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Tag: #iGiveCatholic

Around the Parish – November 10, 2024

We’re excited to share that, thanks to your generosity through #iGiveCatholic, we’ve already paid for ten windows and the new stage curtain for Gallagher Hall! However, we still need your help to cover the remaining costs. Eight windows still need funding, and we have $10,988.10 left to raise to meet our matching goal of $20,000. Every dollar you give brings us closer to doubling your impact through this generous matching gift. Thank you for supporting Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and helping us reach our goal to revitalize Gallagher Hall for our parish and community! For more information on how to participate in donating to our #iGiveCatholic campaign, head over to our website at https://ihmercer.org/igivecatholic or call the parish office. Thanks again to everyone who has donated to this campaign, and please continue to pray for the success of our #iGiveCatholic appeal to help with keeping our church beautiful!

In the sanctuary this weekend remains the Nursing Home Gift Tree for our local seniors. If you can help spread some Christmas cheer, please take a tag from the tree, purchase the gift listed, and return it in a gift bag, unwrapped, with the tag attached to the bag. Kindly bring your gift back to the church by Sunday, November 24. Thank you to all who have already taken a tag—your generosity is deeply appreciated!

Reminder: Sign-up sheets are available at the church entrances for our upcoming Cookie Walk and Soup Sale! We kindly urge anyone interested in helping with this beloved annual event to sign up as soon as possible. Your participation makes a real difference, and we need as many hands as we can get!

Additionally, we will once again feature the popular Lottery Tree Raffle. With your support, we can fill our trees with lottery tickets! If you’re able, please donate a few unscratched tickets by mailing them to the office or placing them in the collection basket. Thank you for your continued generosity and for supporting Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and our many community initiatives!

You’re warmly invited to join us next Sunday, November 17, for our Family Faith Formation Day with Fr. Scott Jabo, the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Erie! Fr. Scott will be with us to discuss vocations to the priesthood and religious life, offering insights and inspiration for all ages. He will also be the celebrant for the 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the gift of vocations and to gather as a parish family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

There is a huge difference between hearing and listening. No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else. Better to be the one who smiled rather than the one who didn’t smile back.

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 – November 3, 2024

Last Sunday, we enjoyed a fantastic turnout at our First Annual Spaghetti Dinner! Although we’re still finalizing the numbers, we’re thrilled to share that we sold 220 dinners—and even sold out by 2:30 PM! Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a wonderful success. Your support of Immaculate Heart means so much, and it was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces, including many we hadn’t seen since our last fish dinner. Next year, we’ll be ready with even more to ensure everyone can enjoy this special fundraiser. Thank you again for your generous participation! Be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s date—you won’t want to miss this wonderful event!

Exciting news for #iGiveCatholic! A generous, anonymous donor has pledged to match every dollar donated to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish up to $20,000! This means your gift will go twice as far—each dollar you contribute will be doubled, turning $1 into $2. We invite you to help us reach this goal and make an even bigger impact, thanks to the generosity of this amazing benefactor. Together, we can make a difference! For more information on how to participate in donating to our #iGiveCatholic campaign, head over to our website at https://ihmercer.org/igivecatholic or call the parish office. Thanks again to everyone who has donated to this campaign, and please continue to pray for the success of our #iGiveCatholic appeal to help with keeping our church beautiful!

In the sanctuary this weekend is the Nursing Home Gift Tree 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, November 24.

Sign up sheets are at the church entrances today for the Cookie Walk and Soup Sale. Anyone interested in helping with our annual sale is asked to sign up on the sheets. We will again have the Lottery Tree Raffle at the sale. With your help, we can fill our trees with lottery tickets! If you are able, please donate a few unscratched lottery tickets by mailing them to the office or dropping them in the collection basket. Thank you as always for your continued support of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and all of the different ways we support our community!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Self discipline is choosing what you want most in life over what you want at the moment. Three things to remember: prayer has power; faith can move mountains, and God’s love never fails.

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 – October 27, 2024

I look forward to seeing everyone in Gallagher Hall this weekend for our Spaghetti Dinner! As I mentioned at mass last weekend, we have some spectacular raffle baskets. I want to again thank everyone who donated for the Theme Basket Raffle! I know a few people have already told me all about what basket they want to donate for next year! Lets try to get the number of baskets to 60!

I would be remissed if I didn’t take the opportunity to thank everyone who has helped plan, prepare, and execute the Spaghetti Dinner this weekend. The crews have been in for the last few weeks to clean the kitchen and hall, arrange tables and chairs, wrap place settings, decorate the hall, purchase food and other necessary items, and organize all of our amazing volunteers. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for making this dinner such a success!

Don’t forget! Next weekend on Saturday night into Sunday, the clocks fall back one hour at 2:00 am Sunday! If you forget, at least you will just show up 1 hour early next Sunday for mass!

Included in this weekend’s bulletin is the flyer we put in the bulletin a few weeks ago all about #iGiveCatholic, our fundraising campaign in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, happening on Tuesday, December 3. Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to encouraging charitable giving and supporting non-profits. It takes place each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as a reminder to give back during the holiday season. As Catholics, we participate through the #iGiveCatholic initiative. Here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, we are raising funds to cover the cost of vital updates to Gallagher Hall, including the new windows, the new stage curtain, and, God-willing, painting the hall. With your support, we hope to raise $15,000 or more to make these improvements. A detailed cost breakdown is available on the included flyer. You can give to #iGiveCatholic sending in a check to the parish office, or donating online. You can find out more information on giving online by heading over to our website at: ihmercer.org/igivecatholic

Remember, this Friday is All Saint’s Day, and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass times at Immaculate Heart of Mary are scheduled for 8am and 6pm on Friday for this Holy Day.

Next Saturday during the 5pm mass, we will have our usual memorial service for all those who have died in this past year. Family members of those who have died are welcome to present a candle in memory of their loved one during the special service during the petitions.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

When we replace the words “Why is this happening to me?” with “What is this trying to teach me?” our focus shifts, and we become stronger and wiser. The longer you try to live in the past, the less future you have to enjoy. Graciously accept what isn’t any longer so that you can move forward and make the most of what is.

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 – October 20, 2024

Next Sunday is the big day! I invite you to join us for our First Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Theme Basket Raffle at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. We’re excited to welcome everyone for a delicious meal, warm fellowship, and a chance to win from our fantastic selection of 28 themed baskets!

Dinner tickets will be available at the door: $15 for adults, $8 for children aged 5 and over, under, 5 is free, gluten-free option for $15 as well. We’ll be serving dinner from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and raffle tickets will also be available for purchase. Basket raffle tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10, with the drawing held at the end of the dinner. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of food and fun! Your participation supports our parish community, and we can’t wait to see you there.

Thanks to Mrs. Oliver and her dedicated team, our Faith Formation families are invited to enjoy a day at the Corn Maze! If you’d like to join, please call Mrs. Oliver TODAY—Sunday, October 20—as we won’t be able to accommodate additional reservations after today. We’ll be heading to the Corn Maze on Sunday, November 3, right after the 11:00 AM Mass, with a pizza lunch in Gallagher Hall before we go. To reserve your spot, please contact Mrs. Linda Oliver at (724) 968-8197. Parents, please remember that you’ll need to provide transportation for your children and remain with them throughout the event.

Last weekend’s bulletin included two flyers, one for #iGiveCatholic and another for All Souls Day. You can always find more information about #iGiveCatholic on our website at ihmercer.org/igivecatholic. Donations for our work in Gallagher Hall can be sent to the office by check in the provided envelopes or simply marked “#iGiveCatholic” in the memo line. After December 3, the big online giving day, we’ll send a letter to all donors about how you’d like to personalize our memorial plaque.

As we did last year for All Souls and throughout November, everyone is welcome to bring framed pictures of loved ones who have passed. Please make sure the frames are labeled with your contact information, and deliver them to the sacristy before November 1. Plan to pick them up from the sacristy on November 30 or December 1.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Ultimately it is not the things that we acquire in life that matter; rather it is the hearts we touch and strengthen that measure our success in life and family living. Attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect, mirror what you admire.

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.

Around the Parish – September 15, 2024

This Thursday, September 19, we will have our next planning meeting for our Spaghetti Dinner at 6pm in Gallagher Hall. All are welcome as we continue to discuss and plan for our event. Please help us advertise for this event! Tickets are available for preorder on our website. To order your tickets, you can head over to the order page on our website:

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:

One reason why we often resist change is because we focus on what we have to give up instead of what we have to gain. If we avoid conflict just to keep the peace, we risk starting a war within ourselves. Losers quit when they fail; winners fail until they succeed.

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 8, 2024

Last weekend at all the masses, we announced that we would be definitely holding a Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, October 27 from noon until 4pm. Again, thanks goes out to the 41 people who signed up to volunteer, and especially to those who came to our planning meeting. At our planning meeting, a few ideas were discussed and planned. We decided to move our Theme Basket Raffle from Easter to be held at our Annual Spaghetti Dinner. With that, we are asking for donations of themed gift baskets. A flyer is included with today’s bulletin, and sign up sheets are available at the doors of church. Another idea that was proposed at the meeting was to sell advanced tickets both in person and online. With that, we will begin selling advanced sale tickets as soon as our website is setup to accept purchases. A final suggestion was to accept credit card purchases at the Spaghetti dinner. We are working with Square to provide this service to our patrons. This will allow for those of us who don’t carry cash to easily participate too! Our next planning meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 19 at 6pm in Gallagher Hall for anyone that is able to attend.

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:

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. Say something positive, and you’ll see something positive. You do not find the happy life. You make it. The joy of life is becoming a person you are proud of. Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.

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 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 – December 3, 2023

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




Around the Parish – November 26, 2023

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

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