“Whoever receives you receives me and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me… And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because this little one is a disciple, amen, I say to you he will surely not lose his reward.”
One of the gifts Pope Francis extols is the gift of hospitality. We have the ability to open the door and make others feel welcome. A familiar Irish expression reads “A Hundred Thousand Welcome.”
Elisha the prophet in the Book of Kings, was offered hospitality by a wealthy woman, and she was rewarded for her gift. The person ready and willing to give ONLY a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus to a little one will not go without a reward.
In the past it was not common to see peoplecarrying a water bottle in public. Sometimes we looked for a fountain for a drink. Maybe the gift of water and hospitality for us can be welcoming a stranger, assisting someone in need, listening to a person who has suffered a loss or suffering a sickness. Whatever gesture I offer can be the Elisha gesture and the water offering which might seem small, but does not go unrewarded.
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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, whohave supported this year’s campaign. To date, $88,137 has been received representing 94.7% of our parish’s $93,000 goal! 100% of all funds raised OVER our target goal are given back to the parish; however, we ask that you remember that the parish has to make up for any shortfall in funds. We are so close to our target goal!
Your participation is appreciated! If you have not yet done so, please consider supporting this important effort! Annual Appeal pledge cards are still available in the entrances of the churches.
The diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal provides financial support that helpsover 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; 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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Attention! There will be construction in the ICS gym parking lot beginning this week!! Please be aware that access may not be available at this time. Thank you and we apologize for any inconvenience!
July3, 2017St. Thomas, Apostle
8:30 AMAnthony Mallia
July4, 2017Independence Day
8:30 AMGeorge Benvegno
July5, 2017St. Elizabeth of Portugal
8:30 AMAlma Jose
July6, 2017 St. Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr
8:30 AMGeorge Armstrong
July7, 2017
8:30 AMMargaret Bratkowski
July8, 2017
8:30 AMArthur R. Jones
5:00 PMJames F. Loftus
July9, 2017FourteenthSunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 AMJoseph Miller
8:30 AMChris DeStefano
9:00 AM SJElsbietaBiedrzycki
10:15 AMPeople of the Parish
12:00 PMPatrick Hanyok
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY!
Immaculate Conception School Advancement Director: Immaculate Conception is currently seeking an Advancement Director to plan, coordinate, and manage marketing, enrollment and fundraising programs.This is a full time, 12-month position.The Advancement Director will have the following responsibilities: Enrollment Management, Development, Communications, and Strategic Planning. Visit: for the complete job description.Qualifications are:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Strong knowledge of the community preferred
- Excellent oral written communication skills
- Strong managerial skills and the ability to balance numerous ongoing projects
- Excellent time management/planning skills
- Strong leadership and team building skills
- Ability to appreciate and communicate a passion for Catholic elementary education
- Understanding of Catholic Identity
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office the Internet
Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Jeanne Dinkle at 410-398-2636,
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Congratulations to those who were recently baptized:
William Anthony Fritts
Kaylee Rose Scruggs
Congratulations to the couple recently married:
Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeMaio and Rachel Kennard
We extend our condolences and prayers to the families of those who have recently died:
Mr. Donald “Tex” Warfield
Liturgy
Readings for next week:14thSun in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Zechariah 9:910
This is a prophecy of the coming of the Messiah to Jerusalem. He will come, not as a King, but as a humble savior, riding on an ass.
Second Reading: Romans 8:9, 1113
Contrasting “flesh and spirit,” Paul urges that all who live for material things abandon the temptations of the flesh and rise to life in the “Spirit.”
