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.

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

On the 19th of each month, beginning on January 19th, a reflection will be posted here from Relevant Radion as part of Year of St. Joseph commemoration. Please click HERE for the Jan. 19 reflection. You may read or listen to the reflection.

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.

Did you ever hear of the Holy Cloak of St. Joseph? If not, click on the above image to read a inspiring article!

As part of our Year of St. Joseph celebrations we will participate  in this Novena within Church and in our individual households.
On Thursday, March 11th we will open the Novena with the celebration of the Eucharist @ 7pm with the recitation of the Novena prayers. On Friday, March 19th we will conclude our Novena with a closing Mass @ 7pm with the recitation of the Novena prayers.
From the weekdays of Friday, March 12th to Thursday, March 18th the Novena prayers will be recited at the conclusion of the 8am Daily Mass. On Saturday, March 13th the Novena Prayers will be recited at the conlusion of the 5pm Mass and on Sunday, March 14th the Novena prayers will be recited at the conclusion of the 11am Mass.

A major part (my favorite) of the celebration of St. Joseph's Day on March 19th is the Table of St. Joseph. To learn more about this tradition please click on the image above. At the conclusion of the Novena Prayers on March 19th I will recite for all those viewing virtually the table blessing for this Feast Day - while those in attendance will receive the prayer to bring home. In return could I invite you to take a family picture around your St. Joseph's Table and place it on our Parish Facebook page or email the same to the parish.
Thank you!

The Rosary: Every Monday following the 8am Mass
Stations of the Cross: Each Friday of Lent followign the 8am Mass
Eucharistic Holy Hour: Each Tuesday of Lent, 7pm-8pm

Often in our spiritual lives we think we’re asking for too much, but in reality we are asking for too little. God wants to give us more, but we aren’t asking for it. He wants to help us overcome our weaknesses, help us stop falling into the same old patterns — he wants to give us freedom. This Lent, ask God to give it to you so you can arrive at Easter more healed, fulfilled, and transformed than ever before.
Fr. Mark Toups, an experienced spiritual director, will lead us as a Parish Family inward to invite the Lord to heal those areas where they need it most. You will receive daily guidance as well as supplemental videos, to help enter more deeply into Lent and remain focused throughout the season.
At ICC this Lenten Season you will have 2 opportunities to view the Video series. You may either view the video with the congregation for each week prior to the celebration of the Eucharist OR you may watch the video at your leisure by clicking on the title for each weekend. Please remember that the videos will begin 10 minutes (except for the last series) prior to each liturgy.
February 13 & 14:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Ash Wednesday
February 20 & 21:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Week 1
February 27 & 28:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Week 2
March 6 & 7:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Week 3
March 13 & 14:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Week 4
March 20 & 21:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Week 5
***March 27 & 28:
The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B - Holy Week
***This Weekend's video will begin 15 Minutes prior to the weekend liturgy.

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.

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!

Will You Follow Jesus to Calvary?

Filmed on location in the Holy Land, No Greater Love is a biblical pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us. Best-selling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ's life. You will walk step-by-step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Mount of Calvary. Every step of the way, Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death. Experience a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s immeasurable and unconditional love as you draw closer to Jesus than you ever have before.

What was Jesus going through at each moment?
Why did Christ die for us? What did it accomplish? 

Session Topics
Feb. 23: The Prayer of the Agony March 2: “Are You the Christ?”
March 9: The Trial Before Pilate March 16: The Death of the Messiah March 23: The Seven Last Words & The Resurrection
To register or more information click on the above image

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.