From Fr. Jim
Father’s Day and the Year of Mercy
The theme for the Year of Mercy is “Merciful like the Father.” We learn how to love and, unfortunately how not to love, from our fathers and mothers. When our fathers are loving, humble and truthful, they teach us to be merciful like God, Our Father, whose unconditional and merciful love constantly reaches out to embrace us, reconcile us and renew us. Today it could be helpful to take some time to pray with and for your father and each other. This simple way of praying together might help:
Make the Sign of the Cross
Sing:Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him, all creatures here below.
Praise him above, you heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Read:Matthew 6:9-15
Pray:
Leader:Please respond: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our fathers, that they may be filled with God’s love, we pray:
For our fathers, that they may know our love and gratitude, we pray:
For our fathers, that they may know healing where they hurt, we pray:
For we who are children to honor our fathers and mothers, we pray:
For us as a family, that we may always speak the truth in love, we pray:
For whom or what else do we wish to pray… [Pause to add your prayers]
Together we pray Our Father…
Extend your hands in blessing toward dad:
God our Father,
In your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless our father,
strengthen him to be a Christian father.
Let his example of faith and love shine forth.
Help him to know our love and care.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Make the Sign of the Cross
Happy Father’s Day to all our Fathers! Your presence in our lives is appreciated in a special way today! May St. Joseph, foster father of Our Lord, bless you!
Summer Office Hours have begun! The Parish Office is open from 8:00AM - 4:00 PM. There are no evening hours. Have a great summer!!
Immaculate Conception Parish is in need of a part time Coordinator of Youth Ministry! The coordinator of youth ministry (CYM) is a 25 hour a week part time position with the possibility of becoming full time in the future. The CYM is responsible for Religious Education of registered students in grades 7 and 8, weekly gatherings and an annual retreat for high school students, service opportunities, and Confirmation readiness. Administrative duties include attending monthly staff meetings, planning an annual calendar and budget, some fundraising, and recruiting and training of volunteers. Work hours are of necessity; flexible in order to meet with youth, parents, and volunteers. The CYM is accountable to the pastor by way of the Director of Religious Education. Successful applicants will have a Bachelor’s degree in Theology or a related field or possess Youth Ministry Certification from a recognized certifying body, and also be a practicing Catholic. Benefits with this position include secretarial service available, negotiated time off, and a flexible schedule. Resume and cover letter should be sent to Peg O’Donnell, Immaculate Conception Parish: by June30.
June 20, 2016
8:30 AMFathers of the Parish
June 21, 2016 St. Aloysius Gonzaga
8:30 AMFathers of the Parish
June 22, 2016 St. Paulinus of Nola, Bishop; St.John Fisher, Bishop; & St. Thomas More, Bishop and Martyr
8:30 AMFathers of the Parish
June 23, 2016
8:30 AMFathers of the Parish
June 24, 2016 The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
8:30AMFathers of the Parish
June 25, 2016
8:30 AMFathers of the Parish
5:00 PMTony Sniadowski
June 26, 2016Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 AMPeople of the Parish
8:30 AMFathers of the Parish
9:00 AM SJJohn Koval Sr.
10:15 AMAlma DiPaola
12:00 PMRichard and Beth Barry’s 50th Anniversary (Living Intention)
Immaculate Conception School will be celebrating its 60th anniversary 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!
Liturgy
Readings for next week:Thirteenth Sun. in Ordinary Time
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
Elijah the prophet followed God's instruction to appoint a man named Elisha as his successor. Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, who went and said good-bye to his family, then followed Elijah without question.
Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-18
Paul reminds us that people were freed from the old law through Christ. But he makes it clear that this freedom does not mean giving in to evil desires. Instead, we must be guided by the Spirit and most importantly love our neighbor as ourselves.
Gospel: Luke 9:51-62
Jesus set out for Jerusalem, and passed through a town where he was not welcomed. He reprimanded his disciples for desiring vengeance against the town. One man wanted to follow Jesus when he had finished his duties at home. Jesus expressed that a man who begins a task, but constantly looks back is unfit for the reign of God.
