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Tag: Indian Missionary Society

Around the Parish – July 9, 2023

Nearly two months ago, the Holy Father Pope Francis announced that Monsignor Edward Lohse, Vicar General of the Diocese of Erie, was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, MI. I have known Monsignor Lohse, now Bishop-Elect Lohse, since I applied to seminary, and then most recently I lived with Bishop-Elect when I was assigned to Saint George Parish in Erie. All of the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Erie have been invited to attend his ordination as Bishop in Kalamazoo on July 25. Father Joe Petrone and I will be traveling to Kalamazoo, and Father Ray Gramatta has graciously agreed to cover me for masses on July 25 and 26. I look forward to being at the Bishop-Elect’s ordination so as to say thank you for his service to our diocese and to me, and Ad Multos Annos (for many more years) and congratulations.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. NEXT WEEK IS THE BIG WEEK!! This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, we will have a special mass at 7pm in church dedicated to Saint Philomena and asking for her intercession for healing both in body and spirit for our parish and the community. All are encouraged to attend. We will have a relic of Saint Philomena and blessings with the oil of Saint Philomena. More information can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

This weekend, we welcome Father Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society. He is here for the annual Missionary Co-op appeal. Please help me welcome Father Aby and make him feel at home here at IHM.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Failure is a detour, not a dead end street. Never let fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is our empowering Catholic Faith that motivates us to continue to press ahead in spite of the odds.

        Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Around the Parish – July 2, 2023

Happy Independence Day to all! May this special day be a reminder of the freedom and liberty that we cherish. Let us celebrate the spirit of independence with joy and gratitude, honoring the brave souls who fought for our rights and shaping our nation’s destiny. May unity, peace, and prosperity continue to guide us towards a brighter future. Enjoy the festivities and the blessings of freedom.

We have sold all of the 300 tickets! You no longer have to listen to me for this year remind everyone to purchase their tickets! This is a yearly event, and therefore next spring we will begin selling tickets again, so make sure to get your ticket early next year! Again, thank you to everyone for helping this fundraiser.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. THIS IS ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, we will have a special mass at 7pm in church dedicated to Saint Philomena and asking for her intercession for healing both in body and spirit for our parish and the community. All are encouraged to attend. We will have a relic of Saint Philomena and blessings with the oil of Saint Philomena. More information can be found in this weekend’s bulletin.

Next weekend, July 8 & 9, Father Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society will be visiting us for the annual Missionary Co-op appeal. Please help me welcome Father Aby and make him feel at home here at IHM.

Recently, some may have noticed that we are not able to livestream our 10a mass any longer. Our camera has had a bit of a problem, and now prevents us from livestreaming the mass. To be able to remedy this situation, we need to replace the camera, but that would cost us $2000, and that is an expense that we cannot afford right now with the currently weekly deficit and the emergency work on the rectory garage roof. Prayers that we can find a way to move forward to livestream the liturgies from church.

Here’s a thought for your week: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort.  You were made for greatness.”  —Pope Benedict XVI

        Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy