70 Years of Immaculate Heart Parish

This year, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish joyfully celebrates 70 years of evangelization and service in our Mercer community. To mark this special milestone, we are creating two keepsake projects that celebrate who we are as a parish family:

1. Parish Cookbook – Share Your Favorite Recipes!

As announced in last week’s bulletin and in your mail, we are compiling a beautiful parish cookbook filled with your favorite recipes. It will be professionally published and make a treasured gift or family heirloom.

Cookbooks are $20 each. Please submit recipes by July 31, 2025. Directions on how to submit recipes is on our website at https://ihmercer.org/cookbook

2. Parish Photo Directory – Sign Up coming soon!

We are partnering with Universal Church Directories to create a new parish photo directory. Photo sessions will be held July 24–26 in Gallagher Hall. Every family who participates receives a free 8×10 portrait and a copy of the directory. More info is at ihmercer.org/2025-directory

Heart to Heart: Sacred Saturday

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Sacred Saturday! A wonderful time was had by all. Our next event will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, beginning with 9 AM Mass, followed by breakfast and a special presentation. Register at https://ihmercer.org/heart-to-heart or call the parish office.

Praise & Worship Holy Hour – This Thursday!

Join us at Notre Dame Church this Thursday evening for a special Praise and Worship Holy Hour. Like our Lenten night of prayer, this evening will include uplifting music, reflection, and time in silent adoration. All are welcome to this powerful evening of praise.

300 Club Raffle

Our 300 Club six-month raffle is underway! This fun and vital fundraiser supports our parish needs. More details are in this weekend’s bulletin insert.

40 Hours Adoration

Mark your calendar for our annual 40 Hours Adoration, taking place Sunday, June 8 through Tuesday, June 10. Our guest homilist is Fr. Ian McElrath, a native son of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon. Sign-ups for adoration hours are in the main vestibule and on our website.

Ave Maria!

On this Mother’s Day, we offer prayers of thanksgiving for all mothers, living and deceased. May God bless you abundantly. In a special way during the month of May, let us also turn to our Blessed Mother, who always leads us to the heart of her Son.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

We cannot create a new future while holding on to the emotions of the past; healing begins with letting go. There’s a big difference between not knowing and not knowing yet—growth takes time and patience. Let us be the kind of witness that inspires.

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.

Extra Omnes

This Wednesday, the Cardinals of the Church will gather in Rome to elect the next pope. Let us pray in a particular way for those electors and our next Holy Father. May the Holy Spirit guide their hearts and minds as they choose a worthy shepherd for the Church.

Heart to Heart: Sacred Saturday

Next Saturday we will gather for our first Sacred Saturday at 9:00 AM for Mass, followed by a talk in Gallagher Hall. All RSVPs need to be submitted by this Sunday so we can prepare breakfast! Everyone is welcome, no matter what parish you might belong to. Don’t miss this opportunity for spiritual enrichment and community.

Congratulations Graduates!

It’s that time of year as we come to the end of another academic year. A special congratulations to all our graduates—from preschool through college. Your parish family is proud of you! Our prayers go with you as you step into the next chapter of your journey.

Ave Maria!

May is the month of Mary. I invite you to spend time this month drawing closer to Our Blessed Mother through the Rosary, Marian devotions, or simply reflecting on her faith and love. Mary always leads us to her Son.

Summer Mass Schedule

A quick thank you to all who have helped with religious education, sacraments, liturgical ministries, and spring events around the parish. Your generosity, seen and unseen, keeps our parish vibrant and growing.

40 Hours Adoration

Mark your calendars: our annual Forty Hours Eucharistic Devotion will take place June 8–10. We are honored to welcome Fr. Ian McElrath, a native son of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon and my seminary classmate, as our guest homilist. It will be a beautiful time of prayer, reflection, and grace centered on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you. Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become. For your life to be great, your faith must be bigger than your fears.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Israel Pilgrimage

Israel Pilgrimage

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.

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrations

Alleluia! As we continue to celebrate the joy of Easter, today the Church throughout the world observes Divine Mercy Sunday, a powerful reminder of Christ’s unfathomable mercy poured out for all. I invite you to join us this afternoon at 3:00 PM for a special hour of Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet here in the church. Come spend time with the Lord in the Hour of Mercy and open your heart to His love and peace.

Prayers for Pope Francis

It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the death of Pope Francis, our Holy Father and faithful shepherd. In this sacred Easter season, we hold fast to the hope of the Resurrection even as we mourn the loss of a humble and courageous leader. Please keep Pope Francis in your prayers, and may eternal light shine upon him. We also pray for the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect the next successor of St. Peter.

St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for Us!

We had anticipated celebrating the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis this Divine Mercy Sunday. However, with the passing of the Holy Father, his canonization has been postponed until a new pontiff is elected. While we wait, we continue to look to Carlo as a model of youthful holiness and Eucharistic love. May his witness inspire us to pursue sainthood in our daily lives.

Congratulations to our First Communicants!

This Sunday is also one of great celebration for our parish as we rejoice with our First Communion students! May they always treasure the gift of the Holy Eucharist, and may their joy in receiving Jesus for the first time inspire us all to renew our own devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Congratulations to each of them and to their families!

Summer Mass Schedule

Please remember, the First Sunday of May begins our Summer Mass Schedule, where our 11:00 AM Mass will move to 10:00 AM. Help us spread the word to friends and family so no one misses the change!

Sacred Saturday: Faith, Family, Formation

Looking ahead, our very first Sacred Saturday is coming up on May 10! The morning will begin with Mass and continue with a light breakfast and a special talk. I hope many of you will be able to attend this new opportunity for spiritual growth and fellowship. More details can be found elsewhere in the bulletin.

Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting

And finally, a reminder that this Wednesday at 6:30 PM is our next Vacation Bible School planning meeting. All who are willing to lend a hand—whether during the week of VBS or in the weeks of preparation—are encouraged to attend. We will gather in the parish conference room.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful. Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Never allow a person to tell you no, who doesn’t have the power to say yes. Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click the ad below to see a bigger version

Heart to Heart

Book Study

CSA

Israel Pilgrimage

Israel Pilgrimage

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.