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ALTAR SERVERS – Help in the smooth flow of the liturgy. They assist the presider at the Holy Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations. Anyone fourth grade or older may train to be a server.
- Deacon Dominick Azzara 645-6275
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION - Assist the presider in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist at
Mass.
They take the Holy Eucharist to the sick, shut-ins, and homebound, as well as offer support to families at the time of the death of a loved one.
- Deacon Dominick Azzara 645-6275
LECTORS – Proclaim the Word of God at liturgies.
- Deacon Dominick Azzara 645-6275
MUSIC – Our music department consists of four choirs:
Parish Choir – Sings for Sunday liturgies as scheduled, as well as special liturgies such as Christmas Midnight Mass and the Easter Vigil. Open to anyone High School age and up.
CHANCEL CHOIR – A small ensemble which also sings for Sunday liturgies as scheduled, as well as special liturgies such as Christmas Midnight Mass and Holy Week Services. Open to anyone High School age and up.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR – Consists of young people grades 3 through 8. They sing for some Sunday liturgies, Christmas Eve Children’s liturgy, and other special liturgies as requested.
EXALT! – This contemporary ensemble, under the direction of Danny Chartrand is comprised of cantors, guitar, percussion, keyboard, flute, saxophone and trumpet… EXALT! provides music for Sunday liturgies and for the Sunday evening Life Teen Mass.
USHERS & GREETERS – Welcome all who come to worship and assist in the overall flow of worship.
- Deacon Dominick Azzara 645-6275
VISITATION COMMITTEE – Extraordinary Ministers take the Eucharist to the sick, the homebound, and those in nursing homes. This committee usually visits the hospital six days a week.
OTHER PARISH MINISTRIES, ORGANIZATIONS & PROGRAMS
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ADULT EDUCATION – We have adult education seminars throughout the year. Professional people from our parish, as well as our community, have shared their talents with us.
are interested in attending Adult Education sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Why Catholic?
ALTAR SOCIETY – The Altar Society includes all women of the parish. The ladies of the Society are responsible for both the
Main
Church
and the Chapel. The Society is in charge of keeping altar linens ready, candles and candleholders cleaned and polished, and preparing the altars for all services and special events.
- Christel Griffin 647-7132
ANNULMENTS AND MARRIAGE CASES
- Fr. David J. Gaffny 645-6275
- Deacon Dominick Azzara 645-6275
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BIBLE STUDY
Why Catholic?
- Call the church office 645-6275
BOY SCOUTS OF
AMERICA
– The Boy Scout program is for young men from first grade through age 18. The program strives to instill positive values in young people. The scouting experience will help young men discover that they can make good things happen in their lives by planning and setting goals and then reaching for them.
Formed October 1992, Troop 536 is a Catholic Troop where Mass and CCD are important. Presently there are 20 Boy Scouts providing over 500 hours of service annually to the Church and Community. Troop 536 has 11 Eagle Scouts with others well on the way. It has 20 registered adult leaders with over 160 years of experience.
Along with the Boy Scouts are our 30 Cub Scouts of Pack 526 who are developing physical, mental and leadership skills through various den and pack projects.
- Call the church office 645-6275
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA – This ICCCW sponsored event is held each December. Children nine and younger are invited to have breakfast with Santa. Coffee and donuts are served to parents.
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CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TENNESSEE
CARING CHOICES – This group provides a caring, confidential atmosphere for a pregnant woman to come into, in order to help her to work through her crisis and come to a quality decision for her and her baby. Pregnancy testing, counseling, and providing maternity and baby articles are a few of the services provided. This group is a joint venture of IC parish and Catholic Charities.
CENTERING PRAYER GROUP
CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTS
- Church Office 645-6275
- June Esquilin, Director 552-3015
CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (CCD) –
Welcome to the website of the Religious Education program of Immaculate Conception Parish!
When children are baptized, their parents promise to raise them in the Catholic faith. CCD exist to assist with that promise.
