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Around the Parish – April 13, 2025

As we prepare our hearts for the holiest days of the Church year, I want to highlight a few important events and opportunities in our parish and around our diocese:

Easter Basket Blessing – Holy Saturday

Don’t forget our beautiful tradition of the Easter (Pascha) Basket Blessing, which will take place in the church on Holy Saturday at 12:00 PM (noon). This ancient custom is rich in meaning and a wonderful way to prepare for the joy of Easter. More information can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

Fr. Larry Richards’ Passion Talk – April 16

It’s not too late to join us for a special Lenten evening with Fr. Larry Richards, who will present his powerful “Passion Talk” on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 PM at St. Luke Church in Erie. Confessions will be available afterward. A group from IHM will caravan together, leaving at 5:30 PM. All are welcome! If you’d like to join the group, please contact Barb Dumais at (724) 907-7790. This is a wonderful opportunity to spiritually prepare for the Triduum and Easter.

Palm Sunday Bake Sale — Thank You!

Many thanks to everyone who generously donated and supported our Palm Sunday Bake Sale. Your kindness helps us continue the mission and ministries of our parish.

VBS Planning Meeting – April 30

We are beginning to prepare for this summer’s Vacation Bible School! If you’re interested in helping out in any way, please join us for our first planning meeting on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 PM in the Conference Room. All are welcome!

Bus Trip to the Meadows Casino – April 24
Don’t forget to sign up for our bus trip to the Meadows Casino on Thursday, April 24! It’s sure to be a fun outing with friends and fellow parishioners. More details are available in this weekend’s bulletin.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – 2026

There’s still time to register for our 2026 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land! Come walk in the footsteps of Jesus and experience the scriptures come alive. To learn more or reserve your spot, visit:

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

In life we have two choices, grow or repeat. Courage doesn’t mean that you are not afraid; It means that you don’t let fear stop you. Don’t decide you can’t before you discover you can.

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 – April 6, 2025

In just two weeks, we will be celebrating the great joy of Easter! As we approach the end of Lent, now is a good time to pause, reflect on our Lenten disciplines, and recommit ourselves for these final days of preparation. Let’s finish the season strong, with hearts open to the transforming grace of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday Bake Sale – April 13

Our Palm Sunday Bake Sale will be held next Sunday, April 13, in Gallagher Hall from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Baked goods can be dropped off in Gallagher Hall on Friday, April 11, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Thank you to everyone who is baking and helping with this fundraiser! For more information, please contact the parish office.

Knights of Columbus Baby Bottle Drive

Please remember to return all baby bottles with your donations by Palm Sunday. Bottles may be placed in the laundry baskets at the entrances of the church. Thank you for your generous support!

Easter Basket Blessing – Holy Saturday

Don’t forget our traditional Easter (Pascha) Basket Blessing, which will take place in the church on Holy Saturday at 12:00 PM (noon). More details about this beautiful tradition can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – 2026

Registrations are still open for our 2026 Pilgrimage to Israel! To learn more or to reserve your spot:

Fr. Larry Richards’ Passion Talk – April 16

Join us for a special Lenten opportunity: Fr. Larry Richards will present his powerful “Passion Talk” on Wednesday, April 16, at St. Luke Church in Erie. The evening begins at 7:00 PM, with confessions available afterward. A caravan from IHM will leave at 5:30 PM—all are welcome to come along! Please contact the Barb Dumais at (724) 907-7790 if you’d like to join the group. It’s a great way to spiritually prepare for the Triduum and Easter.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Sometimes the great things you are looking for is found in the work you are avoiding. Until you change your thinking and expectations, you will keep recycling your negative experiences.

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 – March 30, 2025

St. Patrick Bingo Totals

The totals are in! Thanks to your generosity and support, our annual St. Patrick’s Bingo raised $1,118.82! Thank you to everyone who came out to play, volunteer, or donate. It was a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s bingo!

