IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
MARRERO, LOUISIANA
PASTOR’S CORNER
Gaudete Sunday seems almost bizarre in our modern
preparation for Christmas. With all the holiday
music filling the airways, it seems like the last thing
we need is to be reminded to be joyful. Still, I would
think that John the Baptist would still have a lot to
cry out about in today’s society. The protest over
deadly force used by police, the degrading political
debates all lead us to wonder if God’s call is to point
fingers at others or truly face the brokenness in our
own lives. Why should I worry if a store’s greeting
is happy holidays? If I look honestly at my own
words, I would have to admit that a lot should
change. I may say Merry Christmas a lot, but does
my overall tone and demeanor reflect the wonder of
Emanuel and a longing for his coming?
I do have to say that there is a wondrous spirit of
Christmas giving here at Immaculate Conception
Parish. The excitement over the Angel Tree was
truly a joy to see. The continued support of St.
Vincent de Paul is a great witness. I trust that this
weekend’s collection for the Retirement Fund for
Religious will continue to reflect this generosity. We
have been blessed with over 30 years of dedicated
service by the Salesian sisters and other religious for
the first 60 years at Immaculate Conception School
and Immaculata. I pray that this wondrous spirit of
generosity will color all of our Christmas
celebrations.
Love, Fr. Jimmy
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
In today’s second reading Paul concludes his letter to
the Christian community at Thessalonica by
providing it with actions to take as its members wait
for the return of the Lord. The first action is to rejoice
always and give thanks in all circumstances. This
sounds easy but it’s not. The two words that make
this task difficult are “always” and “all”. This means
giving thanks and rejoicing even when our
circumstances are not always moments of joy and
thanksgiving, or when we are confronted with a
broken world. Prayerful stewards rejoice and give
thanks in all circumstances because they are people
of hope. A good reflection this week would be how
the season of Advent can give you reason to hope.
December 14, 2014
VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1230
Prepare Your Hearts
For the Birth of the Messiah
As a reminder please take advantage of celebrating
reconciliation this week at one of the three locations
mentioned below:
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES
Monday, December 15, 7 pm
Visitation of Our Lady, Marrero
Tuesday, December 16, 7 pm
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego
Wednesday, December 17, 7 pm
Christ the King, Terrytown
The priests of the West Bank Deanery hold 3
communal penance services during the Advent season
to help lead God’s people to “prepare the way of the
Lord” by the worthy reception of the Sacrament of
Penance.
All Catholics are encouraged to attend one of these
Advent Penance Services and avail themselves of the
grace of this wonderful sacrament of renewal and
reconciliation in preparation for the birth of our Savior.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHOIR
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
This is an event you won't want to miss! Our
Children and Adult Choirs will perform old and
new Christmas favorites on Monday, December 22
at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Special performances
by guest musicians, The Pauline Brothers Jazz
Band and members of the NOVA Choral will be
an extra treat! There will be something for all ages,
so bring the kids and don't forget Grandma and
Grandpa. Come relax, enjoy the music, and sing
along with us if you wish. The concert is free and
open to the public.
Christmas Flowers
We are still accepting donations toward Christmas
Flowers. Memorial names and donations may be
dropped in the collection basket in an envelope
marked "Christmas Flowers Donation".
Third Sunday of Advent
EL RINCÓN DEL PASTOR
En el Tercer Domingo de Adviento se celebra El
Domingo de Gaudete, de gozo, de alegría, aunque
esto parezca algo raro en nuestra preparación para la
Navidad. Con tanta música en estos días feriados que
nos llenan de alegría, parece que no es necesario que
nos recuerden que debemos estar jubilosos. Sin
embargo, creo que San Juan el Bautista tuviera que
estar gritándolo en nuestra sociedad de hoy. Las
protestas por el exceso de fuerza usado por la policía,
y los degradantes debates políticos, nos llevan a
pensar si el llamado de Dios es el apuntar con el dedo
a los demás o verdaderamente enfrentar el
quebrantamiento en nuestras vidas. ¿Para qué me
debo preocupar si el saludo de las tiendas es para
desearnos felices días? Si yo honestamente miro mis
propias palabras, yo tendría que admitir que hay
muchas cosas que deben cambiar. Yo puedo decir
muchas veces Feliz Navidad, pero me pregunto si mi
manera de hablar y de comportarme con los demás
reflejan la belleza de Emanuel y la esperanza de su
venida?
