Our Parish Safety and Security | | |
The safety and security of our parishioners is paramount. The tragic acts of violence recently carried out against the Catholic community have prompted us to take a deeper look at our own safety and security procedures at Immaculate Conception. Consequently, our Parish Council has engaged with experts to conduct a thorough assessment of our environment and enhance our safety and security procedures, as needed.
While it is practically impossible to completely shield a parish environment from acts of violence, continuous reassessment and improvement of our safety and security procedures, combined with our collective vigilance, will help us be better prepared in the face of such events.
May God's grace protect and guide us in this process as we all continue to pray for the victims and those impacted by the tragic events that unfolded at the Annunciation Catholic School.
Nelson Caraballo, ICPC Chair, and Fr. Manuel
| | 1 September, is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Ten years ago, in harmony with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Pope Francis established this Day for the Catholic Church. This is more important and urgent than ever, and this year’s theme is “Seeds of Peace and Hope.” Together with all Christians, we celebrate it throughout this “Season of Creation”, which lasts until 4 October, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. In the spirit of the Canticle of Brother Sun, which he composed 800 years ago, we praise God and renew our commitment not to ruin his gift but to care for our common home. | | Safe Environment Training | | |
All volunteers working with children or youth are required to complete Safe Environment Training. The initial training must be taken in person.
Margie Burton will be offering a session on Saturday, September 6 at 9:00 AM in the Parish Office.
Email Margie if you plan to attend so she can prepare enough materials.
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Join us for the Latino Food Sale this Sunday, September 7, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and enjoy a delicious meal with your family!
This month, we’re extending the hours in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Thank you in advance for your generous support!
| | | Stewardship Thought for the Week | | |
September 7, 2025
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:27
Jesus reminds us that discipleship comes with a cost. True stewardship means putting Christ first—above possessions, comfort, and even relationships. It’s a call to live intentionally, using our time, talents, and treasure to serve God and others.
This week, let us reflect: Are we willing to carry our cross and follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Stewardship begins with that “yes.”
| | Ministry Spotlight of the Week | | |
Looking to make a difference by helping people move from homelessness to housing? Would you like to engage your spiritual gifts* of generosity, service, mercy, hospitality, caregiving, or encouragement? Share your time, talent, and treasures helping our neighbors make their new house “feel like a home” by being a part of Immaculate Conception’s Furniture Project of Durham (FPOD) Ministry!
Now in our 13th year of service to our Durham community, FPOD is a Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) direct service ministry that provides gently used, donated furniture and household items to homeless families and individuals that meet their basic physical and emotional needs. We offer our services to those in need who have been referred to us by local social service agency partners, shelters, and programs that re-house and offer follow-up case management for the homeless. There is no charge for any furniture or housewares, and all items are delivered free of charge by grace-filled, dedicated parishioners like you!
Called to serve? “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). We always can use more help. Join our team now. We would love to have you! Options are flexible and opportunities are diverse. Just try it and see if it is for you. Interested in helping with our FPOD service/referrals & houseware team? Contact Sandy: sandyevans519@gmail.com. Would you like to help with donation pickup, packing, and moving furniture? Contact Mike: jenista.michael@gmail.com. The typical commitment for the delivery/pickup team is one 2-hour shift, once a month on Saturday mornings.
| | Financial Peace University | | |
Ever feel like you can't get ahead with money?
You're not alone. You'd be surprised how many people feel that way. But there's hope—with a financial Peace University class.
Over nine weeks, you'll learn biblical principles for handling money that will give you peace with your finances. Class starts on Wednesday, September 10 at 6:00 PM.
| | | If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone who has taken the class, contact Margie. | | The first meeting of the new year for the 50 Plus Club will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at Hibachi Grill at Oak Creek Shopping Center on 15-501. 50 Plus was founded here at IC in the 1980's, meets monthly for a no host lunch with speakers, and trips are planned. It has grown in popularity over the years and become multidenominational. For more information, please contact 50pluspresident@gmail.com, or contact Bob and Mary Jane Wiethe at wiethe@hotmail.com. | | Beginning September 14, during the 2025–2026 school year, every second Sunday of the month, the 5 PM Spanish Mass will be bilingual, and youth led. | | Catholic Daughters of the Americas | | Catholic Daughters of the Americas – Court Durham will have our CDA Book Club discussion on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM in the Youth Room at IC in the Olive Tree Building. Kyle Bartee will lead our discussion on The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg. Please bring an appetizer to share with the group in lieu of dinner. All ladies, 18 years of age or older, are welcome to attend, whether they have read the book or not. Come and meet the wonderful ladies of Court Durham. You may also join via Zoom for the discussion. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Regent Jayne Stephens. | | Meals for the Hungry - 9/20 | | As a parish, we serve dinner to ~150-200 people on the third Saturday of every month. We ask that food donations be delivered in disposable (ie, aluminum) pans and that each donation be enough to feed 15 people. Donations can be dropped off at the Immaculata kitchen (attached to the school) between 4:15 and 5:00 pm on Saturday. Food will be kept warm and cold as necessary until transport to Urban Ministry on Liberty Street, where meals will be served in person. Thank you for your generosity and kindness | | | Immaculata Phil’s Challenge | | |
We are so excited to share that Phil’s Challenge will take place this fall during St. Francis Week. Phil’s Challenge is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a way to grow together as a community and put our faith into action. It is about service through giving, living our faith as St. Francis of Assisi taught us—caring for others and spreading peace. Our theme this year is “Strive for Peace with All Your Heart”. We are answering this call by focusing on the Corporal Works of Mercy, particularly to Clothe the Naked. We will do this through a partnership with Note in the Pocket, an organization that provides clothing to families in need with dignity and love.
Join us for the campus beautification day for Phil’s Challenge on October 11 from 10 am to 1 pm.
| | If you or someone you know is homebound and desires to receive Holy Communion, please contact Margie at 919-682-3449, Ext. 260. There are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion available to bring Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to keep those unable to attend Mass connected to the Parish. | | |
If you are going to the hospital and would like to receive Communion or have someone pray with you, please contact Margie at 919-682-3449, Ext. 260. An Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist will be happy to visit you.
Please note: Due to new hospital policies, we no longer have access to the names of Catholic patients. You will need to provide us with your name if you wish to be visited.
| | Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) (18 +) | | |
Are you interested in becoming Roman Catholic, or are you baptized Roman Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, or are you already baptized in another Christian tradition and desire full communion with the Roman Catholic Church? Join The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Classes will begin on September 16th, 2025. Please register online below or contact Fr. Gonzalo 919-281-0723 or Torresg@icdurham.org
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Calendar
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9/6 at 9 AM: Safe Environment Training
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9/7 at 9 AM - 5 PM: Latino Food Sale
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9/10 at 6 PM: Financial Peace University Class
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9/20 at 4:15 PM: Meals for the Hungry
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