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Tag: Advent

Around the Parish – December 22, 2024

As we approach Christmas, I find it important to remind myself—and all of you—that we are still in the holy season of Advent. While the world around us seems fully immersed in Christmas, with decorations, music, and celebrations, Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. There is still time to embrace this preparation, which is a comforting thought. Just as there is still time in these final days before Christmas, there is always time in our lives to return to Jesus, to allow His grace to work within us, and to open our hearts to conversion. My prayer for each of you is that these last few moments of Advent bring peace into your hearts and homes.

As we prepare for the joyful celebration of Christmas, I want to share our Mass schedule. On Christmas Eve, Mass will be celebrated at 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with beautiful Christmas music offered by our Music Ministry beginning 20 minutes before each Mass. On Christmas Day, we will celebrate Mass at 9:00 AM. I encourage you to arrive early and join in the music—it’s a wonderful way to prepare spiritually for the liturgy and to immerse yourself in the joy of Christ’s birth.

After the busyness of the Christmas celebrations, I will take a day to spend time with my family, so there will be no daily Mass on December 26. I appreciate your understanding as I enjoy this special time with loved ones.

This weekend, our parish has the honor of opening the Jubilee Year of Hope in a special way. The Vatican and our Diocese have invited every parish to mark the beginning of this Holy Year with a meaningful celebration. As we journey together throughout this Jubilee, I encourage you to visit our parish website, ihmercer.org/jubilee-2025, for updates and resources to help us deepen our faith and grow in hope during this extraordinary time of grace.

Finally, a reminder that Wednesday, January 1, is a Holy Day of Obligation as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. We will have two Masses for this feast: a Vigil Mass on December 31 at 6:00 PM and Mass on January 1 at 9:00 AM. Let us begin the New Year by placing ourselves under Mary’s loving care and seeking her intercession for peace in our hearts and in the world.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Focus on your potential, not your limitations. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone is to just listen. Never allow yourself to be a prisoner to the things you can’t change; rather, focus on what you can control: your love, your patience, your mercy with others. To make a difference, you don’t have to be rich, you simply have to care.

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.

Around the Parish – December 15, 2024

This Third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, invites us to rejoice as the celebration of Christmas draws near. To help prepare our hearts, I encourage you to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Parish Penance Service is today at 5 PM, and earlier this afternoon at 2 PM, a Penance Service will also be held at Beloved Disciple. If it’s been a while since your last confession or if you’re unsure where to begin, a helpful guide to going to confession and an examination of conscience can be found in this weekend’s bulletin. Please make every effort to attend one of these services and embrace the grace and mercy of this beautiful sacrament before Christmas.

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported our Nursing Home Gift Tree. Your generosity is truly appreciated, but we still have 18 gifts unaccounted for. If you have one of the remaining tags, please return the gift immediately. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the gift, I ask that you bring the tag back as soon as possible so we can ensure every resident receives a gift. Your help in completing this project is a true blessing and means so much to those we serve.

As we continue our Advent preparations, I’d like to remind you that Oplatki Christmas Wafers are available by the St. Joseph statue. This beautiful tradition invites families to share Christ’s love during their Christmas meal. The suggested donation is $4 per pack of four wafers, and they are available while supplies last.

Looking ahead, our parish office will be closed for the Christmas season beginning Friday, December 20, and will reopen for in-person business on Tuesday, January 7. During this time, we will continue to monitor phone messages and emails, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s something you need. Thank you for your understanding as we take time to celebrate this joyful season with our families.

Our Christmas Mass Schedule is as follows: Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, Masses will be at 5 PM and 9 PM. On Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, we will celebrate one Mass at 9 AM. Please make plans to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Additionally, as we approach the new year, I want to remind you that Wednesday, January 1, is a Holy Day of Obligation—the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. We will celebrate Mass on Tuesday, December 31, at 6 PM and Wednesday, January 1, at 9 AM. What better way to begin the new year than by celebrating this special feast day and honoring our Blessed Mother?

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or you take them with gratitude. Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. One of the most sincere forms of respect is listening to what another person has to say. Life becomes so much easier when you “accept” an apology that you never got.

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.

Around the Parish – December 8, 2024

This Sunday, our parish is hosting the annual Cookie Walk and Soup Sale in Gallagher Hall from 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stock up on homemade cookies and delicious soups for the season. As part of the event, we’ll also be raffling off two lottery Christmas trees, with extra tickets available for purchase during the sale. Be sure to stop by and join in the festive fun!

