Register today for ICC's Miraculous Mission VBS (July 29-Aug 2 from 8:45 to 12:30 in the Parish Hall). VBS is open to all children 4-10 and those over 10 are welcome to help as volunteers. Cost is $20 per child with a family maximum of $30. Forms can be found in the back of church, at the rectory, or completed online. Registration is not final until payment is received.
The Parish Hospitality Committee is sponsoring a picnic to welcome new parishioners and welcome back all parishioners. It will be held after the 11 AM Mass on Sunday, August 25, 2019. There is no cost to attend for those parishioners who RSVP's in advance - it is $5 per adult for those who did not (children are free). We hope you can join us in the parish parking lot/hall!
Please consider attending (and/or donating to) the Angelo Turano Memorial Foundation's fundraiser on May 8, 2019 from 4 to 6 or 7 to 9 PM at the Westerly Yacht Club. Please click on the title for additional information.
The Parish Council is delighted that three people have stepped forward to join the Hospitality Committee to do such things as welcome new parishioners, host an annual potluck picnic, and conduct other parish community building functions. We simply will not be able to do this without more volunteers. If you are looking for a way to contribute to parish life and help make ICC a more closer knit community, this is your opportunity! Please e-mail the Parish Council (ParishCouncil@immcon.org) or call the rectory (401-596-2130). Thank you for considering this means of strengthening our parish!
We will meet on Thursday's of May and June from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The first 50 minutes of the Bible Study we will watch a segment of Franco Zeffirelli's Masterpiece: "Jesus of Nazareth." From 8:00 pm to 8:45 pm, Father Capoverdi will conduct a teaching on these passages. There will be time for questions, discussion and sharing. From 8:45 pm to 9:00 pm we will have refreshments and Christian Fellowship. JOIN US!!
Mass of Christian Burial: Immaculate Conception Church, Friday at 10:00 am. The Wake will be held on Thursday from 4-7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly.
Each year at this time concerns are raised regarding the potential spread of influenza throughout various communities. The most recent weekly report from the State Department of Public Health categorizes the statewide estimate of influenza activity as ‘widespread’. In addition, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year's flu vaccine is less effective in the prevention of influenza A(H3N2) than in prior years. As pastors committed to promoting and protecting the well-being of our parishioners, we need to be as cautious and prudent as possible in responding to any possible threat, especially for children and the elderly. Since conditions vary from one locale to another, the most effective approach is at the level of the local parish. Pastors are therefore encouraged to prudentially consider the following guidelines and suggestions as they pertain to your local community: During the Eucharistic Liturgy, the Sign of Peace need not be announced or exchanged. (As you know, the exchange of peace is always optional during Holy Mass, omitting the invitation “let us offer each other the sign of peace” GIRM 154) If the invitation is announced, parishioners should consider avoiding handshakes, embraces and other physical contact. A simple gesture, or even a silent prayer, could easily suffice. Likewise, if your parish is in the habit of holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, this practice should be eliminated.
Immaculate Conception is the oldest parish in Westerly, founded in 1886. Although our parish is over 130 years old, our church building is turning 50 years old this year. The Church building was dedicated on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1968. There will be a celebration Mass of Thanksgiving on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2018 celebrated by Bishop Thomas Tobin. The homilist will be, native of the parish, Fr. Michael Sisco
MARIA PARKER, RECEIVES THIS YEAR'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, ST. THOMAS MORE, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, PRO-LIFE AWARD. MARIA is the Mother of five and Grandmother of 9. She is married to Kenneth Parker of Cranston, RI. Maria is a graduate of Anna Maria College, Paxton and Venerini Academy in Worcester, MA. She earned her MBA degree in international management from the University of Rhode Isand. From 1992-1998, Maria served as Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Providence. In that role she lobbied RI legislators and served as Diocesan spokeswoman on the issues of abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. During that time, she also hosted a radio program for the Diocese for 3 years called “To Life” as well as a TV series entitled "Embrace Life". In 1998, Maria joined the staff of the MA Catholic Conference, as Project Director of a statewide education initiative on end of life issues and the threat of assisted suicide called “In Support of Life”. In 2000, Parker served the Massachusetts Catholic Conference as Associate Director for Public Policy, and then Interim Executive Director, lobbying on public policy issues of concern to the Catholic Church in MA. In MA she became a leading voice on issues related to life, marriage and family. In January 2000, she was invested as a Dame of Malta at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. In October of 2006, Maria was given the prestigious “Professional Achievement Award “ from her alma mater, Anna Maria College. Having traveled extensively, Maria speaks 3 languages. From 1998-2007, she headed a team of representatives to the United Nations for the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) serving on their World Board. In 2011, Maria served as a member of the Holy See Delegation to the United Nations ‘ Commission on the Status of Women. Most recently, Maria is serving as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board to St. Pius Regional Academy, and as a member of the Respect Life Committee of St. Clare’s Parish. She continues to consult with and educate others on current issues involving life, marriage, religious freedom and the feminine genius.
If you or a loved one are in the hospital or homebound and wish Father Capoverdi to make a visit, please call the Rectory and inform the Parish Secretary to make the arrangements for Father to make a visit.