Gospel: Matthew 11:2530
Jesus speaks lovingly and gently when he invites all those who are weary and burdened with life to seek relief and respite in him. He says, “Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
Daily Readings:Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday
2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a; Rom 6:3-4, 8-11; Mt 10:37-42
Monday
Eph 2:19-22; Jn 20:24-29
Tuesday
Gn 19:15-29; Mt 8:23-27
Wednesday
Gn 21:5, 8-20a; Mt 8:28-34
Thursday
Gn 22:1b-19; Mt 9:1-8
First Friday
Gn 23:1-4, 19, 24:1-8, 62-67; Mt 9:9-13
Saturday
Gn 27:1-5, 15-29; Mt 9:14-17
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Adoration for Vocations:On the 1stSunday 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 istoday, Sun July2nd. For information, contact Dermott Mullan at 410-398-3368
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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 is starting mid-September.This is a wonderful way to learn about the Catholic faith and become closer to God as well!
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:July8-9:
5:00pm
Altar Servers:Henry W, Grace BEM’sJulie M, Gina L,Madison LLector:Rachel WUshers:Eileen P, Pat C, BillB
7:00am
Altar Servers:Andrew F, Ashley DEM’s: Gerald M, Frank S, Sandra HLector:Pierre LUshers: Charles M, William C, Donald N
8:30am
Altar Servers:Will C, Grace SEMs:DPeter G, Cecilia G, Richard LLector:Jeanne DUshers: Anthony D, David D, Anthony M, Wendel S
9:00am (SJ)
Altar Servers:Alex L, Mitchell HEM’s:Chris H, Carol V, Cheryl N, John N, Dorothy D, Danny DLector:Monica VUshers:Jule V, Kevin O, Bill D
10:15am
Altar Servers:Donovan O, Jeremy MEM’s:Gwen D, James D, Carol K, Richard B, Elizabeth BLector:Kathleen WUshers: Bob W, David B, Steve A
12:00noon
Altar Servers:Gabriel OEM’s:Cynthia J, Pat K, Corazon SLector:Frank EUshers: Teresa G, Charles C
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
There is no more Children’s Liturgy of the Word until the Fall. Have a wonderful summer!!
Does your child need to be Baptized? Baptism Class is 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 the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 or visit iccparish.weconnect.com/Baptism to register!
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Join in the worldwide mission of Jesus! By our Baptism, we are all missionaries-called to share our faith in Jesus Christ with our family, friends, neighbors, and the world. Next Sunday, we are invited to make a commitment as missionaries by joining the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. With this commitment we pledge to pray for the missionary work of the church, and offer financial help in support of those who bring the good news of Jesus to our brothers and sisters. The Society asks for your support so that they can continue their mission in creating pastoral programs, building churches, creating education programs, and much more! Please think about donating to this essential ministry!
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Inspirational Quoteof the week: “When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than the proceedings from the mouth. “ ~Saint Bonaventure
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception School News
We hope everyone has a safe and spectacular 4th of July!
We continue to search for two new staff members: a fourth grade teacher and a primary classroom aide. In order to apply for the teaching position, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and be certified to teach in Maryland or Delaware. Interested candidates for either position should submit cover letters and resumes to Jeanne Dinkle via email – . Anyone interested in applying for the Advancement Director position can view the job description on the school and parish websites. Cover letters and resumes should be submitted to Jeanne Dinkle at .
Enrollment applications are being accepted for next school year. If you missed our open house, don’t worry. Individual tours are available upon request by contacting the office at 410-398-2636. Now is the time to consider the benefits of a strong faith-based, challenging academic program that Immaculate Conception provides.
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Faith Formation
Religious Education & Sacraments
Have you registered for our parish religious education program yet?!Classes for children in gr K - 8 are held on your choice of Sun Mornings or Wed evenings.
Online registration available: iccparish.weconnect.com.
Questions?Contact the religion office at 410-392-3551.
This registration is also for Sacrament programs.
Note: A child must have completed Gr. 1 to prepare for First Communion. Students must have completed gr 7 and 8 to prepare for Confirmation.
Have you considered answering the call to serve in our parish Religious Education Program?You can help students 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 their faith, you will learn and grow in faith as well! We provide you with needed training, materials, and support.
Needed for Sunday Mornings:
1 Catechist 1 Assistant for Grade 3 and Grade 7
Needed for Wednesday Evenings:
2 Assistants for Gr 1 and 1 Assistant for Gr 4
Contact the religious edoffice at 410-392-3551 or for information or to volunteer.
