From Father Jim

The word Epiphany means appearance or manifestation or showing forth. The Church commemorates three episodes in the life of Christ that first point to His divinity; First, the coming of the Magi; Second, the Wedding of Cana and Thirdly, the Baptism of the Lord. Be it Western wise men giving homage to Jesus, water changed to wine, or the Spirit hovering above Him in the Jordan…these episodes in the life of Christ proclaim Him the Son of God.

Again, we are most grateful to everyone who made our Advent and Christmas celebrations a beautiful occasion. Whatever your part, we are grateful. A special word of appreciation goes to all our parishioners and friends who contribute and support our parish. Honestly, without your generosity we could not have the active parish that we try to offer. God Bless You!

Feast Day of St. Leonie AviatJanuary 10th is the Feast Day of St. Leonie Aviat. St. Leonie Aviat was a Roman Catholic professed religious and the co-founder of the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales. We would like to wish a very happy feast day to our parishioners, alumni of Mt. Aviat, alumni of Immaculate Conception Religious Ed,

and anyone whose lives have been touched by our Oblate Sisters. We extend our thank yous, and our best wishes and prayers to all of our Oblate Sisters, especially our Oblate Sisters who participate in the Immaculate Conception Religious Education program. The Mass on Tuesday will be celebrated to honor her feast day. We invite you to please come and feel welcome!

Prayer For St. Leonie AviatGod of all goodness,

You put into the heart ofSaint Leonie Aviatan ardent desire

to live humbly like Jesus Your Son.You taught her to surrender her will to Yours

and to have a constant charity toward all.Inspired by her example,

may we too forget ourselves entirelySo that we may serve you better

and work for the happiness of others.

Grant us, through her intercession,the grace we ask of You through Jesus Christ, Our

Lord.Amen

Saint Leonie Frances de Sales, pray for us!We extend our condolences and prayers to the

families of those who have recently died:Lorretta Stigliano

We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners:Ms. Francine Sagar and granddaughter

Please join us for a parish Epiphany Concert TODAY, Sun, January 8th at 3pm at Immaculate Conception Church. All the parish ensembles will be participating in this celebration of the music of the Christmas season. A reception will follow the concert.

The Parish Music Ministry is looking for new members! Rehearsals for Christmas are now underway, and we’d love to have you join us during this joyous season! See the bulletin for the schedule of rehearsals for our hand bell, contemporary, children's, and parish choirs. We’re also looking for cantors and accompanists, who play and sing on an alternating schedule. For more information, contact Dana Brehany, Director of Music Ministry at 410-398-1100 or icsjmusic@gmail.com.

January 9, 2017 The Baptism of the Lord8:30 AM Albert Luff

January 10, 2017 8:30 AM Ed Banas

January 11, 2017 8:30 AM John Lombardo

January 12, 2017 8:30 AM Peg Bradley

January 13, 2017 St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

8:30 AM Michael CipollaJanuary 14, 2017

8:30 AM Joseph Karnick5:00 PM Maria Nerrios

January 15, 2017 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time7:00 AM Edward Fischer Sr.8:30 AM Ronald Gutowski9:00 AM SJ Michael “Mickey” Wherry10:15 AM Olivia DeFeo-Cattabiano12:00 PM Wes Startt

Epiphany of the Lord

Children’s Liturgy of the WordChildren’s Liturgy is for children ages 5-8 ONLY. Children who are not in this category are asked to remain in church.The catechist for next Sunday, January 15th is:

Grace Amoretti

January 16th, Daily Mass will be at 9:00am for Martin Luther King Jr Day. ICS and Parish Offices will be closed.

Liturgy

Readings for next week: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 This reading is a short passage from the second song of the Servant of the Lord. The Lord will show his glory through His servant whose mission is to restore Israel and bring salvation “to the ends of the earth.” Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 Paul sends greetings to the people of Corinth, who have been called to be holy and consecrated in Christ. Gospel: John 1:29-34 When Jesus visits John, John recognizes Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John further indicates that Jesus is truly the Messiah and “God’s chosen One.”

