Tag: 2023

Around the Parish – September 3, 2023

Written by on September 2, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

The air is abuzz with anticipation as we gear up for the upcoming Second Annual Simply Sweets Fundraiser. Keep an eye on your mailboxes this week, for soon you’ll receive the forms that mark the commencement of this delectable endeavor. Join hands with us in support, ensuring those forms with payment find their way back to our parish office by October 9, 2023. Together, we can weave sweetness into our community initiatives. Thanks again to Mrs. Peck and her dedicated team for their outstanding contributions, crafting delectable treats that have become the cornerstone of this fundraiser’s success.

Today, following the 11 am mass, we extend an open invitation to all our students. Gather your cherished book bags and step into our sanctuary. Here, we’ll share a special book bag blessing, infusing the tools of knowledge with the spirit of learning given to us from God. Let this ritual guide you through the pages of wisdom that await.

Heartfelt gratitude flows to all who’ve embraced the convenience of Flocknote. If you’re yet to join this interconnected web, worry not. Registration details are still in this weekend’s bulletin and church entrances.

Our thoughts turn to the recent unveiling of the Diocese of Erie’s pastoral plan for Erie County. While our parish, county, and deanery remain unaffected, let’s embrace our fellow believers undergoing change. As we unite in prayer, let this serve as a reminder that change is inevitable. Yet, through proactive planning, we unlock potential for a brighter tomorrow. To explore these proposed changes, visit the Diocese’s website, and will be available on our parish website as well.

Pray for our students as well as their vocations. In a particular way, please pray for Parishioner Joseph Dumais who entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City this past week. It is a special joy for a parish to claim a man as he studies and discerns religious life and priesthood. Please continue to remember him in your prayers in a particular way as you pray for more vocations to come forth from our parish community.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Don’t ruin a good day by thinking about the possibility of a bad day in the future. Just enjoy the present moment. Scars tell where we have been. They do not have to dictate where we are going. No matter who gives up on you, don’t you ever give up on yourself or God.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Fall Bible Study

Written by on September 2, 2023. Posted in News, Parish News, Faith Formation News.

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.

Click Here to Register!

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Around the Parish – August 27, 2023

Written by on August 26, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Enclosed within this weekend’s bulletin, you’ll find instructions on how to enroll with Flocknote. I wholeheartedly encourage you to contemplate participating in Flocknote’s registration process. This communication channel will hold significant importance as we progress through the year. Our parish office will have the capacity to connect through both text and email, with text messaging proving invaluable for swiftly disseminating urgent updates, especially in times of emergencies.

Click Here for information on how to register for Flocknote

With the approaching school year, please be aware that our Sunday 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.

We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Second Annual Simply Sweets Fundraiser, scheduled to commence this September. Anticipation is building as we prepare for another fantastic fundraising event this year. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to Mrs. Peck and her dedicated team for their outstanding contributions, crafting delectable treats that have become the cornerstone of this fundraiser’s success.

In an exciting first, we will be holding a special backpack blessing ceremony next Sunday, September 3 after the 11:00am mass for all those embarking on a fresh academic year or entering a new chapter in life. Whether you carry a book bag, a briefcase, a tool bag, or any symbol of your journey, you’re invited to join us as we mark the commencement of this significant new phase in our lives.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: At any given moment you have the power to say: this is not how the story is going to end. Be proud of who you are, instead of ashamed of how someone else sees you. Don’t dwell on those who hold you down. Instead, cherish those who helped you up. If you need a confidence booster, then remind yourself of all the difficult things you’ve endured and overcome.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – August 20, 2023

Written by on August 19, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Our Faith Formation Schedule for this school year is in this weekend’s bulletin. This schedule is also available on our parish website. If any changes need to be made, we will make sure to send those updates home as well as change the website, post on social media, and try to update the bulletin. The bulletin due date is on Tuesday by 3pm, so if a change comes up after Tuesday end of day, we will not be able to make changes in the up-coming weekend’s bulletin.

Click here for more information for Faith Formation

This past week, we changed some light bulbs and fixed some light fixtures. You might need to bring some sunscreen! The church is so much brighter, and now it is easier to see. Thanks to Mr. Mike Shomin for all his work on our campus updating all the electric and making necessary upgrades!

Although no one wants to think about it, winter is just around the corner…not one of my favorite thoughts…BUT, with winter coming, we are in need of some help with the white stuff that comes with winter. We are in need of someone to shovel the sidewalks of church. If you are able and willing to assist us with this task, please contact the parish office as soon as possible!

On the organ, there are slips of paper in a basket. If there is a particular hymn or song that you might like Mr. Sankey to play before mass, feel free to fill out the form and leave it on the organ.

A heads up, Saint Anthony’s Rummage Sale is soon. Please help our neighbors in Farrell and let others know about their fundraiser:

Wed., Aug. 30 / 2pm to 5pm

Thurs., Aug. 31 / 9am to 2pm

Fri., Sept. 1 / 9am to 2pm

Sat., Sept. 2 / 9am to Noon

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: One day, if not already, your refusal to give up will inspire someone else. Faith and hope are two of the most powerful emotions a person can have. Combine them with determination and there’s no stopping you. In any given moment, we have two choices: to step forward into growth, or step backwards into safety. Stepping backwards may make us feel better in the short term, but stepping forwards will undoubtedly make us feel better in the long term.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – August 12, 2023

Written by on August 12, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

A quick reminder that Tuesday, August 15, is a Holy Day of Obligation celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass will be held on both Monday, August 14, at 6pm, and Tuesday, August 15, at 8 am. Your presence at these special Masses is truly valued as we come together in faith and unity.

For families with children in Faith Formation, registration forms were mailed out recently. You can also find blank forms at the entrances of the Church and on our website. The deadline for returning the forms is Wednesday, August 16. While there is no cost for families to participate, any donations to support necessary materials are greatly appreciated.

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.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for installing the new flagpole in front of the rectory. Additionally, an anonymous donor generously donated and coordinated the planting of three trees, enhancing the beauty of our church campus. Your contributions uplift our parish in meaningful ways.

We’re pleased to report that the rectory garage roof repairs are progressing well. Though the damage wasn’t as extensive as anticipated, a few minor repairs remain. We’re awaiting the final cost for these repairs. We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed with prayers and financial support, showing your dedication to maintaining our beloved parish.

Over the past several months, we have collected a bunch of orphaned umbrellas at the entrances of Church. If you think you may have abandoned an umbrella, feel free to look at the collection in the sacristy. I am always looking for a good umbrella, but I don’t think I need 20 all for myself!

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead. With faith and God’s grace, let’s transform our set backs into bounce backs. Do not give the past the power to define your future. Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet become something beautiful again. Be proud of who you are, instead of ashamed of how someone else sees you.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Registration forms for the 2023-24 school year have been mailed out this past week. We ask that you please return the completed forms to the parish office by Wednesday, August 16 so that we can purchase necessary materials. We are grateful for all our returning teachers, as well as a few new additions!

Continuing this year will be our monthly Family Day where we will have presentations and topics presented to the whole parish family. Classroom sessions are scheduled in-between the Sunday masses from 9:15am — 10:45am. Our schedule is available on our website and was mailed out to families with the registration form.

A reminder that Confirmation is being changed from Junior Year to Freshman Year. With this change, last year our Junior and Sophomore classes were confirmed. This year, our Freshman and Sophomore classes will be confirmed. All students in Ninth and Tenth Grade who wish to be confirmed must register and participate in all classes preceding our Confirmation Ceremony. Confirmation Ceremony is currently scheduled for our parish on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Saint Michael Church.

Any questions can be directed to Mr. Greg Cummings, Director of Faith Formation for Immaculate Heart at FaithFormation@ihmercer.org or calling the Parish Office.