I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who participated in #iGiveCatholic this year. While we are unable to share the final totals due to the bulletin deadlines, please know how much I appreciate your generosity and support. Your kindness is a true blessing to our parish community.

As we continue through this season of Advent, please remember that this Monday, December 9, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, and Masses will be offered at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Let us come together to honor our Blessed Mother on her special day.

In preparation for Christmas, Oplatki Christmas Wafers are available by the St. Joseph statue. These wafers are a beautiful tradition of sharing Christ’s love at the family table. The suggested donation is $4 for a pack of four wafers, and they are available while supplies last.

Looking ahead to next Sunday, we will hold our Parish Penance Service at 5:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ, with five priests available to hear confessions. If you’re unable to attend, Adoration and Confessions will also be available on the next two Fridays of Advent. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to encounter God’s mercy and love.

We still have 19 gifts missing from the Nursing Home Gift Tree: 15 from QLS, 3 from Avalon, and 1 from Greystone. If you have one of these tags, please return it as soon as possible. If purchasing the gift is no longer possible, please bring the tag back so we can ensure every resident receives their gift. Your assistance in completing this effort is greatly appreciated.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Let’s remember that happiness keeps us sweet; trials keep us strong; sorrows keep us human; failures keep us humble; and God’s grace keeps us going. Let God’s promises shine on your problems. Keep going. You might almost be where you want to go, and not even know 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.

Around the Parish – December 1, 2024

Today marks the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year and a sacred time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. I encourage you to embrace the spirit of Advent by deepening your relationship with the Lord. One of the best ways to do this is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our parish Advent Penance Services are listed in the bulletin. Additionally, on the three Fridays of Advent, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions from 6:00–7:00 PM. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to prepare your heart for the joy of Christmas.

This Tuesday, December 3, is Giving Tuesday and the conclusion of #iGiveCatholic. If you haven’t yet donated, I kindly ask you to consider giving a dollar or two before the campaign ends at midnight. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue to serve our parish and community. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed! Updated totals can be found on our giving page: erie.igivecatholic.org/organizations/immaculate-heart-of-mary-parish-mercer.

A quick note regarding the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Since December 8 falls on a Sunday this year, the celebration is transferred to Monday, December 9. Masses for this Holy Day of Obligation will be at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Monday. Please join us as we honor our Blessed Mother under the title of her Immaculate Conception, patroness of our parish and our nation.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to contribute to our Cookie Walk and Soup Sale! If you’re donating cookies or soup, please bring your items to Gallagher Hall on Friday or Saturday morning after 9:00 AM. Your generosity helps make this event a beloved parish tradition and supports our ministry efforts.

Oplatki Christmas Wafers are available by the St. Joseph Statue. The suggested donation is $4 for pack of 4 wafers.

Finally, a reminder that Poinsettia Order Forms are due today. If you need another form, they are available at the church entrances. We will be placing the order tomorrow and cannot accept additional requests after today.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect; you just have to care. Happy people focus on what they have. Unhappy people focus on what is missing. Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood. A successful family is not a rich family but rather because they support one another.

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.

Around the Parish – November 24, 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Family Faith Formation session with Fr. Scott Jabo last Sunday. Together, we reflected on the vital importance of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Each of us has a unique calling within the Church, and it is our duty to discern and embrace God’s plan for our lives. Vocations arise from our families and are nurtured by encouragement and prayer. Priests and religious do not simply appear; they are formed within our communities. Let us continue to pray fervently that more young men and women from our parish may hear and respond to God’s call to these special roles.

As we approach #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday, December 3, I want to express my deep gratitude for your unwavering support. Thanks to your generosity, we are now just $4,818 away from our $20,000 goal. If you have not yet contributed, please consider making a donation. Each gift moves us closer to our goal and qualifies for special incentives on Giving Tuesday. There is also a leaderboard on the #iGiveCatholic website for the Diocese of Erie. Seeing Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at the top would showcase the dedication and generosity of our community throughout the 13 counties of the Diocese. Thank you again for your continued support—together, we can achieve remarkable things!

The women of the Walking with Purpose Bible Study invite you to join them in praying the rosary on Friday, December 6, at 5pm in the church, preceding our adoration and confessions. Please mark your calendars and join us.

