Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

March 27, 2022

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has asked the global church to join him on March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, in making an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in response to the violence, destruction and death that this war has caused. Our parish community will gather tomorrow March 25th at 12 noon to pray together the Act of Consecration followed by the Stations of the Cross. I invite you to join us and the universal church who will be making this Act throughout the day. Our communal gathering will be live streamed from our Facebook page as well. If you are unable to join us at noon you can also do this on your own using the below text, which will also be posted on our website. Let us continue to pray and act for peace in Ukraine, Russia and throughout the world. - Fr. Mike

IHM Food Pantry in Scotch Plains Struggles to Keep up with Growing Need

March 4, 2022: IHM Food Pantry in Scotch Plains Struggles to Keep up with Growing Need

"We have seen massive generosity, and we should be well stocked, but Wednesday was our biggest day yet in terms of guests. There was an endless stream of cars," said Geraldine Keough of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) food pantry on Martine Ave. in Scotch Plains. "We're at a critical low, and our volunteers have been scrambling to keep up with the volume." Click the image to read the full article on Tap Into.

Updated COVID Directives

February 16, 2022

STILL IN EFFECT: Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated persons. If not fully vaccinated, persons are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidance and wear a face mask in public settings. People will no longer be required to socially distance indoors or outdoors, although unvaccinated persons should continue to maintain a safe distance from others. These directives apply to Masses and activities in Church. Archdiocesan protocols for Religious Education and Basketball programs remain in effect.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS: All ministries may return to full service – altar servers, lectors, ushers, greeters and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Ministers of Holy Communion must still sanitize their hands and wear a mask when distributing Communion.

COMMUNION: While Communion on the tongue is now permitted, for the safety of the priests, ministers and other communicants, we encourage continued reception of communion in the hand. At this time, Communion from the cup should not be distributed to the assembly.

SANITIZING: The cleaning and sanitizing of churches and common spaces should be done regularly. It is not required after every liturgy.

PARISH MEETINGS: Parish meetings in person may resume. Those vaccinated are not required to wear masks for indoor meetings nor are they required to maintain social distancing. The same recommendations for Mass apply to those not vaccinated.

IHM 2021 Year In Review

IHM 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

February 14, 2022

Click the image above to download the IHM 2021 Year in Review. A collection of highlights from around our community throughout 2021, and some hopes moving forward. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share. May God continue to bless the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish this year and many years beyond.

Peace Fr. Mike

Girls Scouts visit IHM Food Pantry

February 5, 2022: Girls Scouts visit IHM Food Pantry

Big thanks to our local Girl Scout Troop for visiting the IHM Food Pantry to lend a helping hand! They brought a huge donation of food to share with our families in need. The girls also learned about organizing and sorting different varieties of food and preparing packages for our guests on Wednesdays. We had a lot of fun and learned a bunch of handy new skills. Thank you to the Daisies, the parents and volunteers for making this Food Pantry trip really special!

Fanwood Community Foundation Makes a Generous Donation

December 23, 2021: Fanwood Community Foundation Makes a Generous Donation

Thank you to the Fanwood Community Foundation for their generous support of The IHM Food Pantry today and throughout the years. Pictured (L-R) Sara Johnston and Nancy Magelinski, Fr. Mike, Peter Chemidlin, Rich Wagner

Thank you Edward Jones!!!

November 22, 2021: Thank you Edward Jones

Wow! That's a lot of food! A generous gift from Edward Jones Huge thanks to Jennifer Mongold and her team for organizing these items for our Food Pantry. On behalf of our parish and those families in need. Thank you!!!

LETTER FROM FR. MIKE REGARDING OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS AND OTHER UPDATES

May 20, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
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. 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.