Around the Parish – August 16, 2026
Men’s Group — Join Us This Thursday!
Men of the parish, I hope you will join us for the inaugural gathering of our new Men’s Group on Thursday, August 20, at 7:00 PM in the parish conference room.
This is an opportunity for the men of our parish to come together, get to know one another, build friendships, and grow together in faith and fellowship. We want this group to be shaped by the men who participate, so whether you have been looking for a way to become more involved in parish life or simply want an opportunity to spend time with other Catholic men, come and be part of our first gathering.
All men age 18 and older are welcome. To RSVP, contact the parish office at (724) 662-2999 or office@ihmercer.org.
Homebound Ministry
If you or someone in your household is unable to attend Mass because of illness, age, or other circumstances, we would be happy to arrange regular visits through our Homebound Ministry. Those who participate are added to a monthly visitation rotation so they can receive a visit and Holy Communion.
To arrange a visit, please contact Deacon Edgar Gonzalez at (724) 662-2999, option 6, or egonzalez@ihmercer.org.
Theme Basket Raffle — Baskets Due August 23!
We are still seeking donated theme baskets for the Spaghetti Dinner Theme Basket Raffle! Baskets should have a value of at least $50, include an itemized list of their contents, and be delivered to the parish office by Sunday, August 23.
Please do not include alcoholic beverages. If you plan to request a donation from a local business, please contact the parish office first so that we can avoid approaching the same businesses more than once.
Thank you for helping make this important parish fundraiser a success!
Sunday Mass Schedule Changes September 6
With the new school year just around the corner, please remember that our regular Sunday Mass schedule returns on Sunday, September 6.
Beginning that weekend, Sunday Masses will once again be celebrated at:
8:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Please mark your calendars and help spread the word!
IHM Is Partnering with Hallow!
We are excited to begin a new partnership with Hallow, a Catholic prayer app designed to help people deepen their relationship with God through prayer.
At the heart of Hallow’s mission is a desire to help people encounter Christ—both those who already have a strong prayer life and those who may have drifted away from the practice of their faith. The app includes Catholic prayers, Scripture and daily Mass reflections, the Rosary, novenas, Eucharistic meditations, courses on Catholic spirituality and teaching, and much more. Content is led by priests, religious, bishops, theologians, and Catholic spiritual leaders including Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bishop Robert Barron, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Jeff Cavins. Hallow states that its goal is to remain authentically Catholic and faithful to the teaching of the Church.
Of course, we do not need an app in order to pray—and Hallow itself is very clear about that! But sometimes a little help establishing a routine, discovering a new form of prayer, or finding something to guide our time with the Lord can make a tremendous difference. My hope is that this partnership will provide another resource for our parishioners as we continue learning to make prayer a more intentional part of our daily lives.
Watch the bulletin and our parish communications for more information about our Hallow partnership and how you can participate.
Here’s a few thoughts for your week ahead:
You do not have to accomplish everything today. Pay attention to the people who make ordinary days better. A word of thanks is rarely wasted. Sometimes the best thing you can give someone is your full attention. Put down the phone, slow down, and really listen.
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.