through penitential practices.” [General Norms for the From Fr. Jim … Liturgical Year and the Calendar #27] Enter into the first full week of Lent, 2015, by coming together for our One cannot help but feel sorry for Job in our first reading. Lenten Mission. If you cannot join us in person, please A prosperous and God-fearing man, Job, suddenly support us in prayer. experienced the successive, catastrophic losses of wealth, family and health. The only explanation the author offers for God’s permitting the innocent Job to suffer these losses is that He had allowed Satan to test Job’s trusting commitment and fidelity in God, even under extreme pressure. Job eventually realizes that those who choose to give themselves to God will find that life has meaning. Only in the light of Christ's sufferings and cruel execution, can we see the value of suffering in this life. Job’s detailed account of the miseries of human existence contrasts with Jesus’ work of healing as described in the Gospel where Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law.

The Sustaining Hope for the Future campaign is winding down. We have pledges totaling $577,471 – 85.7% of our $673,500 goal. So far, 409 parishioners have returned their pledge cards.

Baby Bottle Fundraiser -Thank you so much for taking our Baby Bottles. The bottles are due back as soon as possible. We appreciate your generosity and prayers.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Please watch upcoming bulletins for information about our celebrations of Mass and Liturgies of the Word with the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday; our parish mission: Be Who You Are: Live + Jesus, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings, February 22, 23 and 24 at 7:00 pm and other Lenten opportunities.

PARISH LENTEN MISSION 2015 BE WHO YOU ARE: LIVE+JESUS!

FR. PAUL H. COLLOTON, OSFS, D.Min., Preacher

Join Father Paul and the IC/SJ parish family for our Lenten Mission. We will gather on: Sunday, February 22 at 7:00 pm for Solemn Evening Prayer with song and preaching to reflect on who we are as baptized members of the Body of Christ; Monday, February 23 at 7:00 pm for our Lenten Penance Service with preaching to reflect on our need to repent or reorient our lives to “Live+Jesus” every day; and Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm for Mass with extended preaching to reflect on our need to live each day as if it were our last (St. Francis de Sales), to live in the “now.”

“Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Easter. For the Lenten liturgy disposes both catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery: catechumens, through the several stages of Christian initiation; the faithful, through reminders of their own baptism and Offertory February 1, 2015 Fiscal Budget Immaculate Conception $ 8,796.73 $11,755.50 St. Jude’s $ 1,940.90 $ 2,044.50 Online $ 2,237.95 - ** $12,975.58 $13,800.00 2014-2015 Fiscal YTD (Offertory Surplus ) $13,217.30 Building Maintenance Fund: Collected $230,453.68 Expenses $222,584.49 Balance $ 7,869.19 STEWARDSHIP: The Scripture passages today are linked by the subjects of suffering and healing, faith, preaching the Good News, and prayer. Job experiences tremendous suffering but keeps his faith in God. In St. Mark’s Gospel, through the disciples’ faith in Jesus, Simon-Peter’s mother- in-law is healed. Jesus teaches us, as His disciples, the importance of prayer and to know through faith that He is always present to strengthen and heal us from our afflictions.

Parish Community News February 9, 2015 We extend our condolences and prayers to the families 8:30 AM Charles H. Bradley, Jr. of those who have recently died: February 10, 2015 – St. Scholastica, Virgin Terry Lee Wasko 8:30 AM Ruth Boulden Betty Cantymagli February 11, 2015 Margaret Schauber 8:30 AM Paul LeClerc Margaret Bubb February 12, 2015 Jane Fabrizi 8:30 AM Ruth Boulden Patricia Morrison February 13, 2015 8:30 AM Tony Sniadowski February 14, 2015 – Saints Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop 8:30 AM John and Ruth Schulz 5:00 PM People of the Parish February 15, 2015 – 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time 7:00 AM Connie Farrell 8:30 AM Mary Razze 9:00 AM SJ Mary Sue Vaccarini 10:15 AM Prayer of Thanksgiving 12:00 PM Larry Smith

