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Around the Parish – March 23, 2025

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

24 Hours for the Lord Adoration – Thank You!

First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in 24 Hours for the Lord. This time of prayer before our Eucharistic Lord was truly a blessing for our parish community. I hope we can continue to embrace opportunities like this in the future.

Stations, Soup, & Speaker Series

I also want to invite you to a special Lenten event: Stations, Soup, and Speaker at Saint Joseph Church in Sharon. This series takes place each Wednesday of Lent, and on March 26, I will be sharing my vocation story. I would love to see many of you there! This is a free event, and a great way to deepen our Lenten journey together. !

Gas and Heating Issues

On Wednesday, March 12, we detected a strong gas odor in the office building. Upon calling our HVAC company, we learned that we had a major gas leak—similar to the one we addressed at the rectory two years ago. Both the church and office building gas lines coming from the meter to all devices were leaking copious amounts of gas. These lines required extensive repairs and, in most cases, complete replacement.

While this might sound like a straightforward fix, it was anything but simple. Our HVAC team worked tirelessly:

  • March 14: Over 13 hours spent replacing all the gas lines in the office building.
  • March 18–19: An additional 24 hours working on church repairs.

Thankfully, the gas lines have now been fully replaced and pressure tested (and we passed!). However, additional issues have come to light:

Our boilers are malfunctioning. They are running too hot, burning excess gas, and causing repeated failures. This is why we’ve had to replace igniters every six months.

  • Exhaust issues: The extreme heat has melted and destroyed the PVC exhaust pipes, which means toxic fumes are leaking into the basements. This issue affects both the church and rectory and must be addressed immediately.
  • Future concerns: Our HVAC company has warned that further boiler repairs will be needed in the near future.

As of now, I do not have an exact total cost for all necessary repairs, but the work already completed—not including upcoming boiler repairs—is estimated at $33,000. This unexpected expense is certainly a challenge, but it is also a critical and necessary investment in the safety and well-being of our parish community.

I appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these essential repairs. Please keep our parish in your prayers as we work to maintain our facilities for the future.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

One of the greatest mistakes we can make is to be so busy worrying about what’s coming, that we fail to appreciate what is. Patience is the key that connects effort with success.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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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 – March 16, 2025

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

St. Patrick’s Day Bingo – Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our St. Patrick’s Day Bingo! It was a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a report on the totals from the event.

Catholic Services Appeal – Church Ramp Project

As we continue discussing the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), I want to share more about the challenges we face with the church ramp project. This is not simply a matter of removing the flagstones—there are several major issues that must be addressed to ensure everything is up to code:

  • The cement beneath the ramp is crumbling under the weight of the flagstones.
  • The landing at the top is not large enough to meet code requirements.
  • None of the stairs currently meet code.
  • Once the flagstones are removed and we level both the interior and exterior of the entrance, the current doors will be too short.
  • The doors themselves are not up to code—neither is the required 36 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair.
  • The canopy over the ramp is causing damage to both the church and the ramp structure and will need to be removed.
  • The roof over the confessional, which was never properly repaired, will also need to be replaced once the canopy is removed to prevent further water damage.

What once seemed like a simple project years ago has become a significant and costly undertaking. This is why your generous support through the CSA is so important. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to be accessible to all in our community. Thank you for your generosity!

Looking Ahead – Church Entrances

While addressing the ramp, it’s important to note that none of the church entrances are currently safe. The steps at each entrance vary in height due to the flagstones, creating a potential tripping hazard. Eventually, all entrances will need to be repaired, but tackling them all at once is not financially feasible. So, let’s pray we win the lottery!

