Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
1571 S. Martine Ave. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Phone: 908-889-2100 | Email: office@ihmparish.net
Saturday (Anticipated) 5:00 PM
Sundays - 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 noon
Weekdays & Saturdays - 7:00 AM and 8:30AM
National Holidays - 9:00 AM
Holy Days - 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 7:00 PM
Morning Prayer - Monday - Saturday at 8:15 AM
Rosary: Monday - Saturday after 8:30 AM Mass
Novena to the Miraculous Medal & St. Jude: Saturdays after 8:30 AM Mass Reconciliation: Saturdays from 4:15 - 4:45 AM
Mission Statement
“We reach out to all through prayer and service, as we live our Catholic faith in Christ with Mary.”
Download Bulletin
3rd Sunday of Advent:
December 17, 2023
Mass Livestream
Sunday Mass
2nd Sunday of Advent: December 10, 2023
Please “Like” and “Subscribe” our YouTube Channel so we may provide more live-streaming content from our church directly to your home.
Daily Mass
Daily Mass and Holy Day Masses that were live-streamed at our church can be seen on our Facebook Video Channel. Click the Facebook Watch banner below to view all of our videos.
Pastor’s Corner
A Note from Fr. Mike
December 17, 2023
John came to testify to the light, the coming Messiah who heals and strengthens, who frees the oppressed and brings joy. As disciples of Jesus we are called to do the same, to testify to the Christ, the Light. In grand events and small ordinary moments we are the instruments of Christ’s healing, freeing, strengthening and joy filled presence in a world of darkness.
Through our Baptism we are called, through the Eucharist we are nourished and through the Holy Spirit confirmed in us we are empowered to be the light of Christ for one another, for family, friends, strangers and enemies. We wait together for the coming of our savior so that we may not only receive the healing freeing and joy filled presence of Christ in our lives, but also to share it with each other.
Peace, Fr. Mike
The Annunciation to Mary: A Story of Faith
The prologue of Luke’s Gospel is both simple and profound. As we prepare for Christmas let us take a close look at Mary of the scriptures. At the heart of the book, each chapter examines a particular phase of the Annunciation story through a biblical perspective. The deep mystery of the Incarnation is revealed in this passage of Luke’s Gospel. We shall meet on Zoom on Tuesdays from 7:15pm until 8:15pm beginning November 7th, 2023. Please register at FrRob@ihmparish.net and contact him if you have any questions or would like to obtain a copy of the book.
Events @ IHM Parish
Online Giving Options
“Your continued support during these difficult times is important for the Church to continue to do its work. Thank you!”
Youth & Family
A Message from Our Faith Formation Pastoral Associate: John McGuire
December 17, 2023
One of my favorite pieces of media that I like to watch every Advent, in preparation for Christmas is the literary classic, directed by Bob Clark, based on stories by Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story. Leg lamp, frozen tongue, rabbit suit and all. Such a classic, it came out just a month before I did, when it was released on the big screen in November 1983. Now you can find it on a cable channel playing 12 times over a 24 hour period. Amazing. If you were shocked by this declaration, take heart, that was intentional. As amazing as it would be to try and do a deep dive into the advent messages of that movie, that is not the story I’ll be reflecting on.
Our Catholic faith is quite unique in the fact that it calls us to participate in the past. Every year we celebrate the birth of Jesus as if it were just happening. We are reminded to live in the present as we show love for those who are hurting around us. We are also led to wait in joyful hope for Christ as He comes again. Ebenezer Scrooge was shocked into conversion by three ghosts. One representing Christmas Past, one Christmas Present, and the final Christmas Future. Just as pretending that A Christmas Story was a great advent story, this man needed to be knocked out of his status quo to do the work of Advent.
So without the need of ghosts, let’s use the concluding days of Advent as an opportunity to reflect on our past, and the miracle of the birth of Jesus. Reflect on our present, on how we can grow, and do a better job of loving those around us, and how we show Christ’s love to others. Then prepare our hearts for a future in which we come face to face with our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as in that great Christmas tale, let us pray that we never shoot our eyes out. That we might find true conversion of our own hearts, and like the ghosts of Christmas lead others to do the same. God Bless and have a meaningful conclusion to your Advent Season.
IHM Youth Ministry powered by BOLD
YOUTH GROUP 2022-2023
A year & review of activities from IHM Youth Ministry powered by BOLD. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scotch Plains, NJ. Music video edited by Rachael Flanagan. Any questions about the IHM Youth Group can be directed to Rachael at ihmsp@boldym.com
Song credit by Cindy Robinson (The Climb). None of the content broadcasted on this channel is monetized. All rights reserved.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR OTHER 7th & 8th GRADE NIGHTS in 2023:
Sunday December 17, 2023 @ 7PM: Christmas Jammies Party
Sunday January 7, 2024 @ 7PM: Night of Eucharistic Adoration
Monday January 15, 2024 @ 9AM: MLK Senior Lunch & Bingo
February 9-11, 2024: BOLD Ski Trip @ Gore Mountain, NY
get Involved!
Women’s Prayer Group
The Women's Prayer Group will gather again on Thursday January 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM on ZOOM. Email Tracey at tefoleyihm@gmail.com for more details. Prayer connects us all!
Lectio Divina/
Prayer Group
Join us for some Lectio Divina, reflection, discussion and quiet time as we deepen our personal relationship with God. Prayer Group will be taking a break for the winter. But the team is expected to return Thursday March 7, 2024 from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM. Contact Phyllis at tman18912@comcast.net or call 908-889-2100.
Men’s Scripture Group
The Men’s Scripture & Discussion Group will gather for a VIRTUAL session on Thursday night December 21 at 7:30 PM on ZOOM. Contact David at dndiken@aol.com for more information.
Alpha
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe and everyone is welcome. It runs online, in cafés, churches, universities, homes—you name it! No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have three key things in common: hospitality, a talk and good conversation.
BETA
Beta picks up where Alpha left off. Great conversations & a safe space to reflect. Explore your faith. Dive deeper! Discuss how faith affects your life. Open to all. You don’t have to be an Alpha graduate to join Beta. Everyone is welcome. Meetings twice a month on Zoom. Short films with small group discussions. At Beta, you can seek more answers to life’s big questions with others. Tell us what you think. We would love to know!
PRAYER SHAWL
Knitters and crocheters as well as those who want to learn are welcome to join the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The completed prayer shawls will be distributed to the sick of our parish. Meetings are on the 3rd Sunday of every month, after the 10:00 AM Mass. Starting on Sunday December 17 at 11:00 AM in the Nazareth Center. All are welcome! Contact Marion if you have any questions.
Choir/Music
IHM Church Choir has practice every Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. All skill levels are welcome. If you can sing in the shower or in your car, you can definitely sing with us! Flex those vocal chords for the holy spirit and meet new friends from the parish. If you would like to share your gift of music with our church, or if you would just like to listen. Please contact Katie if you are interested.
Video Team
We need volunteers to help livestream daily Mass at 8:30 AM. Typically Mass lasts between 25-35 minutes. No technical background required. We will teach you everything we know. Role requires operating the camera while attending Mass. There is no long-term commitment. This will be great experience for film students or seniors wishing to expand their technical knowledge. Please contact Rick if you’d like to help.
Hospitality
We live to serve our parish and our community as a whole. The Hospitality Ministry is a collective of talented individuals that will gather for our parish events to help prepare food, serve our guests and clean up afterwards. It’s a great way to give back to our parish community and build healthy friendships along the way. Please contact Tracey if you would like to assist the Hospitality Ministry.
Food Pantry
“When is Food Pantry open?”
Every Wednesday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM
Every 2nd Sunday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM
Next Sunday Food Pantry: January 14, 2024 >
Next Sunday Food Pantry: January 14, 2024 >
We are located behind the church at 1571 South Martine Avenue. Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076. Please bring your donations to the back of the church. Place the items in the wooden crate near the backdoors. You may also drop donations off at the Nazareth Center. Thank you for your generosity!
List of acceptable items:
• Cake Mix
• Shelf Stable Milk
• Cooking Oils
• Canned Veggies
• Tomato Sauce
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Soup
• Coffee
• Canned Beans
• Canned Tuna
• Canned Chicken
• Canned Salmon
• Toothpaste
• Canned Fruit Juice
• Soap
• Pancake Mix & Syrup
• Pasta
• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Feminine Products
• Hot & Cold Cereals
• Baby Products
• Boxed Potatoes
• Diapers
• Snacks
• Deodorant
• Rice
• Mac & Cheese
Archdiocese Update
December 15, 2023
My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Sunday, December 17, is Gaudete Sunday. It is a day midway through the Advent season when we are called to be especially joyful because the Lord is near. In the Second reading for Gaudete Sunday (1 Thess 5:16–24), St. Paul admonishes the Thessalonians (and all of us) with these words: Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Disciples of Jesus Christ should always be joyful—even in challenging, difficult times—but our anticipation of Christ’s return at Christmas, and at the end of time, compel us to sing out our joy in a special way.
Synod on Synodality Update from Cardinal Tobin
October 21, 2023
Cardinal Tobin offers reflections from Rome, Italy after the opening weeks of the Synod of Bishops.
Synod: Week I
Synod: Week II
Synod: Week III
Good news
Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting
December 13, 2023
Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Our trees were dedicated to the family and friends at the parish we lost this year. Gone but never forgotten. Filmed live on Saturday December 9th, 2023.
Thanksgiving Prayer Service
November 20, 2023
Join the Scotch Plains Fanwood Ministerium in an evening of prayer from several religious leaders from around the community. Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist ministers unite to promote peace and tolerance for all.
Blessing of the Animals
October 7, 2023
Check out Fr. Rob as he offers a holy anointing to all the animal friends of the parish. Cats and dogs from around the area put their differences aside and gathered around our priest on a rainy day for blessings and treats.
Resources
Formed.org is "Catholic Faith On Demand". Similar to Netflix, Formed.org gives you access to Catholic faith inspired movies, cartoons, audio books, comic books, radio talks, podcasts and a whole lot more. The parish council at Immaculate Heart of Mary has purchased a FORMED.org subscription so that all our parishioners will have access to great Catholic content at no additional charge to you. It’s our gift, so your family can have access to wholesome entertainment that is both engaging and informative.
Signing up on FORMED has become a lot easier and parish codes and custom registration URLs are no longer needed. Go to formed.org/signup. Enter zip code 07076 and select Immaculate Heart of Mary as your parish to activate your FREE subscription.
Need help setting up the Hallow app on your phone? No problem!
Click on the Hallow logo to access our easy-to-follow guide. If you already have an account, scroll to the bottom and click “Log In Here” No payment info is needed to complete Hallow Plus account creation. Parishioners will have full access to the app through the start of Easter with no credit card required. We’re so grateful to pray with you this season! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Hallow team at info@hallow.app
SCAM DISCLOSURE
As a periodic reminder, there has been an increase in the number of fraudulent emails across the country. Financial losses can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars and are often uninsured. Recently we have received notification of email and text scams that will use the name of one of our pastors to solicit funds in the form of gift cards or cash donations. You might notice Fr. Mike’s or Fr. Rob’s name concluding the request? Our pastors have already heard from parishioners who have received emails or text messages, seemingly from the priest asking for donations, account numbers or gift card requests. Please note that our parishes and schools do not raise money in this manner and to exercise the utmost caution when receiving this type of communication.
I: Always check the e-mail address and subject line from the recipient: Our communications always come from @ihmparish.net. If there is an unfamiliar e-mail address being used from a person you know, or if you notice spelling errors in their name, it's most likely a scam. DO NOT REPLY OR CLICK ON LINKS FROM THOSE MESSAGES! They are designed to "phish" important information from your computer.
II: Report Spam/Report Phishing/Flag E-Mail: Most e-mail platforms have the option to “Report Spam” or "Report Phishing" or "Flag" to properly discard suspicious e-mails. Be sure to take advantage of these security features if you suspect a fraudulent message. Law enforcement agencies urge parishioners to question any email or text that doesn’t come from a person they know from their contacts. If our pastor’s name is used, parishioners should contact the parish to verify the legitimacy of the appeal.
III: Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of this type of scam is urged to contact the local authorities:
Scotch Plains Police Department: https://police.scotchplainsnj.gov
Fanwood Police Department: https://www.fanwoodnj.org/departments/police
In addition, it's highly recommended to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission: http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
Contact our office if you need assistance navigating through any potential problems. Call 908-889-2100 or email office@ihmparish.net