Youth Ministry & Confirmation
July
2nd: NO YOUTH GROUP-CHWC
9th: Open Topic Night
16th: NO YOUTH GROUP
23rd: Game Night
30th: NO YOUTH GROUP
August
6th: Outside Fun
13th: NO YOUTH GROUP
20th: CHWC Recap
27th: Recruitment Sunday
9th-12th and College Age:If you are in 9th-12th or a college-age young adult, you are invited to join youth group, Sunday nights in the Parish Center from 6-8pm.
7th and 8thGr. Youth: Keep checking back on when youth group will begin.
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CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP
Thank you for your financial and prayerful support to send the teens of ICC/St Jude to Catholic Heart Work Camp in Boston, MA. We will announce the winner of the trunk in the next bulletin.
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Youth Ministry Wish List:Sodas, Pizza Gift Cards
Are you being called to serve the parish youth?If you are interested in serving the parish youth even once a month, feel free to contact Liz. We are interested in forming a Core Team of adults to help with 7th-12th grade youth groups for the ‘17-‘18 year.
Young Adults 25-40:Are you interested in meeting others your age? Are you interested in fun ways to deepen your faith? If you answered yes to either of those, then a young adult group is what your need. ICC is looking for young adults to join together to form a group. Contact Liz for more information
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Adult Education
Interested in a study group?Many opportunities are available. Call 410-392-3551.
*Look for information for Adult enrichment programs being offered beginning in the Fall! The Offerings for next year will be: WISDOM, FOOTPRINTS OF GOD, SYMBOLON PART 1 as well as several Book Discussion Offerings.
Social Concerns
Outreach:
Thank you for your help, prayers, donations to this essential ministry!!
We are currently in needof: Jelly, Cereal, Spaghetti O’s, Pancake flour.
We are also in need of laundry and dish detergent.
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee,July 9thafter the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.
Join us for Parish Coffee,July 16th after 10:15 mass! Hope to see you there!!
Parish Events / Information
Plans are underway for our Christmas Bazaar! The 43rd Annual Christmas Bazaar will be November 11th & 12th. The planning committee is looking for a volunteer to oversee advertising of the event. If you have experience or interest in helping, please contact Lisa:, 443-553-8042 or Terry:, 443-553-2324.
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Attention St. Jude’s attendees! We are in need of someone to help care for the linens after the 9:00 masses at St. Judes! This includes collecting linens after mass, laundering, starch, and ironing linens and returning them the following Sunday. If you are interested, please contact the parish office at 410-398-1100. Thank you!
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Persimmon Creek Swim Club, located in Arbour Park, City of Newark, is celebrating their 50th anniversary on July 8, (rain date July 9th). They are looking for several teenagers who need a service project to do crafts, paint fingernails, etc with the children (materials will be supplied) from 3:00-5:00pm. If you or anyone you know of is interested in this volunteer service project, they will provide him/her with a letter showing the number of service hours. Please email Ruthie Toole if you are interested. . Thanks!
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Our next Community Kitchen luncheon will be held on Friday, July 28th at the Elkton Presbyterian Church on Main Street. It is our Summer Picnic menu, which is always very popular! We serve SloppyJoes, pasta salads, watermelon, and wonderful desserts. We are asking for donations of food items which can be brought to the Parish Center the morning of the 28th, or bring it directly to the Presbyterian Churchto the dining area between 10:30-12:00. We also need volunteers to help prepare, serve and clean up after. Any assistance would be very welcome. Please call Joyce Speakman at 610-597-3135 or Kathy Chamberlin at 410-398-7299 if you would like to help. We look forward to seeing our old friends and meeting new ones in July!
School Supply Shelf
ICC Outreach will be hosting the School Supply Shelf again this summer! Families in need will be able to receive school supplies for students in Grades K-12. Give the gift of education! Monetary donations are now being requested so we can stock the Shelf for this year’s program. Tax-deductible donations to ICC Outreach can be dropped in the offertory collection, or you can contribute online – either way, please mark your donation as “School Supply.” We have an extensive list of items needed!
