GOD'S HEALING JUSTICE
An old expression holds that the sun-warmed stone heals. Perhaps. But Malachi explains that only dark, sunless days are in store for those who do not find a place for God in their lives. Conversely, he tells us that the warmth and light of God's healing justice await those who fear the Lord. That's a pretty comforting notion—especially now in the already short and growing even shorter days of November. It's the sun-warmed stone, and then some.
Paul speaks to us of justice as well, but points out that it is not a passive thing. To be treated justly, we need to do our fair share. If we are diligent and persevere we will be rewarded with and by the fruits of our labor. Lastly, Luke, too, tells us to persevere—in faith, this time—and our lives will be secure in God regardless of how we are treated by our enemies.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song.
— Psalm 98:5
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday:Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday:St. Cecilia; Thanksgiving Day
Friday:St. Clement I; St. Columban;
Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro
Saturday:St. Andrew Dung-Lac and His Companions
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63;
Lk 18:35-43
Tuesday:2 Mc 6:18-31; Lk 19:1-10
Wednesday:2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; Lk 19:11-28
Thursday:1 Mc 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44
Thanksgiving Day—Suggested:
Sir 50:22-24; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 17:11-19
Friday:1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; Lk 19:45-48
Saturday:1 Mc 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40
Sunday:2 Sm 5:1-3; Ps 122; Col 1:12-20;
Lk 23:35-43
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — For those who fear the name of the Lord, the sun of justice with arise (Malachi 3:19-20a).
Psalm — The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice (Psalm 98).
Second Reading — Those who are living in idleness are urged to do their work quietly and earn their own living (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12).
Gospel — “Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!” (Luke 21:5-19).
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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…
Jack Daniel Gibeau
son of Wendy and Joseph
Jessyca Erin Schlereth
daughter of Kimberly and James
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: $4,281.50
Project Faith Collection: $1,508.00
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Immaculate Conception Parish presents
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
We invite you to join us in the church for this wonderful seasonal tradition. You will enjoy an inspirational performance by the Adult Choir, Bell Choir and Children's Choir delivering a spiritual and joyful evening of music and song in collaboration with the scripture readings.
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Advent Wreath Lighting
As we approach the Advent Season, we are asking for families or individuals to participate in the Advent Wreath Lighting for all the Masses during the Advent Season. Participants would carry in the Advent candle and light it for the particular Mass that they signed up for and would also bring up the gifts of Bread and Wine.
Please click here, print the page, complete it and give it to Father Bogey or drop it in the collection basket.
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Thanksgiving Food Drive
for the Needy Families of Sussex County
We are collecting donations of food and gift certificates from local food stores for our Thanksgiving Food Drive for the needy in our area.
Contributions may be brought to the church until 1:00 today, November 18 at which time the goods will be transported to Partnership for Social Services Food Pantry. Distributions to the needy will take place this week. Thank you so much for your help!
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Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service
The Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service will be held at the Franklin First Presbyterian Church on Main Street on Tuesday, November 20th at 7:30 p.m.
Immaculate Conception, Temple Shalom and the First Presbyterian Church unite to give thanks and praise to God at this wonderful spiritual service. Come share in the joyful celebration on November 20th.
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Immaculate Conception Regional School Announces a
Christmas Tree Sale
at the School
Sat.Dec. 812:00 - 8:00 pm
Sun.Dec. 97:45 am - 2:00 pm
Fri.Dec. 14 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Sat.Dec. 15 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Sun.Dec. 168:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 17—Thur. Dec. 20 4:00 pm - close
Prices are: 5 - 6 ft $38, 6 - 8 ft $45,8 - 10 ft $50, 10 ft $85
Tree bags, lights and tree stands too!
Join us for caroling, hot chocolate and cookies while you pick out your tree!
Home and School Association Fundraiser
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First Grade CCD presents
Breakfast in Bethlehem
The First Grade CCD class will present Breakfast in Bethlehem on Saturday, December 1st at 9:30 a.m. in the Church.
The students are working hard to prepare for this joyous program depicting their version of the “First Christmas”.
Parishioners are invited to come enjoy the production. Please call the Rectory to inform Nadine Allen if you are planning to attend. Thank you!
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Thanksgiving Day Prayer
O God,
who has set us in a world of soaring beauty, and profound mystery. . .
who has enclosed our years within the eternal context of fragrant spring mornings,
and sparkling winter nights. . .
who has granted us, over the years, the lilt of lively companionship,
the provocation of ideas and personalities,
the sheer, clear point of joy in creating a thing of loveliness, or of excellence,
the steady, solid support of friendships tried, and tested. . .
we thank you.
Above all we thank you, for the first flowing of conscience.
We look back, and we recognize, in ourselves,
the dawning of a conviction that life is not simply
a random series of opportunities and disappointments.
We look back, and we acknowledge that our life has been a gift,
a gift to be accepted - savored, a gift to be lived out, fully lived out
between the twin poles of freedom and responsibility.
And now we step forward in this freedom and this responsibility.
Free in the knowledge of how little is really essential.
Responsible in the conviction of how much is desperately needed.
Help us, living God, to maintain this tension, this heart-rending, heart-healing tension.
And in all this grant us grace: that elusive tenderness
that blesses all it touches, that lightens every load,
that sings in every song and dances in every step;
that grace which is the flame of love,
leaping up in our hearts, and setting our lives afire.
Amen
by Barrie Shepherd - from: Alive Now, May/June 1974

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Thanksgiving Day Mass will take place at 9 a.m.
May God bless all of you with safe travel and joyful times with your loved ones throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.
 
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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, November 19th 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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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 for the next meeting this Wednesday, Dec. 5th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
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Parish Cookbooks
Your help to sell the many Parish Cookbooks that are available would be very much appreciated. Each book is only $10.00 and make nice gifts. To purchase, contact rectory at 973-827-9575. Thank you.
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St. Monica's Tricky Tray!
Friday, November 16th ~ 6:30 pm
At High Point High School
Great Prizes! Including Nets tickets—$200 Simon Gift Card—Kayak—Home Furnishings—Golf Outing—50/50
and so much more!!!!
No one under 18 years old admitted.
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Parish Nurse, Social Worker and Ministry Volunteers Breakfast
November 29th from 9:00—11:00 a.m.
Enjoy a fine breakfast at the Brownstone in Paterson while we listen to Dr. Jagdish Dang speak about the issues of depression in the elderly. Nursing Contact Credit available.
Cost is $15.00. Reservations must be made. Send a note requesting a reservation; include your name, address and phone number to Home Care Options, 2 Market Street, Paterson, N.J. 07501, 973-523-1224.
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Support Immaculate Conception School
tickets available for their giant 50/50!
Don't miss the chance to win up to $30,000. Contact an ICRS family or stop by the school office during school hours to purchase tickets. Drawing will be on December 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the lyceum.
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Forgiveness
The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness. —William Blake
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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, 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, Tom Oroho and CPL Matt Lindquist.
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A Family Perspective
In the gospel Jesus was asked “for a sign.” We are comfortable with signs for they often speak louder than words. Our family knows the “signs” when we are angry, upset or worried. We may deny it, but they know.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration takes place on the last Friday each month from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stop in the church any time to spend quiet time with the Lord. If you are certain of the time when you can be here, please sign your name on the sheet kept on the podium by the candle stand on the altar.
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Altar Server Schedule
Next Weekend's Masses
Saturday 11/24
5:00 p.m.C. Brossman,
J. Chegwidden
 
Sunday 11/25
7:30a.m.J. Oroho, J. Williams
9:15 a.m. E. Radics, C. McDonald
10:30 a.m. J. Dragon, R. Holowienka
12:00 noonJ. McKeever, J. McKeever
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Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Booster Club
Announces their 18th Annual
CRAFT SHOW
Saturday, December 1st
at the High School at 10 Grumm Road in Hamburg
located off of Route 94
All proceeds benefit the students of WVRHS through scholarships and support to student clubs. Call Terry, 973-827-1755 for further information.
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THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING
Worlds change. The time comes for all of us when we recognize that life is no longer the same. Our world is different, and all that once was is no more.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Jeremiah stands at the gate of the temple in the face of an imminent threat from Babylon. God says through the prophet, "Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds. . . will I remain with you in this place, in the land which I gave your fathers long ago and forever" (Jeremiah 7:5, 7). The prophet's words were not heeded and the Babylonians in 587-586 BC destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.
Jesus is in the temple in today's Gospel, also with a prophetic oracle about the destruction of both the temple and the city of Jerusalem. His discourse is eschatological, that is, it discusses the last things, the eschata of Jerusalem and the temple. He also uses apocalyptic language to bring comfort to his followers, an important purpose of apocalyptic writings. He promises to be with them in adversity, even sharing his wisdom to enable refutation of enemies, which can include family members and friends (Luke 21:16) as well as "kings and governors" (21:12).
Jesus warns his followers not to be misled or terrified by false prophets claiming to be the Messiah. There will be some terrifying signs in nature together with political upheavals before the city and temple are destroyed. Jesus instructs his disciples that they will be persecuted, imprisoned, even killed "because of my name" (21:17). But he also promises to give them his "wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute" (21:15).
These predictions are carried out in the pages of Luke's second volume, the Acts of the Apostles. The deacon Stephen is an excellent example. His enemies could not refute his long exposition in favor of Christianity by examining Old Testament history. Instead they stoned him to death because of his strong loyalty to Jesus. Christ promises at the end of today's Gospel, "By your perseverance you will secure your lives" (21:19). Fidelity to Jesus may lead to loss of life, as it did for Stephen and the apostle James (Acts 12:1—2). True discipleship, however, will assure everlasting life with the Lord, who also died because of his dedication to the Father and his love for all God's children.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Faith does not keep our worlds protected and whole. It does instill in us patient endurance through which, the Gospel reminds us, God will save our lives.
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Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 11/18/07

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