Immaculate Conception Parish

February 1, 2012, 1000 Club Drawing

2012-02-09T16:48:00.001-05:00

Congratulations!!
$1,000 942 Mr. & Mrs. John Lanni, Malden

100 575 Marie Napoli, Malden

100 702 Ann Madigan, Malden

50 333 Flora Thompson, Reading

50 394 Lois Brenton, Medford

50 517 Rosemary Sullivan, Medford

50 614 Linda Keefe, Cambridge

50 195 Bob Griffin, Cambridge

50 410 Bruna Noe, Medford

50 836 Beverly Garrant, Chicopee

50 517 Rosemary Sullivan, Medford

50 379 Rita Maguire, Somerville

50 504 Kathy McLaughlin, Stoneham

25 036 Elaine & George Wolusky, Medford

25 261 Francis Fitzgerald, Everett

25 614 Linda Keefe, Cambridge

25 403 Charles Keefe, Cambridge

25 060 Grace Schaffer, Medford

25 231 Phyllis Derosiers, Brighton

25 530 Stella & Jerry Guarino, Woburn

25 607 Joyce Smith, Medford

Door Prizes

Kevin Sullivan, Medford Violet Hudson, Malden

This weekend's Mass schedule

2012-02-08T13:38:00.002-05:00

This weekend's Masses 2/11-12/12:

4:00 PM Mass Saturday- Fr. Mark Barr

7:00 PM Mass Sunday- Fr. Mark Barr

9:00 AM Mass Sunday- Fr. Richard Bakker

11:00 AM Mass Sunday- Fr. James Canniff

5:00 PM Sunday- Fr. Mark Barr

Lenten Mission in Malden/Medford Parishes

2012-02-07T14:06:00.005-05:00

Please save the dates for our Collaborative Lenten Mission this Lent! On Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM during Lent we will gather at different parishes in Malden and Medford to hear speakers, pray together and enjoy fellowship across parish boundaries. The topic this year is the Initiation Sacraments, and the schedule is as follows:

2/28 Each parish hosts the first night of the Mission - Baptism

3/6 St Francis, Medford - Confirmation

3/13 St Joseph, Medford – Eucharist

3/20 Immaculate Conception, Malden – Emmaus

3/27 Sacred Hearts, Malden– Reconciliation Service

Receptions will follow each evening's gathering. We hope you'll join us!

IC Activities Calendar- come pray with us!

2012-02-06T14:01:00.000-05:00

Mass Celebrants this weekend:

2012-02-02T12:03:00.004-05:00

4:00 PM Mass Saturday- Fr. Mark Barr

7:00 PM Mass Sunday- Fr. Richard Bakker

9:00 AM Mass Sunday- Fr. James Canniff with Deacon Mark Rumley

11:00 AM Mass Sunday- Fr. Joseph Keville

5:00 PM Sunday- Fr. Joseph Keville

See you at Mass!

It's Souper Bowl Sunday!!

2012-02-02T11:53:00.003-05:00

This weekend at all the Masses, our wonderful young people will be collecting donations (financial and food-al!) for the Souper Bowl of Caring! This nationwide collection has been happening in churches since 1990. It's unique in that the money collected in a church stays local- no funds are sent to the SBOC organization. Instead, groups and churches choose a local organization and donate what they collect to them. No middle-man!

Our Youth Ministry has been participating in the SBOC for at least 10 years, and each year they proudly support I.C.'s Helping Hands ministry, which helps the Bread of Life soup kitchen here in Malden. Please give what you can! One dollar makes a difference!

Medjugorje Message of January 25, 2012

2012-01-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

"Dear children! With joy, also today I call you to open your hearts and to listen to my call. Anew, I desire to draw you closer to my Immaculate Heart, where you will find refuge and peace. Open yourselves to prayer, until it becomes a joy for you. Through prayer, the Most High will give you an abundance of grace and you will become my extended hands in this restless world which longs for peace. Little children, with your lives witness faith and pray that faith may grow day by day in your hearts. I am with you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

For more information about the Medjugore message, email VINSALINC@COMCAST.NET

Parish Groupings

2012-01-19T17:49:00.003-05:00

Parishioners, please see the RCAB Pastoral

Planning website to learn more about the

proposed configurations of parish groupings for

the future. Proposed parish groupings for our

region were announced for our region today,

and you can read more about that at the

Archdiocesan site. Nothing is due to change for

at least a few months, and parish-wide meetings

will be held to gather input from all. Feel free to

approach any staff person with your questions,

and stay tuned for more information.

http://www.planning2012.com/2012-consultation/

1000 Club Winners

2012-01-17T12:14:00.002-05:00

$1,000 581 Doris Smith, Melrose
100 555 Phyllis DesRosiers, Brighton
100 725 SSND, Natalie A. Kelley, Worcester
50 941 Shirley McIllwain, Chicopee
50 386 Fermina Micale, Medford
50 337 L.T. Flynn, Medford
50 994 Phyllis DesRosiers, Brighton
50 740 Marie Grimm, Cambridge
50 390 Josephine Fierimonte, Tewksbury
50 828 Kevin Sullivan, Medford
50 517 Rosemary Sullivan, Medford
50 825 Yolanda Tkaczuk, Malden
50 665 Denise Gaffey, Melrose
25 548 Annette & John Connor, Medford
25 494 Charlene Caulfield, Malden
25 349 Mary Merenda, Andover
25 021 Ralph Zumpfe, Malden
25 555 Phyllis DesRosiers, Brighton
25 132 Anna Miller, Malden
25 931 Karen Zumpfe, Malden
25 012 Mrs. Ralph Zumpfe, Malden

Door Prizes Alex Perez, Malden and John Connor, Medford

The next 1000 Club Drawing will be held WEDNESDAY, February 1, 2012 at 7:30 P.M. in the lower Church Hall.