Pero tengo que decir, que aquí en la Parroquia de
Inmaculada Concepción existe un gran espíritu
navideño. Fue hermoso ver el gran entusiasmo que
se demostró durante el proyecto del Árbol del Ángel;
la ayuda constante de la Sociedad de San Vicente de
Paul es un gran testigo de esto. Confío que la colecta
de este fin de semana para El Fondo de Retiro para
los
Religiosos(as)
continúe
reflejando
su
generosidad. Nosotros hemos sido bendecidos por
más de 30 años con la presencia de las Hermanas
Salesianas y por otras órdenes religiosas en los
primeros 60 años de la Escuela Elemental de
Inmaculada y la Escuela Superior de Inmaculada. Yo
continuaré orando para que este hermoso espíritu de
generosidad siga dando color a todas nuestras
celebraciones en esta Navidad.
Con cariño, Padre Jimmy
UN MOMENTO DE CORRESPONSABILIDAD
En la segunda lectura de hoy Pablo concluye su carta a
la comunidad cristiana en Tesalónica proveyéndola con
acciones para ser tomadas mientras espera el regreso
del Señor. La primera acción es regocijarse siempre y
dar gracias en todas las circunstancias. Esto parece
fácil, pero no lo es. Las dos palabras que hacen difícil
esta tarea son “siempre” y “todas”. Esto significa dar
gracias y regocijarnos aún cuando nuestras
circunstancias no son siempre momentos de gozo y
acción de gracias, o cuando somos confrontados a un
mundo quebrantado. Los corresponsables piadosos se
regocijan y dan gracias en todas las circunstancias
porque son personas de esperanza. Una buena reflexión
en esta semana podría ser sobre cómo la estación de
Adviento puede darle un motivo de esperanza.
FLORES PARA NAVIDAD
Por favor coopera con el Fondo para las Flores de
Navidad en memoria de un ser querido. Los nombres y
la donación se pueden dar en un sobre marcado
“Donación para Flores de Navidad,” que estará
disponible en la Iglesia. Pueden poner el sobre en la
canasta de las ofrendas o lo pueden traer a la Oficina
Parroquial. Los nombres de sus seres queridos serán
anotados en el boletín parroquial, y serán recordados en
nuestras oraciones.
SERVICIOS DE
RECONCILIACION/CONFESIONES
El Sacramento de la Reconciliación te da la
oportunidad de encontrar el perdón de Dios. Todos
los sábados de Adviento de 3:00 p.m. a 3:30 p.m.
habrá Confesiones en Inmaculada Concepción. El
Decanato del West Bank tendrá Servicios
Penitenciales de Adviento para todo los que deseen
confesarse. Sacerdotes de todo el West Bank estarán
presentes durante estos Servicios Penitenciales
comenzando a las 7:00 p.m. en las siguientes fechas:
Lunes, 15 de diciembre en:
Visitación de Nuestra Señora, Marrero
Martes, 16 de diciembre en:
Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro, Westwego
Miércoles, 17 de diciembre en:
Cristo Rey, Gretna
CONCIERTO NAVIDEŇO DE INMACULADA
CONCEPCION
¡Este es un evento que tú no te debes perder! El Coro
de niños y de adultos va a tener una presentación de
las canciones navideñas, nuevas y viejas, el lunes, 22
de diciembre a las 7:00 p.m. en la Iglesia. También
vamos a tener como artistas invitados a: The Pauline
Brothers Jazz Band y miembros del Coro de NOVA.