Parish Penance Service – Sunday, March 16

Join us this Sunday, March 16, for our Parish Penance Service. Several priests from our deanery will be present to hear confessions. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we continue our Lenten journey. A full schedule of penance services in our area is available on our parish website.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Never judge a person by their mistakes; Judge they by how they fix them. Good deeds should be done with intention, not for attention. We are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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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 – March 9, 2025

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

St. Patrick’s Day Bingo

Join us this Friday for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Bingo! Doors open at 4:00 PM, and the first game begins at 6:00 PM. It’s always a great evening of fun and fellowship—I look forward to seeing you there!

Rosary for Pope Francis

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been praying the Rosary for Pope Francis with us. We will continue gathering for this special intention daily at 5:00 PM (except Sundays) and on Saturdays at 4:30 PM. Your prayers are deeply appreciated!

Palm Sunday Bake Sale

Sign-up sheets are available at the church doors for our Palm Sunday Bake Sale. Thank you for your generosity in supporting this beloved tradition. Your contributions make a difference!

Catholic Services Appeal

Last Sunday marked Commitment Sunday for the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). This year, any funds raised above our goal will go toward replacing and repairing the church’s handicapped ramp—a much-needed project that has been in the works for the past three years.

This is not a simple fix; the current surface is deteriorating beyond repair. When we first explored this project, we anticipated costs around $60,000. However, after further evaluation, we now know the true cost will exceed $100,000. In total, we need to raise over $152,337—both to meet our diocesan goal and to fund this critical repair.

We cannot accomplish this without you! Every gift—large or small—makes a meaningful impact. Your generosity ensures that our parish remains accessible and welcoming to all. To give online or set up a recurring gift, please visit ihmercer.org/csa-2025. As we receive more details, we will keep you updated on the progress of this important project.

Lenten Reflection

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us reflect on the three pillars of the season: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Each plays a vital role in deepening our relationship with Christ. Our parish and community offer many opportunities to live out these spiritual practices—be sure to take advantage of them!

Remember, we never “graduate” from our faith or our journey of learning about God—He is always leading us to new discoveries and deeper trust in Him. May this Lent be a time of grace and growth for all of us.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

You will never have this day again: make it count. When you forgive you heal. When you let go, you grow. Don’t use your energy to worry, use it to believe. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death. At work, be a morale booster.

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 – February 9, 2025

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

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.

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Around the Parish – May 14, 2023

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

A very happy and blessed Mother’s Day to all of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone to whom has shown us motherly love. Know of my prayers, love, and admiration for all of you!

Last weekend, I mentioned two events that our parish will host. In the recent past, Father Matt held a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament on Corpus Christi Sunday. Eucharistic Processions will be occurring all over the Diocese of Erie on this special Sunday. This year, our parish will host the Deanery Eucharistic Procession, which invites parishioners from all over our area to participate.

Click here for more information about the Eucharistic Procession

The second event will begin also on Corpus Christi Sunday and will continue through the following Tuesday, June 13. Each day, following the last mass of the day, the Eucharist will be exposed for adoration until 7pm each night. At 7pm, we will celebrate evening prayer, and within evening prayer, a special homily will be given. Our preacher for our celebration will be Father Joseph Petrone. He will be preaching on the Hearts of the Holy Family. We are in need of volunteers to sign up for an hour of adoration during the entire time that the Eucharist is exposed. A minimum of two volunteers are needed for each hour that the Eucharist is exposed. In the back vestibule of church, and on our website, you can sign up to volunteer for an hour. Please help us spread the word!

Click here for more information on Forty Hours

VBS registration is open! Forms can be found in the back vestibule of church under the pictures of the former pastors as well as on our website. Registration is due back ASAP so that we can purchase T-Shirts for all participants! If you wish to volunteer, please contact the parish office as soon as possible so that we can schedule a meeting to begin preparations.

Click here to register for VBS

Thank you goes out to all the amazing volunteers who came to help with the first Plant and Garden Sale. The sale raised $1,424 for our parish. Between the sale and other generous donations, we were able to raise enough money to cover the cost of the replacement refrigerator for Gallagher Hall.

Here’s a thought for your week: Never take someone’s feeling for granted because you never know how much courage it took for him or her to express them to you. Life is too short to be constantly worrying. Let go of the stress and realize you’re blessed.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Thank you to our amazing crew who helped work the First Annual Plant and Garden Sale!

The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office.

Click here for more info on the 300 Club
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Around the Parish – May 7, 2023

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

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day, and so to honor our Blessed Mother, we will crown her during the weekend masses at the beginning of mass. Flower vases will be placed around the statue of Mary that  is placed in front of the altar. If you want to add any flowers before mass to these vases in honor of the Blessed Mother, feel free! All are invited to participate!

As mentioned at all the masses last weekend, this year we will host Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School is open for all children registered for Preschool through Eighth Grade for the 2023-24 school year. All high school students looking for volunteer/service hours can come as well to help out! The more the merrier! We have chosen to schedule our VBS in the evenings from 5:30-8p to accommodate parents and volunteers who have to work during the day. Many of those who wish to volunteer cannot take a week off work to help, and so we are trying an evening time to assist with others’ schedules. The theme for this year is Splash Canyon: God’s Promise on Life’s Wild Ride. Thank you to Mrs. Linda Oliver and her crew for organizing this opportunity for our parish and community! For more information, please visit our website at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

Thank you to everyone who came out to help at the Plant and Garden Sale. More information will be given in the coming weeks about the success of the event.

Reminder for Parish Council that we have a meeting scheduled for this Thursday at 6pm in the parish office conference room.

We are still selling tickets for the 300 club! As of writing this article, we have sold 130 tickets, nearing the half-way mark! Please help us spread the word to sell the remaining tickets. More information on the 300 club can be found on the website at https://ihmercer.org/300-club.

Here’s a thought for your week: Family is that place where love begins and never ends. Family provides the anchor when life storms rage around us. Family extends beyond our biology, and into our relationships that fill our day.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office.

Click here for more info on the 300 Club
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Around the Parish – April 30, 2023

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

Starting Sunday, May 7, we will begin our Summer Mass Schedule. After polling the parish, we overwhelmingly received feedback that the preferred time for Sunday Mass during the Summer months (May-August) should be 8am and 10am. Therefore, starting next Sunday we will have mass at 8am and 10am. Please help us spread the word so that the entire community knows!

As a reminder, adoration will resume in our parish on First Fridays from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Adoration is scheduled for this Friday, May 5.

It’s a Catholic tradition to honor Mary during the month of May by setting up May altars or by crowning her statue with flowers. The reason why we crown Mary is best summed up by Pope Paul VI who wrote that May is an occasion for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven.” The crown symbol is attributed to Mary because she is the Mother of the Son of God, who is our Heavenly King.” Before the 5pm Mass on Saturday Nights, we pray the rosary. Please make an effort to be with us. We will offer our prayers for the sick of the parish, vocations to the priesthood and religious life and for peace and harmony in families and in the world.

Next Saturday, we will gather to clean our church properties from the winter. Many hands will make light work! I appreciate all your help! There are signup sheets at the doors as well as the different tasks that need to be accomplished on Saturday May 6.

On that same day is our plant sale. Any help that you might be able to give for this event as well would be greatly appreciated! Any question can be addressed to Junior Bissett at 724-662-4597. Here’s a quick update from the “plant manager:”

Just a reminder that the first annual plant and garden sale is on for THIS SATURDAY, MAY 6! All plant and garden items need to be dropped off at Gallagher Hall by noon on Friday. Gallagher Hall will be open Thursday all day and Friday morning. If you need to schedule another time before Friday to drop off you items/plants, please call the parish office! Here’s to prayers for a beautiful spring day next Saturday! God Bless!

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: Life is so much easier when we don’t hoard the past. Healing doesn’t mean hurtful things have not happened; it just means that the disappointment no longer controls our life. Accept what is; let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office.

Click here for more info on the 300 Club
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