Tag: Summer

Around the Parish – July 30, 2023

Written by on July 29, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Our Annual Saint Hermenegild Mass and Picnic is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2023. Mass will begin at 6pm and the picnic will be after Mass outside church. All are asked to bring a dish to share, and a chair to sit on!

Thank you to everyone who came to our Saint Philomena Healing Mass. May our prayers for healing continue to pour out and bless our community. We will schedule another healing Mass dedicated to Saint Philomena in February of 2024.

This past week, the contractors came to replace the roof of the rectory garage. As of writing this column, we don’t yet know to what extent the damage is, but in this weekend’s bulletin, we have listed what potential damage will need to be addressed, as well as some guaranteed maintenance that is being addressed by the replacement of the roof.

In the coming weeks, registration forms and other pertinent information will be mailed out for Faith Formation. Our anticipate start date is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, at 9:15-10:45 am. We are excited to welcome Mr. Greg Cummings as our new Director of Faith Formation. All information for Faith Formation will be available on our parish website in the coming days.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Let go of worries and hand them over to God’s capable hands. He is your refuge and strength, providing the peace that surpasses all understanding. As you face challenges, remember that God’s power works best in your weakness. In humility, rely on His strength to carry you through every obstacle and bring forth victory.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Celebrate with us as we near the completion of the roof project! We are excited to share the extensive and meticulous work that has gone into addressing various crucial aspects. The scope of the roof repairs goes beyond a simple rubber removal; it involves enhancing the drainage system, rectifying past water damage in the garage, and meticulously replacing incorrectly installed flashing around the roof perimeter.

Furthermore, we are taking proactive measures to safeguard our property by urgently attending to ongoing issues with the roof over the back door of the rectory. This attention will prevent any further damage and ensure the longevity of our cherished property.

The significance of this project is underscored by the fact that the roof is original to the construction of the rectory dating back to 1955. Given this historical aspect, we are mindful that the wood beneath the rubber may require replacement due to water seepage in the past.

We are grateful for the efforts and dedication of those involved in this vital restoration and repairs, and we eagerly anticipate the successful completion of this project, which will ensure the structural integrity and beauty of our beloved church property for years to come. Let us continue to support and pray for the continued progress of this significant endeavor.

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Around the Parish – July 23, 2023

Written by on July 22, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Calling all Young Adults of the Mercer Deanery! Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will be hosting a cook-out for all young adults (ages 21-39[ish]) on this Friday, July 28, 2023 beginning at 6pm! We will provide hamburgers and hotdogs, we ask that you bring a dish to share. To RSVP your spot, please contact the parish office ASAP either by emailing cyam@ihmercer.org or calling (724) 662-2999. RSVPs need to be in by Wednesday this week!

Our Annual Saint Hermenegild Mass and Picnic is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2023. Mass will begin at 6pm and the picnic will be after mass outside church. All are asked to bring a dish to share, and a chair to sit on!

On this Thursday, July 27, 2023, we will have a special mass at 7pm in church dedicated to Saint Philomena and asking for her intercession for healing both in body and spirit for our parish and the community. All are encouraged to attend. We will have a relic of Saint Philomena and blessings with the oil of Saint Philomena. Please share this opportunity for prayer and healing throughout our community and in all of Mercer County and our Diocese!

Last weekend, we tested our new live stream camera. We noticed that there are issues with image brightness as well as audio. We plan on continuing to correct this issue, but it will take some extra physical work on our part. In last week’s bulletin, I mentioned that we will need to upgrade parts of our sound system, as parts are from the early 1990’s and are needing replaced. (It might feel like 1990 was just yesterday, but it’s actually 33 years ago!) We do not have any firm plans yet, but we are working on getting the best possible options available for our church. The lighting issue is something we continue to address. Some of the light bulbs in the arch of the sanctuary are burnt out, and are not pointed at the correct places. This causes our high altar and tabernacle to be darker than expected in video. We need to replace some lightbulbs and point the other lightbulbs at their correct location. This will require a lift to reach the lights. In the coming weeks, we plan on renting a lift to reach these lights so as to address these issues.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – July 16, 2023

Written by on July 15, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Calling all Young Adults of the Mercer Deanery! Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will be hosting a cook-out for all young adults (ages 21-39[ish]) on Friday, July 28, 2023 beginning at 6pm! We will provide hamburgers and hotdogs, we ask that you bring a dish to share. To RSVP your spot, please contact the parish office ASAP either by emailing cyam@ihmercer.org or calling (724) 662-2999.

In just about a month, we will have our Annual Saint Hermenegild Mass and Picnic on Thursday, August 10. Mass will begin at 6pm. All are asked to bring a dish to share, and a chair to sit on!

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, we will have a special mass at 7pm in church dedicated to Saint Philomena and asking for her intercession for healing both in body and spirit for our parish and the community. All are encouraged to attend. We will have a relic of Saint Philomena and blessings with the oil of Saint Philomena. More information can be found in this weekend’s bulletin. Please share this opportunity for prayer and healing throughout our community and in all of Mercer County and our Diocese!

A few weeks ago, I noted in the bulletin that the camera we had for livestreaming was broken and out of warranty. I noted that it would cost about $2,000 to replace the camera. Thanks to some gracious parishioners, we have been able to replace the camera and begin livestreaming our Sunday Masses again. We would like to update our sound system as it is on its last leg, and often has problems with interference. We have already replaced the wireless microphone, and a microphone was placed on the altar, but our mixer needs replaced and upgraded, and the speaker and amplifier for the Mother’s Chapel needs replaced. At the moment, we don’t have any quotes or ideas on cost, but we do know that we do not have the funds for that in the immediate future. All these great things for our community would not be possible without your continued support, both financially as well as most importantly, spiritually. Thank you all for your continued prayers as we work together to uplift and upgrade the experience here at IHM.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Let’s not forget that anger and bitterness rob us of our peace, not the peace of those who’ve hurt us. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – July 9, 2023

Written by on July 8, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Nearly two months ago, the Holy Father Pope Francis announced that Monsignor Edward Lohse, Vicar General of the Diocese of Erie, was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, MI. I have known Monsignor Lohse, now Bishop-Elect Lohse, since I applied to seminary, and then most recently I lived with Bishop-Elect when I was assigned to Saint George Parish in Erie. All of the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Erie have been invited to attend his ordination as Bishop in Kalamazoo on July 25. Father Joe Petrone and I will be traveling to Kalamazoo, and Father Ray Gramatta has graciously agreed to cover me for masses on July 25 and 26. I look forward to being at the Bishop-Elect’s ordination so as to say thank you for his service to our diocese and to me, and Ad Multos Annos (for many more years) and congratulations.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. NEXT WEEK IS THE BIG WEEK!! This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

This weekend, we welcome Father Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society. He is here for the annual Missionary Co-op appeal. Please help me welcome Father Aby and make him feel at home here at IHM.

Here’s a couple of thoughts for your week: Failure is a detour, not a dead end street. Never let fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is our empowering Catholic Faith that motivates us to continue to press ahead in spite of the odds.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – July 2, 2023

Written by on July 1, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Happy Independence Day to all! May this special day be a reminder of the freedom and liberty that we cherish. Let us celebrate the spirit of independence with joy and gratitude, honoring the brave souls who fought for our rights and shaping our nation’s destiny. May unity, peace, and prosperity continue to guide us towards a brighter future. Enjoy the festivities and the blessings of freedom.

We have sold all of the 300 tickets! You no longer have to listen to me for this year remind everyone to purchase their tickets! This is a yearly event, and therefore next spring we will begin selling tickets again, so make sure to get your ticket early next year! Again, thank you to everyone for helping this fundraiser.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. THIS IS ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

Next weekend, July 8 & 9, Father Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society will be visiting us for the annual Missionary Co-op appeal. Please help me welcome Father Aby and make him feel at home here at IHM.

Recently, some may have noticed that we are not able to livestream our 10a mass any longer. Our camera has had a bit of a problem, and now prevents us from livestreaming the mass. To be able to remedy this situation, we need to replace the camera, but that would cost us $2000, and that is an expense that we cannot afford right now with the currently weekly deficit and the emergency work on the rectory garage roof. Prayers that we can find a way to move forward to livestream the liturgies from church.

