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From Fr. JimThe Easter Season: Our Half-Way Point
The Easter Season is half over. We hear Jesus’ simple and challenging command to love one another as he has loved us. There’s the rub. He loved us unto death. He loved us in the face of opposition, hardship and rejection. He loved us and continues to love us in good times and in difficult. Paul and Barnabas are preaching to a community experiencing difficult times, so they proclaim words to encourage the community to continue living Jesus and his love even when it is not easy to do so. The reading from Revelation reminds us that God dwells with us and will make the earth a new creation. How? By loving one another as Jesus loves us. In the face of war, oppression, earthquake and misunderstanding, if we keep our eyes on Jesus and do unto others as he has done unto us, that new earth will be a reality because we are faithful to living Jesus at all times. St. Francis de Sales taught: “The measure of our love is to love without measure."
Pope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the WeekOn this Fifth Sunday of Easter we hear Jesus’ command to love one another. Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi Message (To the City and To The Word) on Easter, 2013 proclaimed: “God’s mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones (cf. Ez 37:1-14)…Let us be renewed by God’s mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation, and make justice and peace flourish.” (Urbi et Orbi, Easter, March 31, 2013)
Welcome Rose Catherine Brehany!! In case you have not heard the good news, Dana Brehany, our Director of Music, gave birth to Rose Catherine on Saturday morning, April 16. We welcome Rose Catherine into the world and ask God to bless her and her parents, Dana and Joe.
Notice: The Immaculate Conception Spring Fest is CANCELED due to lack of sales. If you have purchased or are interested in raffle tickets, the Raffle items will still be raffled off at the Golf Classic on June 13th. You can purchase these at the Parish Office or the Golf Classic. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office.
Immaculate Conception School will be celebrating its 60th anniversary at the current location on September 10th. Plans are underway to commemorate this milestone, including Mass with Bishop Malooly. Please mark your calendars now! Activities will be planned for the parish,
current students, and alumni. You won’t want to miss this!
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Cecil County Division 1 is looking for new members! The LAOH is a National organization whose Mission is Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. The organization is open to women who are practicing Catholics and are Irish by birth, decent, or are the wife of an AOH member. For more information, call Janice White at 410-378-3493
2016 Annual Catholic Appeal“Blessed are the Merciful for They Shall Obtain
Mercy”In celebration of the Holy Father’s acclamation of the Holy Year of Mercy, we are called to “rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.” The 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal, with its theme, Blessed are the Merciful for They Shall Obtain Mercy, reminds us that we are given the opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through our actions, touching people’s lives and offering hope. Thank you to everyone who made a pledge to the diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal! If you have not yet participated, please consider doing so today. Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families who reside within our 12-county diocese. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews [OR the appropriate designated location] and can be placed in the offertory basket. Thank you for your generosity and support. To learn more about the Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Annual Catholic Appeal”.
April 25, 2016 St. Mark, Evangelist8:30 AM John and Laura McCarthy
April 26, 2016 8:30 AM Alma Jose
April 27, 2016 8:30 AM Ed Banas
April 28, 2016 St Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr8:30 AM Wally Purzycki
April 29, 2016 St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
8:30 AM Mr. and Mrs. John George Schauber April 30, 2016 St. Pius V, Pope
8:30 AM William Kirkwood5:00 PM Earl and Dorothy Martin
May 1st, 2016 - 6th Sunday of Easter7:00 AM Alfred Caldwell8:30 AM Mike Whitlock9:00 AM SJ William Biedrzycki10:15 AM People of the Parish12:00 PM Hugh, Eleanor, & Christopher Reilly2:00 PM First Communion Children
Fifth Sunday of Easter
We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners:Mr. and Mrs. Steve Taylor and Family
Children’s Liturgy of the WordChildren’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, May 1st are:CLW1: Lindsay Partridge CLW2: Grace
Amoretti
Liturgy
Readings for Next Week - Sixth Sunday of Easter:First Reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29Some men informed the Gentiles that they must be circumcised if they wished to be saved, because of the Old Laws. Disciples then went forth to tell the Gentiles to honor only those rules which were strictly necessary, such as abstaining from eating meat sacrificed to idols and illicit sexual union.Second Reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23John depicts Jerusalem coming out of heaven, sparkling with the radiance of precious jewels. Angels were stationed at each of its twelve gates, and each gate bore the name of one tribe of Israel. The city had no temple, because God was its temple. The glory and light of God and the Lamb also replaced their need for the sun.Gospel: John 14:23-29Jesus tells his disciples, "Anyone who loves me will be true to my word." For those who do honor his word, both Jesus and God will love them and stay with them always. He also tells them that God will send the Holy Spirit in his place to give them the instructions they will need. Jesus then tells them that peace is his farewell gift to them.
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 410-398-0368.
The Cecil County Pregnancy Center will be collecting new and gently used maternity and baby clothing on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th after each mass at Immaculate Conception and St. Jude’s. Bins will be placed for donations in the vestibules of each church. The pregnancy center appreciates your generosity so that support can continue to be offered to mothers and babies in Cecil County! For more information call 410-398-7888.
COMMUNITY KITCHEN: ICC is hosting Community Kitchen on Friday, April 29th at Elkton Presbyterian Church at noon. We make and serve sandwiches, soup, and dessert to anyone in need. If you can provide food and/or can help serve, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Joyce Speakman at 610-597-3135 or Kathy Chamberlin at 410-398-7299. We also would be
glad to receive monetary donations. Please consider volunteering in this worthwhile cause!
For the Sake of God’s Children: Knowledgeable and caring adults who are committed to protecting children can also protect our Church. Learn how to report child abuse. (www.cdow.org scroll to For the Sake of God’s Children link; scroll to Section Four Resources) DE hotline 1-800-292-9582; MD hotline: 1-800-492-0618. Survivors Assistance Program Coordinator 302-468-4507. Questions call: Coordinator for Safe Environments 302-295-0668.
Daily Mass Readings:Fifth Sunday of Easter
SundayActs 14:21-27; Rv 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
Monday1 Pt 5:5b-14; Mk 16:15-20
TuesdayActs 14:19-28; Jn 14:27-31a
WednesdayActs 15:1-6; Jn 15:1-8
ThursdayActs 15:7-21; Jn 15:9-11
FridayActs 15:22-31; Jn 15:12-17
SaturdayActs 16:1-10; Jn 15:18-21
Pastoral Council Elections
Each year in June, we elect fellow parishioners to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council. The Pastoral Council is a group of fellow parishioners who: Act as a voice of the people of the parish to the Pastor.
Provide an open forum regarding parish affairs. Assist and advise the Pastor in the administration of
the parish Encourage a vigorous and effective lay apostate Collaborate with the other religious, civic, business
and professional organizations in working for the common good.
Actively cooperate with the Diocese in the total life and mission of the Church within the parish.
If you would like to serve the parish in this important capacity please contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100.
In a familiar Gospel reading, this week we hear a new commandment; “Love one another.” Bring It Home this week by brainstorming the many ways family members can follow this commandment. Write each idea down on a slip of paper. Put the papers in a jar or basket. Each day this week choose a slip and do it. Can you feel a difference when everyone is consciously loving each other?
Faith FormationImmaculate Conception
School NewsAlleluia! Happy Easter!
Congratulations to all the boys and girls who have received their First Holy Communion. Last weekend, we welcomed Dominick Ingle, Jeremy Marandola, Brady Hutchison, and Maddie Barlow to the Eucharistic table.On Monday, the school welcomes the staff from the Catholic Schools Office. Dr. DeAngelo and his staff will spend the day with us to observe the wonderful activities that make our school special.We have some big events coming up in May – our May Crowning tradition, Race for Education Day, Spring music concert, and Field Day top the list. More details will come out about each of these events and more!It’s not too late to think about where you want your child to attend school next year. If you have any questions or if you would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office at 410-398-2636. We are now 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 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. 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. A child must have completed 7th AND 8th gr. Rel. Ed to enroll in the Confirmation
program. Contact the Religion Office with any questions.
First Communion Program: Six of our parish young people will be receiving their First Communion today during the 9AM Mass at St. Jude; Eight children will celebrate their First Communion during the 5PM Mass on Saturday, April 30th at ICC. Let us continue to pray that these children may always desire to be nourished by the Lord in Holy Communion. The remaining celebrations and rehearsals are scheduled for: Sat, Apr. 30th 5pm ICC Rehearsal: Wed, Apr. 27th
6:30 ICSun, May 1st 2pm ICC Rehearsal: Thurs., Apr. 28th
6:30pm
Youth Ministry & Confirmation Visit the parish web site at www.iccparish.org. See the News, Faith Formation and Ministries pages for more 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 bottles for our teens. Thanks!April 24 – regular gathering 6-8 PMMay 1 – regular gathering 6-8 PMMay 8 – no gathering on Mother’s Day
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.
Adult Education Interested in a study group?
Several different opportunities are available. Call the Parish Office at (410) 398-1100 for more information.
Remaining Adult Enrichment Programs Offered:
Bible Timeline: The next session will be Thurs, April 28th at 9:15am. Topic: Divided Kingdom Pt. 2 (2 Kings 1-17.) This will be the last class for this year.
Want to prepare for Confirmation? If you are 18 years of age or older and wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, May 15th you are invited to attend the Confirmation preparation session on Tuesday, April 26 th at 7pm in the Parish Center. In order for us to have the necessary available materials, please contact the Parish Religion Office at 410-392-3551 or [email protected] to register or to make inquiries.
Weekly Family Video Reflection from Strong Catholic Families: Every Wednesday a video and reflection question will be posted on the Strong Catholic Families Facebook page for families to watch, reflect, and discuss. This page is updated daily with articles, resources, videos and family-related information for Catholic families. For more family friendly resources, visit www.strongcatholicfamilies.org
Vacation Bible School:Have you registered for this year’s exciting Vacation Bible School? Download the form from our Parish Website. Registration is open for children ages 4 through those who have completed Gr. 5. VBS will be held in ICS Gym June 20- 24th from 6-8:30pm. The next meeting for VBS Volunteers will be Wed, April 27th at 6:45pm in the Parish Center. This is a wonderful, faith-filled experience for kids; volunteers enjoy it too! Teens are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer! You will want to be part of this fun event! Interested in volunteering or for more information, contact the Religion Office at 410-392-3551 or [email protected]
Social ConcernsOutreach - The Parish Outreach is grateful to all those who continue to support this essential ministry - both materially and in their prayers. Please continue to help those in need by donating to the poor boxes after mass or by donating goods. The Parish Outreach is in need of the following items: tuna, green beans, cereal, jelly, pork and beans.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee, next Sunday, May 1st after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
Parish Coffee at Immaculate Conception will be May 8th
after the 10:15 Mass.
Parish Events / Information
Offertory April 3 Fiscal BudgetImmaculate Conception $7,276.00
$9,154.50St. Jude’s $1,437.11 $2,077.25Online $2,456.15 $2,682.25
$11,169.26 $13,914.002015-2016 Fiscal YTD (Offertory Deficit ) $25,227.10Building Maintenance Fund:
Collected $261,528.09
Expenses $244,718.94
Surplus $16,809.15
Actual Expected $510,000$515,000$520,000$525,000$530,000$535,000$540,000$545,000$550,000$555,000
Weekly OffertoryJuly 1, 2015-April 3, 2016
Immaculate Conception Girls Volleyball Tryouts for Fall 2016 will be held Monday, June 6 at 6:30PM - 8:30PM and Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30PM
- 8:30PM at Bo Manor High School in Elkton for girls who will be entering 4th through 7th grades in the fall. Please contact Kathy Lytle at [email protected] or (302) 757-0871 for more information about registration.
Sunday, April 248:20 AM Confessions – SJ1:00PM Spring Fest! - Gym1:30 PM Baptisms - IC6:00 PM High School Gathering – PC6
Monday, April 259:00 AM Novena – CH6:00 PM JV Volleyball - gym8:00 PM AA - Caf
Tuesday, April 269:00 AM Holy Hour – CH6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal - IC7:30 PM Contemporary Rehearsal -IC
Wednesday, April 279:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH9:30 AM Cantor Rehearsal – IC1:00 PM Leisure Club Meeting - PC3:45 PM Children’s Choir - IC6:30 PM First Communion Rehearsal - IC6:45 PM Vacation Bible School Meeting - PC8:15 PM K of C Meeting - PC
Thursday, April 289:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH6:30 PM Cantor Rehearsal - IC
6:30 PM Cubscout Meeting - Caf6:30 PM First Communion Rehearsal - IC6:45 PM Boyscout Meeting - PC7:00 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal - IC
Friday, April 29 - ½ Day for ICS Students9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH
Saturday, April 309:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH4:15 PM Confessions - IC5:00 PM First Communion - IC7:00 PM NA - Caf
Join our Habitat for Humanity Team! Yes! We have a Habitat team! Anyone 16 or older may participate. Our team will be participating in a "group build" on May 20th and June 9th. Please scroll through the pictures on the home page of our parish website for the page with all the details. You must register and sign up BEFORE you can participate. No experience is necessary. Come learn new skills, meet new people, and have FUN!
Our Parish Christmas Bazaar needs leaders! We are in need of one or more parishioners to volunteer their time and talents and become a chair of the Christmas Bazaar! Please consider helping us prepare for this fun-filled, holiday event. The Christmas Bazaar is a critical part of our parish fund-raising and community building. For more information or to volunteer please call Kathleen Davis at 410-398-1100. Thank you!! NYC Bus Trip!! Come join a bus trip to New York City! The trip is Saturday, May 14th and leaves from People’s Plaza in Newark at 9:00am. The bus will bring you to Times Square where you are free to explore! The bus leaves again at 9:00pm to bring you back to People’s Plaza. Children are welcome! Cost is $35 per seat. Don’t miss out, spaces are limited! Contact Audrey Diotale at 302-561-5275 or [email protected] or Angela Maxwell at 302-563-0994 or [email protected].
Our 2016 Immaculate Conception 6th Annual Golf Classic is going to be at Newark Country Club on June 13th! Save the Date! The Golf Committee is in need of Volunteers! If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 or [email protected].
Community Events / Information
Knights of ColumbusBishop Becker Council 2427
443-616-5370 or www.kofc2427.org
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at the Parish Center.
Through the sacrament of Matrimony we are called to live in love as Christ loved us. Does our marriage
relationship reflect the love of Christ for all to see? The next Marriage Encounter Weekend is scheduled for November 4-6 in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For more information visit our website www.wwme-delmar.org or call Tony & Linda Massino at 302-220-9833.
The Local Management Board (LMB) will be hosting two focus group sessions for youth on Wednesday, April 27th at the Elkton Public Library, 301 Newark Avenue. The first session is scheduled for 5 pm and the second for 6:30 pm. If you know a youth who has been impacted by the incarceration of a parent/family member; or a youth between the ages of 16-24 and is not working or in school, feel free to invite them to participate. We will be offering food and $25 prepaid Visa gift cards for participants. Each session will be limited to 6-10 young people. Feel free to call if you have any questions and please RSVP so we can purchase the needed supplies. Please contact 410-996-8430 or [email protected].
New Guest on Catholic Forum on WDEL! 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, May 1st, tune in to hear an interview with Father Dan Gerres, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood next month. For photos, information regarding upcoming guests, podcasts and more, visit and “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.The Ladies Auxiliary Singerly Fire Company is having a Roast Beef Dinner on April 30th from 4:00-7:00pm. Cost is $14 per person and is taking place at Singerly Banquet Hall, 300 Newark Ave. (Route 279) Elkton, MD. For more information please call 410-398-2078 ext. 243 or call Nancy Caldwell VPLA S.F.C. at 410-398-2486.
Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, located at 170 Possum Hollow Road in Newark, Delaware, invites the community to its FREE annual Open House on Sunday, May 1st from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Self-guided tours of Tri-State’s Frink Center for Wildlife and Wildlife Response Annex will be available throughout the day. Peek at baby birds in our clinic nursery. Trained owls, hawks, and other birds of prey will be on hand for an up close and personal look. Activities for kids include a Bird Word Search, creative coloring of bird species, and face painting. Exhibitors and vendors from local organizations will be on hand; food and Tri-State merchandise will be available for purchase. Donations of paper towels and single-ply white toilet paper (used to make nests for baby birds) are gratefully accepted. For more information, visit www.tristatebird.org or call 302-737-9543 x108.
September 19-29: 11-day Tour of Alpine Europe, Travel to Frankfurt, Salzburg, Munich during Oktoberfest and much more. Tickets are $3,309 and include airfare, hotels, breakfast, dinner, sightseeing in a luxury coach, 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].
Catholic-based Debate Camps will be held July 3-8, at Villanova University and Aug 8-12, at Salesianum High School. All high school students and recent graduates are invited. Learn leadership, presentation and research skills, grasp deeper things about public policy, plenty of practice and debate. An early bird discount is being offered through May 31. For more information, contact 443-822-5473 or visit www.statesmandebate.com
