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Spring Bible Study 2024 – No Greater Love

Thursdays, February 22, 29, & March 7, 14, 21, 2024

Parish Conference Room

We often hear about Jesus’ passion and death, but imagine experiencing them for the very first time. In No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, we are going to walk step-by-step with Jesus on his journey from his agony in the garden to his crucifixion on Calvary.

Along the way, we will unpack the biblical background to these events, the prophecies, and most especially, the ways Jesus is inviting us to walk more closely with him today.

No Greater Love is a five-part Bible study program that begins February 22 at 6pm.

For more information or to register, visit https://ihmercer.org/no-greater-love, or contact the parish office at (724) 662-2999 or office@ihmercer.org.

Books are $20 per person. All registrations are due by February 5, 2024 so as to purchase books in time. Checks can be made out Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and can be turned in at the first session.

Fall Bible Study

Walk through the Liturgy with Bishop Barron and you’ll be transformed through insights on this most privileged and intimate encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.

See how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm, how it resonates with a call from God and a response from his people, the Church, and, most importantly, how we are intimately joined with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus through the Holy Eucharist.

The Mass will help you understand how to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the source and summit of the Christian life.

We will gather on Thursdays, September 21-October 26 at 6pm in the Faith Formation Center Conference Room.

Join the Flock!

In a world bustling with constant changes and advancements in technology, staying connected has never been more important, especially within the close-knit community of our church. We’re excited to introduce Flocknote, a cutting-edge communication platform that will revolutionize the way we interact and stay informed within our parish family. Join us on this journey of enhanced communication and deeper connections as we explore the many benefits of becoming a part of our Flocknote community.

Why Join Flocknote?

  1. Real-Time Updates: Life is busy, and staying updated with church events, community news, and important announcements can sometimes be a challenge. Flocknote brings you real-time updates directly to your preferred communication device. Whether it’s via email or text, you’ll never miss out on vital information again.
  2. Tailored Communication: We understand that each individual has their own communication preferences. With Flocknote, you can choose how you want to receive messages. Whether it’s through email, text, or both, you’re in control of how you stay connected.
  3. Engage Anywhere, Anytime: Flocknote isn’t just a one-way communication tool. It’s a platform that encourages engagement and interaction. Respond to messages, share your thoughts, RSVP for events, and participate in meaningful discussions—all from the convenience of your device.
  4. Community Building: Our church community is a source of strength, support, and shared values. Flocknote helps foster a sense of togetherness by enabling us to connect with fellow church members. Whether you’re a long-time parishioner or a newcomer, Flocknote brings us all closer.

How to Join Flocknote:

Joining Flocknote is as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Text Registration: Simply send a text with the keyword “IHMERCER” to 84576. You’ll start receiving updates right away, keeping you in the loop with all things related to our church.
  2. Online Registration: If you prefer to register online, visit our dedicated Flocknote registration page at https://ihmercer.flocknote.com. Follow the simple instructions to sign up and start enjoying the benefits of seamless communication.

Your Presence Matters:

By becoming a part of our Flocknote community, you’re contributing to the vibrancy of our parish. Your presence and engagement matter as we journey together in faith. This is an opportunity to strengthen our bonds, share experiences, and grow spiritually, all while staying informed about the events and activities that resonate with you.

At the heart of our church family is the desire to connect, uplift, and share in the joys and challenges of life. Flocknote is the tool that will amplify these connections and make our communication even more meaningful. Join us on Flocknote today, and let’s embark on this exciting journey of enhanced community engagement and spiritual growth. Your presence is invaluable, and we can’t wait to connect with you on Flocknote!


Why is my church using Flocknote?

Your church cares about you. Because they care about you, they want to communicate more easily and effectively with you (and be able to get your feedback too). Using Flocknote allows your church to easily send you the information you care about most via email and text message.

Am I “in for good” if I sign up?

Nope! The nice thing about this great service from the church is that it’s always free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Is my information secure?

Yes. All of your data is transmitted across an encrypted internet connection, and all of your personal information is stored in secure databases. Your information is never (ever!) sold, rented, or given away to any third-parties. Find more info at flocknote.com/privacy

What if I don’t have texting?

You can still sign up! As long as you have an email address, your church has a unique link on the Internet that you can use to sign up as well. Just enter your name and your email address, and you can still receive all messages sent out by your church.

Upcoming Schedule Change

With the approaching school year, please be aware that our Mass schedule will change. Starting the first Sunday of September, our Sunday morning Masses will return to 8 am and 11 am. We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word about this change.

Rectory Garage Roof Repairs

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.

Saint Philomena Healing Mass

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.

Young Adult Cook-out

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.

40 Hours & Corpus Christi Procession Schedule

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

Corpus Christi Procession 2023

The Corpus Christi procession is a centuries-old tradition of the Catholic faith to process the Real Presence of Jesus — the Eucharist — in public. The feast of Corpus Christi was established in Liege, Belgium, in 1247. Pope Urban IV extended it to the universal Church almost two decades later, and the Corpus Christi procession followed soon after.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will host the 2023 Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, June 11. The schedule of events is as follows:

11:00 AM ……………….. Adoration begins at the end of the last Mass
2:15 PM ………………….. Procession begins from Church to Knights of Columbus Hall
2:30 PM ………………….. Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament at the Knights Hall
2:45 PM ………………….. Procession back to Church
3:00 PM ………………….. Divine Mercy Chaplet
3:30 PM ………………….. Benediction

40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion 2023

The Forty Hours Devotion is a special 3 Days of prayer made before the Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition. Traditionally, this would last into the night for an all-night vigil. The Forty Hours Devotion can be seen almost like a parish mini-retreat or mission in which the faithful are invited to come spend time with the Lord.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will celebrate this special devotion Sunday June 11, Monday June 12, and Tuesday June 13.

Each night during the celebration of Evening Prayer before Benediction, a guest preacher offers a homily or reflection. This year, we welcome Fr. Joseph Petrone, Parochial Vicar of Epiphany of the Lord Parish, Meadville, PA. Father Joe will be preaching on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Chaste Heart of Joseph.

The schedule of the three days is as follows:

  • Sunday, June 11
    • Adoration following 10am Mass
    • Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession at 2:15pm
    • Evening Prayer and Benediction at 7pm
  • Monday, June 12
    • Adoration following 8am Mass
    • Evening Prayer and Benediction at 7pm
  • Tuesday, June 13
    • Adoration following 8am mass
    • Evening Prayer, Eucharistic Procession in Church, and Benediction at 7pm

Volunteers are needed to cover all of the hours that the Eucharist is exposed. Please consider taking an hour with Jesus during these three days of prayer! Volunteers can signup on our website by clicking the button below: