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Around the Parish – January 14, 2024

Written by on January 13, 2024. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Returning to the time throughout the year in our Church calendar, we encounter today the words of Saint John’s Gospel that we hear during every mass: “Ecce Agnus Dei,” “Behold the Lamb of God.” These words resonate through the sacred space of our worship, inviting us to reflect on the profound symbolism they carry. In the rhythm of our liturgy, they serve as a constant reminder to behold Jesus, the Lamb of God, in the subtle and hidden facets of our lives. As we engage in today’s liturgy, let us cultivate a mindful awareness, seeking the presence of Jesus in the quiet, often overlooked moments, and embracing the profound significance of his divine sacrifice.

Eucharistic Ministers for Nursing Home Visits:

I hope that you had an opportunity to pray about helping us with bringing the Holy Eucharist to those who are in our local nursing homes. We hope to be able to bring communion to our Catholic Residents every week in the four nursing homes in our parish. If you feel called to help in this important ministry, please contact the parish office at your earliest convenience. We will schedule an informational meeting once we gather names of volunteers.

Snow Removal:

Praise God, we have had very little snow removal needed so far this winter season, but as we all know, winter is just beginning. We are in need of someone to shovel and spread salt around our church campus. THIS IS A PAYING JOB!!! Please help us find someone who would be able to assist us in this task.

Spring Bible Study Registration:

Our Spring Bible Study awaits, and I encourage you to register by Monday, February 5, 2024. The cost is $20 per person, and your timely registration ensures that all necessary books can be purchased. We benefit from a parish discount, so let’s delve into the Word together.

Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting:

Although it may seem distant, Summer 2024 Vacation Bible School is on the horizon. Join our planning meeting on Wednesday, January 31, at 6 pm. Your input and enthusiasm are crucial to making this experience memorable for our children. Please mark your calendars and attend if you can.

Mass Schedule:

The week of January 23-26, weekday masses will be in the office Conference Room. We will be doing maintenance in church that will prohibit mass for the week from being in church. Also on this Thursday, January 18, there is no mass at Immaculate Heart due to a meeting I have in Erie that day.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

A friend is one who strengthens you with prayer; blesses you with love and encourages you with hope. Life is full of give and take. Give thanks to God and show appreciation to others and take nothing for granted

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – January 7, 2024

Written by on January 6, 2024. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Happy New Year! As we step into 2024, I pray this message finds you embraced by the promise and possibilities that the new year brings, filled with the grace and blessings of the season.

Eucharistic Ministers for Nursing Home Visits:

I am grateful for those dedicated individuals who currently visit local nursing homes to bring the Eucharist to residents. However, we aspire to enhance this outreach by restarting weekly visits. We need more volunteers to serve as Eucharistic Ministers for these crucial visits. Your willingness to share the gift of communion is a powerful way to bring comfort and joy to those in need. Please contact the parish office for more details if you are interested in joining this vital ministry.

Mass Volunteers – Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors:

A heartfelt thank you to all who contribute their time as Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors during our masses. Your service is invaluable. Yet, the need for more volunteers persists. Don’t hesitate to step forward and offer your talents. Your involvement strengthens our worship experience as a community.

Epiphany Water and Blessing Bags:

Visit the sanctuary by the statue of Saint Joseph this weekend to find Ziplock bags containing chalk and the Epiphany House Blessing prayer. During mass this weekend, I will bless the water and chalk, which you can then use to bless your homes and workplaces. Please take one bag per family and follow the directions provided.

Spring Bible Study Registration:

Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting:

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t. Fear has two meanings: forget everything and run or with God, face everything and rise. The moment you received God’s forgiveness in confession, God forgave you; now do your part and leave the guilt behind.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – December 31, 2023

Written by on December 30, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

As we gather together in the warmth of our parish family, I am reminded of the profound beauty and challenge embedded in the concept of the Holy Family. The Holy Family, composed of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, serves as a timeless model for our earthly families. It is a beacon of love, devotion, and resilience, yet it is essential to recognize that even the Holy Family faced their share of trials.

In our human journey, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perceiving the Holy Family as an unattainable ideal, forgetting that they, too, encountered hardships. Mary and Joseph navigated the uncertainties of an unexpected pregnancy, sought refuge in a humble stable, and fled to Egypt to protect their child. Their experiences echo the very challenges many of our families grapple with today. It is through these struggles that the Holy Family becomes a relatable guide for our own earthly journey.