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Around the Parish – August 6, 2023

Written by on August 5, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

As we journey through the liturgical year, we are reminded of the marvelous events that shape our faith and bring us closer to the Divine. This weekend, we have the joyous celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord. On this sacred occasion, we commemorate the moment when Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John atop Mount Tabor. It serves as a profound reminder of His divine nature and the promise of eternal life.

In this world filled with uncertainty, the Transfiguration reminds us to seek God’s light amidst the darkness and to find strength and courage in His teachings. As we reflect on this significant event, let us be inspired to bring the light of Christ to others through acts of compassion, love, and understanding.

Mark your calendars and join us for our Annual Saint Hermenegild Mass and Picnic on Thursday, August 10, 2023. We will commence with Mass at 6:00 PM, where we’ll come together in prayer and unity. Following the Mass, we’ll head outside the church for a delightful picnic, cherishing moments of fellowship and camaraderie. We kindly request everyone to bring a dish to share and a chair to sit on.

Celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, August 14 at 6:00 PM and Tuesday, August 15 at 8:00 AM. This revered occasion is a Holy Day of Obligation, calling us to gather in joyful prayer and thanksgiving as we honor Mary’s glorious assumption into Heaven. Let’s come together as a community, seeking her intercession and drawing inspiration from her unwavering faith.

This weekend’s bulletin holds exciting information about our Faith Formation program. We invite everyone to explore and participate in various opportunities for spiritual growth and education. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture, engage in meaningful discussions, or seek guidance on your faith journey, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self- satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable. Try not to become a person of success, but rather become a person of virtue.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Any questions can be directed to Mr. Greg Cummings, Director of Faith Formation for Immaculate Heart at FaithFormation@ihmercer.org or calling the Parish Office.

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Around the Parish – July 30, 2023

Written by on July 29, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

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!

Thank you to everyone who came to our Saint Philomena Healing Mass. May our prayers for healing continue to pour out and bless our community. We will schedule another healing Mass dedicated to Saint Philomena in February of 2024.

This past week, the contractors came to replace the roof of the rectory garage. As of writing this column, we don’t yet know to what extent the damage is, but in this weekend’s bulletin, we have listed what potential damage will need to be addressed, as well as some guaranteed maintenance that is being addressed by the replacement of the roof.

In the coming weeks, registration forms and other pertinent information will be mailed out for Faith Formation. Our anticipate start date is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, at 9:15-10:45 am. We are excited to welcome Mr. Greg Cummings as our new Director of Faith Formation. All information for Faith Formation will be available on our parish website in the coming days.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Let go of worries and hand them over to God’s capable hands. He is your refuge and strength, providing the peace that surpasses all understanding. As you face challenges, remember that God’s power works best in your weakness. In humility, rely on His strength to carry you through every obstacle and bring forth victory.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Celebrate with us as we near the completion of the roof project! We are excited to share the extensive and meticulous work that has gone into addressing various crucial aspects. The scope of the roof repairs goes beyond a simple rubber removal; it involves enhancing the drainage system, rectifying past water damage in the garage, and meticulously replacing incorrectly installed flashing around the roof perimeter.

Furthermore, we are taking proactive measures to safeguard our property by urgently attending to ongoing issues with the roof over the back door of the rectory. This attention will prevent any further damage and ensure the longevity of our cherished property.

The significance of this project is underscored by the fact that the roof is original to the construction of the rectory dating back to 1955. Given this historical aspect, we are mindful that the wood beneath the rubber may require replacement due to water seepage in the past.

We are grateful for the efforts and dedication of those involved in this vital restoration and repairs, and we eagerly anticipate the successful completion of this project, which will ensure the structural integrity and beauty of our beloved church property for years to come. Let us continue to support and pray for the continued progress of this significant endeavor.

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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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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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Around the Parish – July 16, 2023

Written by on July 15, 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 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.

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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