Three exciting opportunities coming!

I’m also excited to share two wonderful opportunities coming up for our parish this spring:

Traveling Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima

First, we are honored to welcome the Traveling Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima to our parish for a special day of prayer and devotion on Saturday May 3, 2025. We will begin with Mass at 9:00 AM, followed by a time of veneration and prayer throughout the day. This statue is one of several blessed and commissioned by the Sanctuary of Fatima in Portugal to travel the world, spreading the message of conversion, prayer, and peace first given by Our Lady to the three shepherd children in 1917. Many have experienced moments of grace through prayer in her presence. I encourage you to stop by throughout the day for quiet reflection, to pray the Rosary, or simply to be near our Blessed Mother.

Heart to Heart: Sacred Saturdays

Second, mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10, 2025, as we launch our new monthly event series: Heart to Heart: Sacred Saturdays. Each month, we’ll begin with Mass at 9:00 AM, followed by breakfast and a featured speaker in Gallagher Hall. Our theme for May is Mary Our Mother, and I will be giving the first talk, sharing images and reflections from my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This is a great opportunity to deepen your faith, share in community, and grow spiritually. There is no cost to attend, but registration is helpful for planning purposes. More information can be found on our parish website.

Forming Intentional Disciples

Third, we will begin a community-wide book study in June, focusing on Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell. This book offers practical and powerful insights into how we as Catholics can more intentionally grow in our relationship with Jesus and share our faith with others. We will meet Saturday mornings in June from 9:30–11:00 AM in the parish conference room. Participants will be asked to read the book and accompanying study guide on their own in advance of our meetings. The group discussions will explore key themes and share personal insights—this is not a chapter-by-chapter study, but rather a guided faith journey together.

Registration is due by April 28, and books and study guides will be provided by the first weekend in May.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Every morning we have two choices, go back to bed and dream or get up and work towards them. The strongest people take time to help others, even when they are struggling with their own issues.

  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 – March 23, 2025

24 Hours for the Lord Adoration – Thank You!

First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in 24 Hours for the Lord. This time of prayer before our Eucharistic Lord was truly a blessing for our parish community. I hope we can continue to embrace opportunities like this in the future.

Stations, Soup, & Speaker Series

I also want to invite you to a special Lenten event: Stations, Soup, and Speaker at Saint Joseph Church in Sharon. This series takes place each Wednesday of Lent, and on March 26, I will be sharing my vocation story. I would love to see many of you there! This is a free event, and a great way to deepen our Lenten journey together. !

Gas and Heating Issues

On Wednesday, March 12, we detected a strong gas odor in the office building. Upon calling our HVAC company, we learned that we had a major gas leak—similar to the one we addressed at the rectory two years ago. Both the church and office building gas lines coming from the meter to all devices were leaking copious amounts of gas. These lines required extensive repairs and, in most cases, complete replacement.

While this might sound like a straightforward fix, it was anything but simple. Our HVAC team worked tirelessly:

  • March 14: Over 13 hours spent replacing all the gas lines in the office building.
  • March 18–19: An additional 24 hours working on church repairs.

Thankfully, the gas lines have now been fully replaced and pressure tested (and we passed!). However, additional issues have come to light:

Our boilers are malfunctioning. They are running too hot, burning excess gas, and causing repeated failures. This is why we’ve had to replace igniters every six months.

  • Exhaust issues: The extreme heat has melted and destroyed the PVC exhaust pipes, which means toxic fumes are leaking into the basements. This issue affects both the church and rectory and must be addressed immediately.
  • Future concerns: Our HVAC company has warned that further boiler repairs will be needed in the near future.

As of now, I do not have an exact total cost for all necessary repairs, but the work already completed—not including upcoming boiler repairs—is estimated at $33,000. This unexpected expense is certainly a challenge, but it is also a critical and necessary investment in the safety and well-being of our parish community.

I appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these essential repairs. Please keep our parish in your prayers as we work to maintain our facilities for the future.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

One of the greatest mistakes we can make is to be so busy worrying about what’s coming, that we fail to appreciate what is. Patience is the key that connects effort with success.

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 – March 16, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day Bingo – Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our St. Patrick’s Day Bingo! It was a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a report on the totals from the event.

Catholic Services Appeal – Church Ramp Project

As we continue discussing the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), I want to share more about the challenges we face with the church ramp project. This is not simply a matter of removing the flagstones—there are several major issues that must be addressed to ensure everything is up to code:

  • The cement beneath the ramp is crumbling under the weight of the flagstones.
  • The landing at the top is not large enough to meet code requirements.
  • None of the stairs currently meet code.
  • Once the flagstones are removed and we level both the interior and exterior of the entrance, the current doors will be too short.
  • The doors themselves are not up to code—neither is the required 36 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair.
  • The canopy over the ramp is causing damage to both the church and the ramp structure and will need to be removed.
  • The roof over the confessional, which was never properly repaired, will also need to be replaced once the canopy is removed to prevent further water damage.

What once seemed like a simple project years ago has become a significant and costly undertaking. This is why your generous support through the CSA is so important. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to be accessible to all in our community. Thank you for your generosity!

Looking Ahead – Church Entrances

While addressing the ramp, it’s important to note that none of the church entrances are currently safe. The steps at each entrance vary in height due to the flagstones, creating a potential tripping hazard. Eventually, all entrances will need to be repaired, but tackling them all at once is not financially feasible. So, let’s pray we win the lottery!

Parish Penance Service – Sunday, March 16

Join us this Sunday, March 16, for our Parish Penance Service. Several priests from our deanery will be present to hear confessions. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we continue our Lenten journey. A full schedule of penance services in our area is available on our parish website.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Never judge a person by their mistakes; Judge they by how they fix them. Good deeds should be done with intention, not for attention. We are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time

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 – September 22, 2024

Thank you to everyone who attended our planning meeting for our first annual spaghetti dinner. Excitement was in the air during the meeting as we come together to enjoy time together as a family to both raise money, but also joy, for our parish family. Part of the planning at our meeting was the discussion about dessert availability. To open the opportunity to allow for more people to help in ways that they are able to, we are taking donations of cakes like we used to do for our fish dinners. Sign up sheets will be at the entrances of church if you are able to lend us a hand and bake us a cake or two to offer for our desserts at the dinner!

Please help us spread the news about our upcoming spaghetti dinner. In the coming days, we will begin sending out tickets for our theme basket raffle. I am extremely appreciative for all those individuals and groups who have donated for these spectacular baskets for our raffle. These baskets will be the talk of the dinner, so make sure you get your tickets in as soon as possible! More tickets are always available by contacting the parish office, or by purchasing at the spaghetti dinner by either cash or card!

Don’t forget: help us prepare for the Spaghetti Dinner! Pre-order tickets on our website! You can find out more information here:

Or by scanning the QR code found in the flyer in this weekend’s bulletin. There is a Facebook event on our parish Facebook page. Please consider sharing this event with your friends and families! Reminder that tickets WILL be sold at the door for both cash and card! By pre-ordering, we are able to have a better idea of how many to prepare for!

Make sure to get your reservations in for our next bus trip to the casino! Our bus leaves on Thursday, October 3 at 9am, so contact Marge in the office to reserve your seat.

Snow is just around the corner, no matter how much we try to ignore it! We are desperately in need of someone to shovel our sidewalks. If you or someone you know is looking for some extra cash this winter, please have them contact us! This IS a PAYING position!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

The key to being happy is knowing you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go. Ultimately, it is not the things that we acquire in life that matter; rather, it is the hearts that we touch and strengthen that measure our success in life and family living. Just like our muscles, our faith is strengthened by use. Don’t do something permanently stupid just because you are temporarily upset. Who you are is entirely up to 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.