Tag: Updates

Join the Flock!

Written by on August 17, 2023. Posted in Parish News, News. 1 Comment on Join the Flock!

In a world bustling with constant changes and advancements in technology, staying connected has never been more important, especially within the close-knit community of our church. We’re excited to introduce Flocknote, a cutting-edge communication platform that will revolutionize the way we interact and stay informed within our parish family. Join us on this journey of enhanced communication and deeper connections as we explore the many benefits of becoming a part of our Flocknote community.

Why Join Flocknote?

Real-Time Updates: Life is busy, and staying updated with church events, community news, and important announcements can sometimes be a challenge. Flocknote brings you real-time updates directly to your preferred communication device. Whether it’s via email or text, you’ll never miss out on vital information again.
Tailored Communication: We understand that each individual has their own communication preferences. With Flocknote, you can choose how you want to receive messages. Whether it’s through email, text, or both, you’re in control of how you stay connected.
Engage Anywhere, Anytime: Flocknote isn’t just a one-way communication tool. It’s a platform that encourages engagement and interaction. Respond to messages, share your thoughts, RSVP for events, and participate in meaningful discussions—all from the convenience of your device.
Community Building: Our church community is a source of strength, support, and shared values. Flocknote helps foster a sense of togetherness by enabling us to connect with fellow church members. Whether you’re a long-time parishioner or a newcomer, Flocknote brings us all closer.

How to Join Flocknote:

Joining Flocknote is as easy as 1-2-3:

Text Registration: Simply send a text with the keyword “IHMERCER” to 84576. You’ll start receiving updates right away, keeping you in the loop with all things related to our church.
Online Registration: If you prefer to register online, visit our dedicated Flocknote registration page at https://ihmercer.flocknote.com. Follow the simple instructions to sign up and start enjoying the benefits of seamless communication.

Your Presence Matters:

By becoming a part of our Flocknote community, you’re contributing to the vibrancy of our parish. Your presence and engagement matter as we journey together in faith. This is an opportunity to strengthen our bonds, share experiences, and grow spiritually, all while staying informed about the events and activities that resonate with you.

At the heart of our church family is the desire to connect, uplift, and share in the joys and challenges of life. Flocknote is the tool that will amplify these connections and make our communication even more meaningful. Join us on Flocknote today, and let’s embark on this exciting journey of enhanced community engagement and spiritual growth. Your presence is invaluable, and we can’t wait to connect with you on Flocknote!

Why is my church using Flocknote?

Your church cares about you. Because they care about you, they want to communicate more easily and effectively with you (and be able to get your feedback too). Using Flocknote allows your church to easily send you the information you care about most via email and text message.

Am I “in for good” if I sign up?

Nope! The nice thing about this great service from the church is that it’s always free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Is my information secure?

Yes. All of your data is transmitted across an encrypted internet connection, and all of your personal information is stored in secure databases. Your information is never (ever!) sold, rented, or given away to any third-parties. Find more info at flocknote.com/privacy

What if I don’t have texting?

You can still sign up! As long as you have an email address, your church has a unique link on the Internet that you can use to sign up as well. Just enter your name and your email address, and you can still receive all messages sent out by your church.

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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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