1000 Club meets tonight!

2012-01-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

Looking for a warm place to hang out for a while? Want to spend your evening with great people, eat donuts AND maybe win some mad money? Come on down to the 1000 Club. You can watch to see if your number's been called, or buy a number for the night! You could win big, door prizes too!! Join us in the hall at 7:30 in the parish hall.

IC Facilities Calendar- Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

Monthly Message from Medjugorje

2012-01-02T16:37:00.000-05:00

Monthly Message From Our Lady to Marija
Medjugorje Message of December 25, 2011

“Dear children! Also today, in my arms I am carrying my Son Jesus to you, for Him to give you His peace. Pray, little children, and witness so that in every heart, not human but God's peace may prevail, which no one can destroy. It is that peace in the heart which God gives to those whom He loves. By your baptism you are all, in a special way called and loved, therefore witness and pray that you may be my extended hands to this world which yearns for God and peace. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

For more information about the monthly message, please contact Vincent DeGeorge at VINSALINC@COMCAST.NET

Christmas Mass Schedule

2011-12-22T19:06:00.004-05:00

Masses for the Feast of the Nativity:

Saturday, December 24
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
12:00 Midnight

Sunday, December 25
7:00 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM

(there will be no 5PM Mass on 12/25)

Christmas Schedule

2011-12-17T11:56:00.002-05:00

Precious Gifts

2011-12-14T16:29:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who gave for our Advent Stars program this year, and a special thanks to all of the people who helped move and sort the gifts after the 5:00PM Mass this past Sunday. We couldn't help but start to feel some Christmas spirit, seeing all that generosity in time and treasure. Check out pictures from that fun evening, by clicking here or on the picture in this post!
-MM

Facilities Calendar

2011-12-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule

2011-12-07T11:58:00.002-05:00

We celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, our patroness, tomorrow (Thursday, December 8). Join us for Mass at 6:30AM, 9:00AM, or 7:00PM. After the 7PM, we'll celebrate with Ice Cream in the parish hall, hosted by our Youth Ministry!

Advent at Busted Halo

2011-12-06T11:48:00.003-05:00

I was going to post another great item from Busted Halo's excellent website, but I couldn't choose- so rather than featuring them every day for the rest of Advent, I'll just send you there to check it all out for yourself. Click the pic to learn, grow, pray and know about Advent!
-MM

Medjugore Message for December 2011

2011-12-06T11:41:00.001-05:00

DIRECTION FOR OUR TIME LAY APOSTLES OF JESUS CHRIST THE RETURNING KING

On the first of every month, our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service.

Jesus

Dear apostles, it is with hope that I come to you today, speaking these words to your heart. I am hoping that the plans I have for your life will come to fruition. Do I require that you be powerful? Important? Do I need you to be people of great wealth or great influence in the eyes of the world? Will My plan be threatened by your imperfection or your difficulty maintaining holiness in every moment? Do I need only angels? Or do I need apostles of good will serving exactly where I have placed them? You were created to persevere and even flourish with limited understanding of all that is happening around you and through you. Yes, dear apostles, I am filled with hope. I am hoping that you accept My love. I am hoping that you allow Me to bring you healing, daily. I am hoping that through you I can love and heal others whom you will encounter in your daily experience. I bring you so many gifts of knowing Me, both directly and indirectly. Sometimes, I bring these gifts directly into your soul. Sometimes I send these gifts to you through the soul of another. I am saying that sometimes you will be the recipient of My gifts and sometimes you will be the one delivering My gifts. We are so united, you and I. We are together now and when you are finished on earth you will understand how closely I worked with you. You will be so happy when you understand the extent to which I blessed others through you. Dear friends, I come at Christmas as an infant in a manger and you rejoice. Truly, understand, that each time you cooperate with Me in your day, you are bringing Me into the world. When you see how others were blessed through your fidelity, you will understand the fullness of rejoicing. Yes, today, your Infant King comes to you with heavenly hope. Beloved apostles, I instruct you to bring this hope to others, regardless of the circumstances around you.

For more information about the Medjugore message, email VINSALINC@COMCAST.NET

Join us for Ultreya Mass

2011-12-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

Friday December 2, 2011

Ultreya at Immaculate Conception @ 7:00 P.M.

600 Pleasant Street (route 60) Malden MA

www.icmalden.com

781-324-4941

DeColores

Friday, December 2^nd : Ultreya Mass & Meeting

In our Chapel @ 7:00 p.m.

Priest Celebrant: Fr. Richard Mehm, Pastor,

Immaculate Conception Parish

Witness Speaker: Fr. Richard Mehm, Pastor,

I. C.parish, Malden

Be a friend.... Bring a friend..... All are welcome!

Remember - Christ is counting on YOU!!

Love & peace,

Jean Bentubo

781-391-3330

Please forward this to all your Cursillo friends and family –

Everyone is invited (not just Cursillistas!)

IC Calendar updates

2011-11-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Advent!

2011-11-28T16:24:00.002-05:00

Whooooaaaaaah. It's Advent already? How did that happen??? We're already a few days in! But if you're just about ready to get ready, check out this great video from BustedHalo.com!

Medjugorje Message of November 25, 2011

2011-11-28T16:17:00.002-05:00

"Dear children! Today I desire to give you hope and joy. Everything that is around you, little children, leads you towards worldly things but I desire to lead you towards a time of grace, so that through this time you may be all the closer to my Son, that He can lead you towards His love and eternal life, for which every heart yearns. You, little children, pray and may this time for you be one of grace for your soul. Thank you for having responded to my call."