The Religious Ed. Classes meet on Sunday mornings between the 8:00 am and 11:00 am Masses-from 9:15 – 10:30. A child MUST be registered before he/she is allowed to attend class. Registration forms, class calendars, and Religious Ed. Handbooks can be attained at the parish office. There is a fee of $25 per child, with a maximum fee of $75 per family. No one will be turned away for being unable to pay fees.
All students are expected to conduct themselves in a Christian manner by respecting their teachers, each other, and church property. Our teachers are VOLUNTEERS-giving of their time freely and from the heart. They deserve respect from all concerned.
It is the policy of Immaculate Conception that students seeking to enter a sacramental class must have been enrolled in the appropriate Religious Ed class for at least one year PRIOR to entering a sacramental preparation course. Parents enrolling children in a sacramental class MUST provide a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate.
First Holy Communion usually takes place in the 2nd grade following First Reconciliation, and occurs in the spring.
Confirmation normally takes place during the 8th grade in the Diocese of Nashville. A Confirmation sponsor must be at least 16 yrs. Of age, confirmed, and a registered and active Catholic. Parents may not serve as sponsors. The date of Confirmation is set by the Bishop.
We offer the “Safe at Last” program mandated by the Diocese by the Bishop, in accordance with the Bishops charter for the Protection of Children. This I provided to promote the safety of children from sexual predators. Al who serve in our Religious Education program have participated in background checks to further ensure the safety of children.
We are a community of believers; a family of faith. We come together to love, to learn, to grow in the Lord.
Why Catholic?
- For more information contact the parish office at 645-6275
CRAFT FAIR – This Immaculate Conception Council of Catholic Women (ICCCW) sponsored event is held annually on the first Saturday of December. Booth space is rented to crafters. The ICCCW also sponsors a Craft Booth and a Country Kitchen. Crafts for the ICCCW booth are made at workshops held by the ICCCW as well as by parish members who donate hand crafted items. The Country Kitchen serves homemade soup, chili, pies, and cakes.
- Dianne Ellis 645-3680
- Merci Chartrand 920-2868
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DIVINE MERCY/ROSARY PRAYER GROUP – Meets weekly on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. to pray the rosary, followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. This is held in the Chapel or main
Worship
Center
whichever is available.
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EASTER EGG HUNT
– This ICCCW sponsored event is usually held the Saturday before Easter for children nine and younger.
CONTACT: Diann Nance 648-8701
EDUCATION
ADULT EDUCATION-
We have adult education classes and seminars throughout the year. Professional people from our parish, as well as our community, have shared their talents with us.
If you are interested in attending Adult Education sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Learn more about
ADULT EDUCATION
CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (CCD) –
When children are baptized, their parents promise to raise them in the Catholic faith. CCD exists to assist with that promise.
The Religious Ed. Classes meet on Sunday mornings between the 8:00 am and 11:00 am Masses-from 9:15 – 10:30. A child MUST be registered before he/she is allowed to attend class. Registration forms, class calendars, and Religious Ed. Handbooks can be attained at the parish office. There is a fee of $25 per child, with a maximum fee of $75 per family. No one will be turned away for being unable to pay fees.
If you are interested in attending CCD sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Learn more about CCD
CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (CCD)
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP)-
For just reasons, spouses may wish to space the births of their children. It is their duty to make certain that their desire is not motivate by selfishness but is in conformity with the generosity appropriate to responsible parenthood. Moreover, they should conform their behavior to the objective criteria of morality. [Catechism of the Catholic Church 2368]
NFP is completely natural and does not use drugs, devices or surgery. It is not the antiquated and often-ineffective rhythm method. Modern NFP is a thoroughly researched, safe, medically effective and family-supportive method of fertility regulation which can be used either to avoid or to achieve pregnancy used effectively worldwide for over 20 years.
If you are interested in attending NFP sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Learn more about
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the church's way of incorporating non-Catholic men and women into our Catholic Faith. This is the ancient catechumenate process of the church.
If you are interested in attending RCIA sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Learn more about
THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
WHY CATHOLIC-
Why Catholic is a unique adult faith formation program developed by RENEW International solidly based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
If you are interested in attending Why Catholic sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Learn more about
WHY CATHOLIC
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FOOD COLLECTION – We collect non-perishable food items on the 3rd Sunday of the month for the Urban Ministries’ Food Pantry.
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HISPANIC MINISTRY – This diocesan ministry coordinates pastoral care and sacraments to the Spanish speaking community. A Spanish Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 1:00 PM in the main church.
Why Catholic?
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IC COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN (ICCCW) – This group is affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW), which is the largest religious denomination of women in
America.
Through the ICCCW, Catholic women can speak and act on their concerns and seek solutions to current problems. All women of the parish are members of the ICCCW. Our local chapter is active in the fight against abortion, pornography, child abuse, domestic violence, and any movement that tears down the family.
The ICCCW sponsors family activities such as a Halloween Covered Dish Supper, Breakfast with Santa, Annual Craft Fair, and an Easter Egg Hunt. They also host luncheons for our senior citizens. They help with receptions and luncheons for bereaved families after a funeral. Activities are funded with the proceeds from their annual Craft Fair, which is held on the first Saturday in December.
- Diann Nance 648-8701
- Kathie Schuler 905-1030
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION NEWSLETTER
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL – a celebration of our multi-cultural identity.
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KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS
(KC) – A Catholic Fraternal Service Organization, the KC sponsors numerous activities for family, youth groups, and community service. The proceeds of the annual “Tootsie Roll” sale are donated to the KC Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged Adults, which is located in
Clarksville.
KOREAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY – Meets in the
Family
Life
Center
after Mass on the last Sunday of each month.
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LEGION OF MARY – Just as the Blessed Virgin Mary is united with the Holy Spirit, so is every member of her legion of workers united with the Holy Spirit under the mantle of Our Blessed Virgin. Our mission is to spread the Word of God through the special acts of love we perform each day. Key to this is our weekly meeting. Here, we come together to pray, listen to God’s Word, study, discuss, and plan for the week to come.
LOAVES AND FISHES
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION LIBRARY- The Parish library is here for all parishioners. We encourage those who wish to deepen their Catholic faith by means of reading, listening to CDs, or watching videos. We have devotional literature; instructional literature, encyclicals, lives of the popes and saints and other biographies, a few fictional works, and art and history as it relates to the church.
All are welcome to come on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between the hours of 10:30 -12:30. Other arrangements may be made by contacting the Church office. We will be happy to serve you.
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MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP – The mission of this group is to support
Immaculate
Conception
Church
’s military personnel and their family members by being available to identify needs and coordinate resources. Organized March 2, 2003 in response to operation “Iraqi Freedom”.
The Official Homepage of Fort Campbell, KY
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NEWMAN CLUB – This is the Catholic Student Organization at Austin Peay State University (APSU). It is an organization run by students for students. It is about having good, clean fun, making friends, and even learning a thing or two about the Catholic Church along the way! They welcome open-minded APSU students of all denominations.
NURSERY – The nursery is open to children under the age of five on Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents may leave their children in the nursery while they attend Mass, an adult class, or while they are teaching Religious Education.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) –For just reasons, spouses may wish to space the births of their children. It is their duty to make certain that their desire is not motivate by selfishness but is in conformity with the generosity appropriate to responsible parenthood. Moreover, they should conform their behavior to the objective criteria of morality. [Catechism of the Catholic Church 2368]
With the increased use of NFP in recent decades the Church has discovered that the informed practice of NFP actually builds virtue. In other words, couples who have used NFP become unselfish by using NFP properly. Thus, the Church has learned that if authentic virtue is weak or absent at the beginning, using NFP properly instills it! Love is a choice in one’s will to give oneself to another. But that choice is founded on the recognition of the dignity of the other as well s the dignity of oneself (who would give oneself to another if one thought the gift worthless?). Therefore, anything which leads to a greater appreciation of the dignity and value of human beings fosters love.
NFP is completely natural and does not use drugs, devices or surgery. It is not the antiquated and often-ineffective rhythm method. Modern NFP is a thoroughly researched, safe, medically effective and family-supportive method of fertility regulation which can be used either to avoid or to achieve pregnancy used effectively worldwide for over 20 years.
If you are interested in attending NFP sessions call the church office at 645-6275.
Learn more about NFP
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PARISH GIFT SHOP - The gift shop is located in the rear of the main church. It is operated by volunteers and is open on Saturdays before and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass and on Sundays before and after the 8:00 a.m., the 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. Spanish Mass, and before the 6:00 p.m. Life Teen
Mass.
Proceeds benefit our sister parishes in
Haiti
and
Chiapas,
Mexico.
PARISH LIBRARY – The parish library, in room 9 at the
St. Joseph
Center,
is for the development and improvement of a parishioner’s understanding of the Roman Catholic faith, which has been termed as “the faith of millions.” Please contact the parish office or refer to the church bulletin, for further information.
PARISH TWINNING PROGRAM OF THE
AMERICAS
(SISTER PARISHES)
Haiti
Mission
– The Immaculate Conception Haiti Mission offers spiritual, medical, and financial support to the members of our sister parish, St. Jules in Petit Bourg du Borgne,
Haiti.
Ongoing efforts include an annual medical mission to the village, identifying and bringing patients to hospitals in
Haiti
and the
United States
for surgery and sponsoring an ongoing clinic in the village that is staffed by Haitian physicians, nurses, pharmacy and laboratory technicians.
Other efforts to improve conditions in the village include support of the parish school and library and the parish Women’s Group. The IC Haiti Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of every month downstairs in room #10 at
St. Joseph
’s Center. Anyone who is interested in becoming involved is encouraged to attend.
- Deacon Tim Winters 920-3953
- Kit and Tom Grabenstein 503-1406
Chiapas Mission
– Started in December of 2003, this
Mission
serves the people of San Pedro Chenalho Parish in remote areas of the southern
Mexican
State
of
Chiapas.
The parish consists of several villages scattered across an impoverished mountainous area. Ongoing efforts include financial aid as well as assistance in establishing a local coffee cooperative as a means of further support.
PRAYER LINE – Requests for prayers are taken by this group of parish members between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. A phone tree is set up where your request is passed on to participating members who pray daily for these needs.
- Regina Azzara or Church Office 645-6275
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RIGHT TO LIFE GROUP – This group supports the reverence and protection of life from conception to death. They focus on prayer, education, and witnessing. They assist Caring Choices in locating supplies and responding to their other needs when requested to do so.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)- Our RCIA is currently available to persons considering becoming full members of the Roman Catholic Church, persons interested in learning about the Catholic Church, and Catholics returning to the Church, or seeking a better understanding of life in the Church today. Pre-catechumenate meets on Thursday evenings. Regular catechumenate sessions meet Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Room in the Inn - Room in the Inn is a program of the Clarksville Montgomery-County Community Action Agency administered through the Old Fire House Day Shelter. Room in the Inn is modeled after the Cathedral of the Incarnation Nashville ministry of the same name founded by Father Charles Strobel in 1986. This ministry provides overnight shelter during winter months. The program consists of congregations working to provide small independent shelters within their own facilities.
Each Thursday night from November—March Immaculate Conception Church welcomes homeless men typically 15-35 guests. ICC provides a warm place to stay for the night, evening meal, breakfast, and sack lunch.
We are always looking for generous people that want to donate time, talent, or money to support ICC Room in the Inn ministry-This year we are specially looking for volunteers to help with the following positions:
Inn-Keeper: Requires a minimum of two volunteers to spend the night in the Family Life Center (FLC) attending our guests.
Transportation: We transport 15-35 guests from/to the Old Fire House Day Shelter and ICC Family Life Center.
Food: Six or seven people will help prepare and serve dinner. Three or four people will help prepare and serve breakfast and a team to prepare sack lunches. Meals/Food for both days can be prepared onsite or dropped off prior to each serving time.
Contributions: Donations can be made to support ICC Room in the Inn ministry. Checks/Money Orders can be made payable to Immaculate Conception Church-Denote Room In the Inn ministry under “memo” line.
Thank you in advance for supporting this ministry.
Our Parish will be hosting 15 - 35 homeless men every Thursday night throughout the winter months (Nov-Mar). If you are interested in volunteering, or would like to learn more about this program, contact:
Contact Heidi Burton 472-9569
or email roomintheinn@leegomez.org
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Servant of the Sacred Heart Charismatic Prayer Group
SMALL PRAYER GROUPS – Renew groups, Cursillo groups, Charismatic groups, as well as other small groups, gather together for prayer, retreats, and spiritual encouragement. These groups are not organized parish activities. They are an outgrowth of the RENEW program and the Cursillo program.
Why Catholic?
SPORTS – The city of
Clarksville
offers a wide range of activities throughout the year for both youth and adults. We are always in need of volunteers to organize and coach various sports. We have had softball and basketball teams in the past.
STATIONS OF THE
CROSS
GARDEN
– The birth of this beautiful garden came when Fr. Eric Fowlkes asked Ed Sullivan if he would build the 14 Stations of the Cross. He accepted this request and designed, carved, and then installed all the stations. The Stations of the Cross were dedicated in 1994. The site attracts visitors from all faiths.
ST. MARY’S
CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
– We are offering grades K – 8. The mission of St. Mary’s, in cooperation with the parents, is to develop the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth of each individual child by providing a quality educational experience that reflects the presence of Christ on earth. The curriculum provides an academic program of excellence firmly rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Christian faith.
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ST. MARY’S PRESCHOOL – We offer a preschool program for children ages 9 months to 5 years. This morning-only program (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 NOON) emphasizes reinforcement of specific educational skills as well as social interaction skills through a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We offer a three-day program (M, W, F) and a two-day program (T, Th) for 1’s, 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, and Pre-K.
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL
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THE MOTHER’S GROUP – We are a group of mothers that comes together weekly to pray the rosary and to study and discuss the Catholic faith. We are a dynamic group of women who believe in supporting one another through life’s joys and life’s struggles through our various roles as wife, mother, and friend. Many beautiful friendships have blossomed because of these weekly meetings and each mom has the opportunity to grow spiritually.
The group has grown since its conception, April 22, 1998, and will continue to grow, change, and thrive. Through the sponsorship of the Legion of Mary, we pray that it will always be a part of our parish. All mothers are welcome.
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URBAN MINISTRIES - This community service organization oversees client services, which include food, utilities assistance, prescription medication, and other basic needs. They distribute the food that we collect on the 3rd Sunday of each month. We have parishioners on the local Board of Directors.
Immaculate Conception provides financial assistance to Urban Ministries as listed above as well as the following organizations:
Community Action Agency
Loaves
&
Fishes
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Why Catholic?
Why Catholic is a unique adult faith formation program developed by RENEW International solidly based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Parish facilitators open their homes to small groups to pray together, study Scripture, and journey through the Catechism to discover the foundations of our faith. Groups meet once a week for six weeks in the fall, and again in the spring for the six weeks of Lent. The entire program covers the four pillars of our faith over four years. We have Spanish language groups as well as English groups.
First year: 2008-2009 "The Profession of Faith: What We Believe" explores the basic tenets of Catholicism, what we believe and why we believe it.
Second year: 2009-2010 "The Celebration of Christian Mystery - Sacraments" helps us reflect on what the Sacraments mean in our lives.
Third year: 2010-1011 "Life in Christ - Walking with God" explores the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes as blueprints for Christian living.
(Click here) For information on Small Leader Training.
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YOUTH MINISTRY
LIFE TEEN – This organization is for students in the 9th through 12th grades who are interested in joining a Catholic youth program. Life Teen is open to all high school students. BRING A FRIEND.
Names and numbers are subject to constant change—any questions should be directed to the parish office 645-6275.
Fr. David Gaffny, Pastor
709 Franklin Street •
Clarksville,
Tennessee
37040
•
(931) 645-6275
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