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Tag: Old Palms

Around the Parish – February 9, 2025

24 Hours for the Lord: Eucharistic Adoration

Please consider signing up for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration as part of our celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord on March 21-22, 2025. There are still many available time slots, and all are encouraged to take part in this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Sign-ups are available online through the parish website or in the main vestibule of the church.

Summer Ministries Schedule

The summer ministry schedule (May–August 2025) will be prepared in the coming weeks. Current Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors registered on Ministry Scheduler Pro will receive an email requesting their availability for these months. Additional volunteers are always welcome for these ministries. Anyone interested in serving as a Lector or Eucharistic Minister should contact the parish office as soon as possible so that training sessions can be scheduled.

Nursing Home Visitation: More Ministers Needed

There is also a need for additional Eucharistic Ministers to visit local nursing homes. This is a meaningful way to bring the presence of Christ to those who are unable to attend Mass. Participation in this ministry does not require serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Mass, and training will be provided at a later date. Those interested should contact the parish office.

Vigil Candles

Beginning immediately, the price of devotional candles in the church will be adjusted due to rising costs. The votive candles in front of the Mary and St. Joseph altars will increase from $3 to $5 per candle, and the tea light candles by the Sacred Heart statue will increase from $0.25 to $0.50. This adjustment is necessary to continue providing these sacramentals while covering the increased cost of supplies. Thank you for your understanding and continued devotion to this meaningful tradition of prayer and remembrance.

Rosary

Just a quick note that on Wednesdays after Daily Mass, the Rosary will be said in Church. We encourage everyone to come and join us in this special prayer. The Rosary will continue to be prayed at 4:30pm on Saturday, before our 5pm vigil mass. Volunteers are needed as the Saturday Rosary Leader. If you wish to lead the rosary, please contact the parish office at your earliest convenience.

Vacation Bible School 2025

Looking ahead, Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 14–18, 2025. Registration will open on March 1, 2025. This year’s theme is “Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace”. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

No amount of guilt can change yesterday and no amount of anxiety can change the future. Let your faith empower you to be the kind of Christian that makes the sun shine brighter for all those you encounter. If you need a confidence booster, then remind yourself of all the difficult things you’ve endured and overcome.

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 – February 2, 2025

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

This Sunday, February 2, 2025, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This feast commemorates the moment when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses. According to Jewish custom, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord, and the offering of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons was made in accordance with the law.

Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and proclaimed Him as the “light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” Likewise, the prophetess Anna, who had devoted her life to prayer and fasting in the temple, spoke of the child to all who awaited the redemption of Jerusalem. This profound moment reminds us that Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the true light that dispels the darkness of sin and death.

In recognition of Christ as the light of the nations, we bless candles and hold them during the first part of Mass, symbolizing Christ as the true light who has come into the world. The lighted candles also serve as a reminder of our call to carry the light of Christ into our daily lives, shining His love to all those we encounter.

Candlemas Candles

Blessed candles are available for purchase by the Sacred Heart statue for $5 per box of two candles. These candles serve as a beautiful reminder of Christ’s presence in our lives and homes.

Returning Old Palms

A friendly reminder that old palms can be returned to the baskets placed at the entrances of the church. The deadline for returning your palms is next Sunday, February 9. These palms will be burned and used for the ashes distributed on Ash Wednesday.

Eucharistic Adoration Sign-Ups

We invite you to sign up for Eucharistic Adoration, which will take place for 24 hours. We need at least two people per hour to ensure that our Lord is never left alone in the Blessed Sacrament. Sign-up sheets are available in the main vestibule of the church. Thank you to those who have already committed to spending time with our Lord in Adoration.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Lessons in life will repeat until they are learned. You are the artist of your own life: make it beautiful. Prepare your child for the road ahead, not the road ahead for your child. Stress comes from trying to do it all on your own; peace comes from putting it all in God’s hands.

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 – January 26

Proclaim a Year of Jubilee

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus boldly proclaim that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, declaring: “to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” This passage is rooted in the ancient tradition of the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal, restoration, and freedom outlined in the Old Testament. A Jubilee Year was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was restored to its rightful owners. In the Church, the Jubilee Year is an opportunity to seek deeper conversion, reconciliation, and renewal of our faith. How fitting it is that we hear this message during our Jubilee Year of Hope! As we continue this year of grace, let us reflect on how we can experience the freedom and restoration that Christ offers us.

Eucharistic Adoration – 24 Hours for the Lord

More information is available in this weekend’s bulletin about Adoration, the Holy Eucharist, and our upcoming celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord. Sign-ups for Adoration are available both in the main vestibule of the church and online at ihmercer.org/24-hours. We encourage everyone to take part in this beautiful opportunity to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Return Your Old Palms

As we prepare for Lent, please remember to bring your old palms back to church so they can be burned for Ash Wednesday. The deadline to return them is Sunday, February 9. A collection basket will be available in the vestibule for your convenience.

The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas

Next Sunday, our church will celebrate The Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. At the beginning of each Mass, we will bless the candles that will be used in our church throughout the coming year. Everyone will have the opportunity to hold a candle at the beginning of Mass, with candles available at the doors of the church. It is a long-standing custom to bring special candles from home for this blessing, and we encourage you to do so. Additionally, special Candlemas Candles are available for purchase by the Sacred Heart statue, with a suggested donation of $5 per box of 2 candles.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

As difficult as things may be, remember that what you’re going through right now won’t last forever; trust that better days are ahead; storms don’t last forever.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy


The Real Presence Bulletin Insert Page 1
The Real Presence Bulletin Insert Page 2

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 – January 19

“Do whatever He tells you.”

These words from Mary in this weekend’s Gospel are not just for the servants at the wedding in Cana—they are for all of us. Mary’s instruction is a timeless call to trust in Jesus and to follow Him completely. What is He asking you to do in your life today? What step of faith might He be inviting you to take? Trust that His plans will always lead to something far greater than we can imagine.

Mass Intentions Needed

Our Mass intention calendar has many openings, particularly for daily Masses. Having a Mass offered for the repose of a loved one’s soul or for someone’s special intentions is a profound act of charity. There is no greater gift we can give than the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. If you would like to schedule a Mass intention, please contact the parish office.

Return Old Palms

Starting this weekend, receptacles will be placed at the entrances of the church to collect old palms. These palms will be burned to make the ashes we will use on Ash Wednesday. Please return your old palms by Sunday, February 9, 2025.

24 Hours for the Lord

As we look ahead to Lent, our parish will host 24 Hours for the Lord, a special opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration, beginning Friday, March 21, 2025, after the 8:00 AM Mass and continuing until Saturday, March 22, 2025, concluding with a special 8:00 AM Mass.

We need at least two adorers for each hour to ensure the Blessed Sacrament is never left alone. Sign-ups will begin next weekend, January 25-26. Please be generous with your time—if you spend even one hour with Him, I am confident He will bless you abundantly in return.

Praise and Worship Adoration

Also on Friday, March 21, at 7:00 PM, we will host a special Praise and Worship Eucharistic Adoration. This experience will include music, moments of vocal praise, and quiet prayer. It is a powerful way to connect with God and deepen your relationship with Him.

Over the next few weeks, our bulletin will include reflections and materials about Eucharistic Adoration and its importance in our spiritual lives. I encourage you to take time to read and pray with these resources.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Don’t close the book when negative things happen in your life; just turn the page and begin a new chapter. Remember, even your worst day has only 24 hours. When you choose to forgive, you heal and when you let go, you grow.

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.