For more information about the Medjugore message, email VINSALINC@COMCAST.NET

A Grace-ful Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Are you in charge of saying grace for your family for Thanksgiving Dinner? You're in luck! There are so many beautiful prayers of thanksgiving. Check out some of them here:

A Concord Pastor Comments

Thanksgiving Prayers

A prayer for "not so perfect families" from BeliefNet

Your words do not need to be beautiful or perfect. When you're giving thanks this Thanksgiving day, the most important thing is to remember to whom you are thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from all of us at Immaculate Conception Parish. Join us for Mass at 8:30AM on Thanksgiving day.

-MM

picture credit

We Remember, We Celebrate

2011-11-20T14:11:00.002-05:00

This month of November, the Church remembers in prayer those who have died before us. At IC, we line the walls with ribbons adorned with the names of those we love and have lost, as well as write their names in the memorial book. We celebrate the lives of those lost over the last year's time with a Mass of Remembrance. Click the picture above to see pictures from the ribbons and the Mass. You'll also see pictures of our most recent baptisms. We are blessed throughout the lifespan, and celebrate every moment here!

This Weekend at IC

2011-11-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

Join us for Generations Of Faith tomorrow night- Our topic is Confirmation (Gifts for the Journey) and you can bet your saddle we'll be visited by Cal and Pardner!

Sunday at 11:00AM is our Mass of Remembrance, followed by a reception in the hall.

At 5:00PM on Sunday we welcome our Confirmation candidates and their parents at Mass, followed by pizza and a meeting in the parish hall. Don't miss a thing!

IC Social Club

2011-11-16T12:32:00.001-05:00

Come on down, the IC Social Club meets today at 1:00!

1000 Club Winners for November 2, 2011

2011-11-14T11:01:00.002-05:00

$1,000 713 Deirdre Hart Butts, Marlborough
100 534 Mr. & Mrs. Daniel H. Lennox, Sr. , Medford
100 388 Father Richard Mehm, Malden
50 227 John G. Sullo, Medford
50 354 Mary Kavanaugh, Malden
50 613 Florence Kennedy, Sneads Ferry, NC
50 061 Jane Cultrera, Medford
50 169 Carol Keenan, Winthrop
50 258 Jean Cunningham, Medford
50 788 Miriam & Bill Murray, Medford
50 584 William O’Donnell, Wakefield
50 318 Mary Feeney, Medford
50 984 Steven Vining, Saugus
25 088 Mrs. Theresa Blaton, Medford
25 416 Anna McDonough, Malden
25 280 Alice Carey, Medford
25 590 Elida Crowley, Little River, SC
25 804 Judy DiMascio, Medford
25 927 Mary Judge, Medford
25 987 Maureen Dischino, Medford
25 533 Mr. Joseph McAdam, Medford

Door Prizes Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Everett \ John Connors, Medford

The next 1000 Club Drawing will be held WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the lower Church Hall.
We must enforce our rule that if your number is not paid for three consecutive months of a year, that number will be canceled. We are not responsible for typographical errors.

*Please Note: Many members choose to pay for their numbers in advance for one year at a time. This method is also the easiest system for the committee to process. Please consider this payment option. Any member paying their number or numbers, at any time, for one year, will pay only $55.00 for 12 payments. This is a savings of $5.00 per number.

Thank you and Congratulations to all the Winners!

The 1000 Club Committee

Baptism dates for 2012

2011-11-02T16:22:00.004-04:00

Our baptism dates for the first six months of 2012 have been posted. Check out the sacraments link above to find out more. Remember, families must register (in person) at least one calendar month prior to their desired date. That means that if you want your baptism in February, for instance, you must register the first Sunday of January. We baptize up to 6 babies each month/per ceremony, and never can tell when we'll fill up for a particular date, so please be flexible with your date requests, and we will do all we can to schedule you for the date you want. Please consider having your child baptized at a weekend parish Mass. We love baptisms at parish Masses!
Please contact Margo Morin at pf@icmalden.com with any questions you have.

Generations of Faith in October

2011-10-14T13:10:00.002-04:00

Well, it's that time again... time for GOF at I.C. We gather tonight at 6:00 PM in the Hall and Sunday, October 16th at 12:15 PM in the Hall. All are welcome!

Parish Picnic Pics!

2011-09-29T12:23:00.002-04:00

Our parish picnic, postponed from the Spring but landing on a beautifully warm sunny September day, was a great success!! Thank you to all who volunteered to make it run smoothly. Enjoy this batch of pictures from that happy day, from the Caron family!

IC Facility Calendar

2011-09-20T12:09:00.002-04:00

Introducing our new parish facilities calendar, hosted by Google and updated by Margo Morin.

This calendar is clickable- click on events to see contact information, location and other details.

To have an event added to this calendar, or if you see errors in your group's listing, email Margo Morin.

Generations of Faith Today!

2011-09-18T09:48:00.003-04:00

All are welcome to join us at Generations of Faith today at 12:15 PM in the Hall. We have a big surprise for you all, so come on down!

LEX Online

2011-09-14T11:24:00.002-04:00

If you've never been, or have been unable to attend LEX, here's a sneak peek! What follows here is the worksheet we use together to discuss the readings. We read the Gospel once out loud, listening for a word/phrase/image and then read it again, and then discuss- after the reading below you will find discussion questions and some quotes as "food for thought." Please feel free to share your reflections in our comments section! Lex meets for two more weeks, Tuesdays at 7PM in the hall, and is for adults. Join us!

LEX- A Closer Look at the Sunday Reading
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 18, 2011

Step One: Listen to the Word
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 20:1-16a)

Jesus told his disciples this parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o'clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.' So they went off.
And he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o'clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them,
'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'
When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.' He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?' Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Step two:
Share your word, phrase, or image, but do not explain why you have chosen it. Just speak the word or phrase out loud, if you are comfortable doing so.

Step three: Hear the Word again.

Step four: Share your thoughts on the reading.

