SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

From Father Jim“In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey His commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith…Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.”

One day a sign outside a church read ‘God gave us commandments, they are not suggestions.’ As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we are well aware of the Lord’s desire to give us His peace, to offer us His mercy. There are two requirements for this to happen, 1. We ask for His gift of peace and pardon and 2. We acknowledge our dependence upon the Lord to be so blessed.

The ten commandments of Exodus were the requirement of the covenant. The great commandment of Jesus, love of God and neighbor allows me to focus more clearly on what I need to do. In both cases I must act. The question ‘how well am I doing?’ is answered when I look at the beatitudes of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount to discover that I am poor in spirit, meek, humble, working for justice, being a peace builder. Yes, love the children of God and keep His commandments.

2nd Sunday of Easter of the Divine MercyToday, Sunday, April 8th is “Divine Mercy Sunday.” We invite you to celebrate Divine Mercy in the following ways this weekend:1. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will

take place after the 12:00 Mass at IC.2. Those gathered will pray the Chaplet of

Divine Mercy at 2:00 PM concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

3. The requirements for the indulgence associated with this devotional activity can be satisfied by participating in any of the parish Masses and participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at our scheduled times this weekend (IC Saturday from 4:10pm - 4:50pm & SJ Sunday from 8:20am - 8:50am.)

April 9, 2018 - The Annunciation of the Lord8:30 am------------Edward Schramm

April 10, 20188:30 am------------Joseph Amberg

April 11, 2018 - St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr8:30 am------------Joseph Amberg

April 12, 20188:30 am------------Tony Sniadowski

April 13, 2018 - St. Martin I, Pope and Martyr8:30 am ------------Steven Hardy (Living Intention)

April 14, 20188:30 am------------Mimo Calvarese5:00 pm------------Genevieve Coiner (Living Intention)

April 15, 2018 - Third Sunday of Easter7:00 am------------People of the Parish8:30 am------------Marianne and Lyle Utt9:00 am SJ---------Paul Biedrzycki10:15 am-----------Gabrielle Hensley12:00 pm-----------Joan and Fred Juergens

2018 Annual Catholic Appeal“Disciples of Christ, Witnesses of Faith”

The 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal will be conducted in parishes throughout the diocese next weekend. Once a year, our Bishop asks each of us to make a commitment to support the work of diocesan programs and ministries that provide services that no one parish can offer on its own. Your gift helps bring Christ to those who seek His presence - the poor, the sick, our children and our elderly.

As parishioners of Immaculate Conception/St. Jude Parish, we are proud to be part of the Church of Wilmington. As members of the diocese, it is important for each of us to serve others by sharing our resources. Just as we are one in the body of Christ, we are also one with other parishes and with our diocese.

Our parish target is $91,000. Your financial support of the Appeal also provides funding for our parish since 100% of monies collected above our target will be returned for our parish needs.

Please give prayerful consideration to your resources and the needs of those served by the Appeal. Kindly decide the contribution you wish to make this year and come to church next week prepared to complete your pledge to offer your support.

To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Annual Catholic Appeal”.

We extend our condolences and prayers to the families of those who have recently died

Mr. Larry BeersMr. William McMahon Sr.

LITURGYReadings for next week: 3 rd Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19Peter reminds the people that they allowed Jesus to be killed, and allowed a murderer to be released. But God raised him from the dead as had been prophesied. Therefore, all people should believe and turn to God, that their sins might be forgiven.

Second Reading: I John 2:1-5aJesus was offered up for the sins of the world. The only way to prove true faith in him, is to honor his commandments. Anyone who claims to believe, yet does not keep his word, does not truly believe.

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48Jesus appeared to two disciples, though at first they feared he was a ghost. Jesus ate with them to prove he was not a ghost. He explained that he had fulfilled the prophets words about him. He also explained that in his name they must preach doing penance for the forgiveness of sins.

FR. MICHAEL CONNOLLY, OSFS RETURNS, MAY 13TH AT 1:15PM

After the Easter Season the Church’s Sunday Eucharist will return to Mark’s Gospel. Having celebrated Christ’s victory over sin and death in his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, we now return to Jesus’ Miracles and Parables-to cherish and practice the lessons He taught by His words and deeds. Come join with fellow parishioners for this presentation on Sunday, May 13th at 1:15pm in the Chapel.

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED TO BE BAPTIZED?

The next Baptism Class is, May 14th, 7:00-8:30 pm 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 to register and arrange the date of Baptism at 410-398-1100.

2018 VBS PLANNING IS HERE!

"Shipwrecked" Totally Catholic VBS is where kids learn that Jesus rescues! Our next planning meeting will be held next Monday, April 16 th at 6pm in the Parish Center. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to be part of this exciting adventure, contact the religion office at 410-392-3551 or donnamichelangelo@yahoo.com

PLANNING ON ATTENDING VBS? Register Early so T-Shirts and supplies can be ordered. VBS is for children Ages 4 through the completion of Grade 5 Online registration: iccparish.weconnect.com/vbs

ADORATION FOR VOCATIONSOn the 1st Sunday of each month, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs from 1pm-3pm in IC Chapel. Join us to pray for vocations to priesthood and religious life. The next opportunity is May 6 th. Contact Dermott Mullan at 410-398-3368.

DAILY READINGS:

Second Sunday of the Resurrection of the LordSunday.............................................Acts 4:32-35; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31

Monday....................................Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38

Tuesday..............................................................Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15

Wednesday.........................................................Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21

Thursday.............................................................Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36

Friday....................................................................Acts 5:34-42; Jn 6:1-15

Saturday.................................................................Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21

Liturgical Ministers for Next Week: April 14-15

5:00 pmAltar Servers: Damian W, Henry W • EM’s: Madison L, Gina L, Mary Anne S • Lector: Brigid W • Ushers: Eileen P, Bill B, Pat C

7:00 amAltar Servers: Ashley D • EM’s: Frank S, Gerald M, Alan S • Lector: David D • Ushers: Charles M, William C

8:30 amAltar Servers: Layla B, Jeremy M • EMs: Don H, Cecilia G, Peter G • Lector: John G • Ushers: Anthony D, Anthony M, Wendel S, Steve C

9:00 am (SJ)Altar Servers: Alex L • EM’s: William C, Pat D, Narcy Z, Carol V, Tom V • Lector: Dwight T • Ushers: Jule V, Kevin O, Bill D

10:15 amAltar Servers: Justin M, Tommy M • EM’s: Gwen D, Mary Ann E, Dana B, Carol K • Lector: Paula G • Ushers: Bob W, David B, Steve A, James D

12:00 noonAltar Servers: Carolena G, Claudia G • EM’s: Kathy C, Grace B, Corazon S • Lector: Mary K • Ushers: Teresa G, Charles C

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, April 15th is:

LITURGYLynn O’Brien

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and out trust fixed on God. If at times we are somewhat stunned by the tempest, never fear. Let us take a breath, and go on afresh. - St. Francis de Sales

IMMACULATE CONCEPTIONSCHOOL NEWS

Alleluia! He is Risen!As we continue to celebrate Easter, our families have beenenjoying time off – traveling to see friends and family, taking a much-needed

vacation, or staying home to rest and relax. It has been a wonderful opportunity to get rejuvenated and ready to tackle the end of the school year.

As we welcome students and staff back to school on Monday, we realize there are only nine weeks of school left! So much to do, and so little time! Our students will finish their Race for Ed flyers to go out to friends and family to get support for the wonderful programs that ICS offers. Walnut Street Theater productions will be performing this week. They are a troupe of actors that offers presentations on topics like bullying, peer pressure, and tolerance. Our 2nd

graders welcome special guests on Thursday since the original date was snowed out.

Do you stay at home with the kids during the day? Has the weather created ‘cabin-fever’ for you and the children? We have an answer for you! Join Gwen Davis for a seasonal activity and story geared to pre-school aged children. Our next Story Time session will be Tuesday, April 17 at 9:00am. If you have questions about the program or are interested in helping, please contact Emily Murphy at 410-398-2636.

We are making final preparations for our next Open House event that will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 1:00 - 3:00. We will be happy to talk with families about dispelling the myth that Catholic education is not affordable for most families. Topics for the open house include our tuition assistance opportunities and the new Tuition Transfer Grant program. For students transferring in to grades K - 8, it is $1,000 off the first year’s tuition and $500 off the second year. We would also be happy to

share the success stories of so many of our students in different academic areas, the arts, and athletics. If you can’t make the open house, you may schedule a school tour at any time by calling Emily Murphy at 410-398-2636.

Religious Education & SacramentsReligion Classes for Grades K-8: All Classes have ended for this year. You must register to be included in next year’s program!

RELIGIOUS ED/YOUTH MINISTRY REGISTRATION:If you have a child who will be new to the program next year, it is important to register now.

You can register either:-Online on the parish website under Faith Formation-Complete a hard copy of the forms from the parish office.**Note: Finances are never to be a reason not to register! Payment plans / assistance are available if needed. Did You Know that… -We have a Kindergarten Class that meets on Sunday Morning?-Children must have attended 1st grade to register for 1st Communion.-Students must have completed Grs 7 and 8 to register for Confirmation-Questions? Contact the parish religion office at 410-392-3551.

FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM:Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers are needed for the First Communion celebration on Sunday, May 6th at 2pm at ICC! Contact Sr. Grace at 410-392-3551 ASAP if you are able to minister at this Liturgy.

1st Communion Celebration & Rehearsal Schedule: Sun., Apr. 22nd, 9am at St. Jude

Rehearsal: Thurs., Apr. 19th, 6:30pm St. JudeSat., May 5th, 5pm at ICC

Rehearsal: Mon., Apr. 30th, 6:30pm ICCSun., May 6th, 2pm at ICC

Rehearsal: Wed., May 2nd, 6:30pm ICC

Youth Ministry & Confirmation

CONFIRMATION PROGRAM:Retreat will be held April 14, 8:00am - 2:30 pm. Report to ICS gym.Confirmation Rehearsal: Saturday, April 28th from 6 - 7:30pm ICC Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation: Sunday, April 29 th

Candidates report to ICS Gym at 11:30am. Mass at 2:00pm at IC.

YOUTH GROUP: Meeting tonight, April 8 at 6 pm. See you then!

LITURGYYOUTH MINISTRY WISH LIST: paper products, BOTTLED WATER, pizza gift card

Adult EducationADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAM: SYMBOLONAdult Classes will be held this week on Mon., Apr. 9th at 6:30pm and Tues., Apr. 10th at 9:15am. The topic will be: Who Is Jesus? Just A Good Man Or Lord of Our Lives? Next week’s topic will be: The Holy Spirit and The Life of Grace; God’s Divine Life Within Us.

SOCIAL CONCERNS

OUTREACH Please consider donating non-perishable foods to the Outreach! Thank you for your help, prayers, & donations to this essential ministry!!

We are currently in need of: Tea, rice, cereal, cream of mushroom soup, spaghetti sauce, soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, & diapers.

PARISH & FAMILY LIFE

PARISH COFFEEJoin us for Parish Coffee: TODAY, April 8th after the 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude’s.

Join us for Parish Coffee, Next Sunday, April 15th after 10:15 mass at IC! Hope to see you there.

PARISH EVENTS/INFORMATION

Thank you so much for your continuedgenerosity and support to your parish!

Weekly Church Collections: Week of April 1st ICC----------------------------$10,423.00 St. Jude------------------------$2,227.00

Online--------------------------$3,287.00Easter------------------------$12,776.00

Total Offertory--------------$28,713.00

We offer electronic giving!

How does Online giving benefit you?1. It’s easy, convenient, and safe2. Allows you to give any amount, any

time.3. Puts all offerings at your fingertips to

track your giving

How does Online giving benefit the parish?1. Creates consistency of giving to help

with financial planning2. Increases the efficiency of processing

regular giving

How to sign up?1. Visit iccparish.weconnect.com 2. Click “Go to Online Giving”

3. Sign up! It’s that easy!

Sunday, April 88:20 AM Confessions - SJ1:30 PM Baptisms - IC6:00 PM HS Gathering - PC

Monday, April 99:00 AM Novena – CH6:30 PM Adult Ed Program - PC7:00 PM Christian Yoga - gym8:00 PM AA Mtg – Caf

Tuesday, April 109:00 AM Holy Hour – CH9:15 AM Book Discussion - PC9:15 AM Adult Ed Program - IC6:30 PM Varsity Basketball Party - gym6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal - IC7:00 PM Knights of Columbus Mtg - PC7:30 PM Contemporary Rehearsal – IC

Wednesday, April 119:00 AM Rosary Crusade/SJ Novena - CH9:30 AM Cantor Reh - IC1:00 PM Leisure Club - PC3:45 PM Children’s Choir Reh - IC4:00 PM Godspell Reh - Gym

Thursday, April 129:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH10:00 AM Adult Ed Committee Mtg - PC3:00 PM Godspell Reh - gym6:30 PM Boy Scout Meeting - PC6:30 PM Cub Scouts - Caf6:30 PM PSO Exec Committee Mtg - ICS6:30 PM Cantor Rehearsal - IC7:00 PM Adult Ed Committee Mtg - PC7:00 PM Parish Choir Reh – IC

Friday, April 139:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH7:00 PM NA – Caf

Saturday, April 149:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH1:00 PM ICS Open House - ICS4:15 PM Confessions - IC7:00 PM NA – Caf

Save the Date!! Our 8th Annual Golf Classic is going to be held on June 11th at Newark Country Club! Join us for a

great day, great food, and some amazing prizes!! Spaces are limited! You can register as a golfer, sponsor, or dinner guest. Register today at the parish center! Online Registration will be available soon. We need volunteers on the planning committee and to help the day of. Contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 to register, volunteer, or for more information.

COMMUNITY KITCHEN: Our next Community Kitchen will be held on April 27th at the Elkton Presbyterian Church at noon. We will be serving soup, sandwiches, fruit, and desserts. We are asking for donations of any of these items to be delivered to the Presbyterian Church, or the Parish Center. We also need volunteers to help set up, serve, and/or clean up after. Community Kitchen is from 11:00-1:30. Please consider joining us for this worthwhile time of fellowship, not to mention a wonderful lunch! Contact Joyce Speakman at 610-597-3135, or Kathy Chamberlin at 410-398-7299 for more details. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated. If donating by check, please write ‘Community Kitchen’ in the Memo section. We thank you for your support.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES!! The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring Friday Knight at the Movies for families and children on April 27th at 7:00pm in the ICS Gym. They will be providing Free Hot Dogs, an Ice Cream Sundae Bar, and beverages! Come enjoy the timeless Classic, “The Wizard of Oz!” (Parent or Adult Chaperones are required to attend with children.) Hope to see you there!!

CHRISTIAN YOGAAll are welcome to join in a Christ-centered meditative and

gentle stretching Yoga classes. Classes are: Mondays 7 - 8:30pm in ICS gym. The next class is tomorrow, April 9th! Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat and towel. A $7 per class offering is suggested. Come to one or all classes and feel free to bring a friend!

COMMUNITY EVENTS/INFORMATION

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Bishop Becker Council 2427

443-616-5370 or www.kofc2427.org

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of themonth at 7:00 pm at the Parish Center

Registered Redners's Shoppers: Please remember to drop off your Redners's Grocery Receipts to Outreach. Once we reach a certain amount of money earned through the Redner's 'Save-A-Tape' program, Outreach can use the Save-A-Tape awards to purchase needed supplies. Kindly remember each week to generously give food donations and supplies to this important Ministry. It is greatly appreciated by those in need!

The LAOH (The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians) Meetings will be held the first Wednesdays of the month at 1:00 pm in the ICC Parish Center. Meetings run September - May. We are always looking for new members! The LAOH is a Catholic Action Group. If you are a woman who is Irish, Catholic and wanting to serve your community and learn more about your Irish heritage come join us. Contact Janice White at 410-378-3493.

CHRISTIAN YOGAAll are welcome to join in a Christ-centered meditative and gentle stretching Yoga classes. Classes are: Mondays 7 - 8:30 pm in ICS gym. The next class is tomorrow, April 9th! Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat and towel. A $7 per class offering is suggested. Come to one or all classes and feel free to bring a friend!

Did you know that Immaculate Conception is an affiliate Partner of The Franklin Institute?As a parishioner, you get discount pricing for admission and exhibits!! Go to www.fi.edu/affiliates and enter our organization code: ICCPMGRP. Check out some of the awesome exhibits they are currently running:Game Masters: The Exhibition, March 31-September 3: This exhibit is a history of the science and graphic design that goes into creating video games. It is unbelievably fun and interactive. Vikings: Beyond the Legend, October 13-March 2, 2019: Voyage back to the times when Vikings ruled the North Atlantic and sailed the seas for treasure. Come see how the Vikings lived, changed the world, and how their influence continues today!Women Champions of Science, April 17: Three pioneers in their

industries sit down with the Franklin Institute’s chief bio-scientist for a discussion

that promises to inspire, educate, and inform current issues facing our society.