From Fr. Jim …The Fourth Sunday of AdventEvery Fourth Sunday of Advent we encounter Mary. Today we hear the account of her Visitation, where John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. Christmas is less than a week away. It is a great time to rejoice in God become human, Emmanuel, God-with-us. To make Christ present seek to do God’s will and visit others with the Light that no darkness can overcome.What can you do to celebrate?1. Continue to say “Yes” when our ushers ask you to light the candles on the Advent wreath. 2. Light your Advent wreath at home and pray with the members of your household:

a. Sing the familiar: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or your favorite Advent hymn.

b. This week light all the candles on your wreath.

c. Pray to make your requests known to God, concluding with the Our Father.

d. Pray (Week 4): Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through Christ, our Lord, Amen.3. Come celebrate daily Mass at 8:30am or the added 12:15 Mass on Monday and Wednesday this week.4. Look at our Holy Door, walk through it and invite Jesus into the door or your heart.5. Join us for one of our Many Christmas Masses on Thursday and Friday.

Homeless Memorial Service-Monday, Dec. 21 4:45 pmDecember 21st is National Homeless Memorial Day because it is the shortest day and longest night of the year in our hemisphere, often a very difficult time for our sisters and brothers without homes. The Greater Elkton Ministerial Association and the North East Clergy Association are sponsoring a prayer service to remember any of our homeless sisters and brothers who have died in the past year. The service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 41 Justice Way, Elkton at 4:45 pm and will be followed by a light supper. Please consider coming to join us in prayer and, if you cannot join us in person, please stop to pray with us at 4:45, wherever you are, for our homeless sisters and brothers.

Parish Community NewsWe extend our condolences and prayers to the

families of those who have recently died:Shirley Devine , Margaret Drew, Stephanie Shine, and

William Whiteman

The Parish Office HoursThe office will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24th. The Parish office and Parish Outreach will reopen December 28th. There will be no evening hours this week.

December 21, 2015 - 4th Sunday of Advent8:30 AM Stella Sniadowski12:15 PM Francis Charles Albera, Sr.

December 22, 2015 8:30 AM Jenny Tucker

December 23, 2015 8:30 AM Teresa Sposato12:15 PM Jeanne Capaldi

December 24 2015 - Vigil of Christmas8:30 AM Mike Whitlock4:00 PM Robert E. Davis4:00 PM SJ Steven Drendel6:00 PM Sarah Smith8:00 PM Joseph Klein10:00 PM SJ Bette Green (Living Intention)12:00 AM Paz Najera

December 25, 2015 - The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 AM SJ Francisco Fondevilla 10:15 PM Francis McKilvey Jr.

December 26, 2015 - St. Stephen, The First Martyr8:30 AM James Bodsford Jr.5:00 PM Charles Harrigan

December 27, 2015 - The Holy Family7:00 AM People of the Parish8:30 AM Eleanor Sickles9:00 AM SJ Judith Wickersham10:15 AM Ronald Vulcan12:00 PM Sarah Cappruccini (Living Intention)

Christmas Liturgy Schedule

Immaculate Conception ChurchChristmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2015

4:00 pm Mass with Christmas PageantPageant begins at 3:40 pm with Junior Choir singing

6:00 pm MassCarol prelude begins at 5:40 pm

8:00 pm MassCarol prelude begins at 7:40 pm with the Contemporary

Ensemble

12:00 Midnight MassCarol prelude begins at 11:30 pm with the Parish Choir &

InstrumentalistsChristmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2015

10:15 am Mass

St. Jude Mission ChurchChristmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2015

4:00pm Mass with Christmas Pageant

Pageant begins at 3:40pm

10:00pm Mass - Carol prelude begins at 9:40pmChristmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2015 -

9:00am Mass

Liturgy

Readings for Next Week:THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14Sirach emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s parents. He explains that spiritual riches will come to those who are kind to their mother and father.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21Paul advises us to treat each other with kindness and mercy and to forgive as God forgives us. His words remind families to always love and respect one another and let Christ’s peace reign in their hearts and in their homes.

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52When Jesus was twelve years old, the Holy Family traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. Jesus did not return with the company. Instead, he stayed in Jerusalem, sitting among the teachers while amazing them with his understanding and questions. When found by his concerned parents, Jesus reminded them that he must be in the house of his Father. Returning together, Mary kept these things in her heart.

VOCATIONS

In today’s first reading, the Lord promises to send One “who will shepherd his flock.” God has kept that promise throughout the centuries and continues to call shepherds for His people. Is He calling you to serve as a shepherd – to minister to His people as a priest? If you think so, call or write Father Norman Carroll, Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations (302-573-3113, vocations@cdow.org). Be sure to visit our website: www.CalledByTheLord.com! For our young people, that when the Lord calls, they respond in the spirit of our Lady, who said “let it be done to me according to Your will,” we pray to the Lord!

Adoration for Vocations is usually held the first Sunday of each month in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. The next Adoration for Vocations will be held Sunday, January 3rd from 1:30– 6:00 PM. Take this opportunity to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to pray for priestly and religious vocations. Benediction begins at 5:30 PM.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) On the Second Sunday of Advent our inquirers have taken the first step towards the Easter Sacraments at the 8:30 AM Mass with the celebration of the Rite of Welcoming. Those who are now Catechumens and will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation

are: Alivia Chandler, Kaci Hensley, Ross Kaiser and Jessica Martinez. Candidates for full initiation who will be receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are Laurelyn Auer, Angel Delgado, Jacqueline Delgado, Jamie Delgado, Hania Martinez, and Jesus Martinez. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue in their journey towards the Easter Sacraments.

The Year of MercyPope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the

Week:

On this weekend when we hear the account of The Visitation, these words of Pope Francis are very fitting:”Whoever has fed, welcomed, visited, loved one of the least and poorest of [people], will have done it to the Son of God. Let us entrust ourselves to the maternal intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our mother, that she may help us this holy Christmastide, which is already close at hand, to see in the face of our neighbor, especially the weakest and most marginalized people, the image of the Son of God made man.” (General Audience, December 18, 2013)Mercy Prayer CardsPlease take a prayer card for you and for your loved ones. On one side you will find the Logo for the Year of Mercy. It depicts Jesus, the good shepherd, carrying a human being like a shepherd carries the lost sheep home. He holds us close to recognize his voice. He holds us close to be filled with the smell of his merciful love. His hands and feet reveal the nail marks from the cross, the instrument of mercy, for by dying he gave himself totally to God and to us and made our reconciliation with God and one another possible. Just as Jesus is “Merciful like the Father,” whose gift of forgiving love is greater than any of us deserve or could earn. We, too, are called to be merciful like Jesus, the face of God’s mercy. Take time to pray Pope Francis’ Prayer on the other side of the card so that we can “be merciful like the heavenly Father.”

Daily Mass Readings for this week:Fourth Sunday of Advent

SundayMi 5:1-4a; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

MondaySg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45

Tuesday1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 WednesdayMal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66

Thursday

Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79

FridayVigil: Is 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25Night: Is 9:1-6; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20Day: Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

SaturdayActs 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22

Faith FormationImmaculate Conception

School NewsAdvent is almost over, and everyone at school is ready to begin their Christmas vacation. On behalf of all of the students and staff of Immaculate Conception School would like to wish you a holy and happy Christmas. May the peace and love of Jesus be reborn in your heart every day.See you next year!If you have any questions about the school, or if you would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office at 410-398-2636.

Faith FormationReligious Education & Sacraments

Religion Classes today Sunday, Dec. 20th for Gr. K-8 at 8:30am. This is the last class until the New Year.

NO Religion Classes this Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

Religion Classes will resume on Sunday, January 3rd and Wednesday, January 6th

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Location: School Gym during Rel. Ed Today, Sunday, Dec. 20th

First Communion Program: Mark Your Calendar!

The Parent Orientation Meeting for First Communion will be held on Monday, Jan. 25th at 6:30pm in church.

Volunteers Needed!We have an on-going need for catechists and assistants. Substitutes are needed periodically throughout the year. If you can lead or assist with a class occasionally or regularly, we want to hear from you! Please contact the Faith Formation office at re@iccparish.org or 410 392 3551. Thank you!

Youth Ministry & ConfirmationPlease visit the parish web site at www.iccparish.org. See the News, Faith Formation and Ministries pages for

more detailed information on YM events and opportunities. To contact the YM office, call 410 392 3551 or email youthministry@iccparish.org.

High School & older Weekly Gatherings Students in grades 9-12 and college-age young adults are welcome to join our Sunday gatherings in the Parish Center from 6-8 PM. No RSVP needed. Drop-ins welcome. Parents: Please donate some soda in cans or small water bottles for our teens on Sunday nights. Thanks!Dec 20 – 6-8 PM gathering. Welcome home college students!

High School Retreat at Charter Hall Retreat House January 15-17. All 9-12 grade students are welcome to attend. Space is limited, so please sign up soon. Please email youthministry@iccparish.org or call 443 350 4627 to sign up. See “latest parish downloads” on our parish website for the flyer and consent form.

Service HoursIf ever you are in need of service hours, or if you’ve just been blessed with a servant heart, please scroll through the pictures on the parish website home page at www.iccparish.org. Click on the link for “Service Opportunities” and see the contact person listed for each opportunity.

Confirmation 2016 Important DatesFebruary 6, 2016 – Confirmation Retreat April 22, 2016 – Rehearsal for Candidates & Sponsors 6:30 PM in Immaculate Conception ChurchApril 23, 2016 – Confirmation and Mass 1:30 PM at Immaculate Conception Church

Adult EducationInterested in a study group?

Several different opportunities are available. Call the Parish Office at (410) 398-1100 for more information.

HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE ADVENT RESOURCES ON OUR PARISH WEBSITE? Along with Advent Calendars, the Weekly Scripture Puzzles, etc. you will find under downloads a Blessing of the Christmas Tree, A Blessing of the Nativity Set, A Prayer for the New Year, and the Blessing of the Home on the Feast of the Epiphany.

ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS BEING OFFERED THIS YEAR

ACTS. The Spread of the Kingdom The next session will be held on Mon., Jan. 4th at 6:30pm and Tues. Jan. 5th at 9”15am. The Topic : The Church in Antioch (Acts 11-12)

AND

BIBLE TIMELINE.

The next session will be on Thursday, Jan. 7th at 9:15am. The Topic: Egypt and Exodus Pt. 1 (Exodus 1-18)

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

Social ConcernsOUTREACH – We would like to thank all of the families and members who donated this Christmas season! We are very grateful for your continued support. With your help we were able to assist over 90 families and 280 children! Thank you and God Bless!

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..

Parish and Family Life

Parish Coffee: Join us for a Parish Coffee Sunday, January 3rd after the 9 AM Mass at St. Jude’s.

The Parish Coffee at Immaculate Conception will be Sunday, January. 10th after the 10:15 Mass.

Parish Events / Information

Offertory December 13, 2015 Fiscal Budget Immaculate Conception $9,857.33 $10,727.50St. Jude’s $1,813.50 $2,350.75Online $1,924.50 $2,666.75

$13,595.33 $15,745.002015-2016 Fiscal YTD (Offertory Deficit ) -- $14,435.98Building Maintenance Fund:

Collected $252,631.53

Expenses $237,526.94

Balance $ 15,104.59

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!Thank you! It has been a bittersweet decision to retire as I have loved my time here at Immaculate Conception / St. Jude. Thank you to Fr. Jim, Fr. Paul, Deacon Mike and the parish staff. Thank you to Jen and Dan Speakman and their team for hosting a wonderful reception. Thank you to all parishioners for your kindness and friendship. God bless you! - Paula Amberg

The Gospel tells of the Virgin Mary, pregnant herself hurrying herself off to help her cousin, Elizabeth. The model of good stewardship, she who had given herself to bear the Savior gave her time and love to others as well.

Bring it home this week by thinking of ways to go out of your way to help others!

Anyone who wishes to take part in our Monthly baptism classes MUST call the Parish Office ahead of time to make reservations! 410-398-1100.

2015 Christmas Eve Pageants

Rehearsal for the annual Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant is today, December 20th at 1:00PM at Immaculate Conception Church. If you have any questions or concerns please contact: (Saint Jude’s) Dottie Dhamer at sassydot1@comcast.net or 443-350-7186 or (Immaculate Conception) Kim Burnham at kimburnham@verizon.net or 410-398-1181.

This Week’s CalendarSunday, December 20

8:20 AM Confessions – SJ10:30 AM Baptisms - SJ1:00 PM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal6:00 PM High School Gathering – PC67:00 PM Confirmation - PC3/PCL

Monday, December 21 9:00 AM Novena – Ch7:00 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal7:00 PM Baptism Class8:00 PM AA - caf

Tuesday, December 22 9:00 AM Holy Hour – Ch6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal7:30 PM Contemporary Rehearsal

Wednesday, December 23 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St. Jude Novena – Ch9:30 AM Cantor Rehearsal – IC1:00 PM Leisure Club3:45 PM Children’s Choir - PC4

8:15 PM Knights of ColumbusThursday, December 24

9:00 AM Rosary CrusadeChristmas Eve Mass Schedule - Pg. 1

Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Mass Schedule Pg. 1

Saturday, December 26 9:00 AM Rosary Crusade – Ch4:15 PM Confessions7:00 PM NA – Caf

James P. Eckrich

16th Pastor of Immaculate ConceptionDied December 23, 2005

This week the Parish will mark the anniversary of the passing of Rev. James Eckrich

In charity, please remember to pray for the gentle repose of his priestly soul

New Outdoor Crèche at Immaculate ConceptionAt the 5:00 Mass this weekend we blessed our new outdoor manger scene. Thank you to Joe Zammit and the Bishop Becker Council of the Knights of Columbus for our new outdoor crèche.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

There is no Children’s Liturgy of the Word This Sunday, December 27th or January 3rd. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Catechists for Sunday, January 10 Children’s Liturgy are: CLW1 Lindsay Partridge CLW2 Kimberly Burnham

Saint Jude is requesting volunteersVolunteers are needed to help decorate Saint Jude church following 9:00 Mass Today, December 20th. Any help would be greatly appreciated!.

Community Events / Information

Knights of ColumbusBishop Becker Council 2427

443-616-5370 www.kofc2427.org

Meetings:  2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Meetings

are held at the McGlynn Parish Center.Membership Information: call 443-616-5370

St. John-Holy Angels Lottery Fundraiser: Looking for Christmas gifts? St. John/Holy Angels Lottery Calendars are $20 each with 90 chances to win between $50 and $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 82 Possum Park Road (in Newark), apress@holyangels.net, or (302) 731-2219. 

May your marriage experience the blessings and joy that Christmas promises. Strengthen, renew, and rekindle your marriage sacrament by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend on March 11-13 in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For more information, visit our website at www.wwme-delmar.org or to register for the weekend, please call Tony & Linda Massino @ 302-220-9833.

Catholic Charities Needs Help to Warm Up Winter!As temperatures start to decline, Catholic Charities is preparing to help our community by collecting new and "gently used" blankets and other bedding, coats, hats, and gloves now through the end of January 2016. Donors can bring their coats, blankets, etc. to Marydale Retirement Village 135 Jeandell Drive, Newark, DE 19713. For more information please call, 302-368-2784.

Serenity Retreat for Women - Malvern Retreat House will host a weekend retreat for women affected by the disease of addiction from January 8-10. Sr. Linda Fischer will direct the retreat, which will be held in the retreat house’s Family Life Center.  To register, please visit malvernretreat.com/register. About Malvern Retreat House - Owned and operated by Catholic lay leadership since 1912, Malvern is the oldest and largest Catholic retreat house in the country - hosting 20,000 people annually at 250 retreats on 125 acres in beautiful Chester County, Pennsylvania. We invite you to come to Malvern to reflect, refresh and rejoice in your faith. To find an evening, weekday or weekend spiritual retreat that's right for you, call 610-644-0400 or visit us online at MalvernRetreat.com.

Don’t discard your gently-used household goods – donate them! Catholic Charities Thrift Center in Wilmington is in great need of furniture, mattresses, and working appliances. Demand for these items continues to outpace our supply. We will accept used bedding as we are licensed by the State of Delaware to sanitize bedding and offer for resale or redistribution. We do ask that the items be gently used, clean, and in good working order. (We reserve the right to refuse a donation if it is in poor condition.) To schedule a pickup of these items, call the Thrift Center at 302-764-2717. The Thrift Center is located at 1320 E 23rd Street, Wilmington, 19802.

The Alliance of the Two Hearts “Communion of Reparation All night Vigil” is held on the First Friday and Saturday of each month. Please join us January 1, 2016 at St. Hedwig Chapel, 408 S. Harrison St., Wilmington, DE from 8:15pm to 2:30am. Includes First Friday and Saturday Masses, Confession, Rosary, and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

For more information please call Irene Harach 302-738-1285.

FREE CHRISTMAS BRUNCH!Christmas Day, December 25th 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Elkton Presbyterian Church 209 E. Main Street.

December 21, 2015 - 4th Sunday of Advent8:30 AM Stella Sniadowski12:15 PM Francis Charles Albera, Sr.

December 22, 2015 8:30 AM Jenny Tucker

December 23, 2015 8:30 AM Teresa Sposato12:15 PM Jeanne Capaldi

December 24 2015 - Vigil of Christmas8:30 AM Mike Whitlock4:00 PM Robert E. Davis4:00 PM SJ Steven Drendel6:00 PM Sarah Smith8:00 PM Joseph Klein10:00 PM SJ Bette Green (Living Intention)12:00 AM Paz Najera

December 25, 2015 - The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 AM SJ Francisco Fondevilla 10:15 PM Francis McKilvey Jr.

December 26, 2015 - St. Stephen, The First Martyr8:30 AM James Bodsford Jr.5:00 PM Charles Harrigan

December 27, 2015 - The Holy Family7:00 AM People of the Parish8:30 AM Eleanor Sickles9:00 AM SJ Judith Wickersham10:15 AM Ronald Vulcan12:00 PM Sarah Cappruccini (Living Intention)

December 21, 2015 - 4th Sunday of Advent8:30 AM Stella Sniadowski12:15 PM Francis Charles Albera, Sr.

December 22, 2015 8:30 AM Jenny Tucker

December 23, 2015 8:30 AM Teresa Sposato12:15 PM Jeanne Capaldi

December 24 2015 - Vigil of Christmas8:30 AM Mike Whitlock4:00 PM Robert E. Davis4:00 PM SJ Steven Drendel6:00 PM Sarah Smith8:00 PM Joseph Klein10:00 PM SJ Bette Green (Living Intention)12:00 AM Paz Najera

December 25, 2015 - The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 AM SJ Francisco Fondevilla 10:15 PM Francis McKilvey Jr.

December 26, 2015 - St. Stephen, The First Martyr8:30 AM James Bodsford Jr.5:00 PM Charles Harrigan

December 27, 2015 - The Holy Family7:00 AM People of the Parish8:30 AM Eleanor Sickles9:00 AM SJ Judith Wickersham10:15 AM Ronald Vulcan12:00 PM Sarah Cappruccini (Living Intention)