From the Desk of Rev. Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
FIRE UPON THE EARTH
I often wonder whether “the world would certainly be more peaceful if everyone always felt the same way, thought the same things, and held the same beliefs,” even though human nature doesn’t work that way. 
Today’s readings speak profoundly about something similar – following the Lord. Following the Lord entails suffering like torture, imprisonment, rejection, etc. It is not about personal comfort rather the prize we pay for speaking up for what is truth, what is justice and what right no matter the opposition. The cost of discipleship which Jesus is drawing our attention to reflect upon is always the popular theme, especially as Jesus speaks of His pending death. 
First reading from prophet Jeremiah (38:4-6, 8-10) describes the persecution of the prophet Jeremiah, whom Christians see as a figure of Christ. Jeremiah during his time spoke the truth to power and was nearly killed. Having tried in vain to save his people, he was abandoned to his enemies by his people. Christians have always seen him as a figure of Christ. His sufferings remind us of the sufferings of Jesus, and his rescue from the pit reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection from the tomb. 
The Gospel reading from Luke 12:49-53 contains the two sayings (on fire and division) about the nature of Jesus’ mission. His coming marks a time for making serious decisions. A serious decision about who and what we stand for. His followers will have to make crucial choices; they will have to choose to be for Him or against Him. Choosing for Him may divide them from their family members. This reading is a great comfort to us especially in times of sorrow and trouble even though it challenges us to shun darkness and opt for light, to be with Christ rather than against Him. 
So, we pay close attention as He is on His way to Jerusalem, the Holy City, His last painful journey that reveals His mission on earth to humanity. We are not really at ease with a faith that demands such painful choices. But today’s Gospel makes it clear to us so that we may not be naïve in trying to please our God. True peace can only come with the following of the Lord; striving to do God’s will, living in accordance with God’s words and God’s teachings in the Scripture. Jesus’ description of disagreement and division that would occur even in a family is not out of place because for one who professes to remain faithful should not be scared. He uses a powerful illustration of setting fire on the earth in this short Gospel reading, to challenge us to remain faithful to what matters, no matter our situation in life. 
Have we been set on fire in our commitment to our faith?
The author of the second reading, Letter to the Hebrews (12:1-4) also calls upon his readers to persevere in their faith, drawing strength from the example of Christ, “Jesus endured such opposition … in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” When we read the history of the Early Church and even today, many converts were and are rejected by their family members because they made a choice between Christ and the family. This is the type of fire Jesus wishes it were already blazing on the earth. One question we should ask ourselves now as summer season is winding down and schools are about to resume is: 
When has following Jesus put me at odds with others?
Stewardship
Tithing - God’s Plan for Giving on Sunday For 08/11/19 our Offering was $3,347.00
Last week second collection for Solidarity for Church of Africa was for $247.00. 
Next Sunday second collection will be for the Church Property Insurance. 
FOR CATHOLICS
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
FOR OUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS
We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 §4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 §3).
FOR THOSE NOT RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
FOR NON-CHRISTIANS
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
© 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Changing Station
Check out our newest addition, a Baby changing station, located in the Bathroom.
Sundays Readings: 
First Reading: Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10 p. 25 
The princes were eager to kill Jeremiah because he constantly challenged them to follow God’s law. The king allowed them to throw Jeremiah into a cistern. A friend interceded with the king and rescued Jeremiah.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40: 2, 3, 4, 18 p. 26 Lord, come to my aid!
Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 1-4 p. 26 Let us repent of our sin and fix our eyes on the Lord. Jesus gave us an example of endurance and courage in the midst of struggle. In that way he inspires and perfects our faith.
Gospel: Luke 12:49-53 p. 26 
Jesus announced to his disciples that he came to bring a hard message indeed, and some have not listened to it. That is why friends and families divide.
2019 Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal Update
Goal: $39,500
Total Amount Paid: $35,086.00
Total Amount Pledged: $38,883.00
Number of Families: 124
Percent of goal: 98%
Thank you to all who are supporting Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal. We are almost reaching our Parish Goal early this year. The total number of participants is not as many as that of last year. Please kindly check whether you have not made your pledge towards this annual appeal yet. We do not want to publish the names of those who are supporting Cardinal's Appeal in the Bulletin. We are just happy that, we have been able to make 98% of our payment so far. Remember, whatever is collected, the over - goal will be forwarded to the parish. Thank you! To donate you can go to cardinalsappeal.org, click on Donate, select an amount, and direct your gift to our Church:
Immaculate Conception, Yonkers 
All are welcome to our Up Coming Events 

• Religious Education Registration 2019-2020 If you have not registered your children you will be able to do so September 5, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm). We are offering Adult classes for those who would like to become Catholics and those that still need a sacrament. Adult classes start in October .
• Bible Sharing: Do you want to learn more about the Word of God during the week, in English. Call and let us know whether Wednesday beginning in the month of September is convenient for you. 
• St Paul the Apostle Church 602 McLean Avenue Yk, 10705 will have a Healing Mass on Tuesday night September 3rd at 7:30pm. Celebrant Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose Puthenparambil, PH.D. Mission Diocese of Vijayapuram, Kerala, INDIA 

Saturday, August 17, 2019:
12:05pm— Mathai & Annamma Chacko Baby + * Family & Friend
5:00pm - Christina De La Cruz * Magaly Pichardo
7:30pm - Ivonne Alexander Lopez +* Walter Alexander 
Sunday, August 18, 2019:
7:30 am – For the Parishioners 
9:00 am – Juaquim Neto + * Maria Neto
11:00 am - RuthMcMahan * The Bananno Family
Monday, August 19, 2019:                                          
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05pm Alyssa Lopez * Tony Felicissimo
Tuesday August 20, 2019
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05pm – Hector Rene Gabriel + * Jose Gabriel 
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm – Janae Gonzalez * Tony Felicissimo
Thursday, August 22, 2019:
8:15am - Yahaira Solognier College Graduation Blessing  * Hugo Garcia
12:05 pm– Available/Disponible
7:00 pm - Erick Avendaño + * Felipe Avendaño
Friday, August 23, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm – Saturnino Rodriguez + *Marta Vega 
Saturday, August 24, 2019:
12:05pm— John Romano * Walid Hasou & Family
5:00pm— Rose Kunny * Anthony Kunny 
7:30pm - Available/Disponible
+Indicates deceased * Indicates the person (s) who requested the Mass. 
Church Family Directory
Now we are in the stage of making arrangements for the families of the parish to take their photographs with the start of Life Touch
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Friday, August 30, 2019
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Sunday, September 1, 2019