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Sunday, July2
8:20 AMConfessions - SJ
1:30 PMAdoration for Vocations - CH
6:00 PMHS Gathering PC
Monday, July3 -Offices Closed
9:00 AMNovena – CH
8:00 PMAA Mtg - Caf
Tuesday, July4 -Offices Closed
9:00 AMHoly Hour – CH
6:00 PMLiturgy Committee - PC
Wednesday, July5
9:00 AMRosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH
9:30 AMCantor Reh - IC
1:00 PMLeisure Club - PC
Thursday, July6
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
6:00 PMVBS - gym/ICS/caf
Friday, July7
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
7:00 PMNA - Caf
Saturday, July8
9:00 AMRosary Crusade - CH
4:15 PMConfessions - IC
7:00 PMNA - caf
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Offertory Week of: June 25Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception $8,923.23 $9,399.95
St. Jude’s $1,885.26 $1,964.17
Online $3,016.00 $2,665.66
Christmas/Easter Offerings $28,338.73 $40,131.00
$42,163.22 $54,160.77
2017-2018 Fiscal YTD Offertory Deficit ($13,935.98)
Do you have an Online Giving Account?? It is easy to set one up! 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 Wednesdays of the month at the Parish Center.
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Retrouvaille can help rediscover and rekindle your marriage. Thousands of couples have successfully saved their marriages by attending a Retrouvaille weekend. The next program is Aug 11-13 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. To register call 1-800-470-2230 or visit inquiries are confidential.
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100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrimage!!
The Legion of Mary, Wilmington Curia invites you to attend their Pilgrimage to the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at Asbury, NJ on Sat, July 29. The bus will be leaving at 8AM from St. John the Beloved Church in Wilmington, and return at 6:30 PM. The event will include talks, Mass, Rosary, Adoration, etc. Cost is $30.00 per person. To reserve a bus seat contact: Sally Rogers at 302-563-1490 or Kay Malone at 302-239-2259 by July 16. Make check payable to Wilmington Curia and mail to: Sally Rogers, 107 Loretta Lane, Bear, DE 19701.
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Annual St. Joseph Parish Carnival!!
Tuesday, July 18 - Saturday, July 22, 2017.Exciting rides, games and nightly entertainment under the big top! Special children’s game area, nightly raffles, delicious meals in our air-conditioned Parish Hall beginning at 5:30 pm. Tues.-Friday. Outdoor dining, rides and games begin at 6:00 pm nightly. FREE admission and parking!! For more information call the Parish Office 302-378-5800 or visit
June is Stock the Pantry Month for Catholic Charities!! Participate in Catholic Charities semi-annual “Stock the Pantry” project throughout the month of June! Hunger is present in our communities year-round - Catholic Charities distributes over 15,000 pounds of food throughout the Diocese every month!You can support Catholic Charities by donating non-perishable food items. Drop off canned meats, soups, fruits, and vegetables; pasta, cereal, baking mixes; peanut butter and jelly; coffee, tea, powdered milk, etc at any Catholic Charities location. Catholic Charities will also accept gift cards to grocery stores or cash donations. You can find the nearest Catholic Charities center at or call 302-655-9624.
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Jesus House Reflections: Monday evenings, Continuing Series on the Second Monday of the month: 7:00-8:30pm, Evenings of Reflection, Common Threads: God and Therapy, Weaving the Wisdom of God into our Daily Lives Jesus House Prayer and Renewal Center, 2501 Milltown Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, 302-995-6858. Retreat Leader, Dr. Christopher Hyde, PhD. will discuss techniques to help us enrich our approach to both the difficulties and joys of life. A freewill offering of $15/evening is suggested but, if you are interested, please come regardless. All offerings go to support the programs of the Jesus House. Please visit our website (jesushousecenter.org) or call our office for more information, weekly topics or to register.