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Around the Parish – October 19, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Spaghetti Dinner

Next Sunday is the big day! Join us for our Second Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Theme Basket Raffle at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. We’re excited to welcome everyone for a delicious meal, warm fellowship, and a chance to win from our fantastic selection of 75 themed baskets!

Dinner tickets will be available at the door: $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 5–12, and children under 5 eat free. A gluten-free option is also available for $15. We’ll be serving from 12:00 PM until we sell out, and raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the event. Basket raffle tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10, with the drawing held at the end of the dinner.

Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of food and fun! Your participation supports our parish community, and we can’t wait to see you there.

All Souls Day

Our annual All Souls Day celebration will take place at the Saturday Vigil Mass on November 1 at 5:00 PM. We will remember in a special way all those who have died since last November 2.

As in past years, everyone is invited to bring framed photos of deceased loved ones to be displayed in the church throughout November. Please label your frame with your contact information and bring it to the sacristy by next Sunday, October 26. Photos can be picked up from the sacristy the weekend of November 29–30.

A few thoughts for your week:

Don’t stop believing in hope—miracles happen every day. There is no better tomorrow if we don’t make the most of today. A good life is one where we smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and appreciate our blessings.

Today, before asking God for anything, let’s first thank Him for everything. Never settle for being someone’s option when you can be someone’s priority. Not every day will be easy, but every day will teach us something. There’s no reason to look back when we have so much to look forward to.

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.

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Around the Parish – October 12, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Under the Weather

Last weekend and throughout this past week, I have been staying under the radar as I recover from influenza. I am grateful to Father Gramata who was able to cover the Masses here last weekend. The downside of falling ill right now is that there simply are not enough priests. Father Ray has been covering in Stoneboro for Fr. Bob Manning while he is away for health treatments. On top of that, as dean, I am also responsible for the day-to-day operations of St. Columbkille Parish.

Because of this, I had to make the difficult decision last weekend to ask Father Ray to cover our parish here in Mercer and to cancel Masses in Stoneboro. That was not a decision I took lightly, and I want our friends and neighbors in Stoneboro to know that. But it also points to the greater reality we are facing together: we need more priests.

Our ratio of clergy to parishioners is actually rather stable, but we simply have too many churches for the number of priests we currently have. So what do we do about this? The answer is not only an institutional problem; it lies at the feet of each one of us. Are we praying for vocations? Are we encouraging our young people to consider the priesthood and religious life? Are we telling them that a vocation in the Church is a holy, noble, and worthy calling? Or do we treat our Church like a Sunday reprieve that we only think about once a week?

These are difficult times, but even in them we find solace and comfort in the embrace of our God who has given us this Church—not only our local parish, but the universal Church to which we all belong. Let us commit ourselves to encouraging, praying for, and seeking out vocations. May this be the number one prayer request we storm heaven with during this Clergy Appreciation Month.

A few thoughts for your week:

Fill your life with experiences, not things, so that you have stories to share rather than possessions to show. With time we come to see that love is not about being lovesick or caught up in craziness, but about being calm, patient, and steady. True love means being understood and valued, finding in a partner peace of mind and reassurance—not constant stress and anxiety.

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.

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Around the Parish – October 5, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Spaghetti Dinner Just Around the Corner

Our Second Annual Spaghetti Dinner is quickly approaching! We can’t wait to gather with our parish family and neighbors from the community to share a delicious meal and enjoy time together. The dinner will be served from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, or until we sell out. Tickets will be available at the door only—so be sure to come early! Help us spread the word and invite friends and family to be part of this wonderful day.

Calling All Bakers

There’s nothing like a homemade cake to make a meal complete! For our Spaghetti Dinner, we are inviting parish bakers to donate cakes that will be served as dessert. Thank you for sharing your gifts in this way—your baking truly adds to the joy of the day. Sign-up sheets can be found at the church entrances.

Theme Basket Raffle

Our Spaghetti Dinner just wouldn’t be complete without the ever-popular Theme Basket Raffle! In this weekend’s bulletin you’ll find a full list of the baskets that will be available—there’s something for everyone. Raffle tickets have been mailed to homes and will also be available at the dinner. We invite you to spread the word and encourage family and friends to join us for this fun and meaningful fundraiser!

Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat

If you have been longing for a deeper experience of God’s mercy, consider setting aside a weekend this November for the Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat. This powerful three-day experience at St. Joseph Church / Bread of Life Community Center in Erie includes Mass, Adoration, prayer, and fellowship—all centered on helping participants grow in faith and strengthen their relationship with Christ. Open to ages 15 and older, this is the same retreat Father Larry spoke about during our parish mission. For more information or to register, visit DivineMercyEncounter.com.

A few thoughts for your week:

Sometimes it is best to be quiet, even when we have much to say. In silence, we can listen and let God guide our hearts. You are never in the wrong place. Often, you are exactly where you need to be, but may need to look at things in a new way. Family life is not a competition. Each person has a place, and there is room for everyone to be loved and valued.

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.

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Around the Parish – September 28, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

A Season of Transition

As September draws to a close and October begins, we enter a beautiful season of change. The cooler days and colorful leaves remind us of God’s constant work of renewal in our lives and in our parish community. Just as the seasons shift, so too does our parish life take on new energy with the many events, ministries, and opportunities before us.

Spaghetti Dinner Just Around the Corner

Our Second Annual Spaghetti Dinner is just about a month away! We look forward to welcoming our parish family and neighbors from the community for a delicious meal and a time of fellowship. The dinner begins at 12:00 PM and will run until 4:00 PM or we sell out. Tickets are available at the door only, so plan to come early! Please help us spread the word and invite friends and family to join us.

Calling All Bakers

We once again turn to our faithful bakers to help make the Spaghetti Dinner a success. We are asking for cakes to be donated, which will be served as part of the meal. Thank you for sharing your time and talent in this way—it is always such a blessing! Sign-up sheets are located at the entrances of the church.

Theme Basket Raffle

The Spaghetti Dinner will also feature our ever-popular Theme Basket Raffle. Next weekend’s bulletin will include a list of the baskets that will be available. Raffle tickets will be mailed to homes and will also be sold at the dinner. Please help us promote this wonderful fundraiser by spreading the word!

Spaghetti Dinner Volunteer Meeting — Thursday, October 2 at 6:00 PM in Gallagher Hall

All new and returning volunteers are invited to a brief planning meeting on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00 PM in Gallagher Hall. We’ll review roles for kitchen prep, dining room service, ticket sales, theme basket raffle, setup, and cleanup, and make sure everyone has what they need for a smooth and joyful event. If you can’t attend but would still like to help, please contact the parish office so we can plug you in. Thank you for sharing your time and talent!

Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat

This November, consider taking part in the Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat, a three-day weekend at St. Joseph Church / Bread of Life Community Center in Erie. The retreat includes Mass, Adoration, prayer, and fellowship, offering participants a chance to grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. Open to ages 15 and older, this is the program Father Larry mentioned during our parish mission. More information and registration can be found at DivineMercyEncounter.com.

A few thoughts for your week:

The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist waits for it to change, but the realist adjusts the sails. True peace begins with a simple smile. Remember, we cannot complain about what we choose to allow in our lives. At times, we must let go of the picture of how we thought life would look and instead discover joy in the story God is actually writing for us.

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.

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Around the Parish – September 21, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

No Daily Mass This Week

This week I will be away on my annual priest retreat. Each year, priests are required to take dedicated time for prayer, reflection, and renewal so that we may serve you better. Please keep me in your prayers during this time, and know that I will be remembering you in mine. There will be no daily Masses celebrated here at the parish this week.

Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat

This November, consider joining the transformative Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat—a three-day retreat hosted at St. Joseph Church / Bread of Life Community Center in Erie. Beginning with Friday’s Day of Invitation, continuing through Saturday’s Day of Encounter—rich with Mass, Adoration, and prayer—and concluding with Sunday’s Day of Commission, participants are invited into a deeper walk with Christ through reflection, the sacraments, community, and worship.

The weekend runs from 10:00 AM Friday through 5:00 PM Sunday, with on-site overnight accommodations to foster shared spiritual growth. Open to those age 15 and older (with no upper age limit), the retreat welcomes people at every stage of their faith journey.

This is the retreat program that Father Larry spoke about during the parish mission.

For details or to register, visit DivineMercyEncounter.com

New Prayer Study with Deacon Edgar

On Thursday, October 9, Deacon Edgar Gonzalez will begin leading a 7-week prayer study titled When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God. This engaging series will help participants grow in prayer through Scripture, tradition, and practical insights for everyday life.

Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 6:00–8:00 PM in the parish conference room. Please RSVP to the parish office by Tuesday, September 23. All are welcome—come and discover the joy of a deeper prayer life!

A few thoughts for your week:

Expecting things to change without putting any effort into it is like waiting for a ship at the airport. When God delays, He always does so for a greater purpose. Inner peace begins where expectations end.

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.

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Around the Parish – September 14, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Sacred Saturday — Sept. 20

Next weekend, we are blessed to welcome Dr. Aaron and Mrs. Gretchen Kerr for our Sacred Saturday gathering. Together they will share their witness of faith and reflections on living as disciples of Jesus in the midst of family life, work, and community. Sacred Saturday begins with Mass at 9:00 AM, followed by breakfast and the presentation in Gallagher Hall.

This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship as a parish family. All are invited—bring a friend and join us for this morning of prayer, learning, and encouragement! Please RSVP to the parish office by Wednesday, September 17 so that we can plan accordingly for breakfast.

Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat

This November, join us for the transformative Divine Mercy Encounter, a three-day retreat hosted at St. Joseph Church / Bread of Life Community Center in Erie. From Friday’s Day of Invitation, through Saturday’s Day of Encounter—rich with Mass, Adoration, and prayer, to Sunday’s Day of Commission, participants are invited into a deeper walk with Christ through reflection, the sacraments, community, and worship. The weekend begins at 10 a.m. Friday and concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday, with overnight accommodations on-site to foster shared spiritual growth. Ideal for those aged 15 and older (with no upper age limit), retreatants of all stages of faith are welcome. For more information—or to register—visit DivineMercyEncounter.com

New Prayer Study with Deacon Edgar

Beginning Thursday, October 9, Deacon Edgar Gonzalez will lead a 7-week study titled When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God. This engaging series will guide participants into a richer prayer life through Scripture, tradition, and practical insights for everyday living.

Sessions will be held Thursdays from 6:00–8:00 PM in the parish conference room. Please RSVP to the parish office by Tuesday, September 23. All are welcome!

A few thoughts for your week:

There are no perfect husbands and no perfect wives. But when we keep believing in each other and trusting in God’s grace, we find that there are many perfect moments in a marriage. When life brings situations we cannot change, the Lord challenges us to let Him change our hearts.

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.

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Around the Parish – September 7, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Parish Mission this week!

The long-awaited Parish Mission is here! Join us Monday through Thursday, September 8–11 at 6:30 PM as we welcome Fr. Larry Richards, an internationally known preacher, author, and priest of the Diocese of Erie. Fr. Larry has spoken at conferences, retreats, and parish missions around the world, sharing the Gospel with humor, honesty, and conviction.

This is a chance for our parish family to be renewed in faith, to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and to invite others to encounter the joy of the Gospel. Each evening will have a different theme, so every night will be fresh and powerful. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors—these four evenings have the potential to change lives. Let’s fill the church and open our hearts to what God wants to do in us!

No Mass Tuesday Morning

Please note that there will be no 8:00 AM Mass this Tuesday, September 9. Instead, we will gather for Mass during the Parish Mission at 6:30 PM that evening. We encourage everyone to make this special liturgy a priority as part of our week of renewal.

Parish Cookbook Order Form

Don’t forget to order your copy of our Parish Cookbook, a collection of favorite recipes from across our parish family! The order form is included in this weekend’s bulletin. Simply complete the form and return it with payment to the parish office.

These cookbooks will be ready in time for Christmas—making them a wonderful gift for family and friends. They are not only practical but also a beautiful keepsake of our parish’s 70th Anniversary, filled with the flavors and traditions that make our community special. Order soon to guarantee your copy!

Faith Formation Begins Next Sunday

Our Faith Formation program for children and teens begins next Sunday, September 14. All students from Kindergarten through Confirmation (Grades 9–12) should be registered before the first day of class.

Registration forms are available at all church entrances and on our parish website. This year’s program will offer opportunities for our youth not only to learn about their Catholic faith but also to grow in prayer and discipleship. Parents, your support in making weekly formation a priority is essential!

For questions or additional information, please contact Greg Cummings, DRE.

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.

