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Tag: Summer Mass Schedule

Around the Parish – May 25, 2025

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

70 Years of Immaculate Heart Parish

As part of our 70th anniversary celebration, we are creating a new parish directory! Every household photographed will receive a free 8×10 portrait and a copy of the directory. To schedule your photography session, sign up today at https://ihmercer.org/2025-directory

In celebration of our 70th year, we’re also creating a beautiful parish cookbook—and we want your favorite recipes! You can submit them online by visiting https://ihmercer.org/cookbook. Whether it’s a family favorite, holiday tradition, or simple comfort food, your contribution will help make this cookbook a treasured keepsake for years to come.

Vacation Bible School

Registration for this summer’s Vacation Bible School is now open! You can register online through our parish website or pick up a paper form at the entrances of church. Let’s make this a great week for our children to grow in faith and fun! https://ihmercer.org/vbs

300 Club Raffle

We are just a few weeks away from our first 300 Club drawing! Don’t miss your chance—purchase your ticket today and be part of the fun while supporting our parish.

40 Hours Adoration

40 Hours Adoration is quickly approaching! Join us from Sunday, June 8 through Tuesday, June 10 for this beautiful time of prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. Our guest preacher will be Father Ian McElrath, a native son of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon and a classmate of mine. Sign-up sheets for adoration hours are located in the main vestibule. Please consider committing to an hour with the Lord.  Sign-ups for adoration hours are in the main vestibule and on our website at https://ihmercer.org/40-hours

Mission Appeal

Next weekend, we welcome Father Bosco Padamattummal from the Diocese of Kottapuram in India for our annual mission appeal. He will share the vital missionary work being done in his home diocese. Please join me in offering him a warm and generous Mercer welcome!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Change the changeable; accept the unchangeable; remove yourself from the unacceptable. Stop saying, “I wish.” Start saying “I will.” Nothing will work unless you do. When you can’t put your prayer into words God listens to your heart.

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 18, 2025

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

Habemus Papam

What a historic and joyful day May 8 was for the Church! With the election of Pope Leo XIV, we rejoice in the first Augustinian Pope and the first Holy Father born in the United States, hailing from Chicago, IL. Though he never served as a bishop in the U.S., Pope Leo held major leadership roles within the Augustinian order and later served as a bishop in Peru, where he was known for his pastoral care and advocacy for the poor. Most recently, he worked in the Dicastery for Bishops at the Vatican, helping guide the appointment of bishops across the globe. Let us give thanks to God and pray for our new Holy Father as he begins this sacred ministry of service to the universal Church.

70 Years of Immaculate Heart Parish

Don’t forget to participate in two exciting projects that will become cherished keepsakes for our parish family! We are creating a Parish Cookbook filled with your favorite recipes and a Parish Photo Directory to help us get to know one another better. Full details and submission information for both can be found on our website.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School sign-ups are now open! Children can be registered online or using the paper forms located at the entrances of the church. This is a free event, and we look forward to welcoming all of our young people to a fun and faith-filled week!       https://ihmercer.org/vbs

300 Club Raffle

Don’t forget to get your 300 Club raffle ticket! This fun and vital fundraiser supports our parish needs. More details are in this weekend’s bulletin insert.

40 Hours Adoration

40 Hours Adoration is quickly approaching! Join us from Sunday, June 8 through Tuesday, June 10 for this beautiful time of prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. Our guest preacher will be Father Ian McElrath, a native son of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon and a classmate of mine. Sign-up sheets for adoration hours are located in the main vestibule. Please consider committing to an hour with the Lord.  Sign-ups for adoration hours are in the main vestibule and on our website.

Click here for more information for 40 Hours

Mission Appeal

Our Annual Mission Appeal will take place the weekend of May 31 and June 1. We are pleased to welcome Father Bosco Padamattummal from the Diocese of Kottapuram, who will share with us the important missionary work being done in his diocese. Please join me in giving him a warm Mercer welcome!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

You don’t need to have all the answers—just the courage to take the next faithful step. Love is not just something we feel—it’s something we do. Who might need to hear the words, “You are not alone” this week?

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 11, 2025

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

70 Years of Immaculate Heart Parish

This year, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish joyfully celebrates 70 years of evangelization and service in our Mercer community. To mark this special milestone, we are creating two keepsake projects that celebrate who we are as a parish family:

1. Parish Cookbook – Share Your Favorite Recipes!

As announced in last week’s bulletin and in your mail, we are compiling a beautiful parish cookbook filled with your favorite recipes. It will be professionally published and make a treasured gift or family heirloom.

Cookbooks are $20 each. Please submit recipes by July 31, 2025. Directions on how to submit recipes is on our website at https://ihmercer.org/cookbook

2. Parish Photo Directory – Sign Up coming soon!

We are partnering with Universal Church Directories to create a new parish photo directory. Photo sessions will be held July 24–26 in Gallagher Hall. Every family who participates receives a free 8×10 portrait and a copy of the directory. More info is at ihmercer.org/2025-directory

Heart to Heart: Sacred Saturday

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Sacred Saturday! A wonderful time was had by all. Our next event will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, beginning with 9 AM Mass, followed by breakfast and a special presentation. Register at https://ihmercer.org/heart-to-heart or call the parish office.

Praise & Worship Holy Hour – This Thursday!

Join us at Notre Dame Church this Thursday evening for a special Praise and Worship Holy Hour. Like our Lenten night of prayer, this evening will include uplifting music, reflection, and time in silent adoration. All are welcome to this powerful evening of praise.

300 Club Raffle

Our 300 Club six-month raffle is underway! This fun and vital fundraiser supports our parish needs. More details are in this weekend’s bulletin insert.

40 Hours Adoration

Mark your calendar for our annual 40 Hours Adoration, taking place Sunday, June 8 through Tuesday, June 10. Our guest homilist is Fr. Ian McElrath, a native son of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon. Sign-ups for adoration hours are in the main vestibule and on our website.

Click here for more information for 40 Hours

Ave Maria!

On this Mother’s Day, we offer prayers of thanksgiving for all mothers, living and deceased. May God bless you abundantly. In a special way during the month of May, let us also turn to our Blessed Mother, who always leads us to the heart of her Son.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

We cannot create a new future while holding on to the emotions of the past; healing begins with letting go. There’s a big difference between not knowing and not knowing yet—growth takes time and patience. Let us be the kind of witness that inspires.

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 4, 2025

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

Extra Omnes

This Wednesday, the Cardinals of the Church will gather in Rome to elect the next pope. Let us pray in a particular way for those electors and our next Holy Father. May the Holy Spirit guide their hearts and minds as they choose a worthy shepherd for the Church.

Heart to Heart: Sacred Saturday

Next Saturday we will gather for our first Sacred Saturday at 9:00 AM for Mass, followed by a talk in Gallagher Hall. All RSVPs need to be submitted by this Sunday so we can prepare breakfast! Everyone is welcome, no matter what parish you might belong to. Don’t miss this opportunity for spiritual enrichment and community.

Congratulations Graduates!

It’s that time of year as we come to the end of another academic year. A special congratulations to all our graduates—from preschool through college. Your parish family is proud of you! Our prayers go with you as you step into the next chapter of your journey.

Ave Maria!

May is the month of Mary. I invite you to spend time this month drawing closer to Our Blessed Mother through the Rosary, Marian devotions, or simply reflecting on her faith and love. Mary always leads us to her Son.

Summer Mass Schedule

A quick thank you to all who have helped with religious education, sacraments, liturgical ministries, and spring events around the parish. Your generosity, seen and unseen, keeps our parish vibrant and growing.

40 Hours Adoration

Mark your calendars: our annual Forty Hours Eucharistic Devotion will take place June 8–10. We are honored to welcome Fr. Ian McElrath, a native son of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon and my seminary classmate, as our guest homilist. It will be a beautiful time of prayer, reflection, and grace centered on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Click here for more information for 40 Hours

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you. Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become. For your life to be great, your faith must be bigger than your fears.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click the ad below to see a bigger version

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.

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Around the Parish – April 27, 2025

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

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrations

Alleluia! As we continue to celebrate the joy of Easter, today the Church throughout the world observes Divine Mercy Sunday, a powerful reminder of Christ’s unfathomable mercy poured out for all. I invite you to join us this afternoon at 3:00 PM for a special hour of Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet here in the church. Come spend time with the Lord in the Hour of Mercy and open your heart to His love and peace.

Prayers for Pope Francis

It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the death of Pope Francis, our Holy Father and faithful shepherd. In this sacred Easter season, we hold fast to the hope of the Resurrection even as we mourn the loss of a humble and courageous leader. Please keep Pope Francis in your prayers, and may eternal light shine upon him. We also pray for the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect the next successor of St. Peter.

