From Fr. Jim …
We need to cooperate in the growth of God’s kingdom. The Kingdom of God is the growth of God’s rule in human hearts that occurs when we do the will of God and surrender our life to God. The seed of faith lies dormant within each of us. When we permit the Holy Spirit to nurture it with TLC (tender loving care), it grows miraculously. The growth is slow and microscopic in the beginning. But the seed grows by using the power of the Holy Spirit, given to us through the word of God, the Mass, the sacraments and prayers. As we learn God’s will from His words and try to put these words into practice, we participate in the growth of God’s kingdom on earth which will be completed in our heavenly life.
Since the acceptance of God’s rule by human beings is a very slow process, there is the danger of discouragement and hopelessness among preachers, evangelizers and believers. The conviction that growth of the kingdom of God is the work of the Holy Spirit with our humble cooperation should make us optimistic in continuing our work of witnessing. We should continue sowing tiny seeds in the form of words of love, acts of encouragement, deeds of charity, mercy and forgiveness.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER TODAY!!! 50/50 CHANCES ON SALE TODAY AFTER MASS!
Immaculate Conception 5th Annual Golf Classic
June 19, 2015
Chesapeake Bay Golf Club @ Rising Sun
with 11:30 registration & Lunch
And a 1 PM shotgun start.
Register Now!Come out and enjoy the fun!
You can participate in many ways!!!
Play Golf! Single golfer (golf w/cart, lunch, refreshments & dinner!) Goodie bag & complimentary Greens Fee Pass at future date – only $125
Come for Dinner! Not a golfer? Come for a delicious dinner including Angus Top Round of Beef, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Dessert Bar & much more! - only $30
Become a Sponsor! - All levels of sponsors needed!
Auction Donations needed!
NEW THIS YEAR! 50/50 Raffle –You don’t need to be present… open to everyone!! Raffles will be sold after Masses this weekend.
Would you like to donate a baked good to our dessert bar? Please call the office to volunteer! Thank you.
Brochures are located at the back of the church, or contact Paula Amberg at 410-398-1100, .
2015 Annual Catholic Appeal- For those who have pledged, you should have received your first payment reminder. Additional reminders will continue through December. Please mail all payments in the self-addressed, return envelope provided with your pledge reminder.
Our Parish Goal is $95,000.
Pledged $70,419. 74%
Short$24,581.
Offertory June 7, 2015Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception$ 9,267.95 $12,033.20
St. Jude’s$ 2,435.89 $ 2,092.80
Online$ 2,129.50-
$13,833.34 $14,126.00
2014-2015 Fiscal YTD(Offertory Deficit) -(7,710.27)
Building Maintenance Fund:
Collected $239,001.58
Expenses $225,656.49
Balance $ 13,345.09
Parish Community News
We extend our condolences and prayers to the families of those who have recently died:
Sophia Ferrara
Marian Shick
Teresa Sposato
Father’s Day Novena - Fathers of the Parish will be remembered in a Novena of Masses beginning June 16th. If you wish to have a loved one, living or deceased, remembered in this Novena, please use the envelope in your envelope packet or those available at the exits of the Church. The envelopes can be deposited in the collection basket or dropped off at the Parish Office. Thank you
June 15, 2015
8:30 AMJames Connelly
June 16, 2015
8:30 AMEdward McCarthy
June 17, 2015
8:30 AMVirginia Marie Anderson
June 18, 2015
8:30 AMRichard Brooks, Jr.
June 19, 2015
8:30 AMEleanor Reilly
June 20, 2015
8:30 AMAnne & Edward Weber
5:00 PMPeople of the Parish
June 21, 2015 – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 AMRobert E. Dorsett, Sr.
8:30 AMKay Skozypic
9:00 AM SJWilliam Nelson
10:15 AMHerbert Guns
12:00 PMAnthony Mallia
Liturgy
Readings for Next Week:
ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24 - God will restore the kingdom of Judah, as symbolized by the cedar. The deed is emphasized by the words, “As I, the Lord have spoken, so will I do.”
Second Reading: II Corinthians 5:6-10 - Paul acknowledges “that we are, in a sense, away from the Lord while in this life and bound to our bodies.” We will be fully united with God in the next life, if we please him in this life.
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 - The reign of God is compared to a mustard seed which is the smallest of seeds yet grows to become the largest of shrubs. Similarly, God’s community grows gradually until it becomes large and strong.
Are you unbaptized and have a desire to be baptized?
Are you a baptized Christian interested in becoming a Catholic?
Are you a baptized Catholic who never received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation?
If you answer yes to any of these questions then RCIA is for you!!
A new RCIA program will be starting in mid-September. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 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? If so, please call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 to learn more about this process and to set up an interview with Mrs. Pat Kosman, the RCIA Coordinator. The RCIA process is a wonderful way to have a greater understanding of the Catholic faith and become closer to God in the process.