Liturgy

Vocations our website: www.CalledByTheLord.com! In today's first reading, Job asks, "is not man's life on earth drudgery?” Well, life can be drudgery if we're trying to live Adoration for Vocations is usually held the first a life different from the one God created us for! What is Sunday of each month in the Immaculate Conception God's plan for you? Has He chosen you to serve as a Chapel. The next Adoration for Vocations will be held priest, deacon, religious sister or religious brother? What Sunday, March 1st from 1:30–6 PM. Please take this are you doing to learn His plan for your life? If you'd like to opportunity to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed explore further, please call or write Father David Kelley, Sacrament and to pray for priestly and religious Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations vocations. Benediction begins at 5:30 PM. (302-573-3113 or [email protected]). Be sure to visit ATTENTION LITURGICAL MINISTERS PROCLAIMERS, USHERS EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION THANK YOU to all of the Liturgical Ministers who were able to join us for the morning of reflection and formation. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Your energy, your prayer, and your suggestions affirm the high level of commitment to our liturgical life that has been RCIA is the process by which baptized Christians and my experience since coming to Immaculate Conception/St. those who are unbaptized become members of the Jude. If you were unable to join us, please watch for an Catholic Church. It is also the process by which baptized announcement about how we can make sure that all Catholics who never received the sacraments of Eucharist liturgical ministers have the information needed to serve and Confirmation receive those sacraments. RCIA our parish family and be aware of some of the changes sessions are held Thursdays at 7pm in the Parish Center. that we are making.

The majority of our changes will not go into effect until Readings for Next Week: the new schedule begins, March 8. However, you may SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME notice the ushers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy First Reading: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 - The Lord tells Communion, proclaimer, servers, deacon and presider Moses and Aaron that anyone bearing the sore of leprosy gathering together right before Mass begins to pray. We must first be seen by Aaron or one of the other priests, and will gather this way each weekend before Mass. We pray that as long as the sore is upon him, “He shall dwell apart, that God will help us serve you well, that you may see the making his abode outside the camp.” face of Jesus in us and that we will see the face of Jesus Second Reading: I Corinthians 10:31—11:1 - Paul reflected in you. instructs the Corinthians to do everything for the glory of God, to avoid offending others, and to be imitators of Christ. Gospel: Mark 1:40-45 - Jesus takes pity on a leper and FORMATION FOR ALTAR SERVERS cures him of his disease with a warning not to say but to AND INVITATION TO SERVE AT THE ALTAR show himself to the priest and make an offering. Instead of At a date that is still to be determined we will gather the remaining silent, the leper greatly publicized the healing, Altar Servers of Immaculate Conception/St. Jude for a time making it impossible for Jesus to enter the town openly. of formation and renewal in your ministry and duties. This gathering will be geared toward you especially. As soon as It’s flu and cold season. Please be considerate of we have a date set we will contact you. Please watch the others during the upcoming flu, cold and virus season. Be bulletin and the parish website for further information. cautious about shaking hands or drinking from the cup at Thank you for your service. If any young woman or man Communion if you are under the weather. Please take has been thinking about becoming an altar server, care of yourself this winter! please call the parish office and leave your name with Paula Amberg.

Palms needed. Please bring your blessed palms from previous years for us to burn to become the Ashes that we will use on Ash Wednesday. There will be containers for you to drop them off at the entrances to both Immaculate Conception and St. Jude churches this weekend.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word The ages of the children for Children’s Liturgy are: Ages 5 & 6 and Ages 7 & 8 ONLY. Children who do not fall into these categories are asked to remain in church.

