News Archives - Page 16 of 22 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

Around the Parish – July 23, 2023

Written by on July 22, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Calling all Young Adults of the Mercer Deanery! Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will be hosting a cook-out for all young adults (ages 21-39[ish]) on this Friday, July 28, 2023 beginning at 6pm! We will provide hamburgers and hotdogs, we ask that you bring a dish to share. To RSVP your spot, please contact the parish office ASAP either by emailing cyam@ihmercer.org or calling (724) 662-2999. RSVPs need to be in by Wednesday this week!

Our Annual Saint Hermenegild Mass and Picnic is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2023. Mass will begin at 6pm and the picnic will be after mass outside church. All are asked to bring a dish to share, and a chair to sit on!

On this Thursday, July 27, 2023, we will have a special mass at 7pm in church dedicated to Saint Philomena and asking for her intercession for healing both in body and spirit for our parish and the community. All are encouraged to attend. We will have a relic of Saint Philomena and blessings with the oil of Saint Philomena. Please share this opportunity for prayer and healing throughout our community and in all of Mercer County and our Diocese!

Last weekend, we tested our new live stream camera. We noticed that there are issues with image brightness as well as audio. We plan on continuing to correct this issue, but it will take some extra physical work on our part. In last week’s bulletin, I mentioned that we will need to upgrade parts of our sound system, as parts are from the early 1990’s and are needing replaced. (It might feel like 1990 was just yesterday, but it’s actually 33 years ago!) We do not have any firm plans yet, but we are working on getting the best possible options available for our church. The lighting issue is something we continue to address. Some of the light bulbs in the arch of the sanctuary are burnt out, and are not pointed at the correct places. This causes our high altar and tabernacle to be darker than expected in video. We need to replace some lightbulbs and point the other lightbulbs at their correct location. This will require a lift to reach the lights. In the coming weeks, we plan on renting a lift to reach these lights so as to address these issues.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Rectory Garage Roof Repairs

Written by on July 15, 2023. Posted in News, Parish News.

Help us reach our goal of $26,000 for the rectory garage flat roof repairs by contributing to our ongoing fundraising efforts. With the community’s support, we have already raised $13,000, but we still need your generous contributions to make this crucial repair project a reality.

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Saint Philomena Healing Mass

Written by on July 15, 2023. Posted in News, Parish News.

On Thursday, July 27, we will be having our Saint Philomena Healing Mass. This healing mass comes from a personal devotion of mine from my seminary days. At my home parish, Saint James in Erie, we would have this celebration of Saint Philomena twice a year. This celebration asking for the intercession of Saint Philomena was and is very important to my home parish pastor and me. We would invite as many priests and seminarians as possible to participate in this special mass as Saint Philomena is one of the patrons for priests and seminarians. In the world we live in today, all the prayers and blessings we can pour upon our priests and men studying for priesthood is an extremely important task.

Personally, my time in seminary was not always easy. My time in seminary took patience and prayer on my part; it took late nights of studying and writing papers; it took courage and strength. Through all of this, I knew that others were praying for me through it all. The intercession of Saint Philomena was an important part of this entire discernment process.

Not only is Saint Philomena important to me and other priests, her intercession has worked many miracles, some even in our own diocese. Maybe not the miracles that are widespread or well-known, but still miracles none-the-less. In my home parish, many have been healed through her intercession, many have found work, many have found faith in Jesus Christ through this saintly woman’s intercession.

Saint Philomena has also been venerated by many saints, some of which include Saint Padre Pio, Saint John Vianney the Cure de Ars, Saint Frances Cabrini, and Saint John Neumann. Her intercession has been sought by many popes, including Pope Leo XII, Pope Gregory XVI, Pope Pius IX, Pope Leo XIII, and Pope Saint Pius X.

Let us come together under Saint Philomena’s intercession asking for healing upon our community, our church, our world, which so desperately needs healing!

Join our community on Monday, February 24, 2019 at 6pm at Saint Brigid Church to pray for this healing!

Pax et Bonum,

Fr. Andy

Prayer to Saint Philomena

Hail, O innocent Philomena, who, for love of Jesus, preserved the lily of thy virginity in all its brightness. Hail, O illustrious Philomena, who shed thy blood so courageously for Jesus Christ.

I bless the Lord for all the graces He granted thee during thy lifetime, and most especially at the hour of thy death. I praise Him and glorify Him for the honor and power with which He has crowned thee, and I beseech thee to obtain for me from God the graces I request through thy intercession.

Saint Philomena, beloved daughter of Jesus and Mary, pray for us who have recourse to thee! Amen.

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Young Adult Cook-out

Written by on July 15, 2023. Posted in News, Parish News.

Calling all Young Adults of the Mercer Deanery! Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will be hosting a cook-out for all young adults (ages 21-39[ish]) on Friday, July 28, 2023 beginning at 6pm! We will provide hamburgers and hotdogs, we ask that you bring a dish to share. To RSVP your spot, please contact the parish office ASAP either by emailing cyam@ihmercer.org or calling (724) 662-2999.

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Around the Parish – July 16, 2023

Written by on July 15, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

In just about a month, we will have our Annual Saint Hermenegild Mass and Picnic on Thursday, August 10. Mass will begin at 6pm. All are asked to bring a dish to share, and a chair to sit on!

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, we will have a special mass at 7pm in church dedicated to Saint Philomena and asking for her intercession for healing both in body and spirit for our parish and the community. All are encouraged to attend. We will have a relic of Saint Philomena and blessings with the oil of Saint Philomena. More information can be found in this weekend’s bulletin. Please share this opportunity for prayer and healing throughout our community and in all of Mercer County and our Diocese!

A few weeks ago, I noted in the bulletin that the camera we had for livestreaming was broken and out of warranty. I noted that it would cost about $2,000 to replace the camera. Thanks to some gracious parishioners, we have been able to replace the camera and begin livestreaming our Sunday Masses again. We would like to update our sound system as it is on its last leg, and often has problems with interference. We have already replaced the wireless microphone, and a microphone was placed on the altar, but our mixer needs replaced and upgraded, and the speaker and amplifier for the Mother’s Chapel needs replaced. At the moment, we don’t have any quotes or ideas on cost, but we do know that we do not have the funds for that in the immediate future. All these great things for our community would not be possible without your continued support, both financially as well as most importantly, spiritually. Thank you all for your continued prayers as we work together to uplift and upgrade the experience here at IHM.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Let’s not forget that anger and bitterness rob us of our peace, not the peace of those who’ve hurt us. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – July 9, 2023

Written by on July 8, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Nearly two months ago, the Holy Father Pope Francis announced that Monsignor Edward Lohse, Vicar General of the Diocese of Erie, was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, MI. I have known Monsignor Lohse, now Bishop-Elect Lohse, since I applied to seminary, and then most recently I lived with Bishop-Elect when I was assigned to Saint George Parish in Erie. All of the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Erie have been invited to attend his ordination as Bishop in Kalamazoo on July 25. Father Joe Petrone and I will be traveling to Kalamazoo, and Father Ray Gramatta has graciously agreed to cover me for masses on July 25 and 26. I look forward to being at the Bishop-Elect’s ordination so as to say thank you for his service to our diocese and to me, and Ad Multos Annos (for many more years) and congratulations.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. NEXT WEEK IS THE BIG WEEK!! This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

This weekend, we welcome Father Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society. He is here for the annual Missionary Co-op appeal. Please help me welcome Father Aby and make him feel at home here at IHM.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Failure is a detour, not a dead end street. Never let fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is our empowering Catholic Faith that motivates us to continue to press ahead in spite of the odds.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – July 2, 2023

Written by on July 1, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Happy Independence Day to all! May this special day be a reminder of the freedom and liberty that we cherish. Let us celebrate the spirit of independence with joy and gratitude, honoring the brave souls who fought for our rights and shaping our nation’s destiny. May unity, peace, and prosperity continue to guide us towards a brighter future. Enjoy the festivities and the blessings of freedom.

We have sold all of the 300 tickets! You no longer have to listen to me for this year remind everyone to purchase their tickets! This is a yearly event, and therefore next spring we will begin selling tickets again, so make sure to get your ticket early next year! Again, thank you to everyone for helping this fundraiser.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. THIS IS ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

Next weekend, July 8 & 9, Father Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society will be visiting us for the annual Missionary Co-op appeal. Please help me welcome Father Aby and make him feel at home here at IHM.

Recently, some may have noticed that we are not able to livestream our 10a mass any longer. Our camera has had a bit of a problem, and now prevents us from livestreaming the mass. To be able to remedy this situation, we need to replace the camera, but that would cost us $2000, and that is an expense that we cannot afford right now with the currently weekly deficit and the emergency work on the rectory garage roof. Prayers that we can find a way to move forward to livestream the liturgies from church.

Here’s a thought for your week: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” —Pope Benedict XVI

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – June 25, 2023

Written by on June 24, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to head down to Our lady of Mount Carmel Summer Camp in Volant to help out with adoration, mass, and confessions. We are blessed in western Pennsylvania to have such a amazing opportunity available to our families and youth. The purpose for OLMC Camp is to give an authentically Catholic, effective, fun, and joyful opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ through an Adventure Camp and Retreat Center. Let me tell you, they’ve got something right there! Throughout the rest of the summer, there are many different programs and retreats available, with plenty of spots still open! I encourage all of our youth and families to consider spending some time at Our Lady of Mount Carmel! For more information, head over to their website, https://olmccamp.org.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

Here’s a thought for your week: Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope. Always keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office.

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

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Around the Parish – June 18, 2023

Written by on June 17, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Happy and blessed Father’s Day to all of our fathers in our parish community. Celebrate the gift of fatherhood this Father’s Day as we honor all fathers and father figures in our Catholic community. Today, we express our gratitude for their love, guidance, and sacrifices, following the example of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Let us remember to keep all fathers in our prayers, asking God to bless them with strength, wisdom, and grace in their sacred role within the family. Happy Father’s Day to all our beloved dads!

This weekend, we joyfully celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which holds deep significance for our parish as it is named in honor of this sacred devotion. According to Liturgical Law, the celebration of the parish’s name day takes precedence over the regular Sunday in ordinary time. This special occasion allows us to focus our prayers and reflections on the Immaculate Heart, embracing the profound love and purity that Mary exemplified in her life. Let us come together as a faith community to honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary and seek her intercession for our parish and the world.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in the Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession and the 40 hours Eucharistic Devotions. Your presence and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament truly made these events a beautiful expression of our faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ. May the graces received during these sacred moments continue to nourish our souls and strengthen our commitment to the Eucharist.

This week, all of the priests of the Diocese of Erie will be gathering at Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe for the annual Emmaus gathering. Please pray for us as we spend time together in prayer, fraternity, and formation. I look forward to seeing you all next week!

Attention all parents! We kindly urge you to register your students for our parish Vacation Bible School (VBS) as soon as possible. Currently, we have only two students registered, and we want to ensure a vibrant and enriching experience for all participants. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity for your children to grow in faith, make new friends, and have a memorable summer adventure. Register today and secure your child’s place in our exciting VBS program!

At writing this bulletin, we only have 40 tickets left for our 300 club!!! We are coming down to the wire, so if you haven’t gotten your ticket, don’t wait much longer!! You may have to wait till next year!!

Here’s a thought for your week: Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope. Always keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

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40 Hours & Corpus Christi Procession Schedule

Written by on June 10, 2023. Posted in News, Parish News, Diocese News.

Beginning this Sunday, June 11, we start our 40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion and Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession. The schedule of Events for the next three days is listed below:

Sunday, June 11, 2023

8:00 AM — Parish Sunday Mass
10:00 AM — Parish Sunday Mass
11:00 AM — Eucharistic Adoration Begins
2:15 PM — Corpus Christi Procession Begins from IHM Church to K of C Hall
2:30 PM — Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament at K of C Hall
2:45 PM — Procession back to IHM Church
3:00 PM — Divine Mercy Chaplet in IHM Church
3:30 PM — Benediction
3:45 PM — Adoration continues in IHM Church
7:00 PM — 40 Hours Vespers and Homily from Fr. Joseph Petrone in IHM Church
7:30 PM — Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Monday, June 12, 2023

8:00 AM — Parish Daily Mass
8:30 AM — Eucharistic Adoration resumes following morning Mass
7:00 PM — 40 Hours Vespers and Homily from Fr. Joseph Petrone in IHM Church
7:30 PM — Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

8:00 AM — Parish Daily Mass
8:30 AM — Eucharistic Adoration resumes following morning Mass
7:00 PM — 40 Hours Vespers and Homily from Fr. Joseph Petrone in IHM Church
7:30 PM — Eucharistic Procession in IHM Church
7:45 PM — Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

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