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Around the Parish – August 31, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

New Ministers Schedule

Our new ministers schedule has been published this past week. We ask all of our ministers to please check the schedule online by visiting Ministry Scheduler Pro. Thank you for your continued service to our parish community!

Get Your Parish Cookbook!

Orders are now open for our 70th Anniversary Parish Cookbook! This special keepsake contains 266 recipes collected from our parish family and celebrates the rich history and fellowship of our community. Cookbooks are available for $20 each and will be ready for pickup in time to make a perfect Christmas gift. Checks should be made payable to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish with “Cookbook” written on the memo line. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind parish treasure!

Parish Mission–September 8–11

Mark your calendars—our Parish Mission is almost here! From September 8–11, we will welcome Father Larry Richards from Erie, PA, a nationally known preacher, author, and retreat leader, who will speak to our community over four unforgettable evenings. Each night will focus on a different theme of faith, offering both challenge and encouragement for all who attend. We are seeking 10 volunteers each evening to assist with the mission, as well as baked goods for a reception on the final night. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith, invite friends and neighbors, and come together as a parish family. Please pray for the success of this mission and plan to join us—you won’t want to miss it!

Theme Basket Raffle

The due date for our Theme Basket Raffle is approaching quickly! Please have all baskets delivered to the parish office by September 15. This earlier deadline gives us more time to advertise the baskets before our annual Spaghetti Dinner. If you would like to sponsor a basket, sign-up sheets are available at the church doors. More details, including ticket information, can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

A few thoughts for your week:

Gratitude and attitude are choices we make every day, not challenges to overcome. You don’t need everyone to understand your journey; what matters is having the courage to keep moving forward on it. Optimism is a magnet for happiness, and when you stay positive, good people and good opportunities will be drawn to you. No matter what life may bring your way, the outcome depends on what you choose to make of it.

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.

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Around the Parish – August 24, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Parish Cookbook Orders Now Open!

Our 70th Anniversary Parish Cookbook is complete—and it’s a feast for the eyes and the table! We’ve collected 266 delicious recipes from parishioners and friends, capturing the flavors and traditions of our community.

Cookbooks are $20 each and will be ready for pickup in time for Christmas—perfect for gift-giving! To place your order, use the order form in this weekend’s bulletin or call the parish office. Checks should be made payable to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish with “Cookbook” written in the memo line.

Don’t miss this special keepsake celebrating the recipes, memories, and fellowship of our parish family!

Theme Basket Raffle

The due date for our Theme Basket Raffle is approaching quickly! Please have all baskets delivered to the parish office by September 15. This earlier date will give us more time to advertise the baskets before our annual Spaghetti Dinner. If you would like to sponsor a basket, sign-up sheets are available at the doors of the church. More details can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

A few thoughts for your week:

Learning to ignore certain things is one of the greatest paths to inner peace. Not every burden is meant to be carried, and not every battle is worth fighting. Let go of what weighs you down—old hurts, needless worries, and voices that steal your joy—and embrace what and who lifts you up. Surround yourself with people, places, and habits that draw you closer to God and fill your heart with peace.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

View the rest of the bulletin by clicking here

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.

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Around the Parish – August 17, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Parish Mission

This weekend, we will begin praying our Mission Prayer at the conclusion of the petitions at every Mass. We will continue this prayer each week until our Parish Mission. The prayer can be found on the cards in your pews—please return them to the pew after Mass so they are available for others. Extra copies are available at the church entrances for anyone who has not yet received one in the mail. Help us spread the word about our mission by sharing these prayer cards with family and friends!

Mass Schedule Changes

We are just three weeks away from returning to our School Year Mass schedule and offering Holy Communion under both species—the Sacred Host and the Precious Blood—at the 11:00 AM Mass.

Beginning the first Sunday of September, our Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Theme Basket Raffle

The due date for our Theme Basket Raffle is approaching quickly! Please have all baskets delivered to the parish office by September 15. This earlier date will give us more time to advertise the baskets before our annual Spaghetti Dinner. If you would like to sponsor a basket, sign-up sheets are available at the doors of the church. More details can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

A few thoughts for your week:

Live without pretending, love without depending, listen without defending, and speak without offending. Rather than focusing only on a to-do list, consider creating a “to-be” list—striving each day to be helpful, happy, faith-filled, calm, honest, and kind.

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.

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