We are fast approaching the end of another liturgical year. The Diocese asks us each October to do a count that indicates Mass attendance in the parish. That count is made during each Sunday Mass over the four weekends of October which enables us to arrive at the Average Weekend Total and the Average Attendance per Mass. For example in year 2000 our parish with its two worship sites and six Masses per weekend had an Average Mass Attendance of 1622 people over the weekend with an Average Attendance per Mass of 270 people.
The chart below and graph to the right illustrates these numbers for the past years starting with 1998 and including the recent 2017 results. As you can see, the present Average Weekend Total is 836 people with an Average Attendance per Mass of 139. This trend is clearly downward with two exceptions, (2005and 2010). Since 2013 we have dropped from an Average of 1130 people over all the weekend Masses to 836 and from an average of 189 people at each Mass to 139 people.
To add some perspective, just since 2013, Mass attendance is down by about 26%. Since 2000, Mass attendance is down 48.5%, almost half of what it was as the new millennium began. Also to add perspective, we have a seating capacity of about 400 people in each church. In terms of sheer numbers, we could theoretically accommodate our average present weekend worshipers with two Masses on Sunday. While logistically that would not be practical, it is a startling revelation. Unlike many parishes that do not have the clergy, our problem is that we do not have the worshippers.
Years / Average October IC/SJMass Attendance
1998 / 1684
1999 / 1609
2000 / 1622
2001 / 1510
2002 / 1502
2003 / 1471
2004 / 1441
2005 / 1467
2006 / 1432
2007 / 1361
2008 / 1335
2009 / 1288
2010 / 1314
2011 / 1258
2012 / 1187
2013 / 1129
2014 / 1007
2015 / 965
2016 / 867
2017 / 836
November20, 2017
8:30AMAll Souls
November21, 2017The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30 AMAll Souls
November22, 2017St. Cecilia
8:30 AMAll Souls
November23, 2017 Thanksgiving Day
9:00 AMAll Souls
November24, 2017St. Andrew Dung-Lac
8:30 AMAll Souls
November25, 2017St. Catherine of Alexandria
8:30 AMAll Souls
5:00 PMAnthony Sniadowski
November26, 2017Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
7:00 AMAll Souls
8:30 AMJohn and Helen McCarthy
9:00 AM SJVanessa Blankenship
10:15 AMRegina Cooper (Living Intentions)
12:00 PMPeople of the Parish
Congratulations to those who were recently baptized:
Kaitlyn Madison Rueda
We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners:
Mr. Christopher Ericksen
Mr. Charles Kornsey
Mr. and Mrs. Christ Linkous
Mr. Timothy Rath and Ms. Jessica Mackey
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Immaculate Conception Rolling Lottery! A $20 chance can win you up to $1,500! We will be selling tickets this December and we will follow The Maryland Lottery picks for winners in January.The MSL draws twice a day so ticket holders have 62 chances to win. The stakes goes up $25 after each draw if nobody wins that draw. Tickets will be sold after masses as well as at the Parish Center. Proceeds will benefit ICC Parish & School.
Liturgy
Readings for next week: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
This passage beautifully describes how God, as shepherd, will tend his flock. He will rescue those who are lost, bring back those who stray, heal the sick, and “pasture” all.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Paul stresses the significance of Christ’s resurrection in the total divine plan, emphasizing that Christ’s rising means that those who believe in him will also rise after death. Christianity, he argues, is meaningless if it concerns only this life on earth. In the end, even death will be destroyed, and “God will be all in all.”
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
With words both poetic and vivid, Jesus tells the disciples that since he is present in all people, whatever they do to “one of my least brothers” they do to him; and whatever they fail to do to his “least,” they fail to do to him.
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Adoration for Vocations:On the 1stSunday of each month, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs from 1pm-3pm in IC Chapel. Join us to pray for vocations to priesthood and religious life. The next opportunity isSundayDec3rdContact Dermott Mullan at 410-398-3368
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Does your child need to be Baptized? Baptism Classes are January 8, March 19, May 14, and August 20 7:00-8:30pm in the Parish Center. It’s never too early to prepare for the Baptism of your child. Parents are required and Godparents are encouraged to attend. Contact us to register and arrange the Baptism date at 410-398-1100.
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Less than one month left until the start of RCIA!!
Are you unbaptized and desire to be baptized? Are you a baptized Christian interested in becoming a Catholic? Are you a baptized Catholic who never received Eucharist and Confirmation? If you said yes to any of these questions then RCIA is for you!!
