“The foreigners who join the Lord, ministering to him, loving the name of the Lord and becoming his servants, all who keep the Sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
In this age of xenophobia, anti-Semitism and racial tensions in the world in which we live, Isaiah summons us to think, ask for forgiveness and discover the Christ in the vulnerable, the hurting, and the poor. Pope Francis calls us to discover the Christ and also reflect the love and compassion of the Lord for others.
The words of scripture and the teaching of the Holy Father, are directed to every Catholic and to every Catholic community of faith. The rich history of Catholicism in the United States reflects growth through the gifts brought by every immigrant group. The gospel of Jesus Christ accompanied those who migrated, bringing rich traditions, deep faith and a desire to build the kingdom of God. May we be the welcoming community of faith, learning from others, supporting them in their need and celebrating our unity in diversity.
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a BBQ Chicken Fundraiser on Sunday, August 27th following the 10:15 and Noon Masses at Immaculate Conception! Cost is $10 per plate and includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2017 Ford Mustang! Please join us to support the Knights while enjoying some great food!
Pastoral Council Elections
Each year 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 administration of the parish
- Encourage a vigorous and effective lay apostolate
- Collaborate with 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.
We are currently looking for a representative for Immaculate Conception. If you would like to serve the parish in this important capacity please contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100.
August 21, 2017 St. Pius X, Pope
8:30 AMBetty Ann Fischer
August 22, 2017 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30 AMCharlotte Sherrill
August 23, 2017 St. Rose of Lima, Virgin
8:30 AMDeceased members of the Leisure Club
August 24, 2017 St. Bartholomew, Apostle
8:30 AMNancy Sams
August 25, 2017 St. Louis & St. Joseph Calasanz
8:30 AM Sebastiano Calvarese
August 26, 2017
8:30 AMGregory Caravan Lynam
5:00 PMBessie Dvorak (Living Intention)
August 27, 201721st Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 AMVincent & Sidonia Lamonica
8:30 AMEdward and Patricia McCarthy
9:00 AM SJMary Pauluch
10:15 AMJoseph Murphy
12:00 PMSteven Drendel
Congratulations to those who were recently baptized:
Mary Clementine Partridge
We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners:
Ms. Minta Davis
Does your child need to be Baptized? Baptism Class is TOMORROW, August 21 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 for Baptism at 410-398-1100.
Liturgy
Readings for next week: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
This passage refers to the use of authority and indicates the Key as the symbol of authority. The words “open” and “shut” refer to the power that will eventually be given to Peter.
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Paul writes ecstatic and praise-filled words about God’s plan for his people. In him, he writes, “all things are.”
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
When Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter exclaims, “You are the Messiah!” Christ then declares that Peter is the “Rock” upon which he will build his Church, promising him the power “to bind” and “to loose.”
Daily Readings: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday
Is 56:1, 6-7; Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28
Monday
Jgs 2:11-19; Mt 19:16-22
Tuesday
Jgs 6:11-24a; Mt 19:23-30
Wednesday
Jgs 9:6-15; Mt 20:1-16
Thursday
Rv 21:9b-14; Jn 1:45-51
Friday
Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Mt 22:34-40
Saturday
Ru 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Mt 23:1-12
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Adoration for Vocations: On the 1st Sunday of each month, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs from 1pm-3pm in IC Chapel. Come join us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. The next opportunity is, Sun September 3rd. For information, contact Dermott Mullan at 410-398-3368
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Check out the Parish Website for the Family Summer Activity calendars that include a faith based activity for every day of August as well as weekly scripture puzzles
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Inspirational Quote of the week: “Life is given us that we may learn to die well, and we never think of it! To die well we must live well.”
~ St. John Mary Vianney
RCIA is the process by which baptized Christians and those who are unbaptized become members of the Catholic Church. Do you feel God calling you to join the Catholic Church? If so, please call the parish office at 410-398-1100 to learn more about this process and to set up an interview with Pat Kosman. A new RCIA program will be starting mid-September. The RCIA process is a wonderful way to learn about the Catholic faith and become closer to God in the process.
Sponsors are 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 who want to join the Catholic Church? Consider being a sponsor for RCIA! Call the parish office at 410-398-1100 if this appeals to you. It requires a small amount of effort yet yields large rewards.
Liturgical Ministers for Next Week: August 26-27:
5:00pm
Altar Servers: Jacob L, Thomas L EM’s Mary Anne S, Madison L, Gina L Lector: Ed R Ushers: Eileen P, Pat C, Bill B, Diana B
7:00am
Altar Servers: Jacob B, Sarah B EM’s: Gerald M, Frank S, Peter D Lector: Pierre L Ushers: Charles M, Donald N, William C
8:30am
Altar Servers: Grace S, Benedict J EMs: Don H, Mary Ann H, Sandra H Lector: Jeanne D Ushers: Anthony D, David D, Steven CJ, Anthony M
9:00am (SJ)
Altar Servers: Robert H, Joseph H EM’s: Chris H, Dotty F, Carol V, Dorothy D, William C Lector: Helen B Ushers: Kevin O, Jule V, Bill D
10:15am
Altar Servers: David M, Adam M EM’s: Rita M, Julie M, Carol K, Richard B, Betty B Lector: Ben FB Ushers: Bob W, David B, Steve A
12:00noon
Altar Servers: Andrew F, Gabe O EM’s: Grace B, Charles C, Cynthia J Lector: Kathleen W Ushers: Teresa G
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
There is no more Children’s Liturgy of the Word until the Fall. Have a wonderful summer!!
BOOK DISCUSSION: Eager to Love, The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi” by Richard Rohr. Discussion group will begin on September 12th in the Parish Center from 9:15am-11:15am on Tuesdays. Cost is $11.00. If you are interested in this group, please contact Mary Ann Hopkins at 443-553-4604 or .
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception School News
God’s blessings on everyone through the summer!
It’s hard to believe how quickly the summer has passed. We have one more week until teachers return to work! Students have a couple more weeks to enjoy the end of summer vacation. All students return after Labor Day.
We are holding our annual Back to School Social this Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 out back on our playground. We encourage all families to join us for sno-cones and fun! It will be a nice opportunity to see old friends again and meet new friends!
Feel free to email, phone, 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 email the staff member you need, and we will respond asap. For the secretary: ; for the principal: . Teachers are not required to check email during 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.
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Faith Formation
Religious Education & Sacraments
Explore learning about the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus and our Catholic Faith by registering for our parish religious education program. Classes for children in grades K - 8 are held on your choice of Sunday Mornings or Wednesday evenings. **All registrations MUST be submitted by August 31st
Online registration is available on our website: iccparish.weconnect.com.
Questions? Contact 410-392-3551
This registration is also for Sacrament programs. Note: Students must have completed Gr. 1 to prepare for First Communion. Students must have completed Gr. 7 and 8 to prepare for Confirmation.
*Information about the beginning of this year’s religious education program has been sent to all registered families in grades K-8.
Have you considered serving our parish religious ed program? You can help our parish young people in grades K - 8 learn more about Jesus and the Catholic faith by becoming a catechist or assistant for our Religious Ed Program. As you nurture the faith of our students, you will learn and grow in faith as well! We provide you with needed training, materials, and support.
Catechists/Assistants Needed For:
Sunday Mornings: Wednesday Evening:
1 Catechist: Gr. 3 1 Assistant: Grade 8
1 Assistant: Grades 1, 5, & 8
Contact the religious ed office at 410-392-3551 or for information or to volunteer.
CATECHIST/ASSISTANT MEETING: GR. K-8
All Catechists and Assistants for Gr. K-8 are reminded to attend the meeting this Thursday, Aug. 24th at 6:30pm in the Parish Center Library.
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Youth Ministry & Confirmation
No Youth Ministry Sessions In August.
Be on the lookout for upcoming events!
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM:
Any parish youth in 9th grade or above who has not registered for the Sacrament of Confirmation and desires to celebrate this Sacrament this year must register no later than September 14th! Registration forms for religious ed can be found on the parish website or contact the parish religion office at 410-392-3551.
Are you being called to serve the parish youth? If you are interested in serving the parish youth even once a month, please contact the religion office. We are in need of a Team of adults to help with 7th-12th grade youth groups for the ‘17-‘18 year.
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Adult Education
Interested in a study group? Many opportunities are available. Call the Parish Office at 410-398-3551.
Adult Enrichment Program: “Wisdom”
“Wisdom is seeing with God’s eyes.”
–Pope Francis
Scripture and the Tradition of the Catholic Church provide an abundance of wisdom, though it can often be challenging to apply it to our lives. To help you learn to gather and live with greater wisdom, we will begin Wisdom: God’s Vision for Life on Monday evenings and repeated on Tuesday Mornings beginning September 18th & 19th for 8 weeks. For more information or to register, visit our website or contact 410-392-3551 or .
You will not only benefit personally from being part of this study; but you will also help us to grow in fellowship as a parish as we grow closer to Christ together. Come and be part of this exciting program.
Social Concerns
Outreach:
Our shelves are almost bare!! 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: canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, and any other non-perishable foods
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee, September 3rd after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
Join us for Parish Coffee, September 10th after 10:15 mass at IC!! Hope to see you there!!
Parish Events / Information
We did it!! The 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal was conducted in all diocesan parishes the weekend of April 29th. Immaculate Conception is truly blessed with many generous people, who, despite economic challenges, have supported this year’s campaign. To date, $94,952 has been pledged, which is $1,952 over our parish’s $93,000 goal! This is wonderful, as all funds collected OVER our target goal are given back to the parish! As of August 7th, 65% of the funds pledged were collected. Please remember to fulfill your pledged amount!
Your participation is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for supporting this important effort!
The diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal provides financial support that enables more than 30 ministries throughout our diocese. The Appeal is an effective way for the diocese to aid the mission of Christ: to feed and house the poor; to minister to the sick and discouraged; to educate our young; and encourage strong, healthy families. If you would like more information about the Annual Catholic Appeal, go to and click on Giving - Annual Catholic Appeal. God bless you
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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: The annual Christmas Bazaar will be held on November 11th and 12th. We are currently seeking donations of gift cards for raffle baskets. Gift cards may be left at the Parish Center in an envelope marked as "Christmas Bazaar." If you are interested in donating a basket for the raffle, please contact one of the chairpersons. We are also still looking for someone to oversee advertising of the bazaar. The Christmas Bazaar chairpersons are Lisa Kaminski, , 443-553-8042 and Terry Gustafson, , 443-553-2324. Thank you!!
The Cecil County Pregnancy Center is in need of a nurse to help with ultrasounds for the mothers and their unborn babies. Training for the ultrasounds will be provided. The center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11am-4pm. Please call 410-398-7888 during business hours for more information.
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Did you know that Immaculate Conception is an affiliate partner with The Franklin Institute?! As a parishioner, you get discount pricing for admission and exhibits!!! Go to www.fi.edu/affiliates and enter our organization code: ICCPMGRP! Check out the awesome exhibits they are currently running: Mirror Maze: Get lost in a massive mirror maze and explore mathematical patterns of the world. Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor: Go back in time to ancient China and explore one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of our time. Escape Rooms Experience the thrill of escape and excitement in the all-new escape rooms: Intergalactic Escape and Island Escape! Book tickets today!
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Amazon Smile: Shop at smile.amazon.com, select Immaculate Conception, Elkton, MD as the charity of your choice and Amazon will donate 10% of your purchase to Immaculate Conception! Happy Shopping! #ShopWithASmile
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Check out Holy Heroes Free Mass Prep Resources: Sign up at HolyHeroesFun.com
Sunday, August 20
8:20 AMConfessions - SJ
10:30 AMBaptisms - SJ
6:00 PMHS Gathering PC
Monday, August 21
9:00 AMNovena – CH
7:00 PMBaptism Class - PC
8:00 PMAA Mtg - Caf
Tuesday, August 22
9:00 AMHoly Hour – CH
7:00 PMBoy Scout Leader Mtg - PC
7:00 PMKnights of Columbus Mtg - PC
Wednesday, August 23
9:00 AMRosary Crusade/SJ Novena - CH
9:30 AMCantor Reh - IC
1:00 PMLeisure Club - PC
5:30 PMVolleyball - gym
Thursday, August 24
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
6:30 PMCatechist Mtg: Gr. K-6 - PC
Friday, August 25
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
7:00 PMNA - Caf
Saturday, August 26
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
4:15 PMConfessions - IC
7:00 PMNA - caf
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Offertory Week of: August 13 Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception $6,711.75 $8,841.00
St. Jude’s $1,592.00 $1,751.50
Online $2,058.00 $2,660.50
Total: $10,361.75 $13,253.00
2017-2018 Fiscal YTD Offertory Deficit ($5,960.00)
Annual Appeal: **Thank you for your support!! Please remember to fulfill your pledged amount!!**
Target: - $93,000Pledges - $94,952Over - $1,952
Do you have an online giving account? It’s easy to sign up!
1.) Go to our website: iccparish.weconnect.com
2.) Click on “Go to Online Giving”
3.) Sign up!
Community Events / Information
Knights of Columbus
Bishop Becker Council 2427
443-616-5370 or
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:00pm in the Parish Center.
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St. John/Holy Angels’ 7th International Food Festival!
August 27, 2017
St. John/Holy Angels’ Parish will host their 7th annual International Food Festival in Fremont Hall at Holy Angels; 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE Sunday, August 27, from 11am - 4pm. Entry tickets are $10 and entitle you to 10 tickets valued at $1.00 each. A wide variety of cultural tasting opportunities from various countries will be available to purchase using these tickets. Additional tickets will be available to purchase at the event. Check out our website and Facebook page for more information. or contact or 302 731-2219.
Students ages 14-21: Are you interested in pursuing a career in medicine or health sciences? If so, you are invited to attend Union Hospital’s Explorer Post Open House on Tuesday, September 19th from 6:00-8:00pm at Union hospital! Explorer Post offers hands-on activities and the opportunity to learn about health care from experienced professionals at the hospital about once a month. The open house will offer a chance to interact with different hospital departments, as well as information Explorer Post, including how to join, and past events. This is a free, public event! For more information or to register, contact Mark Clausing at 443-553-9483 or . Learn more at