Habrá música para todas las edades, así que traigan a
sus niños y no se olviden de traer al abuelo y a la
abuela. Ven y relájate, disfruta la música, y cantemos
todos juntos si así lo deseas. El Concierto es gratis y
abierto a todo el público.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
MARRERO, LOUISIANA
2014 Christmas Schedule
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24
4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass with Children’s Choir
10:00 p.m. Christmas Choral Concert
10:30 p.m. Christmas Mass during the Night
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 25
9:00 a.m. Christmas Day Mass
HORARIO DE MISAS PARA LA
NAVIDAD
25 de diciembre
11:00 a.m. Misa de Navidad
BISHOP PERRY BOUNTY: Christmas Warmth
Traditionally, in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, we
have made it our practice to do an outreach to benefit
the less fortunate in our community. Last year we had
“Santa’s Socks and Stocks” collection to benefit the
homeless and less fortunate people served by the
Bishop Perry Center and Second Harvest Food Bank.
We collected over 600 pairs of socks and food for
these ministries.
This year Father William F. Maestri, Director of the
Bishop Perry Center, has again asked for our help.
The mission of the center is to serve the homeless
and other less fortunate people in our community
who are most vulnerable during this time of the year
when temperatures drop down to freezing or below.
The homeless have particular problems with wet,
cold feet. Just staying warm is a daily struggle.
This year we will again be collecting new cotton
socks that can be purchased in bulk from discount
stores in our area. There is a great need for these to
keep feet warm and dry. In addition we will be
collecting gloves, warm caps and used, but
serviceable jackets and coats. Archbishop Aymond
has given his approval and blessings for this
outreach.
If you have any of these items that you would like to
donate, please bring them to the parish office on
Wednesday, December 17 and Fr. Jimmy will bring
December 14, 2014
VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1230
them to the Archdiocesan Office in time for delivery
to the Bishop Perry Center.
Thank you in advance for your generosity, care and
concern for the homeless and less fortunate people of
God.
AN ADVENT OF HOPE
A Christmas Promise
Beginning Sunday, November 30, the archdiocesan
website, www.arch-no.org, will feature special video
reflections from local Catholic priests on the Sunday
readings throughout the season of Advent. The series,
An Advent of Hope a Christmas of Promise will offer
a reflection as well as suggestions for how we as
Catholics can put the Gospel message into action. It
will culminate with a Christmas message and
reflection from Archbishop Aymond.
SPIRITUALITY
FOR THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE
A program of Faith Reflection on the meaning and
possibilities of the mid-life transition and beyond.
The program includes: input on the spirituality of
adult stages of growth, guided reflection and prayer,
faith sharing, and the Myers-Briggs Personality Type
Indicator. Within a small group of Second Half of
Life
Believers
we
come
together
to
Name…Understand…Celebrate…Follow. Presented
by Sr. Noël Toomey, OP, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 13,
20, 27, Feb. 3, & 10, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. – Noon
at the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center, 2501 Maine
Avenue, Metairie, LA 70003. Register on the web:
http://asc.arch-no.org or Telephone (504) 861-3254
Cost: $50.00 (adjustments can be made)
PASTORAL CARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to help with assisting residents
to daily Mass. Additional opportunities are available
such as Rosary, individual prayer and many other
spiritual programs. Volunteer schedules are flexible.
If you have a few hours to share with our elderly
please contact Sister Theresa Pitruzzello at 347-0777
ext. 3670 for additional information.
POPE FRANCIS’ INTENTIONS
FOR DECEMBER
Christmas, hope for humanity: “That the birth of
the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people
of good will.”
Parents: “That parents may be true evangelizers,
passing on to their children the precious gift of faith.”
Third Sunday of Advent
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday, December 13th
4:00 p.m. – Raymond Stauter; Jamie David
Monfra & Salvador J. Monfra, Sr.; Dolores Toups;
Hubert & Florence Naquin; Shirley Laurent; Eliska
Laurent; Roy A. Tomino, Sr.; Merlin Gomez; Philip,
Sr., Philip D. & Michael James Saladino; Emile
LeCompte & Family; Dorothy Wilson – Special
Intention; Maria & Anthony; Agnes & Joseph.
Sunday, December 14th
8:00 a.m. – J.B. Remmer; Mr. & Mrs. F.A.
Mouton; Leonard Hidalgo; Garland B. Kliebert;
Joseph & Ernestine Adams; Roberta LaRose; Leon
& Louise Vercher; Vergus (Butch) Adams.
10:00 a.m. – Margaret Talmadge; Kitti, Tawat;
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Gaspard; Eric LeBlanc; Clemcy
Legendre, Jr.; Daniel Martin; Ralph Hinojosa; Gerard
Putfark; Alberta Harney – Special Intention; Walter
Danner – Special Intention; Donald Pellegrin; Nunny
Rodriguez.
12:00 Noon – Nadia Galán; Antonia López;
Audry Burpbacher; Estanilado Lalo Góngora;
Antonia de Jesús, Cruz María, Julian y José de
León; Ana Julia Mencía.
6:00 p.m. – All Parishioners.
Monday, December 15th
6:00 p.m. – Sandra Duhon.
Tuesday, December 16th
6:00 p.m. – Merlin Gomez.
Wednesday, December 17th
6:00 p.m. – Elsie Olivier & Merlin Gomez.
Thursday, December 18th
6:00 p.m. – All living & deceased members of
the Lay Carmelite Community.
Friday, December 19th
6:00 p.m. – The Holy Souls in Purgatory.
VIGIL LIGHT: This week the vigil light at the
Blessed Sacrament is.
VIGIL LIGHT: This week the vigil light at the St.
Joseph statue is for Anthony G. Toups for healing.
VIGIL LIGHT: This week the vigil light at the
Blessed Mother Statue is in loving memory of Hubert &
Florence Naquin.
Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) Retreat in January
Applications to attend the next TEC retreat on January 1719 are now available! TEC is a special experience with
topics and an approach designed for older adolescents and
young adults who have completed their second semester
of their sophomore year of high school. It begins at 9:30
a.m. on Saturday and ends about 7 p.m. on Monday.
Applications are due January 11. 2015. Applications and
more information can be found at tecneworleans.com.
What’s Up in the Parish
Sanctuary Cleaning Committee:
December 13 -- Elsie Acosta, Diane Barrilleaux,
Charlene Blanchard, Doris DiMarco, Mitzi Labadot,
Velma Stauter
December 20 -- Ruth Bergeron, Rosalind Hebert,
Anita Rudolfich, Ruthie Talamo, Dolores Vaughn,
Carol Winter, Audrey Zappula
RCIA formation meets on Monday evenings at 7:00
p.m. in the White House. Please call the parish office
for information.
Parish School of Religion Class will be held
Tuesday, December 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Children in grades K - 8 will meet in the School
Cafeteria. Grades 9-12 will meet in the White House
located at 4513 7th Street.
High School Confirmation: The next meeting for
High
School
Confirmation
Candidates
is
Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in Church after
6:00 p.m. Mass.
Collection Report
Sunday, December 7, 2014 First Collection
Envelopes ...…………………………....... $6,228.00
Loose ………………………….…...…..... $2,323.85
Total First Collection ....……………..….. $8,551.85
Monday, December 8, 2014 Collection
Feast of the Immaculate Conception ....... $1,042.56
Thank you for your generosity!
PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
Immaculate Conception Parish Office will be
CLOSED from December 24 through December
26 and from January 1 through January 2 in
observance of the Christmas and New Year’s
Holidays. Our office will resume regular office hours
on Monday, January 5, 2015.