From Fr. Jim …
The Solemnity of the Epiphany
Today we celebrate God’s all-inclusive love. This feast
reminds us that with the Jews, “the Gentiles are coheirs,
members of the same body, and copartners in the promise
in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6). God’s love
blesses us in so many ways and on this feast there is a
custom of blessing our homes by writing the new year in
chalk over the front door and even over the doors of our
bedrooms and by sprinkling the house with Holy Water.
We invite you to take one of the bags that was blessed at
Mass today to do just that. We bless chalk, water in
containers (we did not have enough for every bag this
year) and there is a prayer card to guide your blessing.
Take it, use it, and bless your homes for the new year.
20 + C + M + B + 16 (Casper, Melchior and Balthasar)
which also means Christus Mansionem Benedicat (Christ
Bless this House).
The Baptism of the Lord
Next weekend, January 9/10, we celebrate the Baptism of
the Lord. It is the last Sunday of the Christmas Season
and the first Sunday of ordinary, or counting time. It is a
day to remember our own baptism, when we became
adopted children, sons and daughters, of God. Take time
to celebrate your baptism and that of anyone with whom
you live. You might do so in this way:
1. Light your Baptismal Candle and that of anyone in
your household.
2. Sing:
Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit.
Marked with the sign of Christ our King.
Born of one Father, we are God’s children,
Joyfully now God’s praise we sing.
3. Make the Sign of the Cross on each other’s
forehead like the Priest or Deacon did when you were
baptized.
4. Read today’s Gospel: Luke 3:15-22
5. Renew your Baptismal Promises:
Leader: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth? All: I DO.
Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only
Son, our Lord,
who was born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered death and was buried,
rose again from the dead
and is seated at the right hand of the
Father? All: I DO.
Leader: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church, the communion of
saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body,
and life everlasting? All: I DO.
Leader: This is our faith. This is the faith of the
Church.
We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus,
our Lord.
All:
Amen.
6. Sing the Opening Song again and then blow out your
candles.
January 4, 2016 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious
8:30 AM
Stella Sniadowski
January 5, 2016 - St. John Neumann, Bishop
8:30 AM
Rita Rager
January 6, 2016 - St. Andre’ Bessette, Religious
8:30 AM
Teresa Sposato
January 7 2016 - St. Raymond of Penyafort, Priest
8:30 AM
Denis Gambescia
January 8, 2016
9:00 AM SJ
Steve Poe
January 9, 2016
8:30 AM
5:00 PM
Derrick Lowe
Tony Sniadowski
January 10, 2016 - The Baptism of the Lord
7:00 AM
People of the Parish
8:30 AM
George Nagle
9:00 AM SJ Ed Banas
10:15 AM
Teresa Sposato
12:00 PM
Virginia Vranicar
Parish Community News
We extend a warm welcome to our new parishioners:
Mr. and Mrs. George Broderick
Mr. Kenny Chandler
Ms. Medina Jackson and son
Ms. Mary Magaw and children
Ms. Julie Newton and daughter
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Price
Mr. Patrick Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Werbrich
Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Whitaker
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) RCIA is the
process by which baptized Christians and those who are
unbaptized become members of the Catholic Church. It is
also the process by which baptized Catholics who never
received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
receive those sacraments. Do you feel God calling you to
have a deeper relationship with Him? Call the Parish
Office at 410-398-1100 to learn more about this process.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
There is no Children’s Liturgy of the Word Today,
January 3rd Happy New Year!!
Catechists for Sunday, January 10 Children’s Liturgy
are: CLW1 Lindsay Partridge
CLW2 Kimberly Burnham
Liturgy
Readings for Next Week:
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Isaiah tells of the Lord’s Servant, who will be
inconspicuous, but will not rest until justice is established.
The Lord then tells his servant that he was formed to be “a
light for the nations.”
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Peter speaks to a group of pagans for the first time. He
explains to them that any person who follows God’s will is
acceptable to God, regardless of nationality.
Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
John the Baptist had claimed one would come far more
powerful than himself, one who would baptize with the
Holy Spirit rather than water. When Jesus came to John
and was baptized, the Spirit descended on him and a
voice said, “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor
rests.”
Vocations - The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God: Mary was chosen to bring the presence of
God into the world in a unique way. Every day, all over the
world, priests bring the presence of the Lord to God’s
people through the preaching of the Word and the
celebration of the sacraments.
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
An “epiphany” is a revelation. Every day, God uses
religious sisters, religious brothers and priests to reveal
His great love for the people He has chosen to be His own.
Is the Lord calling you to serve the Church through a
religious vocation? If you think so, call or write Father
Norman Carroll, Diocesan Director of Priestly and
Religious Vocations (302-573-3113, [email protected]).
