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Tag: August

Around the Parish – September 1, 2024

This weekend, we are hosting a ministry fair with refreshments in Gallagher Hall. This is an opportunity to see what sorts of ministries we have available in our church and consider participating in some of the great ways we work together as a church family. Included at our ministry fair, we will be doing a book bag blessing for all students and teachers as they head back to school for a new year.

Next weekend, we have our first class of Faith Formation for the 2024-25 school year. All classes for our youth are held in the second floor of the parish center. This year, we are also offering classes for our adults during the same time. Each weekend between the 8a and 11a mass, we will be watching Season 3 and Season 4 of The Chosen with opportunities for discussion. This will take place in Gallagher Hall starting Sept. 8 Weekend. A thank you goes out to Cindy Wilpula for leading this opportunity.

It may seem like a long time off, but already we are thinking about #iGiveCatholic! This year for #iGiveCatholic, we will be bringing some much needed improvements to Gallagher Hall. In a few short weeks, new windows and a new stage curtain will be installed in Gallagher Hall. To cover the costs of these updates, we will be utilizing #iGiveCatholic campaign. Any donation toward these updates will have plaques made in memory of, donated by, or in thanksgiving for and will be put either on/by the windows, or a plaque for the stage curtain by the curtain itself. More information is available on our website, and will become available in the coming weeks.

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 AGAIN 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! This IS a paying position!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Six ways to stay faith filled and positive: 1. Have faith in God’s plan. 2. Put it in God’s hands.
3. Practice gratitude daily. 4. Focus on helping others. 5. Surround yourself with laughter, or create it. 6. Lastly, don’t let things fester, talk things out; words are unnecessary when your actions speak the truth.

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 – August 25, 2024

Thank you to all who have signed up to volunteer for the Spaghetti Dinner. A Spaghetti Dinner Planning Meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, August 29, at 6pm in the Parish Conference Room. Please plan on attending if you are able to help us with the planning process. If you haven’t signed up to help yet, it’s not too late! We will need help with the event, so please consider signing up!

Next Weekend, August 31 & September 1, we will be hosting a ministry fair with refreshments in Gallagher Hall. This is an opportunity to see what sorts of ministries we have available in our church and consider participating in some of the great ways we work together as a church family.

Next Sunday, our Sunday Mass Schedule will return to 8am and 11am. Please mark your calendar!

It may seem like a long time off, but already we are thinking about #iGiveCatholic! This year for #iGiveCatholic, we will be bringing some much needed improvements to Gallagher Hall. In a few short weeks, new windows and a new stage curtain will be installed in Gallagher Hall. To cover the costs of these updates, we will be utilizing #iGiveCatholic campaign. Any donation toward these updates will have plaques made in memory of, donated by, or in thanksgiving for and will be put either on/by the windows, or a plaque for the stage curtain by the curtain itself. More information is available on our website, and will become available in the coming weeks.

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 AGAIN 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! This IS a paying position!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Optimism won’t change the situation; but optimism will change how the situation feels. By doing what you love, you awake and inspire the hearts of others. You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no.

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 – August 18, 2024

This Monday and Tuesday, August 19-20, our upper parking lot will undergo milling and resurfacing. As a result, the blacktop will be completely off-limits for the entire week. Please refrain from parking or walking on the lot during this time. If you need to contact the office, kindly do so via phone or email throughout the week. We anticipate reopening the parking lot in time for the weekend Masses, pending the final approval. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Sweet on their 60 wedding anniversary and Mr. & Mrs. Sajewski on their 40 wedding anniversary. They participated in the special Diocesan Wedding Anniversary mass at Beloved Disciple Church.

Next weekend, I will be away for my cousin’s wedding in Buffalo. Father Ray will be with us next weekend for all the masses. Please make him feel welcome!

As I mentioned last weekend at all the masses, we are considering holding a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, October 27. To be able to have this dinner, we will need committed volunteers, especially with the events of the day. Once we collect all the data for volunteers, we will make a determination if we can go forward, and then we will schedule a meeting to make plans. Please consider signing up to help by either signing up at the entrances of church, or by contacting the office as soon as possible.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 31 & September 1, we will be hosting a ministry fair with refreshments in Gallagher Hall. This is an opportunity to see what sorts of ministries we have available in our church and consider participating in some of the great ways we work together as a church family. More information will be shared over the coming weeks, so look for updates soon!

With the school year on the horizon, our Sunday Mass Schedule will return to 8am and 11am on Sunday September 1. Please mark your calendar!

In this weekend’s bulletin is the Faith Formation Schedule for the year. Please make note of the Family Faith Formation days where the whole parish is invited to participate. I hope to see you there.

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 AGAIN 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! This IS a paying position!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends. If you want to fly, give God everything that weighs your heart down.

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 – August 11, 2024

This week, I will be in Erie for a few days of rest and work at moms house, and therefore there will be no daily mass here at Immaculate Heart on Monday-Wednesday morning. While at home in Erie, I will be participating in Saint James Parish 40 Hours celebration. Saint James in my home parish in Erie, and so Father McCormick and Deacon Scanga invited me to join them as the parish celebrates the Eucharist. If you wish to join, more information can be found on the parish website of Saint James, https://saintjamesrcc.org.

Noted in this weekend’s bulletin is that we have as a parish community pledged over our assessed amount for the Catholic Services Appeal. Any monies raised over the assessed amount remain in our parish to cover the costs of different projects. Our project that the funds were to go toward this year was the repairs of the window wells and outside stairwell at the office building. As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and generosity. Through your diligence in prayer and support, we will get to be known throughout the diocese as the gem that everyone is envious of!

This Thursday, August 15 is a Holy Day of Obligation for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary will be at 8am and 6pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 31 & September 1, we will be hosting a ministry fair with refreshments in Gallagher Hall. This is an opportunity to see what sorts of ministries we have available in our church and consider participating in some of the great ways we work together as a church family. More information will be shared over the coming weeks, so look for updates soon!

With the school year on the horizon, our Sunday Mass Schedule will return to 8am and 11am on Sunday September 1. Please mark your calendar!

Please continue to pray and consider a donation for the parking lot resurfacing. We need to have the lot finished before winter, as it is a detriment to our community. Thank you for your continued support toward the normal maintenance of our church!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

We can’t cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to power through them and share joy. The miracle is not that I finished, it is that I had the courage to start. Our lives are so much brighter when we focus on who and what truly matters. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

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 – August 4, 2024

Thank you to everyone who came out to our St. Hermenegild Mass. Even though it was a very warm night, we had a wonderful time.

This week, there is no mass on Tuesday. There is a special gathering for priests on Tuesday in Erie, and so I will be in Erie for the day. Our normal schedule for mass will resume on Wednesday.

Next Thursday, August 15 is a Holy Day of Obligation for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary will be at 8am and 6pm on Thursday, August 15.

Please continue to pray and consider a donation for the parking lot resurfacing. We need to have the lot finished before winter, as it is a detriment to our community. Thank you for your continued support toward the normal maintenance of our church!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Remember, success is not only about where you end up, but also about the obstacles you conquer along the way. Don’t watch the clock; do what it does: keep going! Rock bottom can become the solid foundation on which to rebuild one’s life. Turn your wounds into wisdom.

 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 – August 27, 2023

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.

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



Around the Parish – August 20, 2023

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.

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.

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



Around the Parish – August 12, 2023

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.


Around the Parish – August 6, 2023

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


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.