Here’s a thought for your week: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” —Pope Benedict XVI

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – June 25, 2023

Written by on June 24, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to head down to Our lady of Mount Carmel Summer Camp in Volant to help out with adoration, mass, and confessions. We are blessed in western Pennsylvania to have such a amazing opportunity available to our families and youth. The purpose for OLMC Camp is to give an authentically Catholic, effective, fun, and joyful opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ through an Adventure Camp and Retreat Center. Let me tell you, they’ve got something right there! Throughout the rest of the summer, there are many different programs and retreats available, with plenty of spots still open! I encourage all of our youth and families to consider spending some time at Our Lady of Mount Carmel! For more information, head over to their website, https://olmccamp.org.

Registration is still open for our VBS which is scheduled for July 17-21 from 5:30pm to 8pm. This awesome opportunity is open to all students from pre-k through eighth grade! There is NO COST for any family to participate, and is open to all! You need not be a member of IHM! All peoples are welcome. Please register as soon as possible to make sure to save your child a spot! Registration can be done online on our website or via paper registration form! More information can be found at https://ihmercer.org/vbs.

Here’s a thought for your week: Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope. Always keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.

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 – June 18, 2023

Written by on June 17, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Happy and blessed Father’s Day to all of our fathers in our parish community. Celebrate the gift of fatherhood this Father’s Day as we honor all fathers and father figures in our Catholic community. Today, we express our gratitude for their love, guidance, and sacrifices, following the example of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Let us remember to keep all fathers in our prayers, asking God to bless them with strength, wisdom, and grace in their sacred role within the family. Happy Father’s Day to all our beloved dads!

This weekend, we joyfully celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which holds deep significance for our parish as it is named in honor of this sacred devotion. According to Liturgical Law, the celebration of the parish’s name day takes precedence over the regular Sunday in ordinary time. This special occasion allows us to focus our prayers and reflections on the Immaculate Heart, embracing the profound love and purity that Mary exemplified in her life. Let us come together as a faith community to honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary and seek her intercession for our parish and the world.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in the Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession and the 40 hours Eucharistic Devotions. Your presence and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament truly made these events a beautiful expression of our faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ. May the graces received during these sacred moments continue to nourish our souls and strengthen our commitment to the Eucharist.

This week, all of the priests of the Diocese of Erie will be gathering at Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe for the annual Emmaus gathering. Please pray for us as we spend time together in prayer, fraternity, and formation. I look forward to seeing you all next week!

Attention all parents! We kindly urge you to register your students for our parish Vacation Bible School (VBS) as soon as possible. Currently, we have only two students registered, and we want to ensure a vibrant and enriching experience for all participants. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity for your children to grow in faith, make new friends, and have a memorable summer adventure. Register today and secure your child’s place in our exciting VBS program!

At writing this bulletin, we only have 40 tickets left for our 300 club!!! We are coming down to the wire, so if you haven’t gotten your ticket, don’t wait much longer!! You may have to wait till next year!!

Here’s a thought for your week: Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope. Always keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

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Around the Parish – June 11, 2023

Written by on June 10, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

This weekend begins our 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration. In this weekend’s bulletin, there is a full schedule of events from Sunday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 13. There will be many visiting priests over the course of the next three days as this time of 40 Hours is an opportunity for the priests to take time to share in fraternity. Please help me welcome our priests and make them feel at home!

Thank you to all who have volunteered to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. At a minimum, there needs to be one person adoring Our Lord before the Eucharist in the monstrance the entire time that the Eucharist is exposed. The church asks that we try to have at least two people present when the Eucharist is exposed. This does not mean that only two people are permitted to be present at any given hour. Feel free to make a visit at any time throughout the times that the Eucharist is exposed!

We are getting closer and closer to having all our 300 Club tickets sold! At the time of submitting this bulletin, we have only 65 tickets remaining to sell! Please help us make the final stretch to sell all the tickets!