Daily Readings: The Epiphany of the Lord

SundayIs 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

MondayIs 42:1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10:34-38; Mt 3:13-17

TuesdayHeb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28

WednesdayHeb 2:14-18; Mk 1:29-39

ThursdayHeb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45

FridayHeb 4:1-5, 11; Mk 2:1-12

SaturdayHeb 4:12-16; Mk 2:13-17

ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Come and participate in the latest Adult Enrichment Offering: Catholicism: The Pivotal Players. This is a multi-part film series that illumines a handful of saints, artists,

mystics, and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church but changed the course of civilization. Come learn about their lives, their contributions to the church, and how to connect the lessons to your own life and experience. Classes will be held in the Parish Center for 13 weeks on Mon. evenings: 6:30-8:30pm beginning Feb. 6th and repeated on Tues. mornings: 9:15-11:15am beginning Feb. 7th. To register: complete forms found in the vestibule of Church, or go to our parish website at iccparish.weconnect.com

Adult EducationInterested in a study group? Call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 for more information.

ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE MTG: Thursday, January 19th at 10am

CHRISTIAN FORMATION COMMITTEE MTG: Thursday, January 26th at 3pm

The Next Bible Timeline Great Adventure Session will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 9:15am in the Parish Center. The Topic will be: Messianic Fulfillment Part 3: Luke 19:28-24:53

Pregnant? Have a Newborn? Does your child need to be Baptized? You’re Invited! Baptism Classes are: TOMORROW, Jan. 9, March 20, May 15 and August 21. 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 attend these classes. Please contact the Parish Office 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 the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 for information or to register

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!! RCIA is the process by which baptized and unbaptized Christians 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, contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 or rcia@iccparish.org to learn more about RCIA and to set up an interview with Pat Kosman. Sponsors are needed to walk with those who going through the RCIA process. Do you love your Catholic faith and you want to share it with others? Consider being a sponsor! If you are interested call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100.

Inspirational Saint Quote of the Day:

“Pray with great confidence, with confidence based upon the goodness and infinite generosity of God and upon the promises of Jesus Christ. God is a spring of living water which flows unceasingly into the hearts of those who pray.” -St. Louis de Montfort

Faith FormationImmaculate Conception School News

Happy New Year to you and your family! It was wonderful to have all the students and staff back in the school this week, sharing all the joy and excitement

of Christmas. We continued our celebration of the Christmas season through the week. As we celebrate the Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord on Monday, we bring the season to a close and return to ordinary time.

We barely have time to rest before final preparations for Catholic Schools Week begin. There will be a general PSO meeting on Thursday evening, and one of the topics will be details of the week’s events. Here is a sneak peek into some of our major events:Sunday, Jan. 29 – Waffles & Raffles – mark your calendar and bring your appetite to this event!Monday, Jan. 30 – Chick-fil-A Night – help your school & enjoy dinner at Chick-fil-A on Rt. 40Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Open House from 8:30-11:00Thursday, Feb. 2 – Talent Show - come enjoy the many, varied talents of our students.Friday, Feb. 3 – School Mass at 10:00 (Feast of St. Blaise) and the Blue & White Rally at 1:00It’s not too early to begin thinking about enrolling your child in school for next year. Our next official open house is January 31 from 8:30-11:00, and we will have

another later in the spring. Individual tours are available upon request by contacting the office at 410-398-2636.

Faith Formation

Religious Education & Sacraments

Religion Classes: Gr. K-8: Religion Classes today, Sunday, January 8th at 8:30am and Wednesday, January 11th at 6:15pm.

SACRAMENT OF FIRST COMMUNION The Parent Orientation Meeting for First Communion will be held Monday, January 30th at 6:30pm in Church. Parents are reminded to bring the paper noting their choice for First Communion Celebration to this meeting. *Any parent who is unable to attend this meeting MUST contact the religion office for their child to participate in this Sacrament Program.

Youth Ministry & Confirmation JANUARY

8th: Now Hiring15th: Game Night- Spoons22nd: Music & the Church29th: Open Topic Night

9 th -12 th 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.

7 th and 8 th GRADE YOUTH

If you are in 7th and 8th grade, please keep checking the bulletin and website for information.

CONFIRMATIONConfirmation classes have begun. If you attend Sun, please use the Youth Room entrance of the Parish Office. If you attend Wed/Thurs, please use the main entrance to the Parish Office. Don’t forget to be working on your Saint Name! The due date for all Saint Name reports is January 15.

