Around the Parish – May 24, 2026

Pentecost Sunday

As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, we recall the powerful moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, filling them with courage, wisdom, and zeal to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church,” because it marks the moment when the fearful disciples were transformed into bold witnesses of Christ. The same Holy Spirit poured out upon the Apostles is given to us through Baptism and Confirmation. Today is an opportunity for each of us to pray once again: “Come, Holy Spirit!” May the Spirit renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and guide our parish to live more fully as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Handicapped Entrance

Last weekend, I announced that work would soon begin on the replacement of the church’s handicapped entrance. This important project is intended to address several safety and accessibility concerns that have developed over time. The existing ramp and stairs have become unsafe due to the flagstone surface that was added over them, and the current entrance door does not meet ADA accessibility standards because of its narrow width. In addition, the existing canopy has begun causing damage to the exterior wall of the church and will therefore be removed as part of the project.

The work will include the replacement of the ramp, stairs, and entrance door, along with the installation of a new automatic door opener to make access to the church easier and safer for everyone. Work was scheduled to begin on Tuesday and, as of the writing of this column, everything remains on schedule. Please keep this project in your prayers, especially for good weather and for the safe and timely completion of the work.

300 Club Tickets Available

Our 300 Club fundraiser is still underway, and we are continuing to work toward our goal of selling all 300 tickets. This fundraiser provides important support for the ongoing needs of our parish while also offering participants chances to win throughout the year. If you have not yet purchased a ticket, we encourage you to do so soon. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is quickly approaching, and we are looking forward to another joyful week of faith, fun, and friendship for the children of our parish and community. VBS is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus through prayer, music, games, crafts, and engaging activities centered on our Catholic faith. We encourage parents and grandparents to make this a priority part of their summer plans.

Registration is now open, and we encourage families to sign up as soon as possible so that we can adequately prepare materials and supplies for all participants. Registration forms are available at the doors of the church, or you may register online at ihmercer.org/vbs. The registration deadline is June 25, 2026. There is a $10 registration fee per child to help offset the cost of supplies and activities. We hope many of our children will join us for this exciting week of faith and fellowship!

Here’s a thought for your week ahead:

Each of us shines in a different way, but that doesn’t make our light any less bright. Hope is the voice that meets you in the storm and says that there is more than what you can see right now. Make it a habit to talk about blessing more than burdens.

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.