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Around the Parish – November 24, 2024

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

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Family Faith Formation session with Fr. Scott Jabo last Sunday. Together, we reflected on the vital importance of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Each of us has a unique calling within the Church, and it is our duty to discern and embrace God’s plan for our lives. Vocations arise from our families and are nurtured by encouragement and prayer. Priests and religious do not simply appear; they are formed within our communities. Let us continue to pray fervently that more young men and women from our parish may hear and respond to God’s call to these special roles.

As we approach #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday, December 3, I want to express my deep gratitude for your unwavering support. Thanks to your generosity, we are now just $4,818 away from our $20,000 goal. If you have not yet contributed, please consider making a donation. Each gift moves us closer to our goal and qualifies for special incentives on Giving Tuesday. There is also a leaderboard on the #iGiveCatholic website for the Diocese of Erie. Seeing Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at the top would showcase the dedication and generosity of our community throughout the 13 counties of the Diocese. Thank you again for your continued support—together, we can achieve remarkable things!

The women of the Walking with Purpose Bible Study invite you to join them in praying the rosary on Friday, December 6, at 5pm in the church, preceding our adoration and confessions. Please mark your calendars and join us.

This weekend’s bulletin includes the schedule of Advent Reconciliation times offered throughout our deanery, alongside regular parish schedules for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we prepare for Christmas, I encourage everyone to seize the grace-filled opportunity to receive this sacrament. Whether it has been a month, a year, or even a decade since your last confession, please come. Do not let fear or hesitation hold you back—Christ welcomes you with open arms, offering forgiveness, healing, and peace. This sacrament can bring profound peace as we journey together toward the Coming of Jesus Christ.

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we pause to give thanks to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Please note our adjusted schedule: Mass will be celebrated Monday through Thursday at 8am. There will be no Mass on Friday, November 29, as I will be celebrating with family. Additionally, our parish office will be closed this week and will reopen for in-person business on Tuesday, December 3. Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

There are three C’s in life: choice, chance, and change. You must make the choice to take the chance if you want anything in life to change for the better.

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 – November 17, 2024

Written by on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

I’m excited to share some great news with you! This weekend, we have the joy of welcoming the Very Reverend Father Scott Jabo, V.F., Rector of Saint Mark Seminary and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Erie. His visit couldn’t come at a better time, as November is a month when we, as a Church, focus our prayers on both our beloved dead and on priests and vocations. It’s a perfect opportunity to renew our commitment to lifting up those who are discerning a life of service to Christ and His people. So, it feels especially providential that Father Jabo will be with us, celebrating and preaching at the 8am and 11am Masses, and joining us for Family Faith Formation to speak on Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. I encourage everyone to join in our gathering between the masses to discuss vocations—it’s a conversation we truly need right now.

Don’t forget that sign-up sheets for our upcoming Cookie Walk and Soup Sale are available at the church entrances! I love how these traditions bring us together over good food and fellowship. Your help is what makes these events special, so please consider signing up to be a part of it.

We’re also continuing our tradition and a favorite of the community—the Lottery Trees Raffle! We’d love to fill those trees with lottery tickets, so if you have any tickets to donate, you can mail them in or drop them in the collection basket. Your generosity always makes such a difference, and I’m grateful for how you continue to support our parish.

We have all the totals from our Spaghetti Dinner and Theme Basket Raffle. For the Theme Basket Raffle, we made $3,776.50. For the Spaghetti Dinner, we made $2,611.81. In total, we have an income from the whole event of $6,388.31. Thank you to everyone who helped make this special event a success! We look forward to our Spaghetti Dinner next year!

Finally, we have a special invitation from the women of the Walking with Purpose Bible Study. They’ll be leading the rosary on Friday, December 6 at 5pm in the church before our adoration and confessions. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Growth requires effort: we must not merely wish to change but actively strive to become more Christ-like. Be patient; small steps lead to change. Strive to do good to please God, not others. God’s grace is our greatest help—but we must remember to ask for it. Self-centered attitudes blind us; through God’s grace and our effort, we can see more like Christ.

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 – November 10, 2024

Written by on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

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.

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Around the Parish – November 3, 2024

Written by on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

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.

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Around the Parish – November 26, 2023

Written by on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

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

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A Blessed and Holy Thanksgiving to you!

