Around the Parish – May 31, 2026
Published on May 30, 2026
Trinity Sunday
This weekend the Church celebrates the great feast of the Most Holy Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the mystery of the Trinity is beyond our full human understanding, it reminds us of one of the most important truths of our faith: that God is a communion of perfect love. We are created in that love and invited to share in it. May this feast day remind us to deepen our relationship with the Lord and to reflect His love within our families, our parish, and our community.
300 Club Tickets Available
300 Club tickets remain available, and we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets as soon as possible. This important fundraiser helps provide the necessary financial support to keep our parish operating and continuing its many ministries and programs. Your participation truly makes a difference and is a direct investment in the life and future of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
Vacation Bible School
Be sure to register for Vacation Bible School as soon as possible! While registrations have been slow so far, we know there are many children in our parish who would greatly enjoy this wonderful week of faith, fun, and fellowship. VBS is open to children entering first grade and above. Registration forms are available at the entrances of the church as well as online at ihmercer.org/vbs.
Handicapped Entrance
Thankfully, the recent good weather has allowed work to begin on the replacement of our handicapped entrance. The old canopy over the ramp has now been removed, and demolition of the existing ramp and sidewalk should begin shortly. For everyone’s safety, please avoid the south side of the church while construction is underway. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue these much-needed improvements to our parish facilities.
Here’s a thought for your week ahead:
Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to leave undone forever. You cannot build a reputation on what you are merely going to do. Define your own life — do not let others write your script for you.
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.