In embracing the reality that no family is perfect, we find solace and inspiration in the Holy Family’s unwavering commitment to each other and to God. Imperfection does not diminish the value of our earthly families; rather, it underscores the need for compassion, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to growth.

As we reflect on the Holy Family, let us remember that their strength lay not in the absence of challenges but in their response to them. Mary’s fiat, Joseph’s trust in divine guidance, and Jesus’ obedient submission to his earthly parents exemplify virtues we can cultivate in our own lives. It is in striving to embody these virtues that we draw closer to the ideal set by the Holy Family.

Our families are a work in progress. As we celebrate our joys and confront our challenges, let us be mindful of the transformative power of love and faith. In recognizing the imperfections within our families, we create space for grace to flourish and for God’s guiding hand to lead us toward greater unity and holiness.

May the Holy Family be a source of inspiration for our families, encouraging us to navigate the complexities of life with faith, love, and a commitment to grow together. In our imperfection, let us find the grace to mirror the divine qualities exemplified by the Holy Family.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – December 25, 2023

Written by on December 24, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

A Blessed and Merry Christmas to all! As we rejoice in the Christmas season, let our hearts turn to the profound beauty of the Incarnation – the moment when God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is not merely a commemoration of a historical event; it’s a celebration of God’s intentional choice to be present among us. The manger in Bethlehem becomes the sacred stage where the divine and human intersect.

In the simplicity of the stable, God’s boundless love takes tangible form. The infant Jesus, born in humility, embodies a radical message: God’s desire to be intimately connected with humanity. The Incarnation reveals a God who doesn’t stand at a distance but enters into the very fabric of our existence.

As we exchange gifts and gather with loved ones, may we recognize the ultimate gift – Jesus’ presence in our lives. His birth is a declaration that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in our joys and struggles.

The significance of Christmas lies not just in the festivities but in the transformative power of God dwelling among us. Jesus’ presence brings light to our darkness, hope to our hearts, and salvation to our souls.

This Christmas, let our celebrations echo the profound truth of Emmanuel – God with us. In our interactions, may we mirror the love and compassion demonstrated by Jesus in his earthly journey. As we reflect on the Incarnation, may our lives become a testament to the ongoing miracle of God’s presence in the world.

May the gift of Jesus’ presence inspire us to be present to one another, sharing the love and grace that flow from the manger in Bethlehem. In doing so, our Christmas celebrations become more than rituals; they become a reflection of the eternal significance of God dwelling among His people.

Wishing you a Christmas season filled with the joy and wonder of the Incarnation.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – December 24, 2023

Written by on December 23, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

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

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Around the Parish – December 17, 2023

Written by on December 16, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

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

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Around the Parish – December 10, 2023

Written by on December 9, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

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

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Around the Parish – December 3, 2023

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

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

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Around the Parish – November 26, 2023

Written by on November 25, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

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

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – November 19, 2023

Written by on November 18, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

With Thanksgiving being this Thursday, our mass schedule will be a bit different this week. We will only have daily masses on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. On Monday, November 20, I will be meeting with the orthopedic surgeon about my foot. I ask of your prayers that I do not need surgery! On Wednesday of this week, I will be headed home to travel with my mom for Thanksgiving at my brothers, so there will be no mass here on Thursday and Friday so that I can celebrate with my family.

For all of our families that might be traveling for the holiday, know of my prayers for you. May you be protected with traveling mercies so that we may all reach our destinations safely and return to our homes again.

Next weekend is Christ the King Sunday which signals to us that Advent is right around the corner. Starting next Sunday, we will list the Christmas Mass Schedule. With Christmas being on a Monday, we are required to attend both mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec 23/24) AND for Christmas (Dec 24/25) Mass on Sunday, December 24 in the morning does NOT count for Christmas, and Christmas Eve masses do not count for Sunday Mass.

The Nursing Home Gift Tree is still in our church for our local seniors. If you are able to help spread some Christmas Cheer, we ask that you take a tag from the tree, purchase the gift listed, and return the gift in a gift bag with the tag to church by Sunday, December 3.

#iGiveCatholic this year will be on 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: Great opportunities to help others seldom come; small ones surround us every day. If we magnified our successes as much as we magnified our disappointments, we’d all be much happier.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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