Church Bulletin Week of November 23, 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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CHRIST, KING OF ALL
On this, the final Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. By concluding the year with this feast we are proclaiming our faith that Jesus Christ is the one and only king over all seasons, all peoples, and all of creation.
At the end of time as we know it, Christ's work of restoring all things to unity and harmony with their Creator God will be completed. This Sunday, when we claim Christ as both our Shepherd and our King, we recognize our own calling to participate in Christ's saving work by caring for those whom Jesus calls “the least ones” (Matthew 25:45).
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — I will rescue my scattered sheep (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17).
Psalm — The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Psalm 23).
Second Reading — As in Adam all die, so too in Christ all shall be brought to life (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28).
Gospel — Whatever you did to the least ones, you did to me (Matthew 25:31-46).

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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
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 Ecumenical Service
This year the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, November 25, at 7:30 pm. We invite all to come and give thanks for the many blessings that God has bestowed on each of us. We hope you will take time out of your busy schedules to join us for this very special celebration of thanksgiving.

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Last Weekend's Collection: $4554
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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Happy Thanksgiving
With a thankful heart Fr. Bogie, Deacon Jerry, and the Parish Staff wish all of you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving! May your home be blessed with an abundance of joy, peace and love. May the warmth of His gifts overwhelm your heart as you reflect upon the many blessings from above. God bless you.

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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, but will embrace the season's sounds concluding with the singing of carols.
Visit: www.billybalsam.com/BillyBalsam/Welcome.html

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Breakfast in Bethlehem
Our first grade Religious Education class will present “Breakfast in Bethlehem” on Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 p.m. in the Church followed by a light breakfast in the Lyceum. The students have been working diligently to prepare for it and we look forward to enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

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Catholic Education at Immaculate Conception Regional School
+Programs for all 4 & 5 Year Olds
+Full and Part Time Preschool
+Full Day Kindergarten through 8th Grade
+Education in a safe, caring & spiritual setting.
+Extended Care available to working parents
+Most competitive rates in Sussex County
+Call 973-827-3777 or visit www.ICRSCHOOL.com

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UpComing Events

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Attention Parishioners: Change in Mass Times Beginning December 2nd.
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It's That Time of Year! Weather Advisory and Mass Cancellations…Call 973-827-9575
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On the Lighter Side
Miss Spencer: “Tim, what evidence is there in the Bible that Adam and Eve were noisy?”
Tim: “They raised Cain.”
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Feast of Our Lord Christ the King
Today's Feast of Christ the King, reminds us that Jesus is the Lord of the Universe, about all people, communities, nations and governments. He is god's Son, our Redeemer. We belong to Him; His Kingdom will have no end. Calling Christ our King invites us to accept His way of responding to the world around us. We are asked to turn away from the prejudices, aggression, competition and injustice of the world's rule and accept the truthful way that Jesus has shown us.
The last Sunday of October ,the end of the liturgical year, and thus the feast of the Kingship of Christ sets the crowning glory upon the mysteries of the life of Christ already commemorated during the year, and, before celebrating the triumph of all the Saints, we proclaim and extol the glory of him who triumphs in all the Saints and in all the Elect.
QUAS PRIMAS (On the Feast of Christ the King) Pope Pius XI-1925

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An Advent Retreat Day
The Spanish Mystics Speak to Contemporary Spirituality
Retreat will be held at Bethany Spirituality Center, Highland Mills, on Saturday, December 6th. It will be a day of meditation on how the mystics can enlighten and inspire our Christian endeavors. Call 845-460-3061.

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Poverty Around Us
The family income needed to afford a 2-bedroom apartment in New Jersey is $42,323 annually. 49% of Morris County, 63% of Passaic County, and 50% of Sussex County renters' family income is below that figure. They cannot afford a 2-bedroom apartment. A count taken on 1/25/07 identified 292 homeless persons in Morris County, 1062 in Passaic County and 359 in Sussex County. 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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Plan Ahead…Christmas Tree/Wreath Sale
Starting November 29th
Immaculate Conception School will be selling
Christmas Trees, Garland, and Grave-blankets.
The Immaculate Conception Confirmation Students will be selling Christmas Wreaths before and after all Masses on December 6th and 7th.

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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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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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Christmas Flower Memorials
Your December Packet of envelopes included a Christmas Flower Offering Envelope. If you would like to remember a loved one, your envelope should be submitted as soon as possible for the names to appear in our special Christmas bulletin.
Deadline for publication of names is 12/14.
PLEASE PRINT ... Thank you!

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Carmel Retreat Center
+December 7th, Christmas at Carmel:
Annual fun and fund raiser.
2:00pm - 7:00pm, includes Liturgy Fee: $60.00
+December 13th, Guest Speaker Series:
Praying with our Sexuality
Presenter: Quinn Connors, O.Carm.
9:30am - 1:30pm Fee: $25.00 (includes lunch)
+December 14th: Sunday Movie Night - “Beckett”
5:00 - 9:00pm Fee: $25.00 (includes dinner)

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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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THE UNDERDOGS OF GOD
Strange that we should choose to cheer on those less likely to succeed, the up-and-coming-but-not-quite-there sports teams, the Davids of the world who stand up to the Goliaths, the stragglers who hang on by their fingernails. Is it instinct or human compassion or something else?

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INSIDE THE READINGS
Christ the King is pictured in today's Gospel as deciding the fate of all at the last judgment. "Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father' " (Matthew 25:34). Under his title of Son of Man Jesus comes in glory for that final judgment. Jesus is also portrayed as a shepherd who "separates the sheep from the goats" (25:32). God had promised a Shepherd King through the prophet Ezekiel.
"All the nations will be assembled before him" (Matthew 25:32). Some scholars identify "all the nations" with the Gentiles and the "least ones" of Jesus as Christians or Christian missionaries. However, it seems preferable to identify "all nations" with every person who has ever lived. Christ's commission to "make disciples of all nations" (28:19) has been completed. This magnificent scene in Matthew pictures the final judgment for everyone as the Lord returns in his glory.
The criterion for judgment is the presence or absence of faith-based acts of mercy toward the poor and needy. Already in the Old Testament there is the constant insistence on concern for justice and charity. To the prophet Isaiah, for example, God says, "Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, / hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). Christ associates himself with those in need. "Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus insisted on complete love of God as "the greatest and first commandment" (22:38). But he added immediately, "The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (22:39). The First Letter of John puts the two commandments in perspective. "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen" (1 John 4:20). It is not surprising, therefore, that all will be judged by their response to the needy, an indication of their very faith in God!

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THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
To say that Christ is king, that he reigns over our lives, is to admit to a world bigger than our own. In Christ's realm, each is cared for simply because each is a part of the kingdom.

Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2008 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc .11/23/08

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Altar Server Schedule
Sat: 11/22 5:00 C Brossman NMoscalow
Sun 11/23 7:30 MKHubbard SMoran 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!!

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