Catechists for next Sunday, February 15th are: CLW 1 – Lynn O’Brien CLW 2 –Louis Najera Christian Formation

Immaculate Conception School News opportunities. To contact the YM office, call 410 392 The students and staff continue to work hard through the 3551 or email [email protected]. winter. Our students are representing the school and Weekly gatherings for high school students - All hi parish well in different activities. The Knights of Columbus gh school students are welcome to join us Sunday evening presented awards to some of our students for their artwork s 6-8 PM in the Parish Center Youth Room. We typically h in the “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest. Receiving ave students from 8-10 different high and a faith-based act honorable mention were Carson Peace, Joey Paoli, Ava ivity. No RSVP needed. Drop-ins welcome. Confirmation st King, Delaney Burnham, and Brooks Riddle. ICS swept the udents are welcome to attend from 6-7:00 before class. 4th-6th grade age group with Evan Pickering in 3rd, Megan Parents: Please donate some soda in cans or small water Artymowicz in 2nd, and Mia Poppitt in 3rd. In each of their bottles for our teens on Sunday nights. Thanks! age groups, Maddie Barlow and Bailey Pressler received 2nd place. In their second competition, our Declamation Service Hours - If ever you are in need of service hours, Team performed well. In the Spartan Speech Classic, 8th or if you’ve just been blessed with a servant heart, please grader Kristina Keithley earned 2nd place for her oral scroll through the pictures on the parish website home interpretation of “The Painting”. 6th grader Alyssa Jezyk page at www.iccparish.org. Click on the one about won 1st place for her speech by Marina Nemat, an Iranian “Service Opportunities” and see the contact person listed dissident who spoke before the UN Human Rights for each opportunity. Thank you! Conference about Iran’s crimes and atrocities against their Work Camp 2015 - High School students interested in a own citizens. Our fantastic foursome took 1st place as a summer mission trip with our parish and Catholic Heart team! Congratulations to the team and their advisor, Mrs. Work Camp should call 410-392-3551 or email Strengari. [email protected] to sign up. Our 2015 camp We are currently accepting registration for next year. If you will be July 12-18 in Pittsburgh. Visit would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office www.heartworkcamp.com for all the details. It’ll be the at 410-398-2636. BEST week of your summer!

DID YOU KNOW… we are creating an ICS Family Confirmation News - Tree? All alumni and friends who complete a contact card Confirmation will be March 21, 2015 at 1:30 PM. will have their name placed on a leaf on our tree. Stop by Registration for Confirmation in 2015 is closed. the school to see how the tree grows! Our Confirmation Retreat will be Saturday, February 28, 2015. Religious Education Registration for Confirmation in 2016 begins in March. Religious Education Classes: Students must be in a Catholic school or a parish religious For Gr. K-8 on Sunday, Feb. 8th at 8:30am; education program in 8th & 9th grade to be eligible for For Gr. 1-8 on Wed., Feb. 11th at 6:15pm. Confirmation in 9th grade. Older high school students may also be Confirmed. For more information please email PASS ON THE GOOD NEWS [email protected]. We Are Still In Need of Volunteers who are willing to nurture the faith of our young people. Adult Education Grade 9 needs 1 Assistant on Monday. ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING : Thurs Contact [email protected] to volunteer. day, February 12th at 10am

FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM Matthew: The Parent Orientation Meeting for First Communion was The King and His Kingdom nd held on Mon., Feb. 2 . The only make up meeting will be What was Christ’s mission, really, and th th held Today, Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10:30am in the 8 grade what does He mean when He talks abou classroom of school. t the “Kingdom of Heaven”? Sessions this week will be held on Monday, Feb. 9th at 6:3 *The next meeting for those who attended the Orientation 0pm and Tuesday, Feb. 10th at 9:15am. The topic is Marria Meeting will be a Parent/Child Meeting on Sunday, ge-God’s Love. The topic for next week will be Stepping D nd February 22 at 4pm in Church. own Into Greatness as we reflect on Mt. 20-21. Youth Ministry PARISH WEBSITE : Don’t Forget to…Continue to chec Please visit the parish web site at www.iccparish.org. See k our parish website for the Weekly Scripture Puzzles and the News, Faith Formation and Ministries pages for resources for Children, Families, and Adults. more detailed information on YM events and HAVE YOU USED THE VIBRANT FAITH LINK? This site ies for young people, and teens. offers faith-forming activities and prayers available for famil

Social Concerns

OUTREACH –The Parish Outreach is grateful to all Community Kitchen those who continue to support this essential ministry – Many words of gratitude are extended to each of you for both materially and in their prayers. We are in need of making our last meal on January 23 so delicious and JELLY, BAKED BEANS, HAND SOAP, & SHAMPOO. nurturing. Your food preparation, serving of the meal and thorough clean up made Team ICC/ST. JUDE an ROTATING SHELTER - The parish will awesome provider. Thanks to your monetary gifts, time be hosting the rotating shelter on the week and effort we were able to serve 138 meals including beginning March 23, 2015. Many volunteers extra sandwiches. All leftovers were brought to the are needed for the week of the shelter. The Men's Shelter for use in the Hot Lunch Program. We shelter committee is also in need of new wish you a prayerful Lenten Season, a Happy Easter members. For information please call Mary Ann Hopkins and look forward to our next service date on April 24. at 443-553-4604 or email [email protected]. Stay safe and healthy through the rest of winter.

Parish and Family Life

Parish Coffee : SPECIAL NOTE: There will be NO Conception. The Coffees will resume in March as Parish Coffee this weekend at Immaculate regularly scheduled. Thank you!

Parish Events / Information

SAVE THE DATE Parish Volunteers / Donations are needed for: Immaculate Conception Parish Altar Servers details on Page 2 Present 3rd Annual Outreach donations details on Page 4 Viva San Giuseppe Dinner Rotating Shelter Volunteers details on Page 4 Saturday, March 14, 2015, 6 PM Vacation Bible School Volunteers details on Page 4 Immaculate Conception Gym VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PLANNING:

Valentine’s Day has become a holiday filled with outward signs of our love for each other. We are called share the Good News with others, not only with what we do but also by how we speak, think, and pray. Take the Scriptures and Bring It Home this week by sharing your faith freely and lovingly with one another.