Our team for Vacation Bible School is beginning the process of making all the preparations for a successful and fun-filled week in July for our grade schoolers! What we need now is students to participate! The dates for VBS is July 17-21 from 5:30-8pm. We are trying an evening time slot this year so as to help our volunteers and parents participate. Registration is necessary, and can be done online on our website, or paper copies are available in the main vestibule under the pictures of the former pastors. Volunteers are still needed, so please contact Mrs. Oliver or the parish office ASAP! We have a planning meeting scheduled for THIS WEDNESDAY, June 14 at 6pm in the Conference Room. All volunteers are invited to come to help plan the big event!

A big congratulations to all of our graduates from our parish and beyond. We are so very proud of you and look forward to where your future leads. Always know that you have a home at Immaculate Heart!

Here’s a thought for your week: Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. It’s never too late to start again, and it’s never too early to make anew.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

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Around the Parish – June 4, 2023

Written by on June 3, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Today, we celebrate a Mystery of our Faith: the Holy Trinity. Part of the reason we consider this a mystery is the fact that, even if we begin to try to comprehend this idea, we fail in making comparisons. Today we celebrate the fact that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God is Three in One. Simple mathematics tells us that 3 cannot equal 1, yet that is exactly what we are saying when we talk about the Trinity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us an analogy wherein we can see the reasonableness of the Trinity by helping us to see the possibility of distinct persons who possess the same nature. CCC 2205 provides:

The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit.
CCC 2205

When we think of a family, we can see how a father, mother, and child can be distinct persons and yet possess the same nature (human), just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons who each possess the same nature (divine). The weakness, of course, is that in God each person possesses the one infinite and immutable divine nature, and is therefore, one being. Our analogous family consists of three beings. Again, no analogy is perfect.

Our team for Vacation Bible School is beginning the process of making all the preparations for a successful and fun-filled week in July for our grade schoolers! What we need now is students to participate! The dates for VBS is July 17-21 from 5:30-8pm. We are trying an evening time slot this year so as to help our volunteers and parents participate. Registration is necessary, and can be done online on our website, or paper copies are available in the main vestibule under the pictures of the former pastors. Volunteers are still needed, so please contact Mrs. Oliver or the parish office ASAP!

Next week is Corpus Christi Sunday, and the beginning of our Forty Hours celebration, as well as the deanery Eucharistic Procession. We are still in need of volunteers to sign up for adoration slots as of writing this bulletin column. We need at least two adorers each hour during the times that the Eucharist is exposed each day. If you are able to take an hour, sign up sheets are taped to the window in the main vestibule.

Last weekend at all the masses, I announced the work that needs to be completed on the rectory garage roof. The roof over the second floor and living room was replaced within the past 15-20 years, and is in fair condition. The garage roof, on the other hand, is original to the building from 1955. The current rubber has deteriorated so much that it is not doing its job. The estimated cost of the roof repair and replacement is between $26,000 and $30,000. Any help that you might be able to offer vis-a-vi donations or prayers would be greatly appreciated!

Here’s a thought for your week: Say something positive, and you’ll see something positive. Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

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Around the Parish – May 28, 2023

Written by on May 27, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

This past Tuesday, May 23, big news came from the Vatican. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis announced that Monsignor Edward M. Lohse had been appointed as the fifth bishop of Kalamazoo, MI. Bishop-Elect Lohse has been a priest of the Diocese of Erie since his ordination to the presbyterate on April 21, 1989. Since his ordination, he has held many roles and responsibilities in the Diocese of Erie, as well as working for the Congregation of the Clergy in Rome from 2010-2015. Most recently, he has served as Vicar General for the Diocese of Erie. We wish him well, and promise him our continued prayers as he transitions into his new role as Shepherd of Kalamazoo. Ad multos annos!

A big congratulations to Henry Hazi, son of Matt and Hannah Hazi, upon the reception of his First Holy Communion at last weekend’s 10am Mass. This is a special moment for not only the Hazi family, but for our entire parish family. Let us continue to pray for each other, especially for our young people.

Here’s a thought for your week: Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you. With the eye of faith, look for the positive, even in negative events.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

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