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Tag: February

Around the Parish – February 23, 2025

Greetings from the Eternal City!

As I continue my trip to Italy with my mom, please know that I am keeping you all in my prayers. I look forward to being back with you next weekend! A heartfelt thank-you to Father Ray for covering the parish in my absence.

Vacation Bible School Planning Begins!

The first Vacation Bible School preparation meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30 PM in the parish conference room. If you are able to help with this wonderful program, please join us! A special thanks to Mrs. Linda Oliver for her dedication in leading this effort.

24 Hours for the Lord – Sign Up for Adoration

Sign-ups for 24 Hours for the Lord remain available in the main vestibule. Please consider committing to one hour of Adoration to ensure that all 24 hours are covered in prayer before the Eucharist.

Special Praise & Worship Holy Hour – March 21 at 7 PM

As part of 24 Hours for the Lord, I invite you to a special Praise & Worship Holy Hour on Friday, March 21, at 7 PM in the church. Miss Gabrielle Herndon, Youth Minister for the Shenango Valley parishes, will lead us in music for this beautiful time of prayer and adoration.

These Praise & Worship Holy Hours are traveling to different churches in our area, and I am thrilled that our parish will be hosting one! Even if you’ve already signed up for an hour of adoration, I encourage you to join us for this powerful evening of prayer. Following the Holy Hour, we will gather in Gallagher Hall for refreshments and fellowship. I hope to see you there!

Lent is Almost Here!

Lent is quickly approaching! In just a week and a half, we will enter this sacred season with Ash Wednesday. Next weekend, more details about our Lenten parish schedule will be available in the bulletin. In the meantime, visit our parish website for up-to-date information on all our upcoming events.

Take a Bulletin Home!

There is so much valuable information in our bulletin each week! It takes me roughly eight hours to put everything together, and my hope is to provide both important parish news and spiritual insights—especially as we prepare for Lent. Please be sure to take a bulletin home with you!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

To receive joy, we must first give it; to keep joy, we must share it. Let your joy be found in the journey—not in some distant goal. While we cannot cure the world of sorrows, we can choose to live in joy. Joy is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God. True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done. The joy we experience has little to do with our circumstances and everything to do with where we set our hearts.  

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 – February 16, 2025

Blessings and Challenges: The Sermon on the Plain

This Sunday’s Gospel presents Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Plain. Unlike Matthew’s more familiar account, Luke’s Beatitudes are direct and accompanied by corresponding “woes” that highlight the stark contrast between those who seek fulfillment in God and those who rely solely on worldly comforts. Jesus blesses the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the persecuted—not because suffering itself is good, but because God promises to fill and redeem them. At the same time, He warns the rich, the satisfied, and the comfortable, cautioning against complacency and self-reliance that can lead us away from God. This Gospel challenges us to examine where we place our trust—do we cling to the fleeting security of this world, or do we seek the lasting joy found in Christ?

24 Hours for the Lord – Adoration Sign-Ups Available

We are still in need of adorers for our upcoming 24 Hours for the Lord Adoration. This is a beautiful opportunity to spend quiet time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Please consider signing up for an hour—whether during the day or in the quiet of the night—so that we may ensure continuous prayer during this special time of grace.

Vigil Candle Price Adjustment

Beginning immediately, due to rising costs, the price of votive candles in the church will be adjusted. The votive candles in front of the Mary and St. Joseph altars will increase from $3 to $5 per candle, and the tea light candles by the Sacred Heart statue will increase from $0.25 to $0.50. This change is necessary to continue providing these sacramentals while covering the increased cost of supplies. Thank you for your understanding and for your continued devotion to this meaningful tradition of prayer and remembrance.

First VBS Planning Meeting – February 26

Our first Vacation Bible School planning meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 PM in the parish conference room. If you are interested in helping with VBS this summer—whether in teaching, crafts, music, or logistics—please join us for this important meeting!

A Pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Doors

On Monday, February 17, my mother and I will be traveling to Rome for a few days. I want to assure you that I will be praying for all of you in a special way as I visit the Eternal City, especially at the tombs of the apostles and the great basilicas of our faith.

As we continue celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, one of the most profound traditions of a Jubilee is the Holy Door. Found in each of the four major basilicas of Rome, the Holy Door is normally sealed shut but is opened during a Jubilee Year as a sign of God’s mercy and the call to conversion. Pilgrims who pass through the Holy Door with a spirit of faith, repentance, and prayer receive a special plenary indulgence, a reminder that God’s grace is always open to us.

I hope to share pictures and updates on Facebook throughout the week, so I encourage you to follow along online! Please pray for safe travels, and be assured of my prayers for you as well.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Our attitude and interactions are like price tags: they show how valuable we are. Success occurs when our goals are bigger than our excuses. Self discipline is the bridge between our goals and our accomplishments. Every kind action that we perform is a vote for the kind of person we wish to become. 

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 – February 9, 2025

24 Hours for the Lord: Eucharistic Adoration

Please consider signing up for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration as part of our celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord on March 21-22, 2025. There are still many available time slots, and all are encouraged to take part in this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Sign-ups are available online through the parish website or in the main vestibule of the church.

Summer Ministries Schedule

The summer ministry schedule (May–August 2025) will be prepared in the coming weeks. Current Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors registered on Ministry Scheduler Pro will receive an email requesting their availability for these months. Additional volunteers are always welcome for these ministries. Anyone interested in serving as a Lector or Eucharistic Minister should contact the parish office as soon as possible so that training sessions can be scheduled.

Nursing Home Visitation: More Ministers Needed

There is also a need for additional Eucharistic Ministers to visit local nursing homes. This is a meaningful way to bring the presence of Christ to those who are unable to attend Mass. Participation in this ministry does not require serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Mass, and training will be provided at a later date. Those interested should contact the parish office.

Vigil Candles

Beginning immediately, the price of devotional candles in the church will be adjusted due to rising costs. The votive candles in front of the Mary and St. Joseph altars will increase from $3 to $5 per candle, and the tea light candles by the Sacred Heart statue will increase from $0.25 to $0.50. This adjustment is necessary to continue providing these sacramentals while covering the increased cost of supplies. Thank you for your understanding and continued devotion to this meaningful tradition of prayer and remembrance.

Rosary

Just a quick note that on Wednesdays after Daily Mass, the Rosary will be said in Church. We encourage everyone to come and join us in this special prayer. The Rosary will continue to be prayed at 4:30pm on Saturday, before our 5pm vigil mass. Volunteers are needed as the Saturday Rosary Leader. If you wish to lead the rosary, please contact the parish office at your earliest convenience.

Vacation Bible School 2025

Looking ahead, Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 14–18, 2025. Registration will open on March 1, 2025. This year’s theme is “Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace”. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

No amount of guilt can change yesterday and no amount of anxiety can change the future. Let your faith empower you to be the kind of Christian that makes the sun shine brighter for all those you encounter. If you need a confidence booster, then remind yourself of all the difficult things you’ve endured and overcome.

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 – February 2, 2025

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

This Sunday, February 2, 2025, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This feast commemorates the moment when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses. According to Jewish custom, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord, and the offering of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons was made in accordance with the law.

Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and proclaimed Him as the “light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” Likewise, the prophetess Anna, who had devoted her life to prayer and fasting in the temple, spoke of the child to all who awaited the redemption of Jerusalem. This profound moment reminds us that Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the true light that dispels the darkness of sin and death.

In recognition of Christ as the light of the nations, we bless candles and hold them during the first part of Mass, symbolizing Christ as the true light who has come into the world. The lighted candles also serve as a reminder of our call to carry the light of Christ into our daily lives, shining His love to all those we encounter.

Candlemas Candles

Blessed candles are available for purchase by the Sacred Heart statue for $5 per box of two candles. These candles serve as a beautiful reminder of Christ’s presence in our lives and homes.

Returning Old Palms

A friendly reminder that old palms can be returned to the baskets placed at the entrances of the church. The deadline for returning your palms is next Sunday, February 9. These palms will be burned and used for the ashes distributed on Ash Wednesday.

Eucharistic Adoration Sign-Ups

We invite you to sign up for Eucharistic Adoration, which will take place for 24 hours. We need at least two people per hour to ensure that our Lord is never left alone in the Blessed Sacrament. Sign-up sheets are available in the main vestibule of the church. Thank you to those who have already committed to spending time with our Lord in Adoration.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Lessons in life will repeat until they are learned. You are the artist of your own life: make it beautiful. Prepare your child for the road ahead, not the road ahead for your child. Stress comes from trying to do it all on your own; peace comes from putting it all in God’s hands.

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 – February 26, 2023

Lent is one of the five seasons of the Catholic liturgical calendar, along with Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time. It precedes Easter and is a solemn period centered on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While Lent is often associated with the Catholic faith, many Christians–including Protestant and Orthodox–observe it. There is no better time to reconnect with or deepen one’s faith than Lent. During this time, we can draw closer to God as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.

Where does Lent come from? Lent draws its inspiration from the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. The Gospels tell us that after his baptism, Jesus fasted in the desert and then was tempted by the devil. He resisted these temptations and then went to Galilee to begin his public ministry.

Lenten sacrifices can be valuable if they help increase our reliance on Jesus and if the void we create by giving something up opens up space in our hearts for God to fill. As much as we consider something to abstain from during Lent, we ought to consider what we can commit to as well. What outside actions can we take to better ignite the flame of our faith within us?

In just little over a week, our students in tenth and eleventh grade will be confirmed by Bishop Persico at a special mass on Monday, March 6, at Beloved Disciple Church at 7:00 pm. A special thank you to Cindy Wilpula and Katlyn Gable for teaching our confirmation classes this year. While Confirmation classes will be done for the year (including ninth grade), the rest of our students will continue their formation.

Please note a change for our Faith Formation schedule. On Sunday, March 12, we will have At Home Faith Formation instead of a Family Day.

Please do your best to help us reach our Catholic Services Goals for this year. By now, you should have received a letter and response card from me asking for your support. Please prayerfully consider helping to whatever degree you are able. All gifts, no matter the size, count and will be greatly appreciated.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead. We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are. Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who are patient, and the best things come to those who do not give up.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Around the Parish – February 19, 2023

Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent this week. Our Mass Schedule for Ash Wednesday is 8am and 6pm. Lenten regulations and reminders about fasting and abstinence are in this weekend’s bulletin. A reminder that beginning this week Adoration will be on Fridays from 6-7pm with Stations and Benediction beginning at 7pm.

From left to right: Melanie, Joseph, and Greg

I am very excited to announce that we have a new Faith Formation Director. Mr. Greg Cummings has agreed and is now the Faith Formation Director for our parish. Officially, his work will begin with the fall semester, but he has already begun work to prepare for the fall.

Greg is a native of Grove City, where he currently lives with his wife Melanie and his son Joseph. He was raised as a Protestant, but entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass in 2013 where he was baptized, confirmed, and received his first Holy Communion. He has a B.A. in philosophy and English literature from Grove City College and is currently finishing his Master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. In his free time, Greg enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family. If you run into Greg, please make sure to thank him for his yes to God and to our parish. Please make him feel at home!

The Catholic Services Appeal Commitment Sunday is upon us. Along with funding all of the different departments and services that the Diocese of Erie is able to provide for us, any overages that we collect will be used in our parish to help continue our mission. This collection is essentially a tax that we must pay the diocese. Even if we do not meet our goal, we will still have to pay this sum of money. This year, any overages will be used to repair the window wells and the outdoor stairs in the Parish Office building. These window wells and stairs are collapsing and need immediate attention. I truly appreciate your continued support in our parish.

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: It takes the same amount of energy to worry as it does to be positive and faith filled. Use your energy to be faith filled and positive things will happen. Don’t stumble over something that is already behind you.         Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Around the Parish – February 12, 2023

Our Mardi Gras Party is just a week away! Time is always moving forward. With Mardi Gras in our view, that means Lent is just around the corner. Masses for Ash Wednesday are 8am and 6pm.

As mentioned last week, our parish Lenten Schedule is included in this weekend’s bulletin. Events listed are either parish events, or things the Diocese of Erie asked for us to advertise. I encourage everyone to participate in the different activities and events throughout the season of Lent.

Last week at the end of Mass, I announced that we had had issues with heat in church February 1-3. On Friday, February 3, we called in the HVAC repair crew as the heat in church would not get above 58F. Originally, the thought was that one or two circulation pumps were not working and would need to be replaced. In reality, the pumps were working fine, but one of the two boilers was not turning on. The technician informed us that the one boiler was having issues igniting. After repairs to the system, it is now working again. The technician also informed us that the one boiler has not been working since October. I asked if this means we need to prepare to replace the boiler, but no answer was able to be given. The boilers in church are 16 years old, as they were replaced in 2007. Let us pray that they last us a bit longer!

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong doing right. Be the person who makes others feel special so that you are known for your kindness, acceptance, and faith.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Around the Parish – Sunday, February 5, 2023

In the coming weeks, we will have a Lenten Schedule posted in our bulletin as well as in our church of all the events and dates of Lenten activities happening in our parish, or events that our Diocese has asked us to post in the parish. One item to keep on your radar for Lent is a special scriptural study entitled “A Virtual Pilgrimage to Israel.” For three Thursdays, we will gather as we walk through the life of Christ in the land that He actually lived in through pictures and videos of my two trips to Israel. We will gather on Thursdays, March 16, 23, and 30 at 6pm in the Parish Office Conference Room. I highly encourage you to come and join us for a Lenten spiritual refreshment.

Another activity/change to our normal schedule will be for our weekly adoration. During the Fridays of Lent (excluding Good Friday), we will have adoration from 6-7pm. We will not be having adoration on Wednesdays during Lent. Also during that time on Fridays, I will be hearing confessions from 6-7pm. At 7pm we will have Stations of the Cross, concluding with Benediction at the end of stations. This is another great weekly meditation to help us enter into the spirit of Lent.

On Palm Sunday, Immaculate Heart will be once again be raffling off 2 Easter Lottery Baskets and  7 additional baskets. We are asking for donations of lottery tickets for the two lottery baskets. All scratch off tickets can be placed in the collection basket, brought in to the parish office Monday—Thursday  9a-3p, or mailed to the parish office.

On another note of maintenance to our physical plant: one of the toilets in the ladies restroom in Gallagher Hall will need to be replaced. On Tuesday, January 31, we noticed that the toilet was leaking and is cracked. With that crack, we have been leaking a lot of water, causing our water bill to be extremely high. We have been looking for the leak in our building, and have (we hope) found the culprit. Thank you for your continued support on these surprise matters that need to be addressed. As you know, home-ownership comes with many ups and downs, and tons of work.

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: Never give up on anyone; miracles happen every day. It is not hard to make a decision once you know what your Christian values are. The biggest mistake we can make is being afraid to make one. With God’s help,
turn your can’ts into cans and your dreams into plans.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy