Facebook Bible Study is LIVE!!

Are you on Facebook? Of course you are!! Everyone is, right? Well if you have been waiting for a good reason to join, here's one: our first-even Facebook Bible Study! Here's how it works:
Every day starting today, Sept. 30, sign on to Facebook, and find our fan-page by searching "Immaculate Conception Malden/Medford". Once you're on that page, click "become a fan." Then check back every day and click the "discussions" tab for our daily update. You can read each entry and comment right there on the site. Already a "fan" go directly to our Facebook page here.
I look forward to trying out this new way to share faith! See you on Facebook!
-MM

Get a free copy of Matthew Kelly's book:

Rediscovering Catholicism

At a time when many Catholics are disillusioned, questioning their faith, and filled with doubts about the relevance of Catholicism in the modern world, the voice of one young man cries out with a clarity and inspiration to the world's largest faith community. Beginning with our common yearning for happiness, Rediscovering Catholicism, takes us on an adventure of life-changing proportions by addressing some of the most important questions we face today both as individuals and as a Church. Please accept this inspiring book as a gift from Immaculate Conception Parish and the Matthew Kelly Foundation. To receive your free copy of Rediscovering Catholicism, contact Scott @ ym@icmalden.com.

Fall Into A New Look

Yes, your eyes are seeing new photos and links... this website has a new look! We've added some new photos and some new features that we hope will improve your online connection with our real life community of believers. For example, you can read a quick update on our twitter feed, get connected with hundreds of other I.C. parishioners at our Facebook page, be updated on parish happenings on our blog, and see all the GOF information you will need at our new GOF website... Go Make Disciples! We are excited that you have visited us and we look forward to seeing you at Mass!

-SM

G! O! F!!!!!

This place is BUZZING with excitement; tonight we begin our newest season (number 6!) of Generations of Faith. I will try not to overuse exclamation points in this post, but it won't be easy! I mean, it won't be easy - I am really excited about this year's learning theme for the entire parish. After 5 years of this great model of growing in faith, we wrap together all we've learned and put it to work following Christ's great command to Go and Make Disciples.
Tonight and Sunday afternoon we have some great surprises in store for you, a lot of fun, and a great meal!
If you haven't registered yet, please join us SUNDAY at 12:00 PM as our Friday night gathering is packed to the gills! Don't worry, though, Friday's program is JUST as EXCITING!!! Can you feel it???
-MM

Interesting....

This quick article on the "Greater Good" blog caught my eye. It's written as a guide to help parents of middle school students encourage their kids to success in school- but I read it with a faith-formation eye. Hill and Tyson's "home-based involvement, school-based involvement, and what they call “academic socialization”could easily be thought of as "home-based involvement, church-based involvement, and “faith, or religious socialization.” How are we transmitting the faith at home? How are we involved in our children's faith lives? This article offers some really helpful tips that I think could easily be applied to our kids' religious lives. What do you think?
Read the article here.

Welcome back!

Our prayers go out to all who are returning to school, or starting school, this week! Here's a prayer for the new school year:

Spirit of God, fill our hearts with a desire to seek truth and rejoice in beauty.

Help us to know what is pleasing to you and to understand what is right and good in your sight.

Give us the spirit of learning that we may please you by our thoughts and love you in your creation.

Give all teachers your constant encouragement and guide them in their good work.

Spirit of God, make us effective witnesses of your truth to all whose lives we touch. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.

H/T to: http://www.amm.org/prayers/prysch.asp
-MM

GENERATIONS OF FAITH

Register for 2009-2010

Get involved in the most exciting and life-giving form or religious education the church has to offer -- GENERATIONS OF FAITH.

Download your Registration Form here or pick one up at the Church entrances or Parish Office at 10 Fellsway East in Malden.
Acrobat Reader is needed to receive and view all Flyers and Forms. Click here to download it free.

G.O.F. Supports Families
Whole community catechesis is designed to optimize family or household time! Learn more here.

G.O.F. Facts
What is Generations of Faith? Do you have questions about Sacramental Preparation? Are you curious? Learn more here.

NEW G.O.F. Website

Our new presence on the web will give you information about each month's topic, our events, along with plenty of photos, and lots of fun. See it all here.

Skip One Meal on 9/1 To Fight Hunger

That's all we're asking! Thousands of us on twitter will be asking millions using twitter to skip a meal 9/1/2009 and use the savings to fund any local or global hunger relief organization. If you don't know any organizations to help, there's a big list on the Catholic Relief Services site (http://ow.ly/lyHV) under World Hunger Links. You can also find a local food bank, national or global hunger relief agency on Google. Just search for "hunger relief." Thanks!