 
Fourth Sunday of Advent
 From Father Jim
"Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid..."
Joseph is my confirmation name. Looking back I realized I took him as a special patron because of stories like this one in Matthew's Gospel today. As a new case worker at Catholic Charities in Washington, DC, one assignment was to place a foster child with a family. The child to be placed was being cared for by a couple who provided that interim care and knew from the start their role in the child's life was to be temporary. Throughout the time of their care the day would come when they would give the child to a family who would take the child as their own. That little baby was placed in late October but during the following December my thoughts returned to that foster couple, to the quality of selflessness in their care of the child entrusted to them, and to an insight into Joseph and Mary as Christmas approached.
"From the very beginning this child (Jesus) was not theirs but belonged to the whole world" (Living Liturgy, 2017, p.16). This advent I am noticing how each of the major players of this liturgical season have a story in Matthew's infancy narrative telling how they came to terms with the role they played in God's plan. John from prison came to terms with a servant Messiah. Mary from her prayer corner at her parent's home in Nazareth came to terms with angel's message. Now Joseph in his dream comes to term with his loves for God and Mary and the child to be born.
These advent stories are told to us so that we also may give birth to Jesus in our lives in a new and deeper way as a preparation for His coming at Christmas this year. Each of these ancestors of ours in the faith opened himself or herself to the Holy Spirit and God's plan for their lives and not only their lives but for all of us. They chose to give themselves as gifts to the one who came into their lives as a gift. Jesus was theirs to love and they loved Him. Jesus is ours to love and we can love Him too.
We extend our condolences and prayers to the families of those who have recently died:
Mrs. Rosanne Keegan
Mr. William King
Mrs. Helen Bathon Zdrojewski
Congratulations to those who were recently baptized:
McKenzie Clare McGuire
Saint Jude is requesting volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help decorate Saint Jude church following 9:00 Mass Sunday, December 18th. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Parish Epiphany Concert
Please join us for a parish Epiphany Concert on Sunday, 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.
 
December 19, 2016
8:30 AM Jaime Leonardo
12:15 PM Mary Kathryn Winner
December 20, 2016
8:30 AM Doris D. Mullen
December 21, 2016 St. Peter Canisius, Priest
8:30 AM Diane Stanziani
12:15 PM Baby Smith
December 22, 2016
8:30 AM Mary Pekarski (Living Intention)
December 23, 2016
8:30 AM Edward & Anne Weber
12:15 PM Michael Scherr
December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve
8:30 AM Gabrielle Hensley
4:00 PM IC Tony Sniadowski
4:00 PM SJ Lucas Preston (Living Intention)
6:00 PM IC Sarah Smith
8:00 PM IC Joseph J. Klein
10:00 PM SJ Ed Banas
12:00 AM IC Paz Najerc
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of The Lord
9:00 AM SJ People of the Parish
10:15 AM Mike Whitlock
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy is for children ages 5-8 ONLY. Children who are not in this category are asked to remain in church.
There is NO CLW next Sunday, December 25th. Merry Christmas!!
2016 Christmas Eve Pageants
The Parish and Family Life Committee is planning its annual Christmas Eve Nativity Pageants at St. Jude Church and Immaculate Conception Church. Children grades K-3 can participate. Sign up early, because space is limited. The pageants will be performed before the 4pm Masses at Immaculate Conception and St. Jude’s Church on Christmas Eve.
St. Jude’s - Contact Dottie Dhamer at sassydot1@comcast.net (preferred) or 443-350-7186.
Immaculate Conception - Please contact Kim Burnham at ksburnham@comcast.net (preferred) or 410-398-1181.
Liturgy
Readings for next week: The Nativity of the Lord
First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Isaiah rejoices that God is bringing his exiled people home to Jerusalem. He calls out to the people to be glad because God will restore Jerusalem.
Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6
Paul explains to the Hebrews that although God had spoken through the prophets, people could not always completely understand the message. Now God has spoken to us by sending Jesus, the son, a reflection of God’s glory and forgiver of our sins.
Gospel: John 1:1-18
John describes how the Word came into the world in the form of Jesus. All those who accept Jesus become children of God by sharing in Jesus’ love. No one has seen God, but through Jesus, God was revealed to us.
Daily Readings: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday
Is 7:10-14; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24
Monday
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25
Tuesday
Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38
Wednesday
Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45
Thursday
1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56
Friday
Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66
Saturday
Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79
Christmas Flowers:
If you would like to make a donation for Christmas Flowers in memory of a loved one, please use the envelope in your envelope packet, or put your donations in a plain envelope. The envelope can be placed in the collection or sent to the Parish Office.
Pregnant? Have a Newborn? Does your child need to be Baptized? You’re Invited! Baptism Classes are: Jan. 9, March 20, May 15 and August 21, 2017. 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 are learning about the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Do you love your Catholic faith and you want to share it with others? Please consider being a sponsor! Call the Parish Office at 410-398-1100 to sign up. It requires a small amount of effort yet you'll receive large rewards. If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please contact the Parish Office at 410-398-1100.
WE ARE NOW IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT!
This is the last opportunity to visit the many Advent resources posted on our parish website. Continue to visit the website during the Christmas Season for more resources. 
There are still opportunities before Christmas Eve to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available Sun, December 18 at SJ between 8:20-8:50am. Reconciliation will also be available on Wed, December 21 at ICC between 7:00-8:15pm. You are always welcome to call the parish for an appointment for Reconciliation, however, we will not be scheduling Reconciliation on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Weekly Family Video Reflection From Strong Catholic Families: Every Wednesday a video and reflection question is posted on the Strong Catholic Families Facebook page for families to watch, reflect, and discuss. This page is updated daily with articles, resources, and information for Catholic parents. For more family friendly resources, visit www.strongcatholicfamilies.org
ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The Revelation Class has ended. Be on the lookout for the next program that will be offered beginning in February.
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
*No Bible Timeline Classes will be held during the month of December.
Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception School News
The sounds of Christmas rang loud and clear on Thursday evening as Miss D’Amico led our students through our choral and band performances. We would like to thank Miss D’Amico for her hard work and creativity as she brings the best out of our students. Thank you, also, to our parents whose support makes such a special evening possible!
This coming week will be a short one as our students head off on their Christmas vacation. We have full days, with aftercare on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Our annual Ugly Sweater Contest will be Monday, and on Wednesday, we will have a red, white, and green dress down day.
Our vacation now begins on Thursday (Thank you Fr. Jim for the pastor’s holiday!). We will return, refreshed and rejuvenated on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.
If you know of anyone who is considering a Catholic education for their children, please have them contact the school for more information. Our next official open house will be January 31 from 8:30-11:00 during Catholic Schools Week, and then we will have another in the evening 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, Dec 18th at 8:30am & Wednesday, Dec 21st at 6:15pm
Today, Dec. 18th: Students Gr. K-6 will enact a Christmas Pageant in the gym at 8:45am. On Wed, Dec. 21st students Gr. 1-6 will participate in an Advent/Christmas Prayer Service in church at 6:30pm. Parents & families are invited to attend both.
These are the last classes before Christmas! May you know the wonder of God’s love as we celebrate the gift of Jesus this Christmas.
Religion Classes will resume on: Wednesday, Jan. 4th & Sunday, Jan. 8th. 
Sacrament of First Communion
Parents of Students who celebrated their First Reconciliation are reminded to Mark their calendar to attend the Parent Orientation Meeting for First Communion on Monday, January 30th at 6:30pm in Church.
Youth Ministry & Confirmation
DECEMBER
18th: Christmas Gathering-Reindeer Games
25th: No Youth Group-Christmas
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 Youth Room of the Parish Center from 6-8pm.
Welcome back College Students! Please join us for a fun night of Reindeer Games and Pizza in the Youth Room of the Parish Center from 6-8pm.
7th and 8th GRADE YOUTH
If you are in 7th and 8th grade, you are invited to join youth group, this Sunday, December 18th from 6-8pm in the Youth Room of the Parish Center for a fun night of Reindeer Games!
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation classes have begun. If you attend Sunday nights, please use the Youth Room entrance of the Parish Office. If you attend Wednesday or Thursday, use the Parish Office main entrance.
CATHOLIC HEART WORK CAMP
If you are interested in attending Catholic Heart Work Camp this summer in Boston there are still a few spots open. Contact Liz for details.
ATTENTION, ATTENTION, ATTENTION
Come support Immaculate Conception's Youth Ministry and have dinner with your family on Tuesday, December 20th from 5pm-8pm at the Hardee's in Elkton, MD.
Hardee's will be donating 20% of ALL sales to Immaculate Conception Youth Ministry to help send 25 youth to Catholic Heart Work Camp this summer.
If you cannot make it to Hardee's for a delicious meal, donations can be made to the church. Checks payable to: Immaculate Conception Youth Ministry Thank you for your support and prayers!
MARCH FOR LIFE: The Power of One
The annual March for Life (Friday, January 27, 2017) commemorates the passage of Roe v. Wade and invites youth, young adults, and adults 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, there is an interest meeting, Today, December 18th at 4:30pm in the Youth Room. If you cannot attend the meeting but are interested, email Liz at youthministry@iccparish.org.
YOUTH MINISTRY WISH LIST
Sodas in Cans, Gift Cards for Pizza, Plates and Napkins, Candy, Walmart and Staples Gift Cards, AAA and AA Batteries, Poster Boards If you are looking to upgrade game tables, please consider donating your old ones to the Youth Ministry (ex. Air Hockey Table, Foosball Table)
Adult Education
Interested in a study group? Opportunities are available. Call the Parish Office at 410-392-3551 for information.
Social Concerns
Outreach:
We are preparing to help over 85 families for Christmas. We are currently in need of Turkeys, gravy, sweet potatoes, and hot chocolate! We must have Christmas food no later than Dec 19th!
If you have not given your angel tree gifts please do so ASAP!! We are currently preparing to give out gifts and need all angels returned!!
Parish and Family Life
Parish Coffee: Join us for Parish Coffee, January 8th 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, December 18
8:20 AM Confessions – SJ
8:30 AM Religious Ed - S/PC
10:30 PM Baptisms - IC
5:30 PM Confirmation Class - PC
6:00 PM HS Gathering
Monday, December 19
9:00 AM Novena – CH
12:15 PM Mass - IC
8:00 PM AA Mtg - Caf
Tuesday, December 20
9:00 AM Holy Hour – CH
9:15 AM Book Study - PC
4:45 PM Finance Council
6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal - IC
7:30 PM Contemporary Rehearsal -IC
Wednesday, December 21
9:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – CH
9:30 AM Cantor Rehearsal - IC
12:15 PM Mass - IC
3:45 PM Children’s Choir - IC
5:30 PM Rel Ed Christmas Prayer Service
6:15 PM Religious Ed
Thursday, December 22 ICS No School
9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH
6:00 PM Confirmation Class - PC
6:30 PM Cantor Rehearsal - IC
6:30 PM Cub Scout mtg - caf
7:00 PM RCIA - PC
7:00 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal - IC
Friday, December 23 ICS & Parish Office Closed
9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH
12:15 PM Mass IC
Saturday, December 24
9:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH
4:00 PM Mass - IC
4:00 PM Mass - SJ
6:00 PM Mass - IC
7:00 PM NA - Caf
8:00 PM Mass - IC
10:00 PM Mass - SJ
12:00 AM Midnight Mass - IC
Christmas Liturgy Schedule
Immaculate Conception Church
Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2016
4:00pm Mass with Christmas Pageant
Pageant begins at 3:40pm with Junior Choir singing
6:00pm Mass
Carol prelude begins at 5:40pm
8:00pm Mass
Carol prelude begins at 7:40pm with the Contemporary Ensemble
12:00 Midnight Mass
Carol prelude begins at 11:30pm with the Parish Choir & Instrumentalists
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2016
10:15am Mass
St. Jude Mission Church
Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2016
4:00pm Mass with Christmas Pageant
Pageant begins at 3:40pm
10:00pm Mass
Carol prelude begins at 9:40pm
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2016
9:00am Mass
Nollaig Shona dhuit! Merry Christmas from the Ladies Ancient order of Hibernians (LAOH)! Thank you for all your support in 2016. Our meetings will resume on Wednesday January 4, 2017 at 1:00 in the Parish Center Library. If you are a Catholic woman who is Irish or of Irish decent please consider joining us. We are a Catholic Action group whose motto is Friendship, Unity and Christian charity. If you need more information please contact Janice White 410-378-3493 
The holidays are approaching and we will all be busy shopping for gifts, decorations, and more. Remember to shop at smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will donate a portion of what you spend to Immaculate Conception! #StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/52-6015220.
As you contemplate donations this holiday season, please keep Immaculate Conception Parish in mind. Your contributions are needed for everything from special programs to basic operating expenses - both are deserving of your support! For those of you who have envelopes, there is a special envelope for such gifts. We also offer the option of electronic giving. You can use our electronic giving option for both regular offerings and one-time gifts. Visit our website, iccparish.weconnect.com and click on “Online Giving”. Please remember that Christmas is on a Sunday this year, so we will be collecting for Christmas and our regular Sunday collection. Have a joyful and blessed Christmas!
Offertory December 4 Fiscal Budget
Immaculate Conception $9,974.48 $9,812.21
St. Jude’s $1,340.41 $2,050.31
Online $2,615.00 $2,782.57
$13,929.89 $14,645.10
2016-2017 Fiscal YTD Offertory Surplus $6,655.38
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.org
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month at the Parish Center.
St. John-Holy Angels Lottery Fundraiser: St. John/Holy Angels Lottery Calendars are $20 each with 90 chances to win between $50-$250! Only 1000 calendars will be sold! Sales run through December 31. Winning numbers are based on the Delaware State Lottery’s Play 3 night drawing from January 1 to March 31. Contact the Parish at apress@holyangels.net, or (302) 731-2219.”
All are Invited! Catholics and the Culture: A Conversation: January 7th, 7:00pm at Good Shepherd Catholic School, Perryville, MD Panel Discussion on Life Issues, Prayer and Direct Action, Reproductive Technology, Abortion, and Physician-assisted suicide
This time of year families visit cemeteries to pay respect to their love ones’ resting places. Search the App Store for “Wilmington Catholic Cemeteries;” a free App that enables the user to search the data base and find GPS navigation to the location. You can also place online memories of your loved ones. When visiting cemeteries be sure to be aware of your surroundings. Always hide valuables and lock your car. Call 302-656-3323 for more information.
December 19, 2016
8:30 AM Jaime Leonardo
12:15 PM Mary Kathryn Winner
December 20, 2016
8:30 AM Doris D. Mullen
December 21, 2016 St. Peter Canisius, Priest
8:30 AM Diane Stanziani
12:15 PM Baby Smith
December 22, 2016
8:30 AM Mary Pekarski (Living Intention)
December 23, 2016
8:30 AM Edward & Anne Weber
12:15 PM Michael Scherr
December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve
8:30 AM Gabrielle Hensley
4:00 PM IC Tony Sniadowski
4:00 PM SJ Lucas Preston (Living Intention)
6:00 PM IC Sarah Smith
8:00 PM IC Joseph J. Klein
10:00 PM SJ Ed Banas
12:00 AM IC Paz Najerc
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of The Lord
9:00 AM SJ People of the Parish
10:15 AM Mike Whitlock
December 19, 2016
8:30 AM Jaime Leonardo
12:15 PM Mary Kathryn Winner
December 20, 2016
8:30 AM Doris D. Mullen
December 21, 2016 St. Peter Canisius, Priest
8:30 AM Diane Stanziani
12:15 PM Baby Smith
December 22, 2016
8:30 AM Mary Pekarski (Living Intention)
December 23, 2016
8:30 AM Edward & Anne Weber
12:15 PM Michael Scherr
December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve
8:30 AM Gabrielle Hensley
4:00 PM IC Tony Sniadowski
4:00 PM SJ Lucas Preston (Living Intention)
6:00 PM IC Sarah Smith
8:00 PM IC Joseph J. Klein
10:00 PM SJ Ed Banas
12:00 AM IC Paz Najerc
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of The Lord
9:00 AM SJ People of the Parish
10:15 AM Mike Whitlock
December 19, 2016
8:30 AM Jaime Leonardo
12:15 PM Mary Kathryn Winner
December 20, 2016
8:30 AM Doris D. Mullen
December 21, 2016 St. Peter Canisius, Priest
8:30 AM Diane Stanziani
12:15 PM Baby Smith
December 22, 2016
8:30 AM Mary Pekarski (Living Intention)
December 23, 2016
8:30 AM Edward & Anne Weber
12:15 PM Michael Scherr
December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve
8:30 AM Gabrielle Hensley
4:00 PM IC Tony Sniadowski
4:00 PM SJ Lucas Preston (Living Intention)
6:00 PM IC Sarah Smith
8:00 PM IC Joseph J. Klein
10:00 PM SJ Ed Banas
12:00 AM IC Paz Najerc
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of The Lord
9:00 AM SJ People of the Parish
10:15 AM Mike Whitlock
December 19, 2016
8:30 AM Jaime Leonardo
12:15 PM Mary Kathryn Winner
December 20, 2016
8:30 AM Doris D. Mullen
December 21, 2016 St. Peter Canisius, Priest
8:30 AM Diane Stanziani
12:15 PM Baby Smith
December 22, 2016
8:30 AM Mary Pekarski (Living Intention)
December 23, 2016
8:30 AM Edward & Anne Weber
12:15 PM Michael Scherr
December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve
8:30 AM Gabrielle Hensley
4:00 PM IC Tony Sniadowski
4:00 PM SJ Lucas Preston (Living Intention)
6:00 PM IC Sarah Smith
8:00 PM IC Joseph J. Klein
10:00 PM SJ Ed Banas
12:00 AM IC Paz Najerc
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of The Lord
9:00 AM SJ People of the Parish
10:15 AM Mike Whitlock
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