“Marriage and Family Life Corner” Marriage Moments (by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net) In the spirit of the Groundhog Day, develop your shadow Come Be Part Of This Exciting Adventure… side today. If you're shy, make an overture to someone in Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power. need. If you're not very affectionate, give your spouse an unexpected kiss or hug. If you're a Many volunteers are needed to work-a-holic, take some time off to play together. make this happen. Parenting Pointers (by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net) February is Black History Month. No matter what our skin A meeting will be held on Tuesday, color, religion, or economic status we need to learn to get th along with people who are different from us. As a family, February 17 at 6:45pm in the Parish Center. learn about a race different from your own this month. Consider coming to see what the excitement is all Where do you need me?? about and how you can be involved. 7:00 PM NA – caf SHOE DRIVE THANK YOU Our sincere thanks goes to all those who donated shoes to our shoe drive in January. We collected hundreds of pairs of new and used shoes that will be made available to those who need them. May God bless you for your generosity! Thanks, Nick Ciffolelli and Hayden Marshall (YLT Representatives) This Week’s Calendar Sunday, February 8 8:20 AM Confessions – SJ 8:30 AM Religious Ed (k-8) – S/PC 1:30 PM Baptisms - IC 6:00 PM High School Gathering – PC 7:00 PM Confirmation – PC Monday, February 9 9:00 AM Novena – Ch 5:45 PM Light Weigh – PC 6:00 PM ICAA Basketball Practice – gym 6:00 PM HSRE - PC 6:30 PM Gospel of Matthew – PCL 8:00 PM AA – caf Tuesday, February 10 9:00 AM Holy Hour – Ch 9:30 AM Gospel of Matthew – PCL 6:00 PM HSRE - PC 6:00 PM ICAA Basketball Practice – gym 6:30 PM ICAA Board Mtg - PC 7:00 PM Contemporary Ensemble – IC 7:00 PM BoyScout Patrol Ldr Mtg – PC Wednesday, February 11 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St. Jude Novena – Ch 1:00 PM Leisure Club - PC 6:00 PM ICAA Basketball Practice – gym 6:15 PM Religious Ed – (Gr 1-8) – S/PC 7:00 PM Parish Council - PC Thursday, February 12 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade – Ch 10:00 AM Adult Ed Committee Mtg - PC 11:00 AM Calvert Nursing Home Liturgy 6:00 PM ICAA Basketball Practice – gym 6:30 PM Cubscouts – caf 6:45 PM Boyscouts – PC6 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal – IC 7:00 PM RCIA - PC Friday, February 13 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade – Ch 6:00 PM ICAA Basketball Practice – gym Saturday, February 14 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade – Ch 4:15 PM Confessions – IC ICAA SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION TIME! Non-Parishioner in Grades 3-8: 1 Athlete = $130, 2 Spring Registration Begins for Baseball (Gr 6-8) AND Athletes= $200, 3 Athletes = $270 Softball (Gr 6-8) on Monday, Jan. 20th and ends Friday, If you have any questions, please email: Jamie Moulthrop Feb. 27th OR until Teams are Full! - President: [email protected] Please visit ICAA Registration Process: websites frequently for information regarding practice 1. All athletes must first go to the online ICAA registration times, upcoming ICAA events, and other sports site and register: www.iccparish.org/aaregform.php registration information: www.schoolnotes.com click on 2. Once you complete the registration process, continue Athletic Association. to pay your registration fee online. If you are unable to pay your fee during the online registration process, Parish Council Reminder: The February Parish please bring it to the first practice. In addition, there will Council meeting will be held THIS Wednesday, February be a $50 uniform deposit fee due prior to receiving a 11 at 7 PM in the Parish Center. (The regular meeting date uniform. No uniforms will be distributed without the is Ash Wednesday). The reports have been sent deposit fee. Deposit fee will be returned when the electronically and the paper reports are in the sacristy for uniform is returned at the end of the season. pickup. Thank you. 3. Next, (Grades 3-8) must register through the CYM website. To register go to this website: BAPTISM CLASS UPDATE: The next Baptism Class is http://www.cdow.org/cymathletics.html. Print out the scheduled for Monday evening, February 16th at 7 pm in registration form and bring it to the first practice. the Parish Center. IT IS NOW NECESSARY TO Registration Fees: REGISTER FOR THE CLASS. Please contact the parish Parishioner Rates in Gr 3-8: 1 Athlete = $120, 2 Athletes office (410-398-1100 or [email protected]). Thank you = $190, 3+ Athletes = $260 for your cooperation

Community Events / Information

Knights of Columbus Bishop Becker Council 2427 443-616-5370 www.kofc2427.org Meetings: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Membership Information: call 443-616-5370

Listen to Catholic Forum every Sunday morning at 10:05 a.m. on 1150AM WDEL and www.wdel.com. Next Sunday, Feb. 15th, meet musician and composer, Tom Esposito and sample his music. For photos, information regarding upcoming guests and more, “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/catholicforum. Cecil County Pregnancy Center, 138 Cathedral St. Elkton is in need of diapers & wipes, good used baby clothes up to 4T, used strollers, bassinets, cribs, anything in good condition. Hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs, 11-4 or call office 410-398-7888. Thank you.

The Diocesan Vocations Guild is open to Catholics from within or with ties to the Diocese of Wilmington. Members pray for an increase in priestly and religious vocations, the success of priestly and religious ministry in the diocese and participate in a variety of programs to promote and affirm vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For information, contact Mary Ann Peirson at 302-573-3113.