Written by on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

My beloved Brothers and Sisters,

As we gather together in the warmth of our faith community, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy for the opportunity to extend a heartfelt Thanksgiving message to each and every one of you. In this season of gratitude, I am reminded of the importance of coming together as a parish family to reflect on the blessings that surround us and to express our deepest thanks for the abundance of God’s love and grace.

Thanksgiving, at its core, is a celebration of gratitude, a time to recognize and appreciate the countless blessings that enrich our lives. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the gifts we have received, both big and small, and to express our gratitude to God for His unwavering love and providence.

In the Catholic tradition, the concept of Thanksgiving is intricately tied to the sacrament of the Eucharist. The word “Eucharist” itself is derived from the Greek word “eucharistia,” which means thanksgiving. The Eucharist, also known as the Holy Communion, is a central and sacred sacrament that holds profound significance in our faith journey. It is a moment of communion with God and with one another, a source of spiritual nourishment, and a powerful expression of gratitude.

The Eucharist is not merely a ritual; it is a profound encounter with the living God. When we participate in the Eucharistic celebration, we are invited to partake in the sacred mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. It is a moment when the ordinary elements of bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, symbolizing the real presence of Jesus among us.

In the act of receiving the Eucharist, we are called to remember and give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice made on our behalf. Jesus, out of His boundless love for us, offered Himself on the cross, and through the Eucharist, we enter into the Paschal mystery, commemorating His death and celebrating His resurrection. The Eucharist is, in essence, the embodiment of thanksgiving, a divine feast where we encounter the profound reality of God’s love and mercy.

As we gather around the altar during our Thanksgiving celebrations, let us reflect on the transformative power of the Eucharist in our lives. It is a sacred banquet that nourishes our souls, strengthens our faith, and unites us as a community. In the act of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are invited to bring our joys, sorrows, and gratitude to the altar, laying them at the feet of our Lord.

Thanksgiving, both in the secular and religious sense, encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our daily lives. The Eucharist, as the sacrament of thanksgiving, challenges us to go beyond mere words of appreciation and to embody a posture of gratitude in our actions, relationships, and service to others.

In the spirit of the Eucharist, let us consider the words of St. John Chrysostom, who beautifully expressed the transformative power of gratitude in the Christian life: “When we give thanks to God continually for the blessings we receive, we pray in unison with the angels, since we both thank Him with the angels and praise Him with them.”

This Thanksgiving, let our gratitude extend beyond the walls of our church and permeate every aspect of our lives. As a parish family, we are called to be beacons of God’s love, mercy, and thanksgiving in the world. Our collective gratitude should inspire acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion that reflect the selfless love of Christ.

In the spirit of thanksgiving, let us also remember those in our community who may be experiencing hardship or loneliness during this season. As a parish family, we have the opportunity to reach out with open hearts and hands, embodying the love and compassion exemplified by Christ in the Eucharist.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of deep reflection, genuine gratitude, and renewed commitment to living out the teachings of our faith. Let us come together as a parish family, united by the bonds of love and thanksgiving, and continue to be a source of light and hope in our community.

In conclusion, I extend my sincerest gratitude to each member of our beloved parish. Your presence, prayers, and contributions enrich the tapestry of our faith community, and I am profoundly thankful for the privilege of journeying together in faith.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving. May the spirit of thanksgiving, inspired by the Eucharist, be a guiding force in our lives throughout the coming year.

Pax et Bonum,

Fr. Andy Boyd

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Around the Parish – November 19, 2023

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With Thanksgiving being this Thursday, our mass schedule will be a bit different this week. We will only have daily masses on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. On Monday, November 20, I will be meeting with the orthopedic surgeon about my foot. I ask of your prayers that I do not need surgery! On Wednesday of this week, I will be headed home to travel with my mom for Thanksgiving at my brothers, so there will be no mass here on Thursday and Friday so that I can celebrate with my family.

For all of our families that might be traveling for the holiday, know of my prayers for you. May you be protected with traveling mercies so that we may all reach our destinations safely and return to our homes again.

Next weekend is Christ the King Sunday which signals to us that Advent is right around the corner. Starting next Sunday, we will list the Christmas Mass Schedule. With Christmas being on a Monday, we are required to attend both mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec 23/24) AND for Christmas (Dec 24/25) Mass on Sunday, December 24 in the morning does NOT count for Christmas, and Christmas Eve masses do not count for Sunday Mass.

The Nursing Home Gift Tree is still in our church 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, December 3.