This weekend’s bulletin includes the schedule of Advent Reconciliation times offered throughout our deanery, alongside regular parish schedules for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we prepare for Christmas, I encourage everyone to seize the grace-filled opportunity to receive this sacrament. Whether it has been a month, a year, or even a decade since your last confession, please come. Do not let fear or hesitation hold you back—Christ welcomes you with open arms, offering forgiveness, healing, and peace. This sacrament can bring profound peace as we journey together toward the Coming of Jesus Christ.

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we pause to give thanks to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Please note our adjusted schedule: Mass will be celebrated Monday through Thursday at 8am. There will be no Mass on Friday, November 29, as I will be celebrating with family. Additionally, our parish office will be closed this week and will reopen for in-person business on Tuesday, December 3. Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

There are three C’s in life: choice, chance, and change. You must make the choice to take the chance if you want anything in life to change for the better.

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.

Around the Parish – December 24, 2023

As we gather on this fourth Sunday of Advent, a peculiar blend of anticipation fills the air. While it may strike some as unconventional to continue our preparations for Christmas when, according to the calendar, the day itself is imminent, the essence of true Christmas preparation knows no temporal boundaries. Beyond the festive gatherings, the resonating carols that have accompanied us since the ghostly days of October, lies a deeper, enduring call to readiness.

In the spirit of reflection, let us draw wisdom from the whimsical words of the Grinch, who, in his frosty solitude, discovered a profound truth: “Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same!”

This seemingly childlike verse prompts us to ponder the core of Christmas. The Grinch, with his heart two sizes too small, unraveled a timeless message—Christmas transcends material trappings. “What if Christmas,” he mused, “doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

As our preparations for the festive season reach their culmination, let us acknowledge that our preparations for Eternal Life never cease. Christmas is a poignant reminder that God, in His infinite love, prepared a path for us to attain eternal salvation. The King of the Universe, cloaked in the humility of a newborn, ventured into our world, vulnerable and innocent, to eventually sacrifice Himself for our redemption.

Our earthly preparations for the advent of the King may conclude with Christmas celebrations, but our quest for eternal life persists until our final breath. The message of Christmas resounds clear: continue to prepare your hearts for the King. In moments of jubilation or sorrow, our ongoing preparations for eternal life define the true essence of this season.

As we traverse these final moments of Advent, may joy and peace envelop us. Let the echoes of the Grinch’s revelation guide us, reminding us that the profound meaning of Christmas extends beyond packages, boxes, or bags. It beckons us to prepare our hearts for a celebration that transcends time—a celebration of eternal life ushered in by the birth of our Savior.           

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy



Around the Parish – December 17, 2023

As Christmas falls on a Monday this year, our Advent season is unusually brief. In just one week, we’ll immerse ourselves in the joyful hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. While many of you may have already adorned your homes with festive decor, as a church family, we will come together to beautifully decorate the church in anticipation of the holiday.

The unique timing of Christmas on a Monday adds an intriguing element to our planning. It’s important to note that fulfilling our obligations requires attending Mass for both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Christmas celebration. For example, if you’re inclined to attend two vigil masses, consider joining us on Saturday, December 23, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and then returning in the evening on Sunday, December 24, for the Christmas celebration. Alternatively, you can opt for a morning mass on Sunday, December 24, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, followed by the 9 am service on Christmas Day. A third option is to attend the Sunday morning mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Sunday evening mass for Christmas. I understand, it’s a lot to keep track of – in many ways, it’s simpler for me! I’ll be present at all the masses and look forward to sharing the joy of the season with each of you.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: If you rearrange the letters in depression, you’ll get
‘I pressed on’ – meaning your current situation is not your final destination. Remember: just like a bow and arrow, when life pulls you back, it’s just preparing to launch you into something great.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy




Around the Parish – December 10, 2023

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – today is the BIG day! Join us for the much-anticipated annual Cookie Walk and Soup Sale, 9 am to 12:30 pm. The excitement doesn’t stop there unfolding right after the 11 am mass – we’ll be revealing the lucky winners of the Lottery Trees and the five fabulous prizes for the 300 Club.

But wait, there’s more! As you indulge in the delights of the cookie walk and soup sale, seize the opportunity to secure your tickets for next year’s 300 Club. Your luck awaits – reserve your special number today!

A heartfelt thank you echoes to all the incredible bakers and soup makers who dedicated their time and talents for today’s sale. I can’t help but express my admiration – our parish is truly home to the best bakers in the diocese. To our generous community, thank you once again for making our events extraordinary.

As we revel in the joy of today’s festivities, let’s not forget the upcoming deanery penance services. This Sunday, Beloved Disciple Parish’s penance service starts at 2:00 p.m., followed by our own at 5:00 p.m. Embrace the spirit of Advent by participating in the sacrament of reconciliation, preparing your heart for the joyous celebration of Christmas. Don’t miss this chance for spiritual renewal and reflection.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to. Prayer is asking God to align you with His will, rather than asking Him to be aligned with yours.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy




Around the Parish – December 3, 2023

Thank you to everyone who donated for the #iGiveCatholic campaign. I hope to include to totals received in the coming weeks. At the time of writing this bulletin, we do not have the total count of all monies received. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support!

This Friday is a Holy Day of Obligation as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this Holy Day of Obligation, our mass schedule is 8:00am and 6:00pm. Following the 6:00pm mass, we will have a holy hour of Eucharistic Adoration and confessions available.

Next Sunday is the Cookie Walk and Soup Sale. If you have cookies or soup to drop off, we ask that you drop them off Friday, 8 am to 6 pm or Saturday, 9 am to 12 noon. Thank you all again for your amazing baking and cooking skills. Our parish most definitely has the best bakers in the entire diocese!

Also next Sunday at the conclusion of the 11:00am mass, we will have our drawings for the lottery trees and our grand prizes for the 300 club. Winner need not be present for the lottery trees, and the winners of the grand prizes will receive their check in the mail later that week. Best of luck to everyone!

The Deanery Advent Penance services begin next Sunday with a penance service at Beloved Disciple at 2:00pm and our parish penance service at 5:00pm. Please make sure to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation sometime this Advent. Adoration and Confessions will be offered every Friday during Advent from 6-7pm with the exception of this Friday as mentioned above.

In this weekend’s bulletin you can find the listing of masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas. Being that Christmas is on a Monday, to fulfill the Sunday Obligation and Christmas Obligation, one must attend Mass for Sunday by either going to Mass Saturday night or Sunday Morning, and one must attend Mass for Christmas by either going Sunday night or Monday morning. Sunday morning mass on December 24 does not count for Christmas, and going on Christmas Eve does not count for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is a very brave thing to do – even if you stumble a little on your way out the door. Don’t compare your progress with that of others. Everyone needs their own time and speed to travel their own distance. Each day comes bearing gifts. Untie the ribbon.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy




Around the Parish – November 26, 2023

I pray that each person’s Thanksgiving was brimming with joy, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. Personally (as usual), I indulged a bit more than intended in a delightful feast. The occasion provided a beautiful opportunity to cherish moments with my mom, brother, his fiancée, and her family.

For the Season of Advent, we will hold a holy hour with Eucharistic Adoration and confessions every Friday from 6:00pm—7:00pm with one exception. On Friday, December 8, the church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Mother of God. That day is a holy day of obligation, and therefore we will have an evening mass at 6:00pm. Following that mass, we will have adoration and confessions from 7:00pm—8:00pm. Please do take the opportunity to avail yourself of the grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation during the season of Advent.

Posted in church is a flyer of confession times in our deanery for the season of Advent. Our parish penance service is scheduled for Sunday, December 10 at 5:00pm. This is the same day as the Cookie Walk and Soup Sale.

All gifts for the Nursing Home Gift Tree are due back to church next Sunday, December 3. All gifts are asked to be returned in a gift bag and have their tag attached to the bag. Thank you again for your support of our ministry to our neighbors! I know from personal experience with family members in nursing homes how much they appreciate us thinking of them!

#iGiveCatholic is this Tuesday, November 28. A project that we are looking to do is update and upgrade the chairs and tables in our parish conference room. Each new chair costs $50, and we are looking into purchasing at least 50 chairs. Any help you might be able to give to this project would be greatly appreciated. All proceeds from this fundraiser stay completely in our parish. More information can be found in this weekend’s bulletin as well as on our website at:

https://ihmercer.org/igivecatholic

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is a very brave thing to do – even if you stumble a little on your way out the door. Don’t compare your progress with that of others. Everyone needs their own time and speed to travel their own distance. Each day comes bearing gifts. Untie the ribbon.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy