Around the Parish – December 7, 2025

Prepare the Way of the Lord

As we enter the Second Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us to lean more deeply into the call of preparation. Last week we lifted our eyes in hope to Christ’s coming; this week, we hear the Gospel urging us to prepare the way of the Lord—not only outwardly, but in the quiet places of our hearts. Advent is far more than a countdown to Christmas; it is a season of awakening, repentance, and renewed desire for the Savior who draws near. May these days help us clear away spiritual clutter and open ourselves to the peace only Christ can bring.

To better prepare ourselves for Christmas, we will have Adoration and Confessions these next two Fridays, Friday, December 12 and Friday, December 19 from 6pm until 7pm. Please make an effort to join us in this special time of prayer to prepare our souls for Christmas!

Immaculate Conception Masses

This Monday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will be celebrated at:

· 8:00 AM

· 6:00 PM

As we honor Mary, conceived without sin, we ask her maternal intercession to guide us deeper into the mystery of Advent!

Parish Penance Service

Our Parish Penance Service will take place on Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 PM here at Immaculate Heart.
Beginning this year, we are partnering with Beloved Disciple Parish—we will host the Advent service, and they will host the Lenten service.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most beautiful ways to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Please make time to receive the Lord’s mercy before the celebration of His birth!

Christmas Mass Schedule

Our Celebrate the Nativity of the Lord with us:

Christmas Eve:

5:00 PM & 9:00 PM

Christmas Day:

9:00 AM

New Year’s Day Masses

As we begin the new year with the Mother of God, Masses will be offered on:

December 31 at 6:00 PM

January 1 at 9:00 AM

Let us entrust the coming year to Mary’s care as she leads us ever closer to her Son.

A few thoughts for your week:

Let God slow you down. Advent reminds us that holiness isn’t found in rushing but in resting in the Lord. Take one moment each day to breathe deeply and welcome Christ into the quiet.

Make room for grace. John the Baptist calls us to prepare the way—sometimes that means clearing out attitudes, habits, or worries that keep us from peace. What needs to be set aside so Christ can enter?

Choose small kindnesses. Advent hearts are generous hearts. A gentle word, a patient answer, a thoughtful gesture—these are the little candles that brighten the world.

Don’t wait for Christmas to turn back to God. His mercy is already here. This week, take a step toward reconciliation—spiritually, with others, or in prayer.

Let hope guide you. Hope is not wishful thinking; it is the confident expectation that God is at work. Trust that He is preparing something good in you this Advent.

Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.