CATHOLIC HEART WORK CAMPIf you are interested in attending Catholic Heart Work Camp this summer in Boston there are still a few spots open. If you are planning on going, ALL deposits and registration packets need to be submitted by Sunday, January 29th.

MARCH FOR LIFE: The Power of OneThe annual March for Life, Friday, January 27 commemorates Roe v. Wade and invites all to

march from the Mall to the Supreme Court building. The Mass and Rally for Life is a ticketed event. If you are interested in attending, please email Liz at youthministry@iccparish.org to get on the list. There is a meeting for ALL planning on attending, Sunday, January 15th at 4pm in the Youth Room.

Delaware 87ersIs anyone interested in attending the Delaware 87ers game, January 14th during the Faith and Family Night? If you are, Immaculate Conception Youth Ministry could benefit for your attendance. If you are interested, contact Liz for more information.

YOUTH MINISTRY WISH LIST:Sodas in cans, Pizza Gift Cards, Plates and Napkins, Candy, Walmart/Staples Gift Cards, AAA and AA Batteries, Poster Boards, Pie-in-the-face game, Bean Boozled, etc. If you are looking to upgrade your game tables, (air hockey, foosball, etc.) please consider donating your old ones to the Youth Ministry

Social ConcernsOutreach:

Thank you for all of your generosity over the Christmas Season!! With your help we were able to help provide gifts and Christmas dinners to over 85 families!!

We are currently in need of: soups, sugar, tea, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste. Thank you for all of your help, prayers, and generous donations to this essential ministry!

Parish and Family Life

Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee next Sunday, February 5th after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.

The Knights of Columbus are providing coffee and donuts after 10:15 mass at ICC, January 15th!

Parish Events / Information

Sunday, January 88:20 AM Confessions - SJ8:30 AM Religious Ed - S/PC1:30 PM Baptisms - IC3:00 PM Parish Concert - IC5:30 PM Confirmation Class - PC6:00 PM HS Gathering - PC

Monday, January 99:00 AM Novena – CH7:00 PM Baptism Class - PC

8:00 PM AA Mtg - CafTuesday, January 10

9:00 AM Holy Hour – CH9:15 AM Book Study - PC6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal - IC7:00 PM Boy Scout Leaders Mtg - PC7:30 PM Contemporary Rehearsal -IC

Wednesday, January 11 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH9:30 AM Cantor Rehearsal - IC1:00 PM Leisure Club - PC3:45 PM Children’s Choir - IC6:15 PM Religious Ed 8:15 PM Knights of Columbus Mtg - PC

Thursday, January 12 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH9:15 AM Bible Timeline - PC11:00 AM Calvert Nursing Home 6:00 PM Confirmation Class - PC6:30 PM Cantor Rehearsal - IC6:30 PM Cub Scout mtg - caf7:00 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal - IC7:00 PM RCIA - PC7:00 PM PSO General Mtg - gym

Friday, January 139:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH

Saturday, January 149:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH4:15 PM Confessions7:00 PM NA - caf

COMMUNITY KITCHEN:Our next Community Kitchen will be held Friday, January 27th at the Elkton Presbyterian Church. We are asking for donations of sandwiches, fruit, and dessert to either be delivered to the Presbyterian Church or our Parish Center. We also need volunteers to help serve. This starts around 11:00am and ends around 1:30pm. We would love to have you join us for this worthwhile and enjoyable endeavor. If you can help in any way, call Joyce Speakman: 610-597-3135, or Kathy Chamberlin: 410-398-7299. Thank you so much for your continued generosity.

The New- and Not-so- Newlywed Game Night

SAVE THE DATE! The Parish and Family Life Committee is sponsoring an evening of fun, laughter, and good food on Saturday, February 11 at 6:30. The evening will consist of a special guest host, dinner, and a game for new, and not-so-new-lyweds! Modeled after the TV show, couples will compare answers to intriguing and comical questions. More details will be available soon. This is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Tickets will be sold later this month.

Cecil County Pregnancy Center is dedicated to helping mothers and babies in Cecil County before and after birth. The Center relies entirely on donations. Our parish will sponsor a Baby Bottle campaign to support the Center on the weekend of January 14/15. Empty bottles will be provided in the vestibules of the Church that weekend. Please consider picking one up after Mass, so that you can bring it home to collect loose change, dollar bills, or a check. Please return it to the

Church on February 4/5. Thank you for your generosity. Your assistance will help build a culture of life in Cecil County.

Actual Expected $50,000$75,000

$100,000$125,000$150,000$175,000$200,000$225,000$250,000$275,000$300,000$325,000$350,000$375,000$400,000

Weekly OffertoryJuly 1, 2016-January 1, 2017

Fiscal Year-To-Date Totals

Shop with a Smile at www.smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your total to Immaculate Conception Parish!

Offertory January 1 Fiscal BudgetImmaculate Conception $6,901.90 $7,685.09St. Jude’s $1,121.57 $1,605.84Online $1,437.00 $2,179.35Christmas Offerings $16,778.00 $26,131.00

$26,238.37 $37,091.102016-2017 Fiscal YTD Offertory Deficit ($5,330.00)If you do not have an Online Giving Account; it is easy to set one up! This is a convenient way to provide consistent financial support to your church. To sign up:

1.) Go to our website: www.iccparish.weconnect.com

2.) Click on “Go to Online Giving”3.) Sign up!

Year-End Donations:In the course of year-end tax planning, you may find yourself considering extra donations. As you contemplate year-end gifts, please keep Immaculate Conception/St. Jude Parish in mind. We welcome your donations through the giving page on the church website at iccparish.org. or

in the Parish office. Your generosity will be a great help to the parish and may benefit you as you prepare your taxes!

Community Events / Information

Knights of Columbus Bishop Becker Council 2427

443-616-5370 or www.kofc2427.orgMeetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month at the Parish Center.

UD’s Autism Lab fNIRS Study: Families can participate in a study examining brain activity in infants, children and adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder, 3 months to 50 years; when performing various play or functional skills. This study involves 3 visits to our lab in Newark, Delaware. fNIRS is completely safe and non-invasive. A cap with LED lights is placed on the participant’s head as he/she completes activities. Participants receive $30. To volunteer, email abhat@udel.edu or call (302) 831-7608.

You Can Help Your Marriage! Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue, or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about or to register for the February 10-12 program, call 1-800-966-7981 or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.comEvenings of Reflection, Common Threads: God and Therapy, Weaving the Wisdom of God into our Daily Lives Monday evenings, Second Monday of each month beginning Jan 9, 7:00-8:30pm, Jesus House Prayer and Renewal Center. 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. Visit our website (jesushousecenter.org) or call 302-995-6858 for more information, weekly topics or to register.

Job Posting: SHELTER STAFFDiocese of Wilmington/Catholic Charities seeks Part-time Shelter Staff at Casa San Francisco, an emergency shelter for adults, and emergency food pantry in Milton, DE. Work schedule varies. Flexibility is critical. Ability to provide evening, weekend and holiday coverage. Preferred skills: social service experience, flexibility, able to cook and have experience with mental health, substance abuse and re-entry. Responsibilities include; oversight of shelter residents, maintenance of building security, meal prep, kitchen oversight, and assurance of building cleanliness.

High School Diploma or equivalent. One year experience, including shelter/homeless experience or its equivalent is preferred. Communication skills, ability to problem solve, handle emergencies, and ability to supervise and interact well with a diverse client population. To apply see our posting on Careerbuilder.com or go to jobs@cdow.org.

Holy Heroes Free Mass Prep Resources available: Sign up at HolyHeroesFun.com

Weekly Family Video Reflection From Strong Catholic Families: Every Wednesday a video link and reflection question will be posted on the Strong Catholic Families Facebook page for families to watch, reflect, and discuss. This Facebook page is updated daily with articles, resources, videos and family-related informationaimed at Catholic parents. For more family friendly resources, visit www.strongcatholicfamilies.org

Bring it Home:This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the ways in which Christ made himself known to the world. The gospel reading this week comes from Matthew where we hear about the journey of the Magi coming from the east to bow down before Christ and present him with gifts for a king. These Magi took a great risk traveling from the east with such precious and valuable gifts, but did it to worship and glorify the Lord. This week ask yourself, what are you willing to go through to bow down and worship Christ? Do you make excuses and avoid going to Mass and if you do attend what gifts are you bringing to the Altar? We should all strive to be as dedicated as the Magi.