From Fr. Jim Second Sunday of Easter of the Divine Mercy Today is “Divine Mercy Sunday.” We invite you to celebrate Divine Mercy in any of the following ways today and this week: 1. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the conclusion of the 12:00 Noon Mass at IC. 2. Confession will be available from 1:30- 2:55 pm in Church. 3. We will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 pm, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 4. A documentary, "The Original Image of Divine Mercy”, will be shown in the Chapel beginning at 1:00. It is a very interesting and moving documentary. You can go to www.divinemercyfilm.com for a short preview. After the documentary you are invited to join those gathered in Church to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and join in Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. 5. The requirements for the indulgence associated with this Sunday can be satisfied by celebrating any of the Parish Masses this weekend, celebrating the Sacrament of Penance at either of our regularly scheduled times or during Exposition from 1:30-2:55 and praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal “Blessed are the Merciful for They Shall Obtain Mercy” The 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal will be conducted in parishes throughout the diocese next weekend. Once a year, our Bishop asks each of us to make a commitment to support the work of diocesan programs and ministries that provide services that no one parish can offer on its own. Your gift helps bring Christ to those who seek His presence - the poor, the sick, the distressed, our children and our elderly. Our parish target is $91,000 . Your financial support of the Appeal also provides funding for our parish since 100% of money collected above our target will be returned for our own ministerial needs. Please give prayerful consideration to your resources as well as the thousands of individuals and families who receive needed assistance through ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal. Decide ahead of time the contribution you wish to make this year and come to church next weekend prepared to offer your support. To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org ; click “Giving” then “Annual Catholic Appeal”. Documentary: “The Original Image of Divine Mercy” Thanks to one of our parishioners, we have this film available to us this week. Cardinal Christoph Shönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, says, “This beautiful film tells the very important story of one of the most extraordinary works of art. A perfect film for our time and itself a lasting work of art!” We invite you to come join us! All we ask is a free will offering to help support our Religious Education program. Below is the schedule for which we will be showing this film: Sunday, April 3 Following Noon Mass, 1:00pm in IC Chapel 6:00-8:00pm in IC Chapel Tuesday, April 5 9:15 in ICS Gym 7:00-9:00pm in ICS Gym Thursday, April 7 9:15-11:15 am in the Parish Center Library We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners: Ms. Susan Chudzik Second Sunday of Easter - “Divine Mercy
Transcript
From Fr. JimSecond Sunday of Easter of the Divine Mercy
Today is “Divine Mercy Sunday.” We invite you to celebrate Divine Mercy in any of the following ways today and this week:
1. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the conclusion of the 12:00 Noon Mass at IC.2. Confession will be available from 1:30-2:55 pm in Church.3. We will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 pm, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.4. A documentary, "The Original Image of Divine Mercy”, will be shown in the Chapel beginning at 1:00. It is a very interesting and moving documentary. You can go to www.divinemercyfilm.com for a short preview. After the documentary you are invited to join those gathered in Church to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and join in Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.5. The requirements for the indulgence associated with this Sunday can be satisfied by celebrating any of the Parish Masses this weekend, celebrating the Sacrament of Penance at either of our regularly scheduled times or during Exposition from 1:30-2:55 and praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
2016 Annual Catholic Appeal
“Blessed are the Merciful for They Shall Obtain Mercy”
The 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal will be conducted in parishes throughout the diocese next weekend. Once a year, our Bishop asks each of us to make a commitment to support the work of diocesan programs and ministries that provide services that no one parish can offer on its own. Your gift helps bring Christ to those who seek His presence - the poor, the sick, the distressed, our children and our elderly.
Our parish target is $91,000. Your financial support of the Appeal also provides funding for our parish since 100% of money collected above our target will be returned for our own ministerial needs.
Please give prayerful consideration to your resources as well as the thousands of individuals and families who receive needed assistance
through ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal. Decide ahead of time the contribution you wish to make this year and come to church next weekend prepared to offer your support.
To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Annual Catholic Appeal”.Documentary: “The Original Image of Divine Mercy”Thanks to one of our parishioners, we have this film available to us this week. Cardinal Christoph Shönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, says, “This beautiful film tells the very important story of one of the most extraordinary works of art. A perfect film for our time and itself a lasting work of art!” We invite you to come join us! All we ask is a free will offering to help support our Religious Education program. Below is the schedule for which we will be showing this film:
Sunday, April 3Following Noon Mass, 1:00pm in IC
Chapel6:00-8:00pm in IC Chapel
Tuesday, April 59:15 in ICS Gym7:00-9:00pm in ICS Gym
Thursday, April 79:15-11:15 am in the Parish Center
Library
We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners:Ms. Susan Chudzik
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Cohey and FamilyWe extend our condolences and prayers to the
families of those who have recently died:John Reilley
Joyce Lamonica
April 4, 2016 8:30 AM Thanksgiving to St. Joseph
April 5, 2016 8:30 AM Alma DiPaola
April 6, 2016 8:30 AM Sr. Anna McFeeley
April 7, 20168:30 AM James Rager
April 8, 2016 8:30 AM Sally Sautner
April 9, 2016 8:30 AM Geraldine Venaccio5:00 PM Paul Biedrzycki
8:30 AM Kay Skozypic9:00 AM SJ Helen Koval10:15 AM Tom McWilliams12:00 PM People of the Parish
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy is for children ages 5 - 8. Children who are not in this age group are asked to remain in church.
Catechists for Sunday, April 10th are:CLW1: Dana Bell CLW2: Donna Mulkern
Liturgy
Readings for Next Week - Third Sunday of Easter:THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
First Reading: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41The high priest chastised Peter and the other apostles for continuing to preach when they had been ordered to stop. Peter replied he would rather obey God than men, considering God's power even over death. They are again warned to stop speaking of Jesus, and then freed.
Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14John had a vision of many angels and all the living creatures of the world gathered around a throne. The angels cried out that the slain Lamb was worthy of receiving power, glory and praise. Then every creature on earth called out praise to God and the Lamb, and the elders fell down and worshipped.
Gospel: John 21:1-19Jesus appeared to the disciples for the third time since his resurrection while they were fishing. They hadn't caught anything, and then Jesus advised them to cast their net from the other side of the boat. When they did this, they caught a great number of fish. Jesus then asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" When Peter said he did, Jesus asked him to tend and feed his sheep.
Pope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the Week
On this Second Sunday of Easter of Divine Mercy, we meet St. Thomas, the Apostle and his doubt. We hear about the gift of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins. In a homily on Divine Mercy Sunday three years ago, Pope Francis preached: “The Apostle Thomas personally experiences this mercy of God, which has a concrete face, the face of Jesus, the risen Jesus. Thomas does not believe it when the other apostles tell him: “We have seen the Lord.” It isn’t enough for him that Jesus had foretold it, promised it: ‘On the third day I will rise.’ He wants to see, he wants to put his hand in the place of the nails and in Jesus’ side… [Thomas] lets himself be enveloped by divine mercy; he sees it before his eyes, in the wounds of Christ’s hands and feet and in his open side, and he discovers trust: he is a new man, no longer an unbeliever, but a believer.” (Homily, Divine Mercy Sunday, April, 2013)
Adoration for Vocations is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. However, this will NOT occur during 2016. The parish has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of the month of 2016 in association with the Year of Mercy. Those who come to pray for vocations are encouraged to come pray for vocations during the first Friday exposition. Any questions please call Dermott Mullan at 410-398-03368.
Daily Mass Readings:Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Congratulations to all those who were welcomed into the church last week during the Easter Vigil.
Congratulations to those who were initiated through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist:
Alivia Chandler, Kaci Hensley, Ross Kaiser, and Jessica Martinez
Congratulations to those who were received into full Communion through the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation:Laurelyn Auer, Angel Delgado, Jacqueline Delgado, Jamie
Delgado, Hania Martinez, and Jesus Martinez
Our prayer for them, and for ourselves, might be that those around us might say of us what people said of the earliest Christian communities – “See how they love one another!”
In the Gospel, Jesus appears to His disciples. He breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and challenges them to forgive sins. Bring It Home by praying the Prayer of Saint Francis each evening as a family. Talk about how to be an instrument of God’s peace. Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Do you need to seek God’s forgiveness?
Faith FormationImmaculate Conception
School NewsAlleluia! He is risen!
The staff and students of Immaculate Conception wish you all a very happy and holy Easter!School will reopen Monday. After Easter break, it seems like students think school is almost over, and turn their thoughts towards summer. We have much more to do, and there are lots of special celebrations still to come! National Junior Honor Society inductions will be held on Thursday for a special group of middle school students. This ceremony recognizes students who have earned membership into this group based on leadership, character, citizenship, service, and scholarship.Don’t let time get away from you. Now is the time to think about where you want your child to attend school next year. If you have any questions about our school, or if you would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office at 410-398-2636. We are accepting applications for new students for the 2016-2017 school year.
Faith FormationReligious Education & SacramentsDo you have a child that needs to register for our Parish Religious Education Programs??
Go to the parish website and on the side bar of the front page toward the bottom you will find the link for registration 2016-2017 or contact the religion office to receive a hard copy. Contact the Religion Office with any financial concerns as no one is to be denied religious education.
Note: A child must have attended 1st grade Rel. Ed and be enrolled in 2nd grade to receive First Communion, and a student must have completed 7th & 8th gr. Rel. Ed to enroll in the Confirmation program.
Contact the Religion Office with any questions.
First Communion Program: Practice with Unconsecrated Bread: Thurs., Apr. 7th: ICS students (Date Change) Parents are reminded to note the date and time for rehearsal for their child’s First Communion Celebration. Information was distributed and is on the Parish Website.
Youth Ministry & Confirmation Please visit the parish web site at www.iccparish.org. See the News, Faith Formation and Ministries pages for more detailed information on YM events and opportunities. Contact the YM office at 410 392 3551 or [email protected]. High School & older Weekly Gatherings Students in grades 9-12 and college-age young adults are welcome to join our Sunday gatherings in the Parish Center from 6-8 PM. No RSVP needed. Parents: Please donate some soda or water for our teens. ThanksApril 3 – Devine Mercy Sunday. We meet from 6-8 PM. Don’t be late! The show starts at 6:00!
Service HoursIf ever you are in need of service hours, or if you’ve just been blessed with a servant heart, please scroll through the pictures on the parish website at www.iccparish.org. Click on the one about “Service Opportunities” and see the contact person listed
for each opportunity.
Confirmation 2016 Important Dates .
April 22 – Rehearsal for Candidates & Sponsors 6:30 PM in Immaculate Conception Church
Confirmation Class Schedule : Remaining classes: Sun., April 3 & 10 and Wed, April 6Please remember turn in your Service Hour Log if you have not yet done so! Thanks.
BIBLE TIMELINE. The next session will be Thursday, April 14th at 9:15am. The Topic: Divided Kingdom Pt. 1 (1 Kings 12-22)
Family Resources:Weekly Family Video Reflection from Strong Catholic FamiliesEvery Wednesday a video link and reflection question will be posted on the Strong Catholic Families Facebook page
for families to watch, reflect, and discuss. This Facebook page is updated daily with articles, resources, videos and family-related information aimed at Catholic parents. For more family friendly resources, visit www.strongcatholicfamilies.org
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PLANNINGCome be a part of this year’s exciting VBS Adventure:CAVE QUEST: Following Jesus – the Light of the WorldRegistration is open for children ages: 4 through those who have completed Gr. 5.
For more information, contact the Religion Office at 410-392-3551 or [email protected]
Watch the Bulletin for the Date of Our Next Meeting for Volunteers!
This is a wonderful, faith-filled experience for kids; adult volunteers enjoy it too! Teens are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer! You will want to be part of this fun filled event!
Social ConcernsCOMMUNITY KITCHEN: Immaculate Conception is hosting the next Community Kitchen on Friday, April 29th at Elkton Presbyterian Church at noon. We make and serve sandwiches, soup, fruit, and dessert to anyone needing a hearty meal. If you can provide food and/or can help us serve, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Joyce Speakman at 610-597-3135 or Kathy Chamberlin at 410-398-7299 if you can help. We also would be glad to receive cash donations. If donating a check, please make it out to Immaculate Conception Church, and write "Community Kitchen" in the memo. We would welcome anyone who can spare a couple of hours in an enjoyable and very worthwhile cause!
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDRENApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better time than
Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God – our children. The Diocese of Wilmington is committed to create a safe environment and protect children. Read more about the policies and procedures and how you can help. (www.cdow.org scroll to For the Sake of God’s Children link) Questions call Coordinator for Safe Environments 302-295-0668.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee, today, April 3rd after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
Parish Coffee at Immaculate Conception will be April 10th after the 10:15 Mass.
Parish Events / Information
Offertory March 27 Fiscal BudgetImmaculate Conception $7,059.00
Actual Expected $495,000$500,000$505,000$510,000$515,000$520,000$525,000$530,000$535,000$540,000
Weekly OffertoryJuly 1, 2015-March 27, 2016
Sustaining Hope Campaign Update:
Thank you for your continued support of the Diocesan Sustaining Hope Campaign. Our parish has started several projects that were on our target list for this campaign. Here are some of the projects that have been completed or are in various stages of completion:
The in-ground oil tank has been removed and the second phase of the drainage system at St. Jude is complete; with the exception of a couple cosmetic items. The new drainage system was needed to correct water issues by the foundation of the building. We also upgraded the lighting; with brighter and more efficient bulbs.
We have removed the tree from the bell tower at ICC. This was done to prevent any foundation issues to the building. The side chapel doors at ICC are in the process of being repaired so they close properly and secure the building. Work should commence shortly.
We have replaced the heating & a/c unit in the rectory with an energy efficient and cost-saving unit.
Repairs to the skirting of the school modular will be starting in the next few weeks. The current skirting is deteriorating due to water damage. A gutter system will be installed along with the repairs.
We are in the process of securing a contractor to replace the gym roof. Campaign funds and grant money will allow us to complete this much needed replacement. Work should begin towards the end of the school year and be completed over the summer.
Future projects planned for the near future are the re-painting of the brick on the school and Parish Center; as well as repairing the parking lot next to the gym.
Sunday, April 38:20 AM Confessions – SJ1:30 PM Adoration for Vocations - Ch6:00 PM High School Gathering – PC67:00 PM Confirmation - PC3/PCL
Monday, April 4 ICS Closed9:00 AM Novena – CH6:30 PM 1st Communion Reading Practice - IC7:00 PM Christian Yoga - gym8:00 PM AA - Caf
Wednesday, April 6 ICS Closed9:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH9:30 AM Cantor Rehearsal – IC12:30 PM Unconsecrated Bread Practice - IC3:45 PM Children’s Choir - IC6:30 PM 1st Communion Reading Practice - IC
Thursday, April 7 ICS Closed9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH9:30 AM Liturgical Pep Rally - IC11:30 AM Laurelwood Liturgy6:00 PM NJHS Induction Ceremony - gym6:30 PM Cantor Rehearsal - IC6:30 PM Cubscout Meeting - Caf6:45 PM Boyscout Meeting - PC7:00 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal
Friday, April 8 ICS Closed9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH
Saturday, April 99:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH9:00 AM Coast Guard Aux Training - PC4:15 PM Confessions - IC7:00 PM NA - Caf
2016 Immaculate Conception6th Annual Golf Classic
June 13, 2016 (Tentative Date)The Golf Committee is in need of Volunteers! The next Golf Committee meeting for volunteers is March 31st at 6:30pm. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 or [email protected].
The Rotating Shelter would like to thank all of our great volunteers! Many thanks to each and every volunteer who contributed funds and helped make the week safe and comfortable for those who stayed in the emergency rotating shelter. The folks were overwhelmed with the love and generosity of our parish, especially all the great meals
they enjoyed. We look forward to working with everyone again next year. God bless each and every one of you.
Christian Yoga! All are welcome to join a Christ centered meditative and gentle stretching Yoga class. Remaining classes: Mondays, April 4, 11 & 18. 7 - 8:30PM in ICS gym. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat and towel. A $5 per class offering is suggested. Come to one or all classes and feel free to bring a friend! Call the parish center with any questions
2nd Annual ICAA Food and Beverage Pairing!
State Line Liquors will host our spring kick-off event on Saturday, April 16th from 6:00-8:00pm, brought to you by the Immaculate Conception Athletic Association.
Yummy food from Chef du Jour catering paired with delicious spring wines and beer! A 50/50 raffle will be available. $25 per person, cash or checks accepted. Tickets are payable at the door. Check out our link on Eventbrite to RSVP! www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-icaa-food-and-beverage-pairing-tickets-23430536365
Community Events / Information
Knights of ColumbusBishop Becker Council 2427
443-616-5370www.kofc2427.org
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Meetings are held at the Parish Center.
11-day Tour of Alpine Europe, September 19-29: Travel to Frankfurt, Salzburg, Munich and much more! Tickets are $3,309 and include airfare, hotels, breakfast and dinner, sightseeing in a luxury motor coach, admission to many sites, and a professional tour escort the entire trip. Proceeds benefit The Ministry of Caring programs for the poor. For more information contact Deborah Philips at 302-652-5523 or [email protected] Cathedral of St. Peter, 6th and West Streets in Wilmington, will mark its 200th Anniversary at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 10. Bishop Malooly will be the celebrant. All our invited to join in celebrating this milestone in the life of our Diocese and its Mother Church.
Mount Aviat’s 6thAnnual 5K and Sister Walk: Join the MAA community, including the
Oblate Sisters, on Sunday, April 24th at 9:15 a.m. for the 6th Annual 5K and Sister Walk. Don’t miss out on the pre-registration rate available until April 13th: $20/per person or $50/per family. Pre-registration fee includes T-
shirts. Trophies will be awarded after the race. To register, go to www.MountAviat.org or contact Dina at 302-893-5074 or [email protected].
