From Fr. Jim
First Friday Adoration and Holy Hour for the Year of Mercy
This Friday, September 2nd, is the First Friday of September. Counting this Friday, there are only three more First Fridays during the Year of Mercy. As has been our custom for the Year of Mercy on First Fridays, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at the end of the 8:30 am Mass on Friday. Like we did in July and August, Exposition will take place in the Chapel. School will be back in session, so our school children will spend time in adoration and prayer from 9:40-11:45 am. We need you to come and spend time in prayer from 11:45 am until our Holy Hour begins at 7:00 pm. Please sign up by using one of the sign-up sheets at the entrances to the Church at ICC and SJ or by calling the Parish Office for a time during those hours. Coming for a half hour or one hour of prayer could we be a good way to give thanks to the Holy Spirit as we enter Labor Day Weekend. Please join us in the Chapel for the Holy Hour that begins at 7:00 pm and concludes with Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.
Pope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the Week
Last Monday we celebrated the Queenship of Mary, Mother of God. This weekend, on Saturday, we celebrated another mother, Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Both exhibited the virtue of humility, which is the focus of this Sunday’s readings. Pope Francis wrote about Mary’s humility: “Whenever we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness. In her we see that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong who need not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves. Contemplating Mary, we realize that she who praised God for ‘bringing down the mighty from their thrones’ and ’sending the rich away empty’ (Lk 1:52-53) is also the one who brings a homely warmth to our pursuit of justice.” (Evangelii Gaudium) As our first reading proclaims, “Hible yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God” (Sir 3:18), words echoed by Jesus in today’s Gospel: “Everyone who exalts self will be humbled, but the one who humbles self will be exalted” (Lk 14:11). Mary, model of humility, show us the way.
We extend our condolences and prayers to the families of those who have recently died:
Patricia Sutton Breza
Leilani R. Ramon
Congratulations to those recently baptized:
Ella Ann Biscoe
Travis Vincent Dunn
Emma Rose Halbert
Knights of Columbus will be selling BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, & coleslaw for $10 a plate after the 10:15 & noon masses today, August 28th. Please help the Knights of Columbus support our parish and community!
Come celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Catholic education on Bow Street!
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP so that we have an estimate of numbers. Email to let us know how many people might come. So far, the committee has worked on the following activities:
Friday, September 9
- Wine & Cheese Social at State Line Liquors 7:00pm
Saturday, September 10
- ICS Open House from 10:00 to 12:00
- Mass celebrated by Bishop Malooly 5:00pm
- Reception to follow mass in the gym
Sunday, September 11
- Coffee & Donuts following 10:15 and 12:00 Masses
Pregnant? Have a Newborn? Does your child need to be Baptized? You’re Invited! Baptism Classes are: Sept. 19, 2016 and Jan. 9, March 20, May 15 and August 21, 2017. All classes are Monday evenings, 7:00-8:30 PM in our Parish Center. It’s never too early to take the class to prepare for the Baptism of your child. Parents are required and Godparents are encouraged to take part in these classes. Please contact the Parish Office in advance to register for the Baptism Preparation Class and to arrange the date of Baptism during Mass or at 1:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at IC and at 10:30 am on the 3rd Sunday at SJ. Call 410-398-1100 for information or to register
August 29, 2016 The Passion of St. John the Baptist
8:30 AMJohn-Anne HoPhan
August 30, 2016
8:30 AMThank God for our blessings and pray for all the souls in purgatory
August 31, 2016
8:30 AMVictoria Sanchez (Living Intention)
September 1, 2016
8:30 AMFoster Shahan
September 2, 2016
8:30 AM Nancy Stele Burke
September 3, 2016
8:30 AMRose Marie Dunovan
5:00 PMTony Sniadowski
September 4, 201623rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 AMJohn L. Jake Williams
8:30 AMPeople of the Parish
9:00 AM SJJames Campbell
10:15 AMLucia-Joseph Nguyen and all the souls in purgatory
12:00 PMHugh, Eleanor, and Christopher Reilly
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy is for children ages 5-8 ONLY. Children who are not these ages are asked to remain in church.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word resumes Sunday, September 18th
Liturgy
Readings for next week: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Those who are humble will find favor with God. We should realize that there is much we can learn from each other. Even the most knowledgeable people need to be humble enough to know that they can still learn from others.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
The Hebrews are informed that they are not approaching an untouchable mountain etched with gloom and fear. Rather, they have neared "the city of the living God, Jerusalem." The Hebrews have approached a joyful gathering of angels, God our judge, and Jesus Christ.
Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Jesus went to share a meal with one of the leading Pharisees when he noticed other guests competing for places of honor at the table. He warned that a guest who takes the place of honor may be asked to move to the lowest place. Yet a guest who takes the lowest place is honored when a better position is offered by their host. He then added, "He who humbles himself will be exalted."
Daily Readings: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday
Is 66:18-21; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30
Monday
2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12; Mt 23:13-22
Tuesday
2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17; Mt 23:23-26
Wednesday
Rv 21:9b-14; Jn 1:45-51
Thursday
1 Cor 1:1-9; Mt 24:42-51
Friday
1 Cor 1:17-25; Mt 25:1-13
Saturday
1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 25:14-30
Direction of Intention:
You might consider taping the prayer to your mirror, placing it on your refrigerator or even on the dashboard of your car, as a reminder to pray it each day.
My God, give me the grace to perform this action
with you and through love for you.
In advance, I offer to you all the good that I may do
and accept all the difficulty I may meet therein.
Adoration for Vocations 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 410-398-3368.
Hurry!! There is only one month left to the start of our RCIA for 2016-2017!!
Are you unbaptized and have a desire to be baptized? Are you a Christian interested in becoming a Catholic? Are you a baptized Catholic who never received the sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation? If you answered yes to any of these questions then RCIA is for you!!
A new RCIA program will be starting on September 22nd. 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 receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Do you feel God calling you to have a deeper relationship with Him? If so, please contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 or to learn more about RCIA and to set up an interview with Pat Kosman. The RCIA process is a wonderful way to have a greater understanding of the Catholic faith and become closer to God.
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? 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 you'll receive large rewards.
42nd Annual Christmas Bazaar
November 12-13, 2016
“An Irish Christmas”
The Christmas bazaar is just 3 months away! The Committee is busy planning another fun-filled event! Please check this column in the bulletin each week to find out how you can help.
Calling all creative parishioners of ICC! We are asking for any craft items for the Religious Goods booth! If your creations fit the Religious Goods category, please consider donating your talents for the benefit of ICC. Some ideas are prayer shawls, pottery, Christmas, friendship, or blessing cards, or rosary bracelets! If you have items to donate, contact Diane Cattrell at .
We need donations for theme baskets and silent auctions. If you have items to donate, please contact Gail Jusiewicz at or 302-547-2777.
The next Christmas bazaar committee meeting will be Tuesday, August 23 at 6:30pm in the Parish Center. Please join us if you'd like to help plan the bazaar. If you have any questions, please contact Terry Gustafson at , or 443-553-2324.
For more information or to volunteer please call the office at 410-398-1100. Thank you!!
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception School News
God’s blessings on everyone through the summer!
It’s hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Teachers are officially back in the building this week making final preparations for the return of students on the 29th. It is always a very exciting time of year as we anticipate the arrival of new families and familiar faces!
The school office is back to full hours if you need to contact us. We will be in the office from 8:00-3:00 M-F.
Please look for the notice about the upcoming anniversary for the school. 60 years of Catholic education on Bow Street is quite an accomplishment. We’re hoping that all alumni and friends of ICS will join in the celebration at some point that weekend. If you did not receive an invitation, please contact the RSVP email address in that notice so that we may add you to our alumni list.
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
Gr. K-8 Classes are scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 11th and Wednesday, September 14th. *Only those who are registered will be admitted to class.
Note: There is a Kindergarten Class that meets on Sunday Mornings. What a great way to begin the religious education process.
Alert: If you have a child who needs to register for religious education programs, you must do it now before classes start!!
Go to the parish website and on the side 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
REMINDER: A child must have attended 1st grade Rel. Ed to receive First Communion. A student must have completed 7th & 8th gr. Rel. Ed to receive Confirmation.
Contact the Religion Office with any questions.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Letters are being sent to families of children in grades 2 and above who are enrolled in a parish Religious Education program, ICS, or Mt. Aviat who are eligible to participate in this program.
The Parent Orientation Gathering will be held on Monday, September 26th at 6:30pm in Church. At that time the program will be explained and materials distributed.
Contact us at 410-392-3551 with any questions.
Youth Ministry & Confirmation
High School (9th-12th) and college-age young adults, are invited to join youth group, Sunday nights in the Parish Center from 6-8pm.
August 28th
Team Building Activities
September 4th
Movie Night
Parents and Parishioners: Please feel free to donate some soda water bottles for our teens. Pizza gift cards are welcome, too!
Youth Ministry OPEN HOUSE will be held Sunday, September 11th from 6-8pm in the Youth Room.
Confirmation Orientation for Parents and Candidates will be Sunday, Sept. 18 in the ICS Cafeteria at 4pm. Please make arrangements to attend.