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process by which baptized Christians and those who are not baptized become members of the Catholic Church. It is also the process by which baptized Catholics who never received Eucharist and Confirmation receive those sacraments. Do you feel being called to have a deeper relationship with God? If so, contact 410-398-1100 or to learn more, schedule an interview with Pat Kosman, or register for RCIA. The RCIA process is a wonderful way to have a greater understanding of the Catholic faith and become closer to God in the process.
Sponsors are also needed to walk with those who are learning about the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Do you love your Catholic faith? Do you want to share it with others? Please consider being a sponsor for RCIA! Call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 to sign up. It requires a small amount of effort yet yields large rewards.
Daily Readings: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday
Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 Thes 5:1-6;
Mt 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21
Monday
1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Lk 18:35-43
Tuesday
2 Mc 6:18-31; Lk 19:1-10
Wednesday
2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; Lk 19:11-28
Thursday
1 Mc 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44
Friday
1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; Lk 19:45-48
Saturday
1 Mc 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40
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This weekend, we will be having a collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. This campaign was founded in 1970 by Catholic bishops as part of their anti-poverty program. This program is designed to address the policies and structures that perpetuate poverty to create sustainable solutions. With your support, the CCHD can help people escape violence, obtain an education, and achieve success. Please consider helping this essential ministry. To learn more about CCHD please visit
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Liturgical Ministers for Next Week:November25-26
5:00pm
Altar Servers:Mason H, Grace BEM’sMary Ann ELector:Kathleen WUshers:Eileen P Bill B, Pat C
7:00am
Altar Servers:*UNFILLED*EM’s: Alan S, Frank S, Gerald MLector:Ronald GUshers:Charles M, William C
8:30am
Altar Servers:Elizabeth R, Henry WEMs:Peter G, Cecilia G, Richard LLector:Jeanne DUshers: David D, Wendel S, Anthony M, Anthony D
9:00am (SJ)
Altar Servers:Mitchell H, Piper BEM’s:Chris H, Pat D, Larry B, Peggy O, Carol VLector:Mary HUshers:Jule V, Kevin O, Bill D, Jake S
10:15am
Altar Servers:Claudia G, Cecilia GEM’s:Rita M, Grace B, Gwen D, David LLector:Ben FUshers: Bob W, James D,Steve A
12:00noon
Altar Servers:Gabe O, Kendra MEM’s:Cynthia J, Kathy C, Corazon SLector:Roberto OUshers:Teresa G, Charles C
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy is for children ages 5-8 ONLY. Children who are not in this category are asked to remain in church.
There is NO CLW next weekend, November 26th.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception School News
As we rush through November, our students are thankful for so many things - our family, friends, and faith! It is a time to reflect on the gifts God has bestowed on us and to consider ways we can use those gifts to help others. On Tuesday, our kindergarten and 1st grade students will lead us in our Thanksgiving prayer service. Please join us in the gym at 10:30 for this annual tradition. We will present Miss Dottie and the Outreach staff with our Thanksgiving feasts to help provide others with a meal they can be thankful for.
We will dismiss school at noonon Tuesday so that students and staff can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving. We pray for safe travels and family fun for everyone.
If you missed our open house last month, don’t worry. We are starting a new program – “Walk-through Wednesday” when we will be prepared to have student ambassador tour guides and our advancement director available for any questions. You may also schedule a school tour at any time by calling Emily Murphy at 410-398-2636. If you are considering applying for tuition assistance, now is the perfect time to come visit ICS.
Do you have a young child at home? Are you looking for ideas to help you foster a love of reading for your child? Do you home school your child, and you want new ways to encourage reading? We may have an answer for you. If you are interested in our Story Time Program or are interested in helping, please contact Emily Murphy at 410-398-2636.
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Faith Formation
Religious Education & Sacraments
Religion Classes for Grades K-8:
Sunday Program: Classes Today, Nov. 19th at 8:30am.NO Class next Sunday, Nov. 26th. Wednesday Program: NO Class this Wednesday, Nov. 22nd. Classes will be held next Wednesday, Nov. 29th.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Our parish young people will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the First Time on Saturday, December 9th at 10am.
REMAINING TOUR OF RECONCILIATION ROOM
TODAY, Nov. 19th at 9:30am
Youth Ministry & Confirmation
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM:
Regular Schedule- Sun. 4pm,Wed. 6:15pm
No class this Wednesday, Nov. 22nd.
Schedule Change:we will have class on Wed. Nov. 29 will to make up the cancelled class.
No class next Sunday, Nov. 26.
YOUTH GROUP:
MOVIE NIGHT TONIGHT! ARRIVE BY 5:45PM. We will NOT meet on Sun., Nov. 26.
Opportunity to spread the word, let people see who we are- Sat., Dec. 9, Old New Castle; we have been invited to set up a table to sell more of the crafted wooden items donated to parish. See Mrs. Nickle about details and scheduling.
YOUTH MINISTRY WISH LIST: Mac n’ cheese kits, popcorn, bottled water.
Are you being called to serve the parish youth?If interested in serving our parish youth even once a month, contact Cheryl Nickle in the religion office. We’re forming a Core Team of adults to help 7th-12th grade youth groups. Thanks to those who have volunteered so far. We will be calling on you soon.
YOUNG ADULTS
Check it out! We’re forming a young adults group!Contact Cheryl Nickle in the Rel. Ed. Office for more information. Get involved! Share your faith experiences!
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Adult Education
Interested in a study group?Many opportunities are available. Call 410-392-3551.
Adult Enrichment Program:Footprints of God:
This FREEProgram will be held on Monday evenings at 6:30pm and repeated on Tuesday mornings at 9:15am in the parish center beginning this week on Nov. 20th and 21st. You are invited to come and explore the Story of Salvation from Abraham to the Apostolic Fathers in a journey of discovery. You will meet the key people and places of Scripture and Church History as they come to life. Our guide will be the popular Catholic author, speaker and apologist Steve Ray. All are welcome to attend. This week’s Topic: Abraham: Father of Faith and Works.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
Fr. Michael Connelly, OSFS will offer the second presentation in a series entitled: “The First Gospel: Why is St. Mark’s Gospel So Significant?” on December 3rd at 1:15pm in IC Church. Hope you will join us for this enriching experience!!
Social Concerns
Outreach:
Please consider donating non-perishable foods to the Outreach! Thank you for your help, prayers, & donations to this essential ministry!!
*We are in need of: Christmas food! Please make sure to take an ornament from the Giving Tree!
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee,December 3rdafter the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
Join us for Parish Coffee,today,December 10thafter 10:15 mass at IC! Hope to see you there
Parish Events / Information
Mark your calendars! Advent Services:
Reconciliation Services:
Immaculate Conception:
Saturdays, 4:10-4:50pm
St. Jude:
Sundays, 8:20-8:50am,
Additional Reconciliation Services: Open to all!
10:00am Tuesday, December 5th - ICC School Service
10:00am Saturday, December 9th - ICC Rel. Ed. Service
7:00pm Wednesday, December 20th - IC Taize Service
Advent Liturgies:
Feast of Immaculate Conception
December 7th: 7:00pm Vigil - ICC
Feast Day of Immaculate Conception
December 8th: IC - 8:30am, 10:00am 12:15pm
St. Jude - 7:00pm
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Immaculate Conception:
December 23rd: 5:00pm
December 24th: 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:15am
*Note: NO 12:00 noon Mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent!
St. Jude:
December 24th: 9:00am
Christmas Masses:
Immaculate Conception Church
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2017
4:00pm Mass with Christmas Pageant
Pageant begins at 3:40pm with Junior Choir singing
7:00pm Mass
Carol prelude begins at 6:40pm
12:00 Midnight Mass
Carol prelude begins at 11:30pm
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2017
10:15am Mass
St. Jude Mission Church
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2017
4:00pm Mass with Christmas Pageant
Pageant begins at 3:40pm
10:00pm Mass
Carol prelude begins at 9:40pm
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2017
9:00am Mass
Offertory Week of: November5Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception $8,902.29 $9,461.00
St. Jude’s $1,861.82 $1,874.50
Online $2,050.71 $2,847.00
Total: $12,814.82 $14,182.50
2017-2018 Fiscal YTD Offertory short fall ($11,507.60)
Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving!!
Remember that we offer electronic giving as a way to automate your weekly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for parishioners and provides much-needed donation consistency for our parish. Visit our church website, iccparish.weconnect.com, click “GO TO ONLINE GIVING” and sign up. It’s that easy!
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Shop for everyone on your gift list this Christmas at smile.amazon.com/ch/52-6015220 and Amazon donates to Immaculate Conception Church!!
Sunday, November19
8:20 AMConfessions - SJ
8:30 AMReligious Ed
10:30 PMBaptisms - SJ
4:00 PMConfirmation Class - PC
6:00 PMHS Gathering PC
Monday, November20
9:00 AMNovena – CH
6:30 PMAdult Ed Program - PC
7:00 PMChristian Yoga - gym
8:00 PMAA Mtg - Caf
Tuesday, November21ICS ½ Day- No Aftercare
9:00 AMHoly Hour – CH
9:15 AMBook Discussion - PC
10:30 AMICS Prayer Service
4:45 PMFinance Mtg - PC
6:00 PMBasketball - gym
6:30 PMHandbell Rehearsal - IC
6:30 PMCub Scout Leader Mtg - PC
7:30 PMContemporary Rehearsal - IC
Wednesday, November22 - ICS No School
9:00 AMRosary Crusade/SJ Novena- CH
9:30 AMCantor Reh - IC
1:00 PMLeisure Club - PC
3:45 PMChildren’s Choir Reh - IC
6:00 PMBasketball - gym
Thursday, November23ICS / Parish Offices Closed
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
6:00 PMBasketball - gym
6:30 PMCub Scouts - Caf
6:30 PMCantor Rehearsal - IC
7:00 PMParish Choir Rehearsal - IC
Friday, November24ICS / Parish Offices Closed
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
7:00 PMNA - Caf
Saturday, November25
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
4:15 PMConfessions - IC
7:00 PMNA - caf
NYC Bus Trip
We are organizing a bus trip to NYC on December 2nd! The bus leaves at 9am from People’s Plaza (in front of movie theater.) and drops off at Times Square. Returns home 9pm from Times Square back to People’s Plaza. Cost is $35 per seat. If you are interested, please contact Audrey Diotale at 302-561-5275 or or Angela Maxwell at
Community Events / Information
Knights of Columbus VA Collection
The Knight of Columbus will be collecting toiletries (full size) and other items for the patients at the Perry Point VA Medical Center and for merchant sailors passing in and out of the Port of Baltimore on behalf of the Apostleship of the Sea Ministry at their booth at the Christmas Bazaar We will be collecting: body wash, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream, aftershave, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lip balm, denture adhesive, deodorant, denture cleaning tablets, soap, lotions, conditioner, tissues, emory boards, dental floss, eye glass wipes, postage stamps, mouth wash, crossword and word search puzzles, large print books, CDs(easy listening), DVDs, magazines, scapulars, rosaries, etc. The Knights will be packing these in shoeboxes, so donations of shoeboxes are also appreciated. Thank you!!
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St. John the Baptist-Holy Angels Parish in Newark is sponsoring a bus trip to the brand new Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. The trip is Monday, December 4. The bus departs from Holy Family Church on Gender Road at 7:30am and returns at 6:30pm. Lunch is NOT provided. The cost of the trip is $69 each. To reserve your space please call Phyllis Edwards at 302-731-8016 or the Holy Angels Parish Center on Possum Park Road at 302-731-2200. Seating will be limited so please reserve early.
The Junior Board of St. Francis Hospital is once again sponsoring "Lights of Love" to recognize friends and family or to honor the memory of our loved ones. By making a donation of $10 or more per name, those honored will have their names displayed on a scroll in the hospital lobby. On December 18, 2017, a Mass in the Chapel (5th floor) and celebration in the lobby led by the Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington will be held in honor of those named. For more information contact or send checks payable to the Jr. Board of St. Francis send checks payable to The Junior Board of St. Francis Hospital, Inc. and mail them to PO Box 2764 Wilmington, DE 19805 to arrive no later than December 10th. Proceeds benefit Junior Board projects for the hospital.
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Celebrate Advent on Sunday, December 3 at 2 pm at St. Francis Xavier Shrine (Old Bohemia) by singing carols. Audience participation is be encouraged as the music ministers from St. Joseph’s, Middletown perform a collection of beloved Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served. Tours of the historic facility, which is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, will be available prior to the concert. This is a free event, however, a free-will offering to the Old Bohemia Historical Society will be collected forproperty upkeep. The shrine is considered the mother church of the Diocese of Wilmington at 1699 Bohemia Church Road, Warwick, MD. For more information, call Marji at 302.328.4803.