilities toward the kingdom. The "wicked, lazy servant" (25:26) buried his talent in the ground. He did not perform the good deeds expected of every person. He is excluded from the kingdom, a warning to all the followers of Jesus.
Today's first reading gives a wonderful example of the ideal wife who uses her gifts to perform good deeds for others. "She puts her hands to the distaff, / and her fingers ply the spindle. / She reaches out her hands to the poor, / and extends her arms to the needy. / Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; / the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (proverbs 31:20, 30). "Fear of the Lord" in the Old Testament means a proper religious attitude toward God.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
In his first letter to the Thessalonian community Saint Paul says that "you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night" God will come stealing life as we know it (1 Thessalonians 5:2). If, however, we pick it up and invest it at that point, perhaps something new can be born in us "like labor pains upon a pregnant woman" (5:3).
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 11/16/08
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Altar Server Schedule
Sat: 11/15 5:00 CBrossman AKoske
Sun: 11/16 7:30 JOroho JDragon
9:00 CBrossman NCarafello
10:30 M McDonald CMcDonald
12:00 DPeck JPayne
Sat: 11/22 5:00 C Brossman NMoscalow
Sun 11/23 7:30 MKHubbard SMorano
9:00 ECox JHamler
10:30 RHolowienka MLattanzio
12:00 DPeck AAllen
While you are visiting the Immaculate Conception web site, be sure to sign in our guest book!!