Church Bulletin Week of December 2, 2007

First Sunday in Advent

BE PREPARED
Be prepared. It's that simple. As this Advent season opens before us, the Lord Jesus summons us to stand ready for his coming. At this time of year much of our attention is focused on being prepared for the details that accompany the holiday season. We purchase gifts; we decorate our homes, inside and out; we prepare foods that we eat only during the holidays; we write and send Christmas cards; we attend holiday concerts; we prepare either to welcome family and friends into our homes or arrange for visits to their homes. We really can't escape the details that make up the season. Perhaps this Advent is a time to attend to all those details with a different spin. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Christmas, why not be deliberate about acknowledging the presence of the Lord as we go about these tasks? The Lord often comes to us in wonderfully surprising ways. Let us be prepared.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
 
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“You … must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
—Matthew 24:44
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SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday: First Sunday of Advent
Monday: St. Francis Xavier
Tuesday: St. John of Damascus;
Hanukkah begins at sunset
Thursday: St. Nicholas
Friday: St. Ambrose; First Friday;
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Saturday: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: Is 4:2-6; Mt 8:5-11
Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24
Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37
Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday: Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31
Saturday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12;
Lk 1:26-38
Sunday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Rom 15:4-9;
Mt 3:1-12
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — All the peoples shall stream toward the Lord's house (Isaiah 2:1-5).
Psalm — Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (Psalm 122).
Second Reading — It is the hour to cast off the dark and clothe ourselves in the light (Romans 13:11–14).
Gospel — Stay awake! Be prepared! The Son of Man will come when you least expect (Matthew 24:37-44).
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Advent in the Home
The First Week of Advent
Advent is a time to STAY AWAKE. In the darkness of winter we wait for the light to come—the LIGHT of the world—Jesus Christ. We keep our eyes open to that which has already been given to us and anticipate the one to come—Emmanuel.
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An Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit
upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do,
seek quiet space to hear your voice each day.
We, who are anxious over many things,
look forward to your coming among us.
We, who are blessed in so many ways,
long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We, whose hearts are heavy,
seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen
by Henri J. M. Nouwen
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Immaculate Conception Parish presents
 Lessons and Carols
tonight
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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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: $5,191.00
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2007 Bishop's Annual Appeal
In Giving … We Receive
This weekend is Pledge Commitment Weekend for our 2007 Bishop's Annual Appeal. If you have not yet responded, please consider making a pledge today by completing an Appeal pledge envelope. There are many opportunities for giving, from making a one-time gift to pledging over several months to credit card and on-line giving. Every single gift is important, so please make a decision to support the work of the Church of Paterson by participating in the Bishop's Annual Appeal today.
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THANK YOU—THANK YOU—THANK YOU!
Thank you to all who gave to our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your contributions made it possible for many in need to enjoy a plentiful Thanksgiving meal. God bless you all for caring.
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The Giving Tree
The giving tree on the altar offers our parishioners an opportunity to share the joy of Christmas through gift-giving to needy adults and children. We invite you to take an ornament from the tree. Tape the ornament on top of your wrapped donated gift and place it under the giving tree.
All gift donations need to be returned to the church by Sunday, December 16 in order to have them distributed in time for Christmas. Thank you and God bless you for your continuous support to this wonderful program.
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There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in—that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible.
— Mother Teresa
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Advent Wreath Lighting
During 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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Attention 2nd Grade CCD
A Reconciliation meeting for all second grade parents and children will be held Thursday, December 6th at 7:30 in the Lyceum. Contact Nadine in the Rectory, 827-9501, if you are unable to attend.
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Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program—LIHEAP
LIHEAP provides grants to eligible households that pay for home heat directly or have it included in rent.
Application period is from November 1 through March 31, eligible Food Stamp households are automatically enrolled. For further details call 1-888-454-4778.
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Church of the Good Shepherd
200 Route 23, Wantage, New Jersey, 973-875-0919
Christmas is Coming and so are Santa's Elves!
Come and join the merry elves for a fun-filled day of crafts for children of all ages at
Santa's Elf Workshop
Saturday, December 8, 10 am—4 pm
Make Christmas Ornaments, Decorate gingerbread houses and more! Homemade soups and holiday baked goods for sale. Prices range from .50 to 3.00 per activity. Proceeds will help Casting for Recovery, a breast cancer survivor outreach program.
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Christmas Dinner Dance
Catholic Divorced Ministry of the NACSDC Region III presents annual Christmas Mass and Dinner/Dance on Saturday, December 8th at St. James Church in Pennington, N.J. from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $35 in advance. No tickets sold at the door. Call Charlie at 201-986-9676 or email jacki518@comcast.net.
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New Orleans
Father Carroll from Highlands Lakes plans to go to New Orleans to work on houses. He seeks volunteers 18 years and older to accompany him. The dates are December 26 through 31, 2007. Please contact him at 973-764-4457 or email: olfatima@warwick.net
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Position available for
Licensed Clinical Therapist/Social Worker
Catholic Charities' Partnership for Social Services Family Center has an opening for a part time or full time therapist at its Franklin office. Benefits package available. Candidates must have a Masters degree in Social Work or related field and have or be licensed or be eligible to be licensed in New Jersey as a Clinical Therapist. Interested persons can fax resume to 973-827-0699 or call 973-827-4702.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meetings are held in the Ministry House once a month. THERE WILL NOT BE A PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING IN DECEMBER.
Continue your knitting! Items can be dropped off at the rectory at any time... remember to put your name with it. New members are always welcome to join our ministry. No knitting/crochet experience necessary. Come enjoy knitting and praying together 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.
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20
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Help reduce poverty in the United States
“Poverty Around Us”
It's a fact of life that people with health insurance have a better chance to be healthy. The number of Children in New Jersey without Health insurance rose by 37% between 2000 and 2005 while the national rate dropped by 9%. To learn more about poverty visit
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Christmas Tree Sale at the School
Sat. Dec. 8 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 9 7:45 am - 2:00 pm
Fri. Dec. 14 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Sat. Dec. 15 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 16 8:00 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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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Ceil Williams, Pauline Trofimuk, Anna Elekes, Betty Swetz, and 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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Advent Wreath Sale
Our confirmation classes are holding their Annual Wreath Sale this weekend after all the Masses! The proceeds from the sale will benefit those in need in our community this Christmas season. Your support is so very much appreciated!
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Christmas Flower Memorials
Remember a loved one in a special way with Christmas Flowers and by including their name in our parish memorial listing in the Christmas bulletin. Return your Flower Offering Envelope to the rectory in time to have your loved one included in the bulletin.
PLEASE PRINT THE NAMES. Thank you.
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Support Immaculate Conception School
Final week!
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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Holy Day of Obligation-Saturday, Dec. 8
celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Masses are on Friday at 7:00 pm
and Saturday morning at 9:00 am
Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.
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THE ADVENT MIX
Advent seems to bring out the best in us, though I couldn't tell you why. It just does, and it seems to happen every year. It may be that Advent is simply another name for God's Spirit, though some folks call it St. Nicholas or even the visions of sugarplums that dance in our heads.
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INSIDE THE READINGS
Today the Church begins the new liturgical year, preparing for the birth of Jesus. The reading from the Gospel of Matthew is a reminder that all followers of Christ should also be preparing for the second coming of the Lord, his parousia. The verse immediately before today's reading says of Jesus' return at the end of time, "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" (Matthew 24:36).
There was a serious problem for the early church. Many Christians, following a Jewish concept, expected the return of Christ soon after his ascension into heaven. The sequence was right, but the timing was not. In the very first New Testament writing Saint Paul teaches, "The day of the Lord will come like a thief at night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Today's Gospel develops that point at some length.
Another problem was the ridicule that Christians of the first and second century experienced because Christ had not yet returned. In one of his letters to the early church, Peter insists that what may seem to be delay is, in fact, a sign that God "is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Matthew insists on preparedness: "You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come" (24:44). The Gospel is stressing the importance for Christians down through the ages of being prepared at all times for the coming of Christ. As we begin Advent and prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, we should take the advice of Matthew and always be prepared for the parousia. This Gospel teaches that the best form of preparation is to love God and neighbor truly.
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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
Advent happens when we stop long enough to remember why we do what we do during this month called December, and we think that maybe we should care that way all year long. Some people say that they've found the Christmas spirit. In truth that is when Advent happens, because it's when we find ourselves letting God back into our lives.
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Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the First Sunday of Advent commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, 8 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 12/2/07
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