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Tag: Life in the Spirit

Around the Parish – May 3, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Deacon Edgar’s Anniversary Mass

At all the masses last weekend, I mentioned that this year, our Deacon Edgar Gonzalez is celebrating 20 years as a deacon. Originally from the Cleveland Diocese, he will be honored at their ordination anniversary mass this Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The mass will take place at Saint Basil the Great Parish, 8700 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio at 6:00 PM. All are welcome to attend. As always, please congratulate our deacon on his anniversary! We are truly blessed to have him here in our parish!

Basket Raffle Planning Meeting

All who would like to assist with the Basket Raffle for our upcoming Spaghetti Dinner are invited to a planning meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM in the parish conference room. Your help plays an important role in making this event a success, and all are welcome to participate.

Life in the Spirit Seminar

This Thursday night begins our Life in the Spirit Seminar. Even if you were unable to attend the informational meeting this past Thursday, you are still more than welcome to participate! Please make sure to register ASAP so that we can adequately prepare for all those attending.

300 Club Tickets Available

Our 300 Club fundraiser is underway, and we need your help to make it a success! At this point, we have sold about 100 tickets, but we need to reach all 300 in order for the fundraiser to be fully effective for our parish. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the mission of our parish while also having the chance to win throughout the duration of the club.

If you have not yet purchased your ticket, I encourage you to consider doing so soon. Your participation truly makes a difference and helps support the many needs of our parish community. Tickets are limited, and we would love to see all 300 filled. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish!

Sharing Shed

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued participation in our parish Sharing Shed, from the volunteers who maintain the shed, to those who donate food, thank you! We are in need of some food items in the immediate future. Any help you might be able to give, I would greatly appreciate it!.

Here’s a few thoughts for your week ahead:

You can’t make a cloudy day sunny, but you can decide to make it a good day after all. You can’t go back and start a new beginning, but you can start today and make a new ending. Learn to stand by and observe. Not everything needs a reaction. Don’t be afraid to start over; you might live the new chapter ever more.

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.

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Around the Parish – April 26, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Summer Mass Schedule Begins May 3

Next Sunday marks the return of our Summer Sunday Mass Schedule. From May through the last Sunday of August, Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. We will return to our regular schedule of 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM beginning Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Basket Raffle Planning Meeting

All who would like to assist with the Basket Raffle for our upcoming Spaghetti Dinner are invited to a planning meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM in the parish conference room. Your help plays an important role in making this event a success, and all are welcome to participate.

Life in the Spirit Seminar

Our informational meeting for the Life in the Spirit Seminar will be held this Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM in Gallagher Hall. The Life in the Spirit Seminar is an opportunity for spiritual renewal—a time to reflect more deeply on God’s love, the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Through talks, prayer, and fellowship, participants are invited into a deeper relationship with God and a greater openness to His presence in their lives. This seminar is not only for those who feel firmly rooted in their faith. It is also for those who are searching, longing, or quietly asking God for something more. If you have been waiting for a sign from God, consider this your invitation. Come and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life in a new and powerful way.

Click Here for More Information on the Life in the Spirit Seminar

300 Club Tickets Available

Our 300 Club fundraiser is underway, and we need your help to make it a success! At this point, we have sold about 100 tickets, but we need to reach all 300 in order for the fundraiser to be fully effective for our parish. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the mission of our parish while also having the chance to win throughout the duration of the club. If you have not yet purchased your ticket, I encourage you to consider doing so soon. Your participation truly makes a difference and helps support the many needs of our parish community. Tickets are limited, and we would love to see all 300 filled. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish!

Here’s a few thoughts for your week ahead:

Perhaps this is the week to say “yes” to something God has been placing on your heart. Whether it is attending an event, reaching out to someone, or simply spending more time in prayer, trust that God is already at work. Our role is simply to respond.

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.

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Around the Parish – April 19, 2026

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Sacred Saturday – April 25, 2026

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Sacred Saturday on April 25. The morning begins with Mass at 9:00 AM, followed by breakfast and a meaningful time of reflection and conversation. These gatherings continue to be a beautiful way to deepen our faith while enjoying fellowship with one another. If you plan to attend, please register so we can prepare accordingly for breakfast.

Spaghetti Dinner – September 27, 2026

While fall may still feel a long way off, preparations are already underway for one of our favorite parish traditions. This year’s Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Sunday, September 27. We have scheduled it a bit earlier this year to better fit with other local events. Be sure to keep the date in mind!

Basket Raffle Planning Meeting

The success of our Basket Raffle depends on the generosity and creativity of our parish community. A planning meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM in the parish conference room. All who are willing to help are warmly invited to attend. Your involvement truly helps make this event a success.

Summer Mass Schedule Begins May 3

As we approach the summer months, please note that our Sunday Mass schedule will change beginning May 3. The 11:00 AM Mass will move to 10:00 AM, while all other Mass times will remain unchanged. Thank you for keeping this adjustment in mind as we transition into our summer schedule.

Life in the Spirit Seminar

On May 7-9, our parish will be hosting a Life in the Spirit Seminar. The Life in the Spirit Seminar is designed to help participants encounter God’s love in a personal way, grow in prayer, and become more open to the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Whether you are feeling spiritually dry, seeking renewal, or simply longing for a deeper relationship with the Lord, this seminar is for you.

The Life in the Spirit Seminar is a time of renewal in which participants are invited to reflect on God’s love, the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit. Through talks, prayer, and community, the seminar offers a meaningful opportunity to grow in faith and experience a deeper openness to God’s action in your life.

This is not only for those who feel strongly rooted in their faith. It is also for those who may be searching, longing, or asking God for something more.

There will be an informational meeting for more information in preparation for the seminar on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7pm in Gallagher Hall. All are invited and encouraged to attend to ask any questions about what this seminar will entail.

Perhaps you have been waiting for a sign from God. This is it.

If you have been longing for a deeper sense of peace, purpose, faith, or renewal, I invite you to come. The Lord desires to meet you right where you are and draw you closer to Himself. This seminar is an opportunity to say yes to that invitation.

I hope you will join us and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life in a new and powerful way.

Click Here for More Information on the Life in the Spirit Seminar

Here’s a few thoughts for your week ahead:

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat. Very often a change within self is needed more than a change of scenery. Someone is sitting in the shade today because some kind soul planted a tree a long time ago. We must be willing to let go of the life we planned to embrace the life that is waiting for us.

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.

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