Daily Readings: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday
Zec 12:10-11, 13:1; Gal 3:26-29; Lk 9:18-24
Monday
2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18; Mt 7:1-5
Tuesday
2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Mt 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday
2 Kgs 22:8-13, 23:1-3; Mt 7:15-20
Thursday
2 Kgs 24:8-17; Mt 7:21-29
Friday
Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17
Day: Is 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80
Saturday
Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Mt 8:5-17
Pope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the Week
We hear stories that admit one’s need for forgiveness and the faith it takes to admit that need. The hospitality that should have been shown by the Pharisee who invited Jesus to dine in his home is shown through the tears and love of a woman known to be a sinner. Pope Francis taught: “The Lord wants us to belong to a Church that knows how to open her arms and welcome everyone, that is not a house for the few, but a house for everyone, where all can be renewed, transformed, sanctified by his love, the strongest and the weakest, sinners, the indifferent, those who feel discouraged or lost. Are we a Church that calls and welcomes sinners with open arms, that gives courage and hope, or are we a Church closed in on herself? Are we a Church where the love of God dwells, where one cares for the other, where on prays for the others?” (General Audience, October 2, 2013)
42nd Annual Christmas Bazaar
November 12-13, 2016
Save the dates!!
Come join us to celebrate an Irish Christmas!Plans are underway for another fun filled bazaar. We are still in need of a few committee chair persons. Organizing theme basket and silent auction items needs to begin next month! We are still in need of a chair for this event! Please consider being a part of the preparations; planning such an event needs the help of many and is a very rewarding experience. If not as a chair, consider being a member of one of the committees. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 27, at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. The bazaar is a critical part of our parish budget, and is a wonderful way to help build community, spend time with family and friends, and get ready for the Christmas Season!
Check the list below and consider volunteering!
Chairpersons: ______
Volunteers: Natalie Cooper
Crafters:Rita McCarthy
Theme Baskets/Auctions: ______
Baked Goods:Teri Gustafson
Book Nook:______
Breakfast with Santa:Donna Mulkern
Santa’s Shop:Melissa Sayles
KidzKorner:Mary Kennard
Religious Goods:Diane Cattrell
Kitchen:Alison De Paola, Jeremy Wilson
Runners:Mary Hofmann
Decorations:______
Entertainment/Activities: ______
Publicity/Finance:Peggy O’Donnell
Setup/Take down______
For more information or to volunteer please call the office at 410-398-1100. Thank you!!
Adoration for VocationsThe 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 410-398-3368.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
There is no more Liturgy of the word until the fall. Have a wonderful summer!!
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception School News
God’s blessings on everyone through the summer!
The school office will be openthroughoutthe summer.Beginning June 20, the hours will be 9:00 to 1:00. We will resume full hours beginning August 15. The office will be closed July 1 - 4. Feel free to email, call, or stop in if you have any questions over 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 email one of the above addresses.
There is still time to enroll your child in our school for the next school 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.
Faith Formation
Religious Education & Sacraments
DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER A CHILD FOR OUR PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS?Go to the parish website and on the side bar of the front page you will find the link for registration ‘16-‘17 or contact the religion office to receive a hard copy.
Contact us 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 student must have completed 7thAND 8th gr. Rel. Ed to enroll in the Confirmation program. Contact the Religion Office with any questions.
We need to hear from you if you will be registering for any Rel. Ed programs! We need to order textbooks and other supplies!
Don’t forget to visit our Parish Website for Weekly Scripture Puzzles and other resources.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL :
This is Vacation Bible School Week when our Parish young people will be enjoying games, Bible Stories, snacks, Imagination Station and songs to celebrate Following Jesus, the Light of the World. We pray for God’s blessing on this endeavor and thank God for the many volunteers who make this possible.
Video Reflection From Strong Catholic Families:
Every Wed. a video and reflection will be posted on the Strong Catholic Families Facebook page to watch, reflect, and discuss. For more family friendly resources, visit
Youth Ministry & Confirmation
Visit our web site at See the News, Faith Formation Ministries pages for more infoon YM events opportunities. Contact us at 410-392-3551 or .
High School & older Weekly Gatherings
Students in grades 9-12 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 cans or water bottles for our teens. Pizza gift cards are welcome, too! Thanks.
During the Summermonths we do not meet every Sunday. We WILL meet on:
June 26 – 6-8 PM regular gathering
July 10 - 6-8 PM Romance Without Regret video
July 31 - 6-8 PM Work Camp slide show, stories & pizza!!
Work Camp
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Once again, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of parishioners who support our summer service trip with Catholic Heart Work Camp! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve, the financial support of our parish community, and especially for the family and friends who keep us in prayer. Thank you all!
Service Hours
If you are in need of service hours please scroll through the pictures on the parish website home page at Click on “Service Opportunities” and see the contact person listed.
Adult Education
Interested in a study group?
Several opportunities are available. Call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 for more information.
Adult Education Committee Meeting:Thursday, June 9th at 10am in the Parish Center.
Adult Enrichment Program to begin in the fall:
Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come.
Have you ever wondered about theBook of Revelation?This program shows how the kingdom established by Christ in his church is intimately connected with the kingdom of heaven, especially through the celebration of the Mass. You will learn what all the mysterious figures and images of Revelation present, what will happen during the Second Coming of Christ, what has already happened, and what is happening now in salvation history. This 11 week bible Study will be offered on Monday nights and repeated on Tuesday mornings in the Parish Center.
Social Concerns
Outreach -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 or donating goods. The Parish Outreach is in need of:peanut butter, jelly, rice, cereal, pasta, toilet paper, paper towels, and dish detergent.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee:Join us for Parish Coffee,July10thafter the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
We still do not have a Parish & Family Life chair! Until we can fill this vacancy, coffee and doughnuts at ICC are suspended. If youwould like to volunteer, please contact the office!
Parish Events / Information
Sunday, June19 Father’s Day
8:20 AMConfessions – SJ
10:30 AMBaptisms - SJ
12:00 PMVBS Setup - ICS
6:00 PMHigh School Gathering – PC6
Monday, June20
9:00 AMNovena – CH
6:00 PMVBS - ICS
7:00 PMBaptism Class - PC
*NO AA Meeting tonight!*
Tuesday, June21
9:00 AMHoly Hour – CH
4:30 PMFinance Council Mtg - PC
6:00 PMVBS - ICS
6:30 PMHandbell Rehearsal - IC
7:30 PMContemporary Rehearsal -IC
Wednesday, June22
9:00 AMRosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH
9:30 AMCantor Rehearsal - IC
1:00 PMLeisure Club - PC
3:45 PMChildren’s Choir - IC
6:00 PMVBS - IC
8:15 PMKnights of Columbus Mtg - PC
Thursday, June23
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
6:00 PMVBS - ICS
6:30 PMCantor Rehearsal - IC
7:00 PMParish Choir Rehearsal - IC
Friday, June24
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
6:00 PMVBS - ICS
Saturday, June25
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
4:15 PMConfessions - IC
7:00 PMNA - Caf
A new RCIA program begins in September. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiations of Adults) is the process in which unbaptized and baptized Christians become members of the Catholic Church. It is also the process by which baptized Catholics who never received the sacraments of Eucharist or 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 set up a meeting with Mrs. Pat Kosman, the RCIA Coordinator. RCIA is a wonderful way to have a greater understanding of the Catholic faith and become closer to God as well.
Congratulations to the new division of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Cecil County Division 1It is with much excitement we announce the beginning of a new Division of the LAOH in Cecil County. The LAOH is a Catholic Action group whose main purpose is to promote Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity and to foster loyalty to country and community and encourage civic responsibility perpetrate the history and traditions of the Irish people and their culture. We are always looking for new members. 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
Young Adult Weekend on the water Young adults 18-30 are welcome to spend a relaxed weekend in a picturesque setting on the river June 24-26. Join other young adults at Charter Hall retreat house in Perryville for boating, swimming, Mass & faith sharing. Space in the cabin is available on a first come basis. See the parish website for details or call the Faith Formation office at 410 392 3551.
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 please 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 Missal suggests. Please go to the priest celebrant or the EMHC. These low-gluten hosts will not be mixed with the regular hosts. Thank you for assisting us in our ability to respond to your needs.
OffertoryJune5Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception $7,767.94$10,107.00
St. Jude’s $2,081.00 $2,280.50
Online $1,990.00 $2,889.80
$11,838.94$15,276.50
2015-2016 Fiscal YTD(Offertory Deficit) $15,936.40
Building Maintenance Fund:
Collected $266,387.79
Expenses $248,275.94
Surplus $18,111.85
The 6th Annual ICC Golf Classic was asuccess!
A great time was had by all this past Monday at Newark Country Club. Nearly 100 golfers and numerous dinner guests helped to make this year's event one of our best yet! Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Golf Committee, and all those who attended and volunteered at the event, over $18,000 was raised for our Parish!
The following peoplewere selected to receive consolation prizes as part of our 50/50 raffle:
Ben Tozer, Tom Mulkern, Cheryl Nickle, Louis Najera, Robert Baker, Tony Maccari
Please stop by the Parish Center to collect your "golf swag"!
Thank you to everyone involved for supporting this very important fundraiser for our Parish!
Community Events / Information
Knights of Columbus
Bishop Becker Council 2427
443-616-5370 or
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at the Parish Center.
The Cecil County Pregnancy Center would like to express their appreciation to all of the parishioners for their generous support during the Baby Bottle Boomerang drive this year. ICC donated a total of $5,770 this year! This is very encouraging to us as we work with young mothers to encourage them to keep their babies or give them up for adoption. Thank you for putting your arms around us! We will work to continue to be worthy of your support!