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Tag: Mass

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 – August 25, 2024

Thank you to all who have signed up to volunteer for the Spaghetti Dinner. A Spaghetti Dinner Planning Meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, August 29, at 6pm in the Parish Conference Room. Please plan on attending if you are able to help us with the planning process. If you haven’t signed up to help yet, it’s not too late! We will need help with the event, so please consider signing up!

Next Weekend, August 31 & September 1, we will be 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.

Next Sunday, our Sunday Mass Schedule will return to 8am and 11am. Please mark your calendar!

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:

Optimism won’t change the situation; but optimism will change how the situation feels. By doing what you love, you awake and inspire the hearts of others. You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no.

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 – August 18, 2024

This Monday and Tuesday, August 19-20, our upper parking lot will undergo milling and resurfacing. As a result, the blacktop will be completely off-limits for the entire week. Please refrain from parking or walking on the lot during this time. If you need to contact the office, kindly do so via phone or email throughout the week. We anticipate reopening the parking lot in time for the weekend Masses, pending the final approval. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Sweet on their 60 wedding anniversary and Mr. & Mrs. Sajewski on their 40 wedding anniversary. They participated in the special Diocesan Wedding Anniversary mass at Beloved Disciple Church.

Next weekend, I will be away for my cousin’s wedding in Buffalo. Father Ray will be with us next weekend for all the masses. Please make him feel welcome!

As I mentioned last weekend at all the masses, we are considering holding a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, October 27. To be able to have this dinner, we will need committed volunteers, especially with the events of the day. Once we collect all the data for volunteers, we will make a determination if we can go forward, and then we will schedule a meeting to make plans. Please consider signing up to help by either signing up at the entrances of church, or by contacting the office as soon as possible.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 31 & September 1, we will be 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. More information will be shared over the coming weeks, so look for updates soon!

With the school year on the horizon, our Sunday Mass Schedule will return to 8am and 11am on Sunday September 1. Please mark your calendar!

In this weekend’s bulletin is the Faith Formation Schedule for the year. Please make note of the Family Faith Formation days where the whole parish is invited to participate. I hope to see you there.

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:

May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends. If you want to fly, give God everything that weighs your heart down.

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 – August 11, 2024

This week, I will be in Erie for a few days of rest and work at moms house, and therefore there will be no daily mass here at Immaculate Heart on Monday-Wednesday morning. While at home in Erie, I will be participating in Saint James Parish 40 Hours celebration. Saint James in my home parish in Erie, and so Father McCormick and Deacon Scanga invited me to join them as the parish celebrates the Eucharist. If you wish to join, more information can be found on the parish website of Saint James, https://saintjamesrcc.org.

Noted in this weekend’s bulletin is that we have as a parish community pledged over our assessed amount for the Catholic Services Appeal. Any monies raised over the assessed amount remain in our parish to cover the costs of different projects. Our project that the funds were to go toward this year was the repairs of the window wells and outside stairwell at the office building. As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and generosity. Through your diligence in prayer and support, we will get to be known throughout the diocese as the gem that everyone is envious of!

This Thursday, August 15 is a Holy Day of Obligation for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary will be at 8am and 6pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 31 & September 1, we will be 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. More information will be shared over the coming weeks, so look for updates soon!

With the school year on the horizon, our Sunday Mass Schedule will return to 8am and 11am on Sunday September 1. Please mark your calendar!

Please continue to pray and consider a donation for the parking lot resurfacing. We need to have the lot finished before winter, as it is a detriment to our community. Thank you for your continued support toward the normal maintenance of our church!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

We can’t cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to power through them and share joy. The miracle is not that I finished, it is that I had the courage to start. Our lives are so much brighter when we focus on who and what truly matters. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change 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 – May 19, 2024

This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, emboldening them to proclaim the Gospel with conviction. Just as Jesus instructed his followers to be instruments of peace, Pentecost underscores the responsibility of believers to share the message of salvation and reconciliation. On this day, let us remember our duty to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit that God has given us to promote peace through faith, prayer, and righteous living.

As mentioned in last week’s bulletin, I am away this weekend for my brother’s wedding in Erie. I thank Father Ray for covering the parish for me this weekend. Please make sure to thank him for being here with us in my absence. I truly cannot thank him enough for his continued support of me and our parish!

