Around the Parish – June 21, 2026

Happy Father’s Day

This weekend, we wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers. We thank God for the gift of your love, sacrifice, and leadership within your families and our parish community.

As Catholic men, we have no greater example of fatherhood than St. Joseph. Though he spoke no recorded words in Scripture, his life spoke volumes. He was faithful, courageous, humble, and obedient to God’s will. He protected and provided for the Holy Family and taught Jesus by the witness of his life. In a world that often misunderstands true masculinity, may all men look to St. Joseph as a model of authentic fatherhood and discipleship. Through his intercession, may God bless all fathers and strengthen them in their vocation.

Emmaus

This week is the annual Emmaus Priest Convocation at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe. All of the priests of the Diocese of Erie will gather for prayer, fraternity, continuing formation, and spiritual renewal. Because all of our priests will be attending, there will be no weekday Masses this week. Please keep all of our priests in your prayers that this time together may renew us in our ministry and strengthen us in our service to God’s people.

Vacation Bible School

Thursday, June 25, is the deadline to register for this year’s Vacation Bible School. At present, we have received only a small number of registrations. If your child plans to attend, please register as soon as possible so that we can adequately prepare materials, activities, and volunteers. Registration forms are available online at ihmercer.org/vbs and in the parish office.

Sacred Saturday

Our next Sacred Saturday is quickly approaching on Saturday, July 18. We especially encourage all participants from our recent Life in the Spirit Seminar to join us for this wonderful morning of faith and fellowship. Following Mass and breakfast, Catholic speaker Jillian Zaczyk will offer a presentation to help deepen our relationship with Christ and strengthen our faith. RSVP is required. Register online at ihmercer.org/sacred-saturday

300 Club

We are entering the final stretch of our 2026 300 Club campaign. The first drawing will be held on July 14, and we have a few tickets remaining.

If you have been considering purchasing a ticket, now is the time! The 300 Club provides important financial support for our parish while also giving participants the opportunity to win cash prizes throughout the year. Help us sell these final tickets and make this year’s campaign a great success. Thank you for your continued support of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Homebound Ministry

On Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30 PM in the parish conference room, we will host an informational meeting for anyone interested in helping us restart our Homebound Ministry. This ministry provides companionship, prayer, and the presence of Christ to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass due to illness, age, or other circumstances.

No experience is necessary—only a willing heart and a desire to bring the Light of Christ to others. If you have ever considered becoming involved in this important ministry, we encourage you to attend.

Here’s a thought for your week ahead:

God rarely asks us to do extraordinary things. More often, He asks us to do ordinary things with extraordinary faithfulness.

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.