Around the Parish – January 26
Proclaim a Year of Jubilee
In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus boldly proclaim that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, declaring: “to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” This passage is rooted in the ancient tradition of the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal, restoration, and freedom outlined in the Old Testament. A Jubilee Year was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was restored to its rightful owners. In the Church, the Jubilee Year is an opportunity to seek deeper conversion, reconciliation, and renewal of our faith. How fitting it is that we hear this message during our Jubilee Year of Hope! As we continue this year of grace, let us reflect on how we can experience the freedom and restoration that Christ offers us.
Eucharistic Adoration – 24 Hours for the Lord
More information is available in this weekend’s bulletin about Adoration, the Holy Eucharist, and our upcoming celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord. Sign-ups for Adoration are available both in the main vestibule of the church and online at ihmercer.org/24-hours. We encourage everyone to take part in this beautiful opportunity to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Return Your Old Palms
As we prepare for Lent, please remember to bring your old palms back to church so they can be burned for Ash Wednesday. The deadline to return them is Sunday, February 9. A collection basket will be available in the vestibule for your convenience.
The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas
Next Sunday, our church will celebrate The Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. At the beginning of each Mass, we will bless the candles that will be used in our church throughout the coming year. Everyone will have the opportunity to hold a candle at the beginning of Mass, with candles available at the doors of the church. It is a long-standing custom to bring special candles from home for this blessing, and we encourage you to do so. Additionally, special Candlemas Candles are available for purchase by the Sacred Heart statue, with a suggested donation of $5 per box of 2 candles.
Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:
As difficult as things may be, remember that what you’re going through right now won’t last forever; trust that better days are ahead; storms don’t last forever.
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.
