From Fr. JimFr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS, Provincial of our Oblate province will lead our parish in its annual Lenten Mission. Starting tonight with Evening Prayer, a Reconciliation Service tomorrow evening, and concluding with Mass on Tuesday evening. All of these events will be at 7:00 PM. Fr. Greenfield’s reflections will help us in our Lenten journey to explore our spiritual paths into the Merciful Heart of Christ. Each of his reflections will have a different focus yet all held together by the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and the teachings of Pope Francis.

I am looking forward to his visit and his insights into living our call as Christians in this challenging time. Please join for the entire Mission or for one evening if you can. This is a great opportunity to jump-start your Lent, or to gather the strength to persevere on your journey. I look forward to seeing you as we move toward Easter!

The Fifth week of Lent! Celebrate our holiest of weeks in the Liturgical calendar by making note of the following:

Stations of the Cross: Stations will be celebrated at 7:00pm on Friday, March 18, in IC Church.

Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance: this week the Sacrament is offered at our regular times: Saturday, 4:10pm at IC and Sunday, 8:20 at SJ. Penance will also be offered Monday, March 14 at Immaculate Conception Church at 7:00pm. Note: confessions will only be celebrated by appointment the week of March 20.

Communal Celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance: Monday, March 14 at Immaculate Conception Church at 7:00pm as part of our parish mission.

Come to the Mission!!! Celebrate Lent by joining us for the following opportunities to grow in God’s merciful love:

Parish Lenten Mission with Very Rev. James J. Greenfield, OSFS TONIGHT through TUESDAY: “Journey to the Merciful Heart of Christ.” Plan to join us for this time of renewal with a gifted preacher

7:00pm Tonight: Prayer with Preaching 7:00pm Monday: Communal Celebration

of the Sacrament of Penance with Preaching 7:00pm Tuesday: Mass with Preaching

Pope Francis Year of Mercy Quote of the Week

At most Masses this weekend we hear about Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery. God’s forgiveness and love is a thrilling experience, says Pope Francis: “The Lord asks us to be joyous heralds of this message of mercy and hope! It is thrilling to experience the joy of spreading this good news, sharing the treasure entrusted to us, consoling broken hearts, and offering hope to our brothers and sisters experiencing darkness. It means following and imitating Jesus, who sought out the poor and sinners as a shepherd lovingly seeks his lost sheep.” (Lenten Message, 2014)The Oblate Collection will be a free-will offering for the Oblate Fathers and Brothers of St. Francis de Sales. Please note the baskets at the entrances of each church. Thank you for your support!

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

Cynthia KernerBarbara Criscuolo

We extend a warm welcome to our new Parishioners:Mr. Andre’ Choury

Lenten Almsgiving for IC/SJ: Thank you to the number of people who picked up Lenten Almsgiving boxes and who have begun to return them. We only have two more weeks of Lent to fill and return these boxes. Lenten Offering Boxes are still available Use your Lenten Almsgiving to fill the boxes. Money will be used to Support Christians At Risk,

sponsored by the National Knights of Columbus, to help Refugees who are in danger in the Middle East. Visit www.christiansatrisk.org to learn more.

Make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. and write “Christian Refugee Relief” in the memo line.

Thank you for your support and please pray for an end to ISIS and the oppression of others.

March 14, 2016 8:30 AM Zygmunt Bratkowski12:15 PM Terry Wasko

March 15, 2016 8:30 AM Stanley Gosciniak

March 16, 2016 8:30 AM Linda Crumley12:15 PM Margaret Myer

March 17, 2016 - St. Patrick, Bishop8:30 AM Elizabeth Dudley

March 18, 2016 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Fifth Sunday of Lent

8:30 AM Danilo and Corazon Sanchez (Living Intention)

12:15 PM Sarah Smith

March 19, 2016 - St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 AM Linda Crumley5:00 PM Anthony Mallia

March 20, 2016 - Palm Sunday 7:00 AM People of the Parish8:30 AM Fran McKinley9:00 AM SJ Bertha Huminski10:15 AM Elizabeth Angeletti12:00 PM Doris Rutkowski

Liturgy

Readings for Next Week - Palm Sunday:

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7Isaiah describes an individual who had been taught by God to reach out to others. He also describes this individual's willingness to be beaten and spit upon, secure that with God's help, he will not be disgraced.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11Paul discusses how Jesus did not declare equality with God, but took on human form. He humbled himself enough to accept dying on the cross. God in turn exalted him and wants us to respect Jesus' name and worship him.

Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56Luke gives a detailed account of Jesus' last supper with the apostles, where Jesus tells them he will soon suffer in fulfillment of God's will. Then Jesus prayed that he might be spared if it suited God's will. After Judas betrayed Jesus, he was arrested. Although Pilate did not think Jesus was guilty of a crime, he gave in to the will of the people, and sentenced Jesus to death on a cross. Then Jesus was crucified and his body laid in a new tomb.

Daily Mass Readings

SundayIs 43:16-21; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11

MondayDn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Jn 8:12-20

TuesdayNm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30

WednesdayDn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42

ThursdayGn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59

Friday

Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42

Saturday2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22;

Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

Children’s Liturgy of the WordChildren’s Liturgy is for children ages 5 - 8. Children who are not in this age group are asked to remain in church.

Catechists for next Sunday, March 20th are: CLW 1 – Lynn O’Brien CLW 2 – Kimberly

Burnham

Next Week is Holy Week! Please come join us in celebrating this holiest of weeks in our Catholic liturgical life. Our Schedule of Services is as follows:March 19/20 - Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Follows our regular Mass schedule. Masses will begin with the Distribution and Blessing of Palms

1:15pm - Rev. Michael Connolly’s presentation on the Passion NarrativeMonday, March 21:

8:30 am Daily Mass12:15 pm Lenten Mass7:00 pm Diocesan Chrism Mass at Holy Cross Church, Dover, DE

* The Oils used will be blessed by Bishop Malooly and the Priests serving in the Diocese will renew their Priestly Promises.Tuesday, March 22:

8:30 am Daily MassWednesday, March 23:

8:30 am Daily Mass12:15 pm Lenten Mass

Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper, March 24:

8:30 am Morning Prayer in IC Chapel

7:00 pm Evening Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper with Washing of Feet.* Please bring food or money for Outreach to bring forward to the Sanctuary during the Offertory - IC* Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel will continue until 10:00 pm

9:30 pm Compline (Night Prayer) in IC ChapelGood Friday of the Passion of the Lord, March 25:

8:30 am Morning Prayer in IC Chapel3:00 pm Shadow Stations in IC Church7:00 pm Celebration of the Passion of the Lord

with Adoration of the Holy Cross & Holy Communion - ICHoly Saturday, March 26:

8:30 am Morning Prayer in IC Chapel11:00 am Blessing of Food in IC Chapel

8:00 pm - Easter Vigil with Baptisms, Confirmation and Holy Communion for our Elect & Candidates - IC* Please maintain a spirit of reverent silence as you enter Church for the Vigil.Easter Sunday of the Resurrection, March 27:

Masses at IC Church: 7:00, 8:30, 10:15 & NoonMasses at SJ: 9:00 and 11:00

Adoration for Vocations is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. However, this will NOT occur during 2016. The parish has Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of the month of 2016 in association with the Year of Mercy. Those who come to pray for vocations are encouraged to come pray for vocations during the first Friday exposition. Any questions please call Dermott Mullan at 410-398-03368.

Faith FormationImmaculate Conception School News

Lent continues, and the staff and students continue on their journey with Jesus. Each class visits the church during the week for Stations of the Cross. If you would like to join, contact the office for a schedule of days and times.Report cards will go home tomorrow, marking that two-thirds of our school year have passed! It’s hard to believe that time has gone so quickly. Monday night, we will be recognizing our 8th grade students who have earned academic scholarships to diocesan high schools. Bishop Malooly will present certificates to the following students:

Derreck AgyemangDanielle GedzAndrew MadaryRyan MannDaniel WarynBrandon Keen - awarded a leadership

scholarship.Congratulations to these students and all of our 8th graders. Our middle school students have been working to memorize as many digits of the irrational number, pi, for our “Pi Day”. On Monday, they will need to write down as many digits as they can. The top winner in each grade will have the honor of “pie-ing” a staff member! Father Paul is one of our honored guests, the other two staff members will be determined by student votes. It should prove to be a tasty afternoon! Come join us at 1:30 in the gym to witness the celebration!

The Scholastic Book Fair is this week! Come see the latest titles for children’s books for all ages as well as resources for students and adults. The Book

Fair will be open from 7:30 – 8:00 and 2:30 to 5:30 beginning Thursday, March 17 and ending Wednesday, March 23 at noon.

Now is the time to think about where you want your child to attend school next year. If you have any questions about our school or you would like to set up a tour, please contact the school office at 410-398-2636. We are accepting applications for new students for next year.

Faith FormationReligious Education & SacramentsReligion Classes today, March 13th for Gr. K-8 at 8:30am. Religion Classes this Wednesday, March 16th at 6:15pm** March 20th and March 23rd will mark the closing of religious education classes for this year! **Avoid the late fee that goes into effect on April 1st and register for next year’s religious education/sacrament programs today!

Contact the Religion Office with any financial concerns. No one is to be denied religious education.

A child must have attended 1st grade Rel. Ed to receive First Communion; a student must have completed 7th & 8th gr. Rel. Ed to enroll in the Confirmation program. First Communion Program:

Church Tours: (Not Optional)Last Tour: Tues., Mar. 15th at 1:30pm *Anyone who did not attend a church tour must contact the Religion Office for a makeup packet.