Be sure to visit our website: www.CalledByTheLord.com!
Adoration for Vocations is usually held the first Sunday
of each month in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. The
next Adoration for Vocations will be held Sunday, January
3rd from 1:30– 6:00 PM. Take this opportunity to spend
time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to pray for
priestly and religious vocations. Benediction begins at 5:30
PM.
The Year of Mercy
Pope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the Week:
We celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany this weekend.
Pope Francis proclaimed: “The new star that appears to
the Magi was a sign of the birth of Christ. Had they not
seen the star, these men would not have set out. The light
goes before us, truth goes before us, beauty precedes us.
God goes before us. The prophet Isaiah said that God is
like the flower of the almond tree. Why? Because in that
region the almond is the first to flower. And God goes ever
before, he is always the first to seek us, he takes the first
step. God goes ever before us. His grace precedes us and
this grace appeared in Jesus. He is the Epiphany. He,
Jesus Christ, is the manifestation of God’s love. He is with
us.” (Angelus, January 6, 2014)
Mercy Prayer Cards
Please take a prayer card for you and for your loved ones.
On one side you will find the Logo for the Year of Mercy. It
depicts Jesus, the good shepherd, carrying a human being
like a shepherd carries the lost sheep home. He holds us
close to recognize his voice. He holds us close to be filled
with the smell of his merciful love. His hands and feet
reveal the nail marks from the cross, the instrument of
mercy, for by dying he gave himself totally to God and to
us and made our reconciliation with God and one another
possible. Just as Jesus is “Merciful like the Father,” whose
gift of forgiving love is greater than any of us deserve or
could earn. We, too, are called to be merciful like Jesus,
the face of God’s mercy. Take time to pray Pope Francis’
Prayer on the other side of the card so that we can “be
merciful like the heavenly Father.”
Daily Mass Readings for this week:
The Epiphany of the Lord
Sunday
Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Monday
1 Jn 3:22 - 4:6; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Tuesday
1 Jn 4:7-10; Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday
1 Jn 4:11-18; Mk 6:45-52
The three kings in today’s Gospel traveled a great
distance at considerable cost to offer their richest gifts to
the Infant Jesus. Bring it home this week by thinking about
how far you can go for others, what can you offer to do for
your community? What can you do to give homage to the
newborn King and Savior?
Thursday
1 Jn 4:19 - 5:4; Lk 4:14-22a
Friday
1 Jn 5:5-13; Lk 5:12-16
Saturday
1 Jn 5:14-21; Jn 3:22-30
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception
School News
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone
at I.C.S.
If you have any questions about the school, or if you
would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office
at 410-398-2636.
Faith Formation
Religious Education & Sacraments
Religion Classes today Sunday, Jan. 3rd for
Gr. K-8 at 8:30am.
Religion Classes this Wednesday, Jan. 6th at
6:15pm
First Communion Program:
Mark Your Calendar!
The Parent Orientation Meeting for First
Communion will be held on Monday, Jan. 25th at
6:30pm in church.
Letters have been mailed to all families
containing the choices being offered this year for
First Communion Celebrations.
Volunteers Needed!
We have an on-going need for catechists and assistants.
Substitutes are needed periodically throughout the year. If
you can lead or assist with a class occasionally or
regularly, we want to hear from you! Please contact the
Faith Formation office at [email protected] or 410 392
3551. Thank you!
Youth Ministry & Confirmation
Service Hours
If 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 home
page at www.iccparish.org. Click on the one about
“Service Opportunities” and see the contact person
listed for each opportunity.
Confirmation 2016 Important Dates
February 6, 2016 – Confirmation Retreat
April 22, 2016 – Rehearsal for Candidates &
Sponsors 6:30 PM in Immaculate Conception Church
April 23, 2016 – Confirmation and Mass 1:30 PM at
Immaculate Conception Church
Adult Education
Interested in a study group?
Several different opportunities are available. Call the
Parish Office at (410) 398-1100 to obtain more
information.
HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE RESOURCES ON
OUR PARISH WEBSITE?
Along with the Weekly Scripture Puzzles, etc. you
will find under downloads : A Prayer for the New
Year, and the Blessing of the Home on the Feast
of the Epiphany which is today, January 3rd.
ADULT
ENRICHMENT
OFFERED THIS YEAR
PROGRAMS
BEING
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. To contact the YM office, call
410 392 3551 or email [email protected].
ACTS. The Spread of the Kingdom
The next session will be held this Mon., Jan. 4th at
6:30pm and Tues. Jan. 5th at 9”15am.
The Topic : The Church in Antioch (Acts 11-12)
AND
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. Drop-ins welcome.