Do you need a low gluten host to receive Holy Communion?We have low-gluten hosts for those parishioners who are unable to consume regular wheat hosts. We ask you to let the celebrating priest know before Mass that you need a low-gluten host. We will then place low-gluten hosts into their own pyx that will be carried up with the other hosts at the Offertory. While we keep a pyx in the tabernacle containing consecrated low gluten hosts, we prefer to consecrate hosts during Mass as the General Instruction of the Roman Missalsuggests. Please go to the priest celebrant or the EMHC if a priest is not distributing on the Blessed Mother side to receive the Body of Christ. These low gluten hosts will notbe mixed with the regular hosts. Thank you for assisting us in our ability to respond to your needs.
Liturgical Etiquette and More
With this Sunday our Sunday calendar and weekday calendar are both firmly planted in Ordinary Time. The Universal Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar states: “Besides the times of the year that have their own distinctive character, there remains in the yearly cycle thirty-three or thirty-four weeks in which no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated, but rather the mystery of Christ itself is honored in its fullness, especially on Sundays. This period is known as Ordinary Time” (no. 43). These thirty-three or thirty-four Sundays and weeks are the time of year between the end of the Easter Season on Pentecost and the beginning of Advent and the end of the Christmas Season on the Baptism of the Lord and the beginning of Lent. These Sundays are simply numbered or counted. Today is the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, next Sunday will be the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time and so on. The term “Ordinary” comes from the Latin “ordinal” or simply ordered or counted.
Even though we refer to this as Ordinary Time, no time is ordinary in the sense of being common place or unexceptional. Why? Each day is filled with the grandeur of God. Because of our belonging to God through Jesus in the power of the Spirit every day is filled with the extraordinary presence of God. Whenever we begin a time of prayer together as Oblates of St. Francis de Sales we ask those gathered to remember that we are in the presence of God. So count your days and weeks and begin each day by remembering that you are in the presence of God.
Vocations–
The Gospel declares that Jesus preached to the people, using many such parables as the The Mustard Seed and the Mysterious Seed; few people understood what Jesus was saying. However in our Eucharist today, we have the opportunity to renew our Baptism and then to renew our commitment to furthering the reign of God, especially as a priest, deacon, or religious. Please call or write Father David Kelley, Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations (302-573-3113, ). Besure to visit our website:
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, July 5thfrom 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.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
There is no more Children’s Liturgy of the Word until the Fall. Have a wonderful summer
Christian Formation
Religious Education
Now is the time to register for Religion classes for the fall. Registration forms are available on our parish website at Please see the link on the left of the home page.
- A late fee is now in effect for those who did not re-register by April 1st.
- No Late fee for New Families.
Need a Hard Copy? Call the Office(410 392 3551).
First Reconciliation and First Communion - To register, a child must have completed one year of Religious Education and be enrolled in a parish Religious Education program or a Catholic School.
VBS begins in 1 Week! Are you registered?
You don’t want to miss it!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Come Be Part Of This Exciting Adventure…
Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.
Many volunteers are needed to make this happen!Contact Liz Orr by email at or 410-920-8124.
Volunteers are invited to come to the gym on Sunday, June 14th at 6 PM to help set up the decorations.
Youth Ministry
Please visit the parish web site at See the News, Faith Formation and Ministries pages for more information on YM events and opportunities. Contact the YM office at 410 392 3551/ .
Spring and Summer Weekly Gatherings
Current 8th – 12th grade students and college age young adults are welcome to join our gathering in the Parish Center from 6-8 PM. No RSVP needed. Drop-ins welcome. See the parish website for the Spring & Summer calendar.
Parents: Please donate some soda in cans or small water bottles for our teens on Sunday nights. Thanks!
June 14 – 6-8 PM more VBS design and building
June 21 – No gathering on Fathers Day
June 28 – 6-8 PM gathering. All are welcome!
Service Hours - If ever you are in need of service hours, please scroll through the pictures on the parish website home page at Click on the one about “Service Opportunities” and see the contact person listed for each opportunity. Thank you!
Confirmation 2016 - We will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation on April 23, 2016. Online registration is now open. Please visit our parish website and see “Online Registration for 2015-16” under Faith Formation. Students must be in a Catholic school or a parish religious education program in 8th & 9th grade to be eligible for Confirmation in 9th grade. Older high school students may also be confirmed. For more information please email .
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) - NCYC will be held in Indianapolis, IN November 19-21, 2015. All those in grades 9-12 in the Fall are welcome to attend. Late fees begin in September. Please see our parish website for more information, including lodging, meals, fee schedule, and transportation. A new link has been added with info about $100 diocesan scholarships. The scholarship application deadline is August 15th.
Adult Formation
Thank you for your input regarding the upcoming Bible Study programs in the Fall. Both the Bible Timeline and the Acts of the Apostles programs will begin in September. Registration begins in August. Watch this space for more information.
Introducing the 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. For more family friendly resources, visit
Immaculate ConceptionSchool News
It is hard to believe that the school year is done. Time flew by! We wish all of our families a very relaxing, rejuvenating, and safe summer. We look forward to seeing you back in the fall!
The following are the office hours for the school during the summer. If you need to reach the school, please call 410-398-2636. You may also email the staff member you need, we will respond as quickly as possible. For the secretary: ; for the principal: . Teachers are not required to check email during the summer, so if there is a timely request, please send your email to one of the above addresses.
June: 15th – 19th 8 AM – 3 PM; 22nd – 26th closed
27th – 30th8 AM – 3 PM
July: 1st – 2nd9 AM – 1 PM. 3rdclosed
6th – 31st9 AM – 1 PM;
August: 3rd – 14th9 AM – 1 PM; 17th – 21st8 AM–3
24th - closed; 25th 8 - 3 (Students back in session)
We are currently accepting registration for next year. If you would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office at 410-398-2636.
Social Concerns
OUTREACH–The Parish Outreachis grateful to all those who continue to support this essential ministry – both materially and in their prayers. We are in need of diapers (sz 4,5,6),spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, soup, rice-a-roni, instant potatoes, and jello.
Parish Outreach –
United Way Choice
The Immaculate Conception Outreach is a United Way Donor Choice. Our agency number is #4320. Please consider us when making your choice.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee:Join us for our next Parish Coffee on Sunday, July 5th after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
(There are no Parish Coffees at Immaculate Conception Church until September.)
Parish Events / Information
St. Paul reminds the people of Corinth that we “walk by faith and not by sight” in this Sunday’s second reading. Bring the readings home by talking about the many ways we believe but do not see, are courageous and do not fear, and are challenged each day to let our faith grow. Even those with young faith can, with the help of God, change the world.
ICAA Will Offer The Following Fall Sports:
Girls Volleyball (JV, Varsity, Senior)
CO-ED Soccer (Intramural, JV, Varsity)
Registration for Fall 2015 Sports is now open.Athletes in grades 4-8 can registerat for Girls JV and Varsity Volleyball and JV and Varsity Co-Ed Soccer. Registration is open to all Parish and non-Parish children alike. Practices for both sports begin in August. Once you complete the registration process, continue to pay your registration fee online. If you are unable to pay your fee during the online registration process, please sign back onto the site at another time to pay the fee or bring it to the first practice. In addition, there will be a $50 uniform deposit fee due prior to receiving a uniform. No uniforms will be distributed without the deposit fee.
If you have any questions, please email Volleyball – Kathy Lytle at or Soccer – Wayne Shannon at
Rite of Blessing for A Child in the Womb - The Church offers us many blessings that can be used at various times in life. One of these blessings is for A Child in the Womb. It offers a prayer for your unborn child, for the mother carrying this child and for the father of children awaiting birth. If you are interested in receiving this blessing, please see one of the parish priests or Deacon Mike and we can arrange for you to enjoy this special blessing.
41st Annual Christmas Bazaar
November 14-15, 2015
Save the dates!!
We have work to do!!!!
As you know the Christmas Bazaar is a critical part of our parish fund-raising budget as well as an important community building opportunity.
We are still looking for volunteers to fill vital positions for the Bazaar.
Please check the list below and consider volunteering!
Chairpersons:
Terry Gustafson, Krista Brown, Meredith Moran
Volunteer Coordinator: Natalie Cooper
Crafters:Rita McCarthy & Paula Amberg
Theme Baskets/Auctions: ______
Baked Goods:Terry Gustafson
Book Nook:Cheryl Nickle
Breakfast w/Santa: Donna Mulkern
Santa’s Shop:______
Kidz Korner:______
Religious Goods: ______
Cafeteria:______
Publicity/Finance:Peggy O’Donnell
Setup/ Take down:______
For more information or to volunteer please contact Paula Amberg at 410-398-1100/ .
This Week’s Calendar
Sunday, June 14
8:20 AMConfessions – SJ
1:30 PMBaptisms – IC
6:00 PMVBS Setup Begins in gym
6:00 PMHigh School Gathering - PC
Monday, June 15 –
9:00 AMMass – IC
9:30 AMNovena – Ch
7:00 PMBaptism Class - PC
8:00 PMAA – caf
Tuesday, June 16
9:00 AMHoly Hour – Ch
Wednesday, June10
9:00 AMRosary Crusade/St. Jude Novena – Ch
9:30 PMCantor Rehearsal – IC
7:00 PM Parish Council - PC
Thursday, June 17
9:00 AMRosary Crusade – Ch
11:00 AMGenesisNursing Home Liturgy
6:45 PMBoyscouts – Gym
Friday, June 18
9:00 AMRosary Crusade – Ch
Saturday, June 19
9:00 AMRosary Crusade – Ch
4:00 PMBoy Scouts - Caf
4:15 PMConfessions
7:00 PMNA – Caf
AFTERCARE PROVIDER NEEDED:
Must be friendly, outgoing, and enjoys being around children! Start beginning of new school year. Hours 2:30 – 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Contact Angela Maxwell by email at .
Online Giving is Here!
Immaculate Conception is pleased to announce a convenient new way to make your regular offerings. With our new electronic giving program, you can easily set up a recurring giving schedule or make one-time contributions.
We encourage you to set up a schedule of recurring contributions. It’s convenient for your and provides much-needed consistency for our church. If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, our church will continue to receive your contributions on a uninterrupted basis.