Practice with Unconsecrated Bread: Sun. Mar. 13th at 8:45 am and Wed. Mar. 16th at 6:30pm during Rel. Ed.

Thurs..Apr. 7th: ICS students (Date Change) Youth Ministry & Confirmation

Please visit the parish web site at www.iccparish.org. See the News, Faith Formation and Ministries pages for information on events and opportunities. Contact the YM office at 410-392-3551 or youthministry@iccparish.org.High School & older Weekly Gatherings Students in grades 9-12 and college-age young adults are welcome to join our gatherings in the Parish Center from 6-8 PM. Drop-ins welcome. Parents: Please donate soda or water for our teens. ThanksMarch 13th & 20th– Gathering 6-8 PMMarch 27 – No gathering. Happy Easter!Service HoursIf you are in need of service hours, scroll through the parish website, click on “Service Opportunities” and see the contact person listed.

Confirmation 2016 Important Dates . 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 Education Christian Formation Committee Meeting: Thursday, March 17th at 3pm ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS:ACTS The Spread of the Kingdom The next session will be held Mon., Mar. 14th at 6:00pm(Note time change) and Tues. Mar. 15th at 9:15am The Topic: Acts 25:13-28:31: Paul’s Final Defense & Witness in Rome. Note: Mon, Mar. 21st & Tues, Mar. 22nd will be the last sessions for this year. BIBLE TIMELINE The next session will be Thursday, Mar. 17th at 9:15am. The Topic: Royal Kingdom Pt. 1 (1 Samuel) Come Join a presentation on the Passion Narrative! Sunday, March 20th after the noon mass, Father Michael Connolly, OSFS will present a prayerful reflection on the Passion. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Vacation Bible School: Be a part of this year’s VBS adventure, Cave Quest, “Following Jesus, the Light of the World.” A meeting for volunteers is Tues., Mar. 29th at 6:45pm in the Parish Center. Contact the Religion Office at 410-392-3551 or re@iccparish.org. This is a wonderful experience for kids; adults enjoy it too! Teens are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer!

Social ConcernsOUTREACH The Parish Outreach is grateful to all those who continue to support this essential ministry, both

materially and in their prayers. We are currently in need of shampoo, deoderant, cereal, baked

beans, jelly, pudding, and jello. Thank you!The Emergency Rotating Shelter still needs volunteers and food donations during the week of March 14 through March 21. Please contact Carol or Bill Dale, email at dales7@comcast.net or call 410-287-9548.

Parish and Family Life

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

Parish Coffee at Immaculate Conception will be April 10th after the 10:15 Mass.

Parish Events / Information

Help Wanted: Receptionist/Technology Support for the Parish Office

Immaculate Conception Parish is seeking a part-time Evening Receptionist for the ICC Parish. Hours are from 2PM-8PM Monday thru Thursday. Will attend to visitors and address inquiries. Will provide support to office staff. Must possess basic web design skills, excellent written/oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Please contact the parish office at 410-398-1100 for more details, or send your resume to office@iccparish.org.

Offertory February 28 Fiscal Budget Immaculate Conception $8,024.00

$11,542.25St. Jude’s $1,666.66 $2,443.75Online $3,184.15 $2,382.75

$13,075.91 $13,199.25

2015-2016 Fiscal YTD (Offertory Deficit ) $15,692.31Building Maintenance Fund:

Collected $259,504.09

Expenses $243,546.94

Surplus $ 15,957.15

Offertory Budget$460,000

$465,000

$470,000

$475,000

$480,000

$485,000

$490,000

Weekly OffertoryFiscal Year-To-Date

July 1, 2015-March 6, 2016

The Immaculate Conception Athletic Association is currently seeking board members. We meet the second Tuesday of the month. Please consider giving your time so that we can continue to provide opportunities to our children. We are also seeking baseball coaches! Contact Jamie Moulthrop at jsmoulthrop@verizon.net if you have any questions or to volunteer. Registration for baseball is now open! Please visit the parish website or contact Jamie Moulthrop for more information.

Help our parish by shopping on Amazon!! Donate to Immaculate Conception just by shopping

for the items you already need! Simply go to http://smile.amazon.com and you will see a bar saying to “select your own organization.” Type in Immaculate Conception Church and scroll until you find Elkton, MD. Then shop as usual! Amazon will donate a percent of your shopping total right to us! Now shop away! The Cecil County Pregnancy Center would like to thank you for your generous donations in the Baby Bottles. Your contributions keep us going and help our pregnant mothers keep their babies and learn how to love and care for them. We accept all things for babies. We are very low on used winter clothing and any kind of baby equipment, especially cribs. We are in great need of volunteers. We appreciate all the parish does to support us support of LIFE. Come see us Mon, Tues, and Wed at 138 Cathedral St, Elkton, from 11:00am-4pm, 410-398-7888.