Volunteer Needed: Do you want to continue your faith formation journey and help others deepen theirs? We are in need of a couple people to teach a Confirmation class. We also need assistants for Confirmation and 7th/8th grade Classes. If you are interested, contact Liz Schillo at 410-398-1100 or .
Adult Education
Interested in a study group? Many opportunities are available. Call 410-398-1100 for more information.
Adult Education Committee Meeting:
Thursday, September 8th at 10am
Adult Enrichment Program to Begin:
Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come.
Are you registered to attend??? This 11 week Bible Study will be offered: Mondays: 6:30-8:30pm and repeated on Tuesdays: 9:15-11:15am in the Parish Center beginning Sept. 12th & 13th.
Registration Forms can be downloaded from Parish Website or pick one up in the Parish Center.
**You must register to receive the needed participant book. Call Sr. Grace at 410-392-3551 with any questions.
Part Two of the Bible Timeline Great Adventure will resume on Thursday, Sept. 22nd at 9:15am in the Parish Center. Classes will again be held every other week. Topic for 1st session is: Divided Kingdom Pt 2
Holy Heroes Free Mass Prep Resources available: Go to HolyHeroesFun.com and sign up.
Don’t forget to visit our Parish Website for the Weekly Scripture Puzzles and other resources.
Social Concerns
Outreach: We are running very low on food and we are getting extremely concerned about how to help our community through summer! We are in need of beef ravioli, canned vegetables, tomato products, rice, pasta, soap, toiletries, and diapers sizes 1, 5, & 6. Thank you! We are very grateful to all those who support this essential ministry, both materially and in their prayers. Please continue to help those in need by donating goods or to the poor boxes.
Community Kitchen: Our annual summer gala was another huge success thanks to each of you! Our menu of Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, pasta salad, 7-bean salad, watermelons and dessert brought big smiles to those we served (leftovers were brought to the Men's Shelter.) Due to the cash donated we celebrated National Ice Cream Month by serving ice cream sandwiches for the first time! For each of you who support us in so many ways by faithful service, donations and prayer - thank you! For those first-timers, thank you for bringing your willingness to try a new ministry with such a joyful spirit. We extend our prayers to all our parish family and friends for a safe and fun-filled summer and we look forward to our next service date on Friday, October 28.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee Sunday,
September 4th after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
Until we have a Parish & Family life chair, coffee and doughnuts at ICC are suspended. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office!
Parish Events / Information
Sunday, August 28
8:20 AMConfessions – SJ
10:30 AMBaptisms - SJ
6:00 PMHS Gathering - PC
Monday, August 29
9:00 AMNovena – CH
5:30 PMVolleyball - gym
8:00 PMAA Mtg - Caf
Tuesday, August 30
9:00 AMHoly Hour – CH
5:30 PMVolleyball - gym
6:30 PMChristmas Bazaar Meeting - PC
6:30 PMHandbell Rehearsal - IC
7:00 PMBoy Scout Leader Meeting - PC
7:30 PMContemporary Rehearsal -IC
Wednesday, August 31
9:00 AMRosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH
9:30 AMCantor Rehearsal - IC
1:00 PMLeisure Club - PC
3:45 PMChildren’s Choir - IC
5:30 PMVolleyball - gym
8:15 PMKnights of Columbus Mtg - PC
Thursday, September 1
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
5:30 PMVolleyball - gym
6:30 PMCantor Rehearsal - IC
7:00 PMParish Choir Rehearsal - IC
Friday, September 2
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
Saturday, September 3
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
4:15 PMConfessions - IC
7:00 PMNA - Caf
CYM FALL SPORTS : Catholic Youth Ministry is holding registration for the 2016 fall sport season for students entering 4th-8th grade. Fall sports include Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Soccer and Volleyball. For more information, please visit
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians division 1 of Cecil County, Maryland 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 who are Irish by birth or decent or are the wife of an AOH member. For more information, please call Janice White at 410-378-3493
Calling all soccer players!! Incoming 7th - 8th grade boys and girls we want YOU for the Hawks varsity and team! Our mission is to enable players to develop mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially into athletes who excel both on and off the field. If you are interested, please email . Include name, grade, and contact information. Thank you!
BOOK DISCUSSION
We will be reading and sharing on Henri J. M. Nouwen’s book “Reaching Out” in the Parish Center on Tuesday mornings from 9:15am-11:15am for six weeks beginning Sept. 13. Cost is $10.00. If interested, contact Mary Ann Hopkins at 443-553-4604 or Please sign-up early so we know how many books to order.
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