· What is the sin here? Who is the sinner?
· Are you comfortable with the idea that the Kingdom is purely a gift, not awarded on merit? What is the role of good works/effort in a Christian’s life?
· Does this parable argue against rules for the church?
· If access to the Kingdom depended on merit, how do you think you’d do?
· When you pray “Thy Kingdom come” are you praying about this kind of kingdom?

This parable tells something about our relentless drive to assign value to our lives. -Mickey Anders

Robert Smith (Matthew, Augsburg Commentary) has this wonderful summary: "It is simply a fact that people regularly understand and appreciate God's strange calculus of grace as applied to themselves but fear and resent seeing it applied to others."

Johnny Carson tells a story about the time when, as the host of the Tonight Show, he made a joke about there being a toilet paper shortage in the city. The next day there really was a shortage because all the viewers who had watched his show ran out afterward and bought up extra toilet paper just in case. There was no trust in the fact that people, if they chose to work together, could ration out the toilet paper to make sure there would be enough for everyone. People panicked and grabbed not what they needed, but more than they needed, leaving others with nothing at all. When people allow their lives to be directed by this kind of fear and self-love, then they find out when they die and finally have the opportunity to enter into a heavenly community, that it is not really what they want at all. Rev. Sarah Buteux

In a Dennis the Menace cartoon, Dennis and his little friend Joey are leaving Mrs. Wilson's house, their hands full of cookies. Joey says, "I wonder what we did to deserve this." Dennis answers, "Look, Joey. Mrs. Wilson gives us cookies not because we're nice, but because she's nice."

Closing Prayer: Blessing of Travelers
O Lord, walk by our side to help us;
Be our companion and our strength on the road
and our refuge in every adversity. Amen.

We Remember 9/11

2011-09-14T11:21:00.003-04:00

Thank you to all who attended our beautiful 9/11 Mass for First Responders. What a gorgeous day, and it was wonderful to have our church filled with people, remembering and honoring those we've lost together. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus for their special hospitality. Thank you to Linda Ryan for this picture, taken from the choir loft! Click the picture for a larger version.
-MM

Generations of Faith Update

2011-09-12T14:30:00.003-04:00

Well, the good news for GOF is that we are full on Friday nights. The bad news is that we are full on Friday nights. This means all of you who still want to register can come on Sundays. Complete the Registration Form (see above) and bring it with you this Sunday, September 18th at 12:00 PM to the Lower Church. We are very excited about this year's adventure: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: Seven Sacraments - One Destination. All are welcome!

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-08T17:43:00.001-04:00

As we can't help but notice, the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 comes up this Sunday. It's unsettling to see the footage of that awful day over and over again, and the only response can be to turn to God in prayer. This Sunday's readings are about forgiveness, and the Christian is challenged to glean what God expects from us- are we to forgive those who would do such heinous acts against our fellow citizens? Does forgiveness, the way Jesus describes it in Matthew's Gospel this weekend, mean acceptance of terrible actions?
There's much to pray about. Join your parish as we honor first responders this Sunday at 11:00 AM. In the meantime, check out these suggestions for spiritual practices, these prayer helps, and opportunities to think about how your faith informs your sense of justice.Do you know of other helpful 9/11 resources? Please share them in our comments box, below.
-MM

Happy First Day of School!

2011-09-06T12:15:00.001-04:00

At Immaculate Conception Parish, every day is the first day of school! That's because we never stop learning here. So, happy first day of school to EVERYONE; fellow students of life, love and faith.
Click here for a prayer for teachers
Click here for prayers for students
Click here for more prayers, including one for Lifelong Learning!
-MM

That Was The Day!

2011-08-31T16:18:00.002-04:00

Did you see Fr. Mehm on Catholic TV's This Is The Day? Don't worry, you can watch it here! We think he did great, and are all so proud. Pass on the good news that this parish is a vibrant place, growing in faith and fellowship every day!

This Is The Day on Catholic TV!

2011-08-30T12:47:00.003-04:00

Can't talk now, we're installing the star on our pastor's office door... check out the promo for his visit to Catholic TV's "This Is The Day" here, and check back soon to see the whole show online! (It'll be shown on Catholic TV tonight at 7:30 as well... set your DVR!)
-MM

Batten Down the Hatches...

2011-08-25T12:40:00.005-04:00

Looks like we'll have quite a storm on our hands this weekend, so let's be prepared. Check out this website for helpful evacuation tips, just in case, and power-outage tips too. It's always good to be prepared!
As always, Mass will go on here at IC but we want you to be safe above all, so please only come out if it's safe to do so. We're expecting large crowds at the 4:00 Mass due to people getting to Mass before the storm hits, so please be patient and welcoming, even if someone is in your regular seat!!! :)
And of course, let's keep our neighbors in prayer- those far away down the coast and those nearby. Can you think of a neighbor who might need extra help in facing a storm, or who could use a visit/check-in?
Click here for hurricane prayers, thanks to the Archdiocese of New Orleans!

Fr. Mehm: Future TV STAH

2011-08-24T16:24:00.002-04:00

Set your DVR's and alarm clocks, and be sure to watch our own Fr. Mehm on Catholic TV's "This Is The Day" with IC's old friend Fr. Reed. 10:30AM on Tuesday, August 30. Watch for his secret signal! (Okay, there is no secret signal. Or is there?)
-MM
Check out TITD on CTV

The State of the World for Incoming Fresh-people

2011-08-23T16:53:00.002-04:00

Every year, Beloit College publishes the "Mindset" list of young people entering college. It is always eye-opening, and surely does give insight into the mindset of young people today. Read on and be amazed!
-MM

The Mindset List for the Class of 2015

Andre the Giant, River Phoenix, Frank Zappa, Arthur Ashe and the Commodore 64 have always been dead.