Parents: Please donate some soda in cans or small
water bottles for our teens on Sunday nights. Thanks
January 3 – 6-8 PM gathering.
BIBLE TIMELINE.
The next session will be on Thursday, Jan. 7th at
9:15am. The Topic: Egypt and Exodus Pt. 1
(Exodus 1-18)
High School Retreat at Charter Hall Retreat
House January 15-17. All 9-12 grade students are
welcome to attend. Space is limited, so please sign up
soon. Please email [email protected] or call
443 350 4627 to sign up. See “latest parish downloads” on
our parish website for the flyer and consent form.
Weekly Family Video Reflection From Strong
Catholic Families
Every 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.
Social Concerns
OUTREACH – We would like to thank all of the
families and members who donated this Christmas
season! We are very grateful for your continued
support. With your help we were able to assist over 90
families and 280 children! Thank you!
Catholic Charities Needs Help to Warm Up Winter!
As temperatures start to decline, Catholic Charities is
preparing to help our community by collecting new and
"gently used" blankets and other bedding, coats, hats,
and gloves now through the end of January 2016.
Donors can bring their coats, blankets, etc. to Marydale
Retirement Village 135 Jeandell Drive, Newark, DE
19713. For more information please call, 302-368-2784.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for a Parish Coffee today,
January 3rd after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
The Parish Coffee at Immaculate Conception will be
Sunday, January. 10th after the 10:15 Mass.
Parish Events / Information
This Week’s Calendar
Offertory
December 20, 2015 Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception
$8,443.67
$10,727.50
St. Jude’s
$1,741.70
$2,350.75
Online
$3,054.50
$2,666.75
$13,239.87
$15,745.00
2015-2016 Fiscal YTD (Offertory Deficit) -- $9,329.14
Building Maintenance Fund:
Collected
Expenses
Balance
$252,984.03
$237,526.94
$ 15,457.09
Catholic Calendars are available at the entrances of our
churches. A word of appreciation to the sponsor of our
parish calendars! Please patronize our advertisers in this
bulletin and the Parish Directory that was mailed to you. All
of our sponsors make contributions to our parish and many
of them are parishioners who deserve our support. Thank
you one and all!
Rotating Shelter - Volunteers are needed to oversee the
Emergency Rotating Shelter for the homeless during the
week of March 14-21, 2016. There will be a meeting for
the facilitating team on January 13th at 7:00pm. If you
have any questions, or would like to join please contact Bill
and
Carol
Dale,
410-287-9548
or
email
at
[email protected]. Additionally, the collection on
January 10th will be for the rotating shelter. Please
consider helping out the members of your community in
need. Thank you and God Bless!
James A. Murphy
6th Pastor of Immaculate Conception
Died January 8, 1892
This week the Parish will mark the anniversary of the
passing of Rev. James Murphy. In charity, please
remember to pray for the gentle repose of his priestly soul.
Sunday, January 3
8:20 AM
Confessions – SJ
8:30 AM
Rel Ed - S/PC
8:30 AM
RCIA Dismissal
10:00 AM
Parish Coffee - SJ
1:30 PM
Adoration for Vocations
6:00 PM
High School Gathering – PC6
7:00 PM
Confirmation - PC3/PCL
Monday, January 4
9:00 AM
Novena – Ch
8:00 PM
AA - caf
Tuesday, January 5
9:00 AM
Holy Hour – Ch
9:15 AM
Acts of Apostles - PC
6:00 PM
Liturgy Committee - PC
6:30 PM
Handbell Rehearsal
7:30 PM
Contemporary Rehearsal
Wednesday, January 6
9:00 AM
Rosary Crusade/St. Jude Novena – Ch
9:30 AM
Cantor Rehearsal – IC
3:45 PM
Children’s Choir - PC4
6:00 PM
Rel Ed - S/PC
Thursday, January 7
9:00 AM
Rosary Crusade - CH
9:15 AM
Bible Timeline - PC
11:00 AM
Laurelwood Liturgy
6:30 PM
Cantor Rehearsal - IC
6:30 PM
Cub Scouts - caf
6:45 PM
Boy Scouts - PC
7:00 PM
RCIA - PC
7:00 PM
Choir Rehearsal - IC
Friday, January 8
9:00 AM
Rosary Crusade – Ch
8:00 PM
AA - caf
Saturday, January 9
9:00 AM
Rosary Crusade – Ch
9:00 AM
Coast Guard Aux Training - PC
4:15 PM
Confessions
7:00 PM
NA – Caf
Community Events / Information
Knights of Columbus
Bishop Becker Council 2427
443-616-5370
www.kofc2427.org
Meetings:
2nd
and
4th
Wednesdays
of
the
month.
Meetings are held at the McGlynn Parish Center.
Membership Information: call 443-616-5370
Holy Family Newark Church is beginning the Women of
Grace Study Program, "Full of Grace: Women and the
Abundant Life.” Discover the gift of authentic femininity,
holiness of life, and God's awesome purpose and mission
for you in the world today. An information meeting will
be held on Thursday, January 7th at 7 p.m. in the Adult
Ed Room. Join us and find out how you can fulfill your call
as a woman of grace in the world today. To register,
please contact Evelyn at 302-379-4119 or e-mail
[email protected]. There is no initial commitment
since the study program is simply explained in detail at the
opening session.
The Franklin Institute is offering discounts to parishioners
for its amazing exhibit, Vatican Splendors. This incredible
exhibit offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see more than
200 works of art, some of which have never before been
displayed! This exhibit is limited entry and booking fast so
call today to organize your trip! To order, call 215-4481200 or go online to www.fi.edu and use promo code
“ARCHPHL” when purchasing Vatican Splendors tickets.
Don’t discard your gently-used household goods –
donate them! Catholic Charities Thrift Center in Wilmington
is in great need of furniture, mattresses, and working
appliances. Demand for these items continues to outpace
our supply. We will accept used bedding as we are
licensed by the State of Delaware to sanitize bedding and
offer for resale or redistribution. We do ask that the items
be gently used, clean, and in good working order. (We
reserve the right to refuse a donation if it is in poor
condition.) To schedule a pickup of these items, call the
Thrift Center at 302-764-2717. The Thrift Center is located
at 1320 E 23rd Street, Wilmington, 19802.
This weekend we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord.
We read about the magi bringing gifts to the Christ child.
Give the gift of time and yourselves to your spouse; sign
up today to attend the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter
weekend scheduled for March 11-13 in Rehoboth Beach,
DE. For more information, visit our website at
www.wwme-delmar.org. To register for the weekend,
please call Tony & Linda Massino @ 302-220-983.
Serenity Retreat for Women - Malvern Retreat House will
host a weekend retreat for women affected by the disease
of addiction from January 8-10. Sr. Linda Fischer will direct
the retreat, which will be held in the retreat house’s Family
Life
Center.
To
register, please
visit
malvernretreat.com/register. About Malvern Retreat
House - Owned and operated by Catholic lay leadership
since 1912, Malvern is the oldest and largest Catholic
retreat house in the country - hosting 20,000 people
annually at 250 retreats on 125 acres in beautiful Chester
County, Pennsylvania. We invite you to come to Malvern
to reflect, refresh and rejoice in your faith. To find an
evening, weekday or weekend spiritual retreat that's right
for you, call 610-644-0400 or visit us online at
MalvernRetreat.com.
Listen to Catholic Forum every Sunday morning at
10:05 a.m. on WDEL 101.7 FM, 1150 AM and
www.wdel.com. Next Sunday, January 10th, tune in to
learn about the diaconate and the upcoming formation
information nights in our diocese when Deacon Hal Jopp,
Director of the Office for Deacons for the Diocese of
Wilmington will be the guest. For, information, podcasts
and more, “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/catholicforum. Listen to past episodes
of Catholic Forum online at catholicforumradio.libsyn.com
or search “Catholic Forum Radio” on iTunes podcasts.
Youth and Young Adults – Save this date! - Bishop
Malooly invites you to gather in prayer and support for our
vocations. Each of us is called and the church needs
Priests, Deacons, Religious and committed laity to build up
and support the family and this, the Church. We planned a
Holy Hour on Friday, January 15 at 7:00pm at St. Joseph
on the Brandywine. Questions? Contact Fr. Carroll at 302573-3113 or [email protected].
Did you know?! Not only is January National Blood
Donors Month, but Saint Januarius is the patron saint of
Blood Banks! Saint Januarius has quite a miraculous story!
St. Januarius was martyred during the Christian
persecution of Diocletian in 305 AD. Some of his blood
was collected and was put in a vial. On his feast day,
(Sept. 19th) his vial of dried blood is shown to the public. It
is processed around the cathedral, the faithful pray
intensely, and then his blood begins to liquefy and bubble!
This has been happening for over 400 years, and even
Pope Francis witnessed this remarkable miracle after he
kissed the vial! Pope Francis remarked, “The bishop just
announced that the blood half liquefied. We can see the
saint only half-loves us. We must all spread the word, so
that he loves us more!” You can spread the word AND
help
your
community
by
giving
blood!
Visit
https://www.delmarvablood.org/ or call 302-737-8405. Be
someone’s hero today!