Next Weekend, we will be officially kicking off our Walking with Moms in Need ministry! Thanks to massive donations and contributions already, we have tons of clothing items available for our moms in need! With that being said, we are not in need of clothing, but rather with items such as diapers, wipes, and toiletry items, both for mom and baby. With all of the amazing donations, we are now desperately in need of clothing racks, baby hangers, and shelving for our storage room. If you feel called to donate any of these items, please contact Barb Dumais, our Director of Outreach Ministry. More information can be found on the Outreach Ministry webpage.

Forty Hours Eucharistic Adoration sign-ups are available in the main vestibule of church. I ask that you consider signing up for an hour or two of Eucharistic Adoration during the three days of prayer. More information is available on our website.

Registration forms for our VBS are available at the doors of church as well as on our parish website. Please register as soon as possible so that we can prepare!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Two thoughts will be the death knell to any goal: “That’s how we’ve always done it,” and “That will never work.” Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable; give space for the work of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your head, but by the dreams in your heart.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Around the Parish – May 12, 2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms in our parish! Today, we honor the love, strength, and sacrifice you pour into your families each day. Your nurturing spirit reflects the boundless love of our Heavenly Father. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the countless ways you shape our lives with your love. God bless you abundantly on this special day!

Thank you to all our volunteers for their help with our Blooms and Bargains Bazaar on Saturday, May 4. Thanks to all of your donations and support, we were able to raise $3,081.29.

Even though the 300 Club has begun, it’s not too late to get your ticket! Help us with the final push to sell our remaining 67 tickets!

This week for daily mass on Wednesday—Friday, and next weekend for Pentecost Sunday, we welcome Father Ray for all masses as I will be away. Next Saturday is my brother’s wedding, and so I will be in Erie for preparations as well as the weekend. Thank you for always welcoming Father Ray and making him feel at home when I am away!

Forty Hours Eucharistic Adoration sign-ups are available in the main vestibule of church. I ask that you consider signing up for an hour or two of Eucharistic Adoration during the three days of prayer. More information is available in the bulletin as well as on our website.

In July, we will be hosting Vacation Bible School on Mon. July 8 through Fri. July 12. More information is available on our website. Registration forms are available at the doors of Church as well as on our website.

Congratulations to all our graduates as they embark on this new chapter of their lives! Your journey is guided by faith, reflecting the enduring love of our Heavenly Father. As you embrace the challenges ahead, remember that God’s strength is within you. We are proud of your achievements and pray that His blessings continue to illuminate your path. Congratulations, graduates, and may you continue to shine as beacons of His grace!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your head, but by the dreams in your heart. Don’t let people pull you into their storm; pull them into your peace. The real mark of a Christian is the ability to remain pleasant when others are not.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Around the Parish – May 5, 2024

This Saturday, May 4, we celebrated First Holy Communion for three students in our parish, Marianna Sosa-Ramirez, Ryker Gailey, and Luca Seppi. Congratulations to these three students, as well as a massive thank you to Mrs. Linda Oliver who helped prepare these students to receive this most important sacrament.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Blooms and Bargains Bazaar this weekend. As always, I am truly grateful for all of your continued support for our parish family.

Mark your calendars for our Forty Hours celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday June 9, Monday June 10, and Tuesday June 11. Sign ups for our adoration are now available in the main vestibule of church on the window separating the vestibule and nave of church, as well as on our website. We are in need of volunteers to sign up for Eucharistic Adoration on each of the three days. Times are listed on the sign up sheets as well as on our website. Newly ordained Deacon Michael Scanga, transitional deacon for the Diocese of Erie will be with us to preach on the Eucharist. https://ihmercer.org/40-hours

In July, we will be hosting Vacation Bible School on Mon. July 8 through Fri. July 12. More information is available on our website. Registration will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

If you find that you are not a registered member of our parish family, or maybe you haven’t been getting all of our latest updates, make sure that you register through the parish office, as well as signing up for our FlockNote, which allows the parish staff as well as our different ministries to send messages and updates directly to your cell phone or email. More information can always be found on our website https://ihmercer.org/flocknote

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Wear your trials as armor, not shackles. Your mistakes do not define you, your love does. Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear. Life is short: there is no time to leave important words unsaid.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy