uh oh... here we go!

My apologies for the lack of blogging! There has been a mix of vacations and busy-ness here among your Parish Staff, and now we are excited to be working together again in the planning of this coming year. Our goal is for everyone in our parish to be learning about, and growing in, their faith - that means YOU!
You've probably heard that the learning theme for our entire parish this year is GO MAKE DISCIPLES - which might make you a bit nervous!  Yes, we're talking about evangelization (sharing the Good News with others) and yes, we're talking about Discipleship (living our lives in a way that responds to God's call to us). And YES, the Church teaches and believes that we are all called to discipleship, and gifted by God, and that it is our responsibility as Catholics to reach out to others and share. But we don't have to be afraid of these words or ideas. This year we hope everyone at I.C. will take a look and a listen and be inspired to action, in Jesus' name. Don't worry! We'll figure out how, together.
In the meantime, I'll be putting up great resources here for you, budding missionary. Here's one now: http://www.rejesus.co.uk is a website designed to help you know more about Jesus and Christianity. Here you'll find stories of people whose lives have been changed by God - see if you can leave this website uninspired!

Who's on First?

As we start to turn our collective gaze toward the call to evangelize and to live as disciples, I have been finding great resources on the internet, as well as in Church documents- people have given this a lot of thought over the years!
One website I recently found is posted by a protestant ministry, and it's called "I am Second." Check it out and see what you think about the premise of the site, project, and videos posted there.
-MM

We're back with four new posts (including this one)...

Greetings from the Inter-web Production Dept. at IC (that's the basement office in the rectory building) where your humble blogger has just returned from a very soggy (but fun) vacation. I hope I didn't miss too much fun stuff here while I was gone, but I know one thing, there's always something happening here at IC. Check out the three new posts below this one for a glimpse at the recent past, present, and future!
-MM

wait...what??

Tuesday night at 7:00 we begin a 6-week series for young adults called "Wait..what??" We'll spend an hour or so asking the faith questions that we forgot to get answers to (or, forgot the answers to!) as kids, sharing hot coffee with cool friends. Oh and there will be cookies, too... Margo Morin is your hostess, so you know it'll be fun and informative (if I do say so m'self). So come on down to the new Gazebo any coming Tuesday, bring a friend, and hear a quick talk by a fellow 18-38 year-old, followed by a chance to ask your questions and discuss what you've heard. Don't go through life confused by your faith, asking again and again, wait........what??
-MM

They put the HEART in Catholic Heart

23 young people and adult leaders left our church in two big vans yesterday, bound for Catholic Heart Work Camp in Groton. We sent them off with a blessing from Fr. Bakker and the parishioners at the 11:00 Mass. They'll spend this week serving people in the Lowell and Lawrence area, doing such things as construction, painting, repair, food service, and direct ministry to young people, elderly, and the disabled. Please keep this special group of ministers in your prayers this week!

-MM

Sister Margo has left the building!

You may have noticed in this week's bulletin that Sister Margo has begun her Sabbatical year. In case you missed it, here is her message:
"As Father Mehm mentioned in his column a few weeks ago, I officially left Immaculate Conception Parish on June 30th for a year of spiritual renewal and enrichment During the year I will also be connecting with family and friends while at the same time seeing and learning about other communities of Sisters in various parts of our country. It is with deep gratitiude to and the support of my Congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph, that I am able to have this time away! I am also so grateful to Fr. Mehm, the wonderful staff with whom I minister and all of you, our parishioners at I.C. for your love and support, along with your good wishes! Be assured of my thoughts and prayer for all of you during this blessed year of grace!"
Before she left, Sister Margo was celebrated by the staff and all the religious education professionals she's worked with in the Archdiocese- at a luncheon a few weeks ago, her colleagues gave her a standing ovation!













We send Margo off with prayers and good wishes for her year. Thanks for everything Sister Margo, blessed and safe travels!
-MM