St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for Us!

We had anticipated celebrating the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis this Divine Mercy Sunday. However, with the passing of the Holy Father, his canonization has been postponed until a new pontiff is elected. While we wait, we continue to look to Carlo as a model of youthful holiness and Eucharistic love. May his witness inspire us to pursue sainthood in our daily lives.

Congratulations to our First Communicants!

This Sunday is also one of great celebration for our parish as we rejoice with our First Communion students! May they always treasure the gift of the Holy Eucharist, and may their joy in receiving Jesus for the first time inspire us all to renew our own devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Congratulations to each of them and to their families!

Summer Mass Schedule

Please remember, the First Sunday of May begins our Summer Mass Schedule, where our 11:00 AM Mass will move to 10:00 AM. Help us spread the word to friends and family so no one misses the change!

Sacred Saturday: Faith, Family, Formation

Looking ahead, our very first Sacred Saturday is coming up on May 10! The morning will begin with Mass and continue with a light breakfast and a special talk. I hope many of you will be able to attend this new opportunity for spiritual growth and fellowship. More details can be found elsewhere in the bulletin.

Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting

And finally, a reminder that this Wednesday at 6:30 PM is our next Vacation Bible School planning meeting. All who are willing to lend a hand—whether during the week of VBS or in the weeks of preparation—are encouraged to attend. We will gather in the parish conference room.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful. Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Never allow a person to tell you no, who doesn’t have the power to say yes. Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click the ad below to see a bigger version

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.

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Around the Parish – April 28, 2024

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

This weekend is our last Faith Formation session for the 2023-24 school year. I want to thank all of our volunteers and teachers. Without their continued dedication and support, we would not be able to continue Faith Formation in our parish. Please thank them with me! This year, we were graced with the presence of Jonelle Haynie, Nelly Sosa, Matt & Hannah Hazi, Amy Oehlbeck, Linda Oliver, Rachael DeFiore, Katelyn Gable, Cindy Wilpula, and Greg Cummings.

Next Saturday, May 4, is Blooms & Bargains Bazaar. We need volunteers to help setup & organize items on Thurs., May 2 & Fri., May 3 at 10 AM & Sale Day Sat., May 4. Sign up sheets are at the church entrances .

NEXT Sunday, May 5, our Sunday Mass schedule is set to return to 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Don’t forget, and share with our family that join us for the summer months.

Consider joining us on Saturday mornings the next few weeks for coffee and conversation as we journey through preparation for Marian Consecration. This special form of prayer is a practice where individuals dedicate themselves entirely to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This consecration involves a period of preparation, typically lasting 33 days, during which participants engage in prayer, reflection, and study. The consecration culminates on a Marian feast day, in particular the celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, patronal feast day of our parish, when individuals make a formal act of consecration, entrusting themselves entirely to Mary’s care and intercession. This practice is rooted in the belief that Mary is a powerful intercessor and mediator with her Son, Jesus, and that by consecrating oneself to her, individuals can grow closer to Christ and deepen their faith. Sign up forms are located at the doors of church.

In our bulletin this week, there are two advertisements for things coming up this summer. Please make sure to mark your calendars now for our Forty Hours celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday June 9, Monday June 10, and Tuesday June 11. Newly ordained Deacon Michael Scanga, transitional deacon for the Diocese of Erie will be with us to preach on the Eucharist.

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.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

We need to learn how to select our thoughts and attitudes the same way that we select our clothes each morning. You know you are in love when you cannot fall asleep because the reality is better than your dreams. When you’ve done something wrong, admit it. No one ever chocked to death by swallowing his/her pride.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – April 21, 2024

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

This Monday, our Confirmation Candidates will receive the sacrament at Saint Michael Church in Greenville. I want to thank Cindy Wilpula and Katie Gable for their continued dedication to our Confirmation students. Through their yes to serve our students, we are guaranteed that great love and care has been showered down upon our community. Please continue to pray for our young people, especially our freshmen and sophomores as they receive this special sacrament.

Make sure to join the Knights of Columbus today at the Pancake Breakfast in Gallagher Hall from after the 8:00am mass until 1:00pm. Please come and enjoy a wonderful breakfast. All proceeds benefit our parish. I thank my brother knights for their continued support of our parish.

Next Saturday, April 27, we will have a parish spring cleanup day. Many hands will make light work, so any help that you might be able to give on that day will be greatly appreciated. We will begin at 9:00 am and spend the morning around the parish campus to clean up our grounds. There are lists at the doors of church listing the different things we are looking to accomplish as we clean up our church grounds.

On Saturday, May 4, we have our Blooms and Bargains Bazaar. All donations can be dropped off at Gallagher Hall, but please contact the parish office to schedule a drop off time. The parish is unable to provide pickup of items.

In a few weeks on Sunday, May 5, our Sunday Mass schedule is set to return to 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Don’t forget, and share with our family that join us for the summer months.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

If our parish were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles together and in the same direction. Family is family, whether it’s the one you start out with or the family you gain along the way. The same is true about a parish family. Sticking with your family is what makes it a family.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – April 14, 2024

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

I want to express my most sincere gratitude for everyone who has booth pledged and supported the Catholic Services Appeal. As you know, our parish assessment for this year is $49,845. This tithe from our parish to the diocese permits the Churches of Erie Diocese to continue to fulfill the Lord’s Command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19) Every dollar collected over our assessment will remain in our parish. The monies that will remain in our parish will be used to repair the deteriorating window wells of the basement at the Office Building. Please do prayerfully consider supporting this obligation.

On this Monday, April 15 at 6:00pm, there will be a Blooms and Bargains Bazaar Meeting in the Parish Conference Room. Anyone that is able and interested in helping is asked to attend this meeting.

On this Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30pm, we will have our next VBS planning meeting. All who are interested in helping with our VBS in July are asked to attend.

Next Sunday, April 21, the Mercer Knights of Columbus will be hosting their Pancake Breakfast in Gallagher Hall from after the 8:00am mass until 1:00pm. Please come and enjoy a wonderful breakfast. All proceeds benefit our parish. I thank my brother knights for their continued support of our parish.

On Saturday, April 27, we will have a parish spring cleanup day. Many hands will make light work, so any help that you might be able to give on that day will be greatly appreciated. We will begin at 9:00 am and spend the morning around the parish campus to clean up our grounds.

On Saturday, May 4, we have our Blooms and Bargains Bazaar. All donations can be dropped off at Gallagher Hall, but please contact the parish office to schedule a drop off time. The parish is unable to provide pickup of items.

In just four weeks on Sunday, May 5, our Sunday Mass schedule is set to return to 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Don’t forget, and share with our family that join us for the summer months.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Your day will generally go the way the corners of your mouth turn. Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears. The rosary is a chain that links heaven and earth. One end of it is in your hand; the other in the hand of our Blessed Mother.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – April 7, 2024

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

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. In celebration of this special conclusion of the Octave of Easter, we will have Adoration and the Sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy from 2:30pm until 3:30pm. I encourage everyone to join us during this special Holy Hour of prayer. Divine Mercy Sunday, established by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000, honors the devotion to God’s boundless mercy as revealed to Saint Faustina. The praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet plays a central role, emphasizing repentance and trust in God’s mercy for all humanity.

There will be no daily masses this week, as I will be away all week. There will be mass at Beloved Disciple and St. Columbkille, so I encourage everyone to join their churches for mass this week for Daily Mass.

On this Monday, April 15, (this is listed differently in the paper bulletin. April 15 is the correct date) there will be a Blooms and Bargains Bazaar Meeting at 6pm in the Parish Conference Room. Anyone that is able and interested in helping is asked to attend this meeting.

On Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30pm, we will have our next VBS planning meeting. All who are interested in helping with our VBS in July are asked to attend.

On Saturday, April 27, we will have a parish spring cleanup day. Many hands will make light work, so any help that you might be able to give on that day will be greatly appreciated. We will begin at 9:00 am and spend the morning around the parish campus to clean up our grounds.

In just about a month on Sunday, May 5, our Sunday Mass schedule is set to return to 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Don’t forget, and share with our family that join us for the summer months.

On Saturday, May 4, we have our Blooms and Bargains Bazaar. All donations can be dropped off at Gallagher Hall, but please contact the parish office to schedule a drop off time. The parish is unable to provide pickup of items.

Here is a thought for the week ahead:

The secret to happiness is also the secret to a long and fulfilling life: Let every situation be what it is, instead of what you think it should be, and then make the best of it. Let God’s Grace empower you to grow through the difficulties you go through.  

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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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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