#iGiveCatholic this year will be on 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: Great opportunities to help others seldom come; small ones surround us every day. If we magnified our successes as much as we magnified our disappointments, we’d all be much happier.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – November 12, 2023

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This weekend, we give thanks to God for all of our veterans. Their yes to serve country brings about our freedoms and liberties that we hold dear. As always, thank you to all who serve, and may God bless you and keep you safe.

A reminder that poinsettia order forms are due by Sunday, November 19. Thank you for making our church beautiful!

A massive thank you goes out to everyone who made donations for our Thanksgiving distributions from the Sharing Shed. Starting this weekend, we are asking for help to prepare for the Christmas distribution. Your continued generosity helps many families in our area both on a bi-weekly basis with necessities, as well as at this time of year when it becomes even more difficult to prepare for two major holidays back to back. Any help that you might be able to provide for our friends in need is greatly appreciated.

The Nursing Home Gift Tree is in our church 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, December 3.

#iGiveCatholic this year will be on 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: Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible! An ounce of behavior is worth a pound of words. You often meet your fate on the road you take to avoid it.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – November 5, 2023

Written by on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Next weekend, I will be away at the Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat in Erie with a few of our parishioners. It’s not too late to register for this great weekend of prayer! If you are interested, please register ASAP and let me know so I can be on the lookout for your application. If money is an issue, please let me know. Please pray for us while we are on the retreat! While I am away, Father Ray will be covering for me. Make sure to thank him for being with us!

As you most likely now know, on Monday, October 23, I happened to trip down a half flight of stairs, subsequently breaking my foot. While I really have no major pain, if I am on my feet for too long, it does start to ache. So, while it heals, I will be in the boot for at least six weeks, during which the doctors will see if any more work needs to be done, so let’s pray I don’t need surgery!

This past week, we mailed home the lottery tree raffle tickets! Tickets are $2, or 6 for $10. If you are able to sell extra tickets, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. Thank you again for your dedicated service to the parish!

Included in this weekend’s bulletin are order forms for poinsettias for our sanctuary for Christmas. Each 8 inch plant costs $20 and the order form must be returned to church by Sunday, November 19.

Also 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, December 3.

#iGiveCatholic this year will be on 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.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Don’t change so people will like you; be yourself and the right people will love the real you. The past is like an anchor that holds you back. You must be able to let go of who you were in order to become the person God wants you to be.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – September 10, 2023

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Another year has gone by, and yet, every year we are always surprised with how fast time goes by. Tomorrow we remember again the attack on America. The remembrance of 9/11 is a solemn occasion that also carries a message of hope and resilience. On that tragic day, our world was shaken to its core, and we witnessed the worst of humanity’s cruelty. However, we also saw the best of humanity emerge in the form of countless acts of courage, compassion, and heroism. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens selflessly rushed to help those in need, showing the indomitable spirit of unity in the face of adversity. In the years that have passed, the scars from that day remain, but so does our commitment to never forget the lives lost and the lessons learned. The remembrance of 9/11 reminds us that even in our darkest hours, we can come together as a nation, support one another, and rebuild stronger than before. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a pledge to honor the memory of those we lost by continuing to strive for a more peaceful and just world.

On November 10, 11, and 12, The Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat Program will be hosting DME #106. In November of 2008, I participated in TEC 51, which is what DME is the spiritual successor of. This amazing weekend retreat lasts three days at Saint Joseph Church in Erie where participants encounter our Lord through His Invitation, Encounter, and Commissioning. Each day has a different focus: Friday is the Day of Invitation, focusing on how God is inviting us into relationship. Saturday is the Day of Encounter, where we encounter God through the sacraments, Adoration, and others. Sunday is the Day of Commission, where we as a community are empowered to evangelize and share our faith. The weekend includes talks, exposure to different types of prayer, Mass, community, and much more. The weekend runs from 10am on Friday to 5pm on Sunday, and retreat participants stay onsite for the weekend.

I look forward to this special weekend this November as I will be the main priest running the weekend with my home parish pastor, Father James McCormick. I encourage everyone to consider participating in this retreat! For more information visit    https://divinemercyencounter.com

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Archabbot Wimmer, the first abbot of Saint Vincent Monastery in Latrobe, PA had a motto of “Forward, always forward, everywhere forward!” This is an excellent motto for the spiritual life. Always look forward to the future with Christ, for He is already there, preparing for us the joys of Heaven.

        Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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