Their classmates could include Taylor Momsen, Angus Jones, Howard Stern's daughter Ashley, and the Dilley Sextuplets.

There has always been an Internet ramp onto the information highway.
Ferris Bueller and Sloane Peterson could be their parents.
States and Velcro parents have always been requiring that they wear their bike helmets.
The only significant labor disputes in their lifetimes have been in major league sports.
There have always been at least two women on the Supreme Court, and women have always commanded U.S. Navy ships.
They “swipe” cards, not merchandise.
As they’ve grown up on websites and cell phones, adult experts have constantly fretted about their alleged deficits of empathy and concentration.
Their school’s “blackboards” have always been getting smarter.
“Don’t touch that dial!”….what dial?
American tax forms have always been available in Spanish.
More Americans have always traveled to Latin America than to Europe.
Amazon has never been just a river in South America.
Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you're talking about LeBron James.
All their lives, Whitney Houston has always been declaring “I Will Always Love You.”
O.J. Simpson has always been looking for the killers of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
Women have never been too old to have children.
Japan has always been importing rice.
Jim Carrey has always been bigger than a pet detective.
We have never asked, and they have never had to tell.
Life has always been like a box of chocolates.
They’ve always gone to school with Mohammed and Jesus.
John Wayne Bobbitt has always slept with one eye open.
There has never been an official Communist Party in Russia.
“Yadda, yadda, yadda” has always come in handy to make long stories short.
Video games have always had ratings.
Chicken soup has always been soul food.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has always been available on TV.
Jimmy Carter has always been a smiling elderly man who shows up on TV to promote fair elections and disaster relief.
Arnold Palmer has always been a drink.
Dial-up is soooooooooo last century!
Women have always been kissing women on television.
Their older siblings have told them about the days when Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera were Mouseketeers.
Faux Christmas trees have always outsold real ones.
They’ve always been able to dismiss boring old ideas with “been there, done that, gotten the T-shirt.”
The bloody conflict between the government and a religious cult has always made Waco sound a little whacko.
Unlike their older siblings, they spent bedtime on their backs until they learned to roll over.
Music has always been available via free downloads.
Grown-ups have always been arguing about health care policy.
Moderate amounts of red wine and baby aspirin have always been thought good for the heart.
Sears has never sold anything out of a Big Book that could also serve as a doorstop.
The United States has always been shedding fur.
Electric cars have always been humming in relative silence on the road.
No longer known for just gambling and quickie divorces, Nevada has always been one of the fastest growing states in the Union.
They’re the first generation to grow up hearing about the dangerous overuse of antibiotics.
They pressured their parents to take them to Taco Bell or Burger King to get free pogs.
Russian courts have always had juries.
No state has ever failed to observe Martin Luther King Day.
While they’ve been playing outside, their parents have always worried about nasty new bugs borne by birds and mosquitoes.
Public schools have always made space available for advertising.
Some of them have been inspired to actually cook by watching the Food Channel.
Fidel Castro’s daughter and granddaughter have always lived in the United States.
Their parents have always been able to create a will and other legal documents online.
Charter schools have always been an alternative.
They’ve grown up with George Stephanopoulos as the Dick Clark of political analysts.
New kids have always been known as NKOTB.
They’ve always wanted to be like Shaq or Kobe: Michael Who?
They’ve often broken up with their significant others via texting, Facebook, or MySpace.
Their parents sort of remember Woolworths as this store that used to be downtown.
Kim Jong-il has always been bluffing, but the West has always had to take him seriously.
Frasier, Sam, Woody and Rebecca have never Cheerfully frequented a bar in Boston during primetime.
Major League Baseball has never had fewer than three divisions and never lacked a wild card entry in the playoffs.
Nurses have always been in short supply.
They won’t go near a retailer that lacks a website.
Altar girls have never been a big deal.
When they were 3, their parents may have battled other parents in toy stores to buy them a Tickle Me Elmo while they lasted.
It seems the United States has always been looking for an acceptable means of capital execution.
Folks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have always been able to energize with Pepsi Cola.
Andy Warhol is a museum in Pittsburgh.
They’ve grown up hearing about suspiciously vanishing frogs.
They’ve always had the privilege of talking with a chatterbot.
Refugees and prisoners have always been housed by the U.S. government at Guantanamo.
Women have always been Venusians; men, Martians.
McDonalds coffee has always been just a little too hot to handle.
“PC” has come to mean Personal Computer, not Political Correctness.
The New York Times and the Boston Globe have never been rival newspapers.

Congratulations and Welcome...

2011-08-21T15:38:00.001-04:00

... to Gianna, Gia, Christian, John Paul, and Lyla, baptized today by Fr. Barr. Click here or on the picture for more scenes of the day!

August 3, 2011, 1000 Club Drawing

2011-08-11T15:50:00.003-04:00

$1,000 582 Florence Benoit, Somerville

$100 752 John Rumrill, Medford

$100 123 Mrs. Clayton Forbes, Malden

$50 073 Mr & Mrs James Gaffey, Medford

$50 021 Ralph Zumpfe, Malden

$50 505 Patti MacLean, Medford

$50 709 Erin North, Malden

$50 136 Robert Garrant, Chicopee

$50 485 Robert & Kathleen Hayes, N. Reading

$50 350 Thomas Monahan, Malden

$50 242 Linda Partz, Newton Highland

$50 348 Claire Donohue, Arlington

$50 897 Gertrude Ferland, Boxford

$25 752 John Rumrill, Medford

$25 098 Kathlee Laing, Medford

$25 943 Linda Rea, Charlestown

$25 368 Vera Carozza, Malden

$25 857 Mr Romeo Lupi, Medford

$25 777 Shirley McIlwain, Malden

$25 132 Anna Miller, Malden

$25 583 Brenda Smith, Malden

There were 10 unpaid numbers drawn this evening

Door Prizes

John Skerry, Malden

Bonnie Fitzgerald, Everett

The next 1000 Club Drawing will be held WEDNESDAY, September 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM in the Hall.

We must enforce our rule that if your number is not paid for three consecutive months of a year, that number will be canceled. We are not responsible for typographical errors.

Thank you and Congratulations to all the Winners!

The 1000 Club Committee

Feast of Assumption Mass Schedule

2011-08-10T17:27:00.002-04:00

Monday we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Join us for Mass at 6:30AM, 9:00AM, or 7:00PM.
In some places, it is traditional to bless the seas, and many people are sure to dip a toe in the ocean on Asssumption. Maybe this is your year for a new Assumption family tradition!

webinars for catechists

2011-08-07T15:54:00.000-04:00

Thinking about teaching at GOF this year? Here's an inspiring set of webinars to help you get in the spirit! They're free, available on youtube. Check them out!

Congratulations Fr. Mehm: Chaplain of the Year!

2011-07-26T18:03:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday the Knights of Columbus awarded our pastor, Fr. Mehm, the first ever Chaplain of the Year award. To thunderous applause he was given a beautiful stole to mark the honor. Congratulations to Fr. Mehm, we are all very proud! Click here or on the picture to see more.
-MM

Crisis in East Africa

2011-07-25T17:34:00.002-04:00

Let us not wait to help our brothers and sisters in East Africa, who are in serious crisis due to drought. You can donate through Catholic Relief Services today by clicking the picture, or here.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

- John 15:12

Going on Vacation? The Pope has a tip for you!

2011-07-20T16:44:00.002-04:00

Click here or on the pic to read all about it!
-MM

July 13, 2011, 1000 Club Drawing

2011-07-19T17:03:00.001-04:00

$1,000 917 Robert McGovern, Medford

$100 918 Harry Bouley, Abington

$100 441 Alice Carey, Medford

$50 911 Elizabeth Pare, Medford

$50 295 Denise Kirsch, Malden

$50 378 Mary Tonzillo, Medford

$50 732 Doris Dowling, Malden

$50 454 Claire Terrio, Arizona

$50 119 Andrea Turner, Malden

$50 518 Ruth Keenan, Stoneham

$50 405 Anne Mancino, Medford

$50 806 Doris Flynn, Medford

$50 390 Josephine Fierimonte, Tewksbury

$25 531 Mr & Mrs Louis Motta, Lynnfield

$25 133 Barbara Conlon, Malden

$25 748 Mr & Mrs John Connor, Medford

$25 048 Norma Nolan, Malden

$25 480 Jane Whooley, Medford

$25 610 Eleanor McCarthy, W. Yarmouth

$25 959 Lillian Galvin, Florida

$25 862 Peter & Mary Carbone, Medford

There were 16 unpaid numbers drawn this evening

Door Prizes

Betty Martell, Malden

Pat Gaffey, Medford

The next 1000 Club Drawing will be held WEDNESDAY, August 3, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the lower Church Hall.

Thank you and Congratulations to all the Winners!

The 1000 Club Committee

Summer Theology Talks

2011-07-14T16:18:00.001-04:00

Beginning on July 10 through August 28, Fr. Barr will offer a series of short talks on various theological topics on Sunday nights at 7:00 PM in the Upper Church. Each forty-five minute talk will include a presentation, time for questions and discussion, and the opportunity for Fr. Barr to get to know the people of Immaculate Conception Parish. All are welcome to attend. The schedule is as follows:

July 10 Summa in Stone:

Art & Architecture of the Church.

July 17 Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi:

The role and importance of Language in Prayer and a look at the Revised Translation of the Roman Missal.

July 24 NO PRESENTATION

July 31 The Holy Mass:

Its Elements and Parts

August 7 What is Sin?

And how is sacramental confession its remedy?

August 14 Our Blessed Mother Mary:

Her role and preeminence in salvation.

August 21 The Real Presence:

How do we understand the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

August 28 The Four Last Things:

The Catholic Understanding of death, judgment, Heaven and Hell.

Hapy Birthday Mary!

2011-07-12T18:16:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to one of our favorite 100-year-old parishioners, Mary Jones! She was honored with flowers at Sunday's 5PM Mass- click the pic to see more. God bless you Mary!!

Catholic Heart WorkCamp Update!

2011-07-07T12:36:00.003-04:00

Our young people and adults are doing great! They're working hard, giving generously, having fun, and growing in faith and friendship. Thanks for your support and prayers this week!! Check out pictures here !

Traders

2011-07-05T11:53:00.002-04:00

Watching this great video, I can't help but think of the young people and adults who, right now, are trading their vacation week for a week of hard work and generous giving to people in need in the Lawrence MA area at Catholic Work Camp. How about you? Are you ready to be a TRADER?
-MM

Monthly Message From Our Lady

2011-07-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

Message of July 2, 2011

“Dear children; today I call you to a difficult and painful step for your unity with my Son. I call you to complete admission and confession of sins, to purification. An impure heart cannot be in my Son and with my Son. An impure heart cannot give the fruit of love and unity. An impure heart cannot do correct and just things; it is not an example of the beauty of God’s love to those who surround it and to those who have not come to know that love. You, my children, are gathering around me full of enthusiasm, desire and expectations, and I implore the Good Father to, through the Holy Spirit, put my Son – faith, into your purified hearts. My children, obey me, set out with me.”

Don't eat lunch!!

2011-06-29T11:37:00.002-04:00

Gather up all your hungry feelings (and hungry friends) and join your favorite Youth Ministry at Kelly's Roast Beef in Medford MA from 4-8:00PM for our Catholic Heart WorkCamp fundraiser!! 25% of all sales with our special coupon benefit the YM's trip to camp next week. Your friend clams could help give an IC kid the best week of his or her life!!

Bring a couple extra bucks for the Summer Fun Basket raffle, too. Watch for our group at a table in the restaurant, and stop by to say hello. You can print out the coupons from our bulletin here (see page 5).

Thanks so much!!! And, while you're at it, please keep our campers and adult leaders in your prayers!!

-MM

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T14:42:00.002-04:00

In honor of Father's Day, we offer a prayer to the Foster Father of Jesus, St. Joseph, patron of fathers:
Great St. Joseph, to whose will the Savior subjected Himself, obtain for me the grace to subject myself in all things to the will of God. Through the merits you obtained when in the darkness of night you obeyed the angel's commands, ask for me this grace, that nothing may detain me from fulfilling the will of God with perfect conformity. In the stable of Bethlehem, on the flight to Egypt, you recommended yourself and those dear to you to divine Providence. Ask for me this same grace to conform myself to the will of God in discouragement and despondency, in health and sickness, in happiness and misfortune, in success and failure so that nothing may disturb the tranquility of my soul in obediently following the way of God for me. Amen.
Happy and blessed Father's Day to all!
-MM

CAR WASH this Saturday!!

2011-06-16T16:43:00.001-04:00

This Saturday: CAR WASH in the parish parking lot- come and support our teens attending Catholic Heart WorkCamp this Summer and get your car "Immaculately clean!" 10:00 AM-3:00 PM and it's a bahgain at only $5.00.

What do you think?

2011-06-15T10:06:00.001-04:00

Parish Picnic Postponed!

2011-06-09T16:04:00.001-04:00

News flash from Picnic Planning Central!! We are postponing the Parish Picnic, originally scheduled for this Sunday. We hear there's going to be some nasty weather and on top of that, there will be road closings in our neighborhood due to the Fast 14 project on Route 93. I guess we can stop praying so hard for sun (in fact, if it ends up sunny on Sunday, we'll be sorely disappointed!). We are looking to a September date, so stay tuned. Thanks to all who were prepared to volunteer and to attend!

-MM

June 1, 2011, 1000 Club Drawing

2011-06-09T16:02:00.001-04:00

$1,000 706 Mary Abrams, Malden

$100 510 Joanne Servideo, Malden

$100 506 Patricia Erlandson, Malden

$50 400 Kara Dunn, Everett

$50 133 Barbara Conlin, Malden

$50 280 Alice Carey, Medford

$50 029 Mary Barnes, Medford

$50 323 Brian Carroll, Malden

$50 783 Marie Ellis, Malden

$50 055 Margaret Keefe, Medford

$50 759 Helen & John Curley, Medford

$50 794 Susan McCole, Malden

$50 817 Pat Serio, Medford

$25 390 Josephine Fierimonte, Tewksbury

$25 948 Robert & Kathleen Hayes, N. Reading

$25 381 Josephine Savarino, Medford

$25 583 Brenda Smith, Malden

$25 304 Richard & Donna Connelly, Stoneham

$25 365 Mary Yanus, Medford

$25 904 Kathleen Sullivan, Woburn

$25 164 Ann Mestas, Malden

The next 1000 Club Drawing will be held WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2011 at 7:30 PM in the Hall.

We must enforce our rule that if your number is not paid for three consecutive months of a year, that number will be canceled. We are not responsible for typographical errors.

Thank you and Congratulations to all the Winners!

The 1000 Club Committee

Pentecost Parish Picnic - Sunday, June 12

2011-06-07T00:29:00.007-04:00

All are welcome to our annual Parish Picnic, this Sunday, June 12th - the Feast of Pentecost. Wear red and join in the fun... for all ages! Great food provided by the Knights of Columbus (I.C. Council 13966), relay races, face painting, and fun games for the kids, the Adrenaline Rush for older kids and kids at heart, along with music, raffles, and displays from Parish Ministries... something for everyone! Look for the big tent and the listen for the laughter on Pentecost Sunday, June 12th from 12 Noon to 3 PM at our School Sisters of Notre Dame Park. Only $3 per person, a family for $10.

Ascension Thursday

2011-06-01T13:57:00.004-04:00

We wish you a blessed Ascension Thursday. On this day (June 2) we celebrate the day that Jesus rose to heaven after His resurrection. You can read about it here! You celebrate this holy day by eating some kind of bird/fowl for dinner, symbolizing Jesus' flight to heaven, or you can climb hills to remember Jesus and his apostles climbing Mt. Olives, from where Jesus ascended. In Venice, Italy, the clock at the Piazza San Marco rings out and the three magi make a lap around the bell tower- check it out!

ASCENSION DAY IN VENICE

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But of course, the best way to celebrate Ascension Thursday is to come to Mass with your fellow parishioners. Join us at 6:30AM, 9:00 AM, or 7:00PM on Thursday, June 2.
-MM

Bonfire Night at IC!

2011-05-26T20:43:00.002-04:00

Our Charismatic Prayer Group hosted a Bonfire night here at IC this evening... no, there was no pile of wood burned in the chapel- although there were candles, and hearts burning. A wonderful evening, with lots of new visitors! Check out the pictures by clicking on the pic:

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-26T15:24:00.003-04:00

We wish you all a very happy, blessed, and Catholic Memorial Day!
-MM

The Charismatic Prayer Group Invites You!

2011-05-25T17:41:00.001-04:00

God wants to set the World on Fire!

The IC Charismatic Prayer Group is inviting all parishioners and staff members to a Bonfire Day, Thursday, May 26th in the Chapel from 7:30-9:00 pm. Please join us and experience for yourself a deeper encounter with Jesus through the fire of the Holy Spirit!

Refreshments & Dessert will be served in the Church Hall.

Congratulations to our Newly-Confirmed!

2011-05-24T16:30:00.003-04:00

58 of our young people (and one adult) were Confirmed this past Sunday at Immaculate Conception Parish. Bishop Hennessey presided and we were blessed by the presence of 3 seminarians and of course our Pastor was in attendance, overseeing it all. Many thanks to the entire parish for journeying with our young people toward this new stage in life, to the young people themselves and their parents and sponsors; to all the volunteer ministers who have held up our newly-Confirmed in prayer, and to Scott Morin, our Coordinator of Youth Ministry. It was a very happy day! Click the picture for more!

Happy Day at IC (and sad)

2011-05-22T16:15:00.003-04:00

Today we welcomed 6 babies to the Church through baptism, and bade our friend Fr. Tamiru a fond farewell. He leaves us this month for his new assignment in Abington at St. Bridget's. Check out the pictures from today's festivities:

We Celebrate Confirmation!

2011-05-21T12:23:00.004-04:00

We are happy to announce our Candidates for Confirmation on Sunday, May 22nd at 5:00 PM. Bishop Robert Hennessey, Presiding.

Amanda Adams, Crystal Araiza, Jessalynne Brown, Joseph Buckley, Kerriann Butler, Anita Caceda, Marisa Cagno, Mary Carrozza, Ryan Caulfield, Robert Cappucci, Valerie Cogliano, Priamo Compres, James Conlon, Gabrielle Crugnale, Andrew DeLacey, Lisa DeLacey, Robert DeSantis, Evan Dobson, Alexander Farrell, Kyle Foley, Andrew Fontana, Richard Freddura, Bridget Furlong, John Gangloff, Joshua Gaviola, Amy Gerokoulis, Charles Gibson IV, Kimberly Gottschalk, Michael Gugliotti, Melissa Light, Mariana Lima, Nicholas Longo, Samantha Longo, Alexandra Ly, Rachel MacNeill, Joseph Marckini, Frank Martens, Henry Martin, Jacob Martino, David Matnog, Brittany McFeeley, Devon Moran, Alycia Nairinckx, Sarah Neal, Tamara O’Connell, Nicole Parziale, Amanda Ramsey, Elaina Savino, Louis Sensale III, Eric Souza, Courtney Sullivan, Jordan Sullivan, Trent Sullivan, Gina Turco, Cameron Viola, Nicholas Viola, and Paige Yurek.

Basic Catechist Certification: open to all who are interested!

2011-05-17T16:46:00.003-04:00

What Is Basic Catechist Certification?

Basic Catechist Certification is a program offered by the diocesan Office of Religious Education. The program is meant both to deepen the catechetical and theological background of current catechists in parishes but also affords other adults an opportunity to deepen their faith and understanding. The Certification program requires 16 hours of methodology [A Contemporary Understanding of Religious Education, Learning Styles, Defining Faith, Belief, Religion, etc.] and 16 hours of Theology [Jesus, Church, New Testament, etc.] for one to be certified.

One might ask: “Why would someone want to be a certified catechist”? There are at least three answers to this question. First, to become a more knowledgeable and effective catechist in your parish. The Catholic faith is rich and vast and, the more we come to know, the more we will be at home in handing on the faith of the Church. Second, for your own personal religious and spiritual growth. For many of us with busy family and work lives, taking the time to study, discuss and reflect on religious issues can provide an oasis for enriching our lives and enlivening our spirits. Finally, pursuing this certification can be a boon to the larger parish of which you are a part. As we all know, the future of our Church depends on a spirit of Evangelization where all are called to share faith, not only with our immediate community, but in the world around us – our neighborhoods, workplaces and communities. A course of study like this goes a long way towards instilling confidence to do this with knowledge and conviction.

We have a very kind and generous offer from Susan Kay and Susan Abbott of the diocesan Office of Religious Education to come to Holy Family in Concord this summer and do 8 hours of methodology course work for Holy Family catechists, other adults as well as catechists from neighboring parishes who would like to work towards Basic Catechist Certification. It is our hope that we will complete the Methodology component in another 8-hour segment next summer. Cost for the entire 16 hours [8 this summer and 8 next year] is $80 payable to the Office of Religious Education and includes books, which will be used in the course. Contact Elaine Connelly at the IC Faith Formation office to see how IC can help you with this fee! The 16-hour Theological Component also required for Certification can be attained by some offerings available at Holy Family parish’s adult formation series during the year or other speakers sponsored by the diocese or other parishes.

This is a great opportunity for adult religious learning as well as for invigorating our various programs with well-trained and better-informed catechists. We urge you to consider being part of this initiative. The four methodology classes this summer will be held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, June 15-16 and 22-23 from 7:00 to 9:15 PM in Holy Family’s West Concord office at 55 Church Street. Since we need commitments from at least 20 adults to make this a viable venture, please contact Ken Meltz in Concord at his parish email address dff55church@aol.com by June 1.

Should we outgrow our own air conditioned space at the parish office, we have a very kind offer from Pat Marks at St. Michael’s in Bedford to move a few miles and use their parish center which can accommodate more people in an equally comfortable, air conditioned environment.

May is Mary's Month at IC...

2011-05-15T15:54:00.002-04:00

...and everywhere! And, we celebrate great events like the High School graduation Mass, and Generations of Faith! Check out these great pictures (if I do say so myself) of both events (click on the pic):

God Loves You.

2011-05-11T16:37:00.000-04:00

As a child of the (ahem) late 60's, I was raised in newly post-Vatican 2 Church. I've often heard the Church of this time scoffed at because instead of teaching the Baltimore Catechism, they taught a near-constant and simple message of God's love. Well, I'll tell you what- that simple message has helped sustain my faith and inspired my learning (like, of the catechism!) every day since I was a child, in that groovy and love-filled Church. So in case you've forgotten, here's a reminder of something very important:
God Loves You - Video- Beliefnet.com
-MM