Welcome To Immaculate Heart Of Mary Church!
Happy New Year 2022
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3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 23rd, 2022
Beginning on Christmas Eve (Friday December 24th 2021) masks will be required when in the church building and Nazareth Center at IHM. Hand sanitizer will be available at all the entrances and near the confessionals in the church building. Cleaning in-between masses will resume. While social distancing can be difficult because of the larger number of people at some of our masses, some pews will be reserved for those who are required to keep social distance…
Click here to read the full COVID Holiday Message from Fr. Mike
A Special Virtual Speaker Session
Monday January 24, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Dr. Christopher Kaczor, Professor of Philosophy, Loyola Marymount University will talk about - The Seven Big Myths About the Catholic Church. Dr. Christopher Kaczor is Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University. He did his undergraduate work at Boston College, earned a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and was a Fulbright Scholar. He is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life and a fellow of the Word on Fire Institute. The winner of a Templeton Grant, he has written more than 100 scholarly articles and book chapters.
An award winning author, some of his books include: Disputes in Bioethics,The Gospel of Happiness, The Seven Big Myths about Marriage, A Defense of Dignity, The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church, Life Issues-Medical Choices and The Edge of Life.
Important Information:
• Young Adults through Senior Citizens are invited to participate
• Internet access is needed for Zoom sessions
• There is no cost, but registration is required
Click here to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044DABA72AA5F49-ihmspecial
Questions? Email engagingdisciples@ihmparish.net or contact IHM Nazareth Center Office at 908-889-2100.
*This speaker series is brought to you through the collaborative efforts of IHM’s Parish Pastoral Council and the IHM Faith Formation Office!
Women’s Prayer Group
The IHM Women’s Prayer Group will meet via Zoom on Thursday, February 3rd at 7:30PM. Our theme will be "Shine the Light". We will examine the creation stories in Scripture and the many influences that yielded the "final" edit. All women are welcome to join! Please email Tracey Foley at tefoleyihm@gmail.com if you would like to participate. Prayer connects us all!
Men’s Scripture Group
The next “virtual” meeting will be Saturday, January 29th at 9:00 am on ZOOM. You will need to get the details (phone number, computer link, etc.) ahead of time. Followed by the next "Live" session on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30AM in the church basement. (Donuts & Coffee served during live events!) Please email David Diken at dndiken@aol.com for more information.
Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina Zoom meetings on Thursday mornings at 9:30am will resume again starting January 20th. It helps you to deepen your personal relationship with the Lord. Experience this unique method of prayer at the comfort of your own home. Please call Phyllis at 908-264-7456 for information and the Zoom link.
Men’s Cornerstone Retreat
March 11 & 12, 2022
Choir Practice has returned! Choir practice resumes Wednesday night January 12 at 8:00pm. If you would like to share your gift of music to our church, please contact Katie Wills at office@ihmparish.net
IHM Gets Media Coverage
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass
Vine and Branches
A Message from Fr. Mike
Pastor’s Corner January 16, 2022
A Note from Fr. Mike
St. Paul speaks to us today of the many spiritual gifts, forms of service and manifestations of the Holy Spirit that all come from the same God and are given to produce some benefit. Each of us has been given gifts that we are called to discern, nurture and share with one another as together we build up the Kingdom of God. The Worldwide Synod that Pope Francis has invited us to participate in is one way in which we can do that. Not only is it an opportunity to walk together in faith, but also an opportunity to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the Church as we continue along the road of His Kingdom. As disciples of Christ we are participants in His mission. Using our gifts to reveal His glory, His love, we all come to a greater experience of God rejoicing in us.
Peace,
Fr. Mike
Announcements
Please check this space for latest announcements
For a Synodal Church: Communication, Participation and Mission
Online Giving Options
Your continued support during these difficult times is important for the Church to continue to do its work.
Online Giving Through Go Fund Me Link
Text to Give option by texting a dollar amount to (908) 224-3545
IHM Parish - Sunday Mass Livestream
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 16, 2022
Daily Mass Livestream
O Antiphons of Advent 2021
The O Antiphons refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) They are the Antiphons preceding the Magnificat (Mary’s hymn of praise) during evening prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, from December 17-23 as well as the Alleluia verse preceding the Gospel during daily Mass.
The importance of O Antiphons is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah.
This year the priests of Immaculate Heart of Mary offer our reflections (please see the link below) on these antiphons in the hope that they will help your prayer and preparation for the coming celebration of Christmas. May our loving God continue to bless you and your family this Advent season.
Fr. Mike, Fr. Valentine and Fr. Rob
Advent O Antiphons - Dec 22 2021 – O Desire of Nations
Advent O Antiphons - Dec 19 2021 – O come Thou Rod of Jesse’s stem
Advent 2021 - Lessons and Carols
IHM Parish - All Souls Mass Livestream
All Souls Mass - November 6, 2021
IHM Parish - Remembering 911 - September 11, 2021
Special Mass for Peace in the World
IHM Parish and St. Bartholomew Parishes
Prayer for Hope and Peace - Sunday August 29, 2021
Letter from Fr. Mike regarding Obligation to Attend Mass and Other Updates
Please find below some information and thoughts concerning our reopening of the parish and our Engaging Disciples Initiative as well as our recent celebrations of 1st Communion and Confirmation. Peace, Fr. Mike
Lifting the Dispensation of participating in the Sunday Eucharist As you can see by the letter attached (http://tinyurl.com/ye42psq9), the Bishops of New Jersey have discerned that it is appropriate that we as a church take the next step in returning to normalcy and reopening our parishes. The extenuating circumstances of the COVID pandemic have decreased sufficiently for us that the dispensation from participation in the Sunday Eucharist is no longer necessary as a general exception. As the letter mentions and as is the general norm, there may be personal or individual situations in which the obligation to participate in the Sunday Eucharist may not apply such as illness or close contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID virus and other circumstance. When in doubt please err on the side of caution. It is important to recognize the great benefit of gathering together as a community of faith to celebrate the Eucharist. While the ability to participate on some level from home was a great asset during the pandemic, it was not the same, on many levels, of being at mass in person. Many of our parishioners have expressed great joy at being able to come back and participate in person. Some are not ready quite yet. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office or one of our priests to discuss your particular situation. At this time please be aware that the sign up for masses is still in place as is the requirement to wear a mask over your mouth and nose, as well as the need for social distancing. There are still many steps to take before we can return to “normal” so I ask for and encourage you to be patient, charitable and understanding as we journey towards fully reopening our church and our community. We will continue to livestream our masses and other special events for the time being. Engaging Disciples: Update on Parish Pastoral Council A few weeks ago I announced the continuing progress of the Engaging Disciples Initiative and the planning for a Parish Pastoral Council. It was my hope to announce the Pastoral Council this weekend as part of our celebration of Pentecost. Unfortunately, it has taken a little longer than expected for me to have the necessary discussions with our potential members. These discussions have been very fruitful in discerning the potential of a pastoral council, as well as generating great enthusiasm and great ideas for our parish community. It is my hope to have this completed this week so that we can introduce our new pastoral council in the next few weeks. Peace, Fr. Mike 1st Communion and Confirmation This weekend we will celebrate the last of our Confirmations. I ask that you congratulate the young people of our parish whose faith has been confirmed through this sacrament. I would also ask that you congratulate those who have celebrated their 1st Communion. These are great celebrations in the life of the young parishioners and their families as well as our parish community. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you to all: families, volunteers, staff and our entire parish community, for your help and prayers for these young parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary. Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass Returning to Grace - A Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist
Letter from Fr. Mike regarding Obligation to Attend Mass and Other Updates
Please find below some information and thoughts concerning our reopening of the parish and our Engaging Disciples Initiative as well as our recent celebrations of 1st Communion and Confirmation. Peace, Fr. Mike
Lifting the Dispensation of participating in the Sunday Eucharist As you can see by the letter attached (http://tinyurl.com/ye42psq9), the Bishops of New Jersey have discerned that it is appropriate that we as a church take the next step in returning to normalcy and reopening our parishes. The extenuating circumstances of the COVID pandemic have decreased sufficiently for us that the dispensation from participation in the Sunday Eucharist is no longer necessary as a general exception. As the letter mentions and as is the general norm, there may be personal or individual situations in which the obligation to participate in the Sunday Eucharist may not apply such as illness or close contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID virus and other circumstance. When in doubt please err on the side of caution. It is important to recognize the great benefit of gathering together as a community of faith to celebrate the Eucharist. While the ability to participate on some level from home was a great asset during the pandemic, it was not the same, on many levels, of being at mass in person. Many of our parishioners have expressed great joy at being able to come back and participate in person. Some are not ready quite yet. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office or one of our priests to discuss your particular situation. At this time please be aware that the sign up for masses is still in place as is the requirement to wear a mask over your mouth and nose, as well as the need for social distancing. There are still many steps to take before we can return to “normal” so I ask for and encourage you to be patient, charitable and understanding as we journey towards fully reopening our church and our community. We will continue to livestream our masses and other special events for the time being. Engaging Disciples: Update on Parish Pastoral Council A few weeks ago I announced the continuing progress of the Engaging Disciples Initiative and the planning for a Parish Pastoral Council. It was my hope to announce the Pastoral Council this weekend as part of our celebration of Pentecost. Unfortunately, it has taken a little longer than expected for me to have the necessary discussions with our potential members. These discussions have been very fruitful in discerning the potential of a pastoral council, as well as generating great enthusiasm and great ideas for our parish community. It is my hope to have this completed this week so that we can introduce our new pastoral council in the next few weeks. Peace, Fr. Mike 1st Communion and Confirmation This weekend we will celebrate the last of our Confirmations. I ask that you congratulate the young people of our parish whose faith has been confirmed through this sacrament. I would also ask that you congratulate those who have celebrated their 1st Communion. These are great celebrations in the life of the young parishioners and their families as well as our parish community. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you to all: families, volunteers, staff and our entire parish community, for your help and prayers for these young parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary. Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass Returning to Grace - A Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist
2021 Annual Appeal for the Archdiocese of Newark
I invite you to join me in participating in the 2021 Annual Appeal for the Archdiocese of Newark. This appeal will fund essential programs and ministries at the heart of our Catholic mission in the four counties of the Archdiocese to proclaim the gospel, to pass on the faith to future generations, particularly through the celebration of the sacraments, and to care for the poor and those on the margins. I invite you to take 4 minutes to view the video with a message from our Archbishop, Joseph Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R. on how the appeal will help the in the ministries the Archdiocese provides in our local communities. Video Message
Now more than ever, especially during this health crisis, the ministries and programs which assist and minister to so many in our community and throughout the Archdiocese, need your support. Funds from this appeal will go directly to the ministries involved. Any funds pledged and donated above our goal of $69,000 will come directly back to our parish of Immaculate heart of Mary.
Pledge envelopes are available in the church and can be placed in the offertory boxes at the doors of the church, at the office or can be mailed to the parish. You can also make a donation through our Parish Giving online giving platform found on our website: https://ihmparish.net/ or directly through the Archdiocesan website: https://support.rcan.org/a/donate (please make sure you list Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scotch Plains as your parish).
Below are links to short videos that help to see the impact this appeal makes in the lives of many in our area. Pledges/donations can be made through the Archdiocesan website or through our parish on-line giving program: The pandemic has presented so many of us with unprecedented and difficult challenges, and you, the parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary have been so generous with your prayer, financial support and your time and energy to help the parish and to help those in need. We are so grateful for your support. I invite you to prayerfully consider a pledge to the 2021 Annual Appeal. On behalf of so many who benefit from these funds, thank you for your generosity.
Peace,
Fr. Mike
All videos and links: https://www.rcan.org/video
Individual Videos:
Annual Appeal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzyg-t3qiUE
Giving During Time of Pandemic : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KLgR2uImFQ&t=7s
Prison Ministry : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdkeKeV3308
Family Life : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmJm-3Az8wU&feature=emb_imp_woyt
Youth and Young Adult Ministry : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bqqb8B4vZA&feature=emb_logo
Forming Future Clergy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWSAi7LAORc&feature=emb_imp_woyt
Resources
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You can now watch all IHM masses and other events that are livestreamed on Facebook on your smart TV or Firestick - just download the facebook watch app and launch - search for
We need volunteers to help livestream daily mass @ 8:30 am (typically mass lasts between 25-35 minutes) - no technical background required. Role requires operating the camera while attending mass. Documents with details on the steps and hands-on training will be provided. Please contact the parish office (908-889-2100 / office@ihmparish.net)
Back to School Prayer
Dear God, with a new school year upon us, we pray for our students and teachers, that You would ease their anxiety about going back to school amidst the pandemic. We pray for safety for those returning to in-person classes, and for the needed technology, self-discipline, and adult oversight for those learning online. We pray that every child has enough to eat, a supportive network of friends and family, and perseverance to face every challenge with Your strength.
Amen
Katie's Song
You may listen to her on the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suDv7G0ZUz8
