Immaculate Conception Church

On behalf of Cardinal Joseph Tobin, you are invited to read "Returning to Grace: A Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist," which identifies and reflects on important questions that many in our archdiocese are asking today about worship and the Eucharist amid the ongoing pandemic.
The pastoral letter offers Cardinal Tobin’s reflections, personal stories and some thoughts shared with us by Pope Francis during this challenging time.
Prior to reading the full text I encourage you to listen to the introductory video on the Pastoral Letter.
To read the full text of Cardinal Tobin’s pastoral letter please click on the above image.

OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED!
The Bible In A Year

Have you ever struggled to read the Bible – IF SO this podcast is for you.
 

Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and featuring Jeff Cavins, guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes – it started on January 1st, 2021 and you can easily do a little catching up. To listen to this PODCAST simply click  HERE to register for your daily PODCAST that will be emailed to you.

Each 20-25 minute episode includes: two to three scripture readings, a reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word.

Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast for Catholics follows a reading plan inspired by the Great Adventure Bible Timeline® learning system, a groundbreaking approach to understanding Salvation History developed by renowned Catholic Bible teacher Jeff Cavins. Tune in and live your daily life through the lens of God’s word!

As our local communities continue to be impacted physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially by the Coronavirus pandemic NJ Hope and Healing offers individuals and families free services such as: Online Support Stress Management Techniques, Coping Skills, Compassion Fatigue and Resources Linkage.
Please click HERE for resource item #1. Please click HERE for resource item # 2.
Please view the attachments, share accordingly with those in need, save them future reference. These services are offered in both individual and group crisis counseling services in person and virtually (zoom). 
Please note that NJ Hope and Healing is not a service of, nor in any way affiliated with, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark or any of its parishes, schools, or other charitable entities.

THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS
STARTS JUNE 5-6, 2021
CLICK HERE TO GO TO RCAN

So why did Pope Francis inaugurate the Year of St. Joseph? To learn why click on the above image.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us
from every evil.  Amen.

Several years ago I particpated in a pilgrimage to Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, Montreal, Quebec. Simply - it was breath taking. A most serene location of quiet prayer allowing one to experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
That said, I invite you to click on the image above to visit their website as well as a collection of prayers to St. Joseph.

I’m sure many of you can recall the occasions I have made mention of the acronym F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Forget About Me I Love You). This weekend offers us an opportunity to reflect upon FAMILY, particularly our extended FAMILY MEMBERS whom we assist each year through the Annual Appeal of the Archdiocese. As a model of authentic stewardship, Jesus was not merely a man of words. He invited His disciples into His FAMILY – He nourished them with His life-giving Word and they, the Apostles, witnessed His mighty deeds to serve the larger FAMILY of humanity and they too were sent out to serve the HUMAN FAMILY. Ponder this thought for a moment - He gave Himself totally to them - His time, His goods, and ultimately, His very life. We don’t very often identify ourselves as “disciples” in word, that is “Hi, I’m Leo and I’m a disciple of the Lord Jesus”. However we all seek to exemplify that we are disciples of the Lord Jesus through our service to the needy – making of ourselves as a “gift” to the FAMILY.
Like you I too have received a letter from Cardinal Tobin about the start of the 2021 Annual Appeal of the Archdiocese of Newark and I have made my own pledge towards the appeal. More information about our parish’s involvement in this year’s appeal will be available soon as I first want to meet with our Parish and Finance Councils to discuss the particulars. For now, more than ever, your support is needed to fulfill the mission of the Church within our four counties, particularly to assist our needy brothers and sisters who are FAMILY.
To make a gift online, please click HERE.
To learn more about the Case FOR Support of our FAMILY, please click HERE.