Diocesan Pilgrimage March 19: Bishop Malooly invites youth & young adults to join him as we come together for the seventh annual Pilgrimage. People from across the diocese will carry the cross through the streets of Wilmington as a representation of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and his journey to Calvary. Registration opens at 10am at St. Elizabeth. The day begins with prayer and a concert featuring Noelle Garcia. We conclude with Mass at St. Elizabeth. Don’t miss this great opportunity! Cost is $15 or $45 per family. To register, contact Ruthie Patterson at 410-392-3551 or youthministry@iccparish.org. For more information, visit www.cdowcym.org. Registration deadline is March 14.

Sunday, March 138:20 AM Confessions – SJ8:30 AM Rel Ed - S/PC8:30 AM RCIA Dismissal - PC1:00 PM Cubscout Pinewood Derby - caf6:00 PM High School Gathering – PC67:00 PM Confirmation - PC3/PCL7:00 PM Solemn Evening Prayer - IC

Monday, March 14 9:00 AM Novena – Ch6:30 PM Acts of Apostles - PC7:00 PM Christian Yoga - gym7:00 PM Parish Reconciliation - IC8:00 PM AA - caf

Tuesday, March 159:00 AM Holy Hour – Ch9:15 AM Book Study - PC9:15 AM Acts of Apostles - PC1:30 PM Church Tour -IC7:00 PM Mass - IC7:30 PM Contemporary Rehearsal -IC

Wednesday, March 169:00 AM Rosary Crusade/St Jude Novena – Ch9:30 AM Cantor Rehearsal – IC1:00 PM LAOH Meeting - PC3:45 PM Children’s Choir - IC6:00 PM Rel Ed - S/PC6:30 PM Confessions - IC6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal - IC7:00 PM Pastoral Council Mtg - PC

Thursday, March 179:00 AM Rosary Crusade - CH9:15 AM Bible Timeline - PC

11:00 AM Genesis Liturgy 3:00 PM Christian Formation PC6:30 PM Cantor Rehearsal - IC6:30 PM Cub Scouts - caf6:45 PM Boy Scouts - PC7:00 PM RCIA - PC7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal - IC

Friday, March 18

9:00 AM Rosary Crusade – Ch7:00 PM Stations of the Cross - IC

Saturday, March 198:30 AM RCIA Retreat - IC/PC9:00 AM Rosary Crusade – Ch4:15 PM Confessions - Ch7:00 PM NA – Caf

Community Events / Information

Post Cana is an organization for widows and widowers to help alleviate their loneliness. Post Cana holds monthly dances at Talleyville Memorial Hall in Wilmington. Monthly lunches are held at Michael’s Restaurant in Christiana. Please consider joining this friendly and inviting group of people. Please call Nancy at 302-479-5109 with questions. St. Patrick’s Lunch/Dinner: The New Castle County Irish Society will serve a Ham & Cabbage lunch/dinner on Thursday, March 17th starting at 11:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. The adult platter is $9.00 and includes coffee or tea and dessert. The platter for children age 8 and under is $5.00 and includes dessert. Take-out platters are available. A Ham Sandwich will also be available for $4.00 and does not include coffee, tea or dessert. The bar will be open to purchase your favorite beverage. An Irish Dance performed by the McAleer School of Dance will be at 4:30.

Mass with Bishop Malooly. You are invited to the Annual Diocesan “Celebrate Life Mass,” a celebration for people with special needs and their families/friends/caregivers. This event will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bear, DE on Sunday, May 1. The day includes a gathering at 12:30, Mass at 1:00, and a light lunch following Mass. We ask that if you are able to attend, please bring 2 or more cans of food for the parish food closet. To register, email Debbie Ciafre at dciafre@comcast.net or call her at (302) 275-8717. Please respond no later than April 10th.“Drawing Near to God: Exploring the Mandala.” A retreat day with Brother Mickey McGrath is scheduled Mar 16th, 9:30am-3:30pm at Jesus House Prayer and Renewal Center, 2501 Milltown Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, 302-995-6858. Brother Mickey, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an engaging presenter who travels to conferences, parishes, and retreat centers throughout North America to deliver the good news about deep and often whimsical connections between art and religious faith. Cost is $40 per person, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. Sign up on our website (jesushousecenter.org) or call our office to register.

Jesus has such compassion on the woman in the Gospel reading today as he forgives her and gives her mercy and grace instead of judgment and condemnation. We are in turn called to extend that same love and compassion to others, especially in our marriage relationship. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend scheduled for October 4-6 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.

Saint Elizabeth Summer Camp - Kids 2nd - 7th

grade are invited to join this fun, active, safe Day Camp. If you’re interested, visit www.sainteliz.org and click on “Camp.”