Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Kosciol Niepokalanego Serca Najswietszej Maryi Panny
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"O God, You raised up Jesus Christ as Your faithful witness and the first-born of the dead. By Your Holy Spirit, help us to witness to Him so that those who have not seen may come to believe in Him, who is and was, and is to come". Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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"Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself". Amen
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A Prayer for Ukraine:
"Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid, that You will be close to them
and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion,
strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world
that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our
brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in Your ways so that peace
and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world".
Amen
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MASS SCHEDULE
(8:00 am Daily Mass is in the convent chapel Monday thru Saturday. Doors open at 7:30 am)
SATURDAY April 26
8:00 am Blessings for Roman & Elzbieta Potrzuski
4:00 pm + Gene, Bertha & Dan Leonhardt
SUNDAY April 27
8:00 am + Eddie Florek
10:00 am + Wojciech Komada (Birthday Remembrance)
12:00 pm + All Souls of Purgatory
3:00 pm Health & Blesssings for Bialek Family
MONDAY April 28
8:00 am + Celia & Stanley Gutfranski (Anniversary Remembrance)
TUESDAY April 29
8:00 am For Our Parish Family
WEDNESDAY April 30
8:00 am + Jadwiga Kalinowski
THURSDAY May 1
8:00 am 8:00 am Mass Attendees
FRIDAY May 2
8:00 am + Florence Laski
6:00 pm + Irena & Jozef Wyszynski
SATURDAY May 3
8:00 am + Boguslaw Swiatek
4:00 + Robert Grzywaczewski, Jr.
SUNDAY May 4
8:00 am + Fr. Ed Burba
10:00 am + Slawomir & Roman Uszynski
12:00 pm + Stephen, Bertha & James Latran
+ Deceased
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We Remember in our Prayers - Teresa Maleszewski, who died this past week. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
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A Special Easter "Thank You" - is sincerely expressed to all who gave so much of their time and talent to make Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish's Holy Week services so beautiful, memorable and grace-filled: choir director & organist - Jan Bis, members of the English and Polish choirs (adult & youth), altar servers (adult & youth), church decorators, devotional candle caretakers, lectors, sacristans, ushers and all others who came to pray during our liturgical celebrations. May the Risen Christ bless each and everyone of you! You are all in our Easter prayers: Father Ralph Hudak and Father Andrzej Panek.
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A "Thank You" for your Donations to Several Easter Requests - I want to express my heart-felt appreciation to all who made donations to the following needs: 1) Parish Easter collection, 2) "Church Art & Environment" which is used for flowers, decorative lights, etc. during the Easter season. This includes the convent chapel as well. 3) The Good Friday collection which helps our Holy Father to assist the needy in the Holy Lands, and to preserve the Holy Places where the mysteries of Christ's life on earth are constantly commemorated, 4) Eastern European envelope collection throughout Lent, and 5) the Rice Bowl. Final amounts for these collections will be given in a few weeks, because we still receive a significant amount through the Sunday collection and the mail following Easter. Therefore, it still gives you the opportunity to contribute to any or all of them, if you have not done so already. Father Ralph Hudak.
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The Easter Season - This season is, in the words of the third century theologian Tertullian, "the most joyous space in the Church's year". Today, and for the next fifty days until Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, we will celebrate and rejoice in the triumph of Christ over the power of death. This time period has also been known as one "Great Sunday". You may want to consider attending the daily 8:00 a.m. Mass in our convent as a way of participating more fully, and continuing the celebration of the Lord's resurrection in a very special and spiritual way. The convent door opens at 7:30 a.m.
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Divine Mercy Sunday is April 27th - A special 3:00 p.m. bilingual Mass and devotion will be celebrated by Father Andrzej Panek. All are welcome. In order to observe the feast of the Divine Mercy, you should: 1) Celebrate the feast with Mass on the Sunday following Easter, 2) Sincerely repent of all your sins, 3) Place you complete trust in Jesus, 4) Go to confession, preferably before the day of this feast, 5) Receive Holy Communion the day of this feast, 6) Venerate Jesus' image of the Divine Mercy ( We have a beautiful oil painting of it near Father Panek's confessional room along with a statue of Saint Faustina who promoted this devotion through divine intervention, and a large painting of Pope Saint John Paul II who established this day as a universal Church celebration with his relic under the painting, and 7) Be merciful to others through your actions, words and prayers on their behalf.
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Catholic Home Missions Appeal - Nearly 40% of dioceses in the United States and its territories are considered mission territories because they are unable to fund essential pastoral activities needed in their communities. Your support funds religious education, seminary formation, lay ministry training, and other programs that build vibrant faith communities right here in the United States. More information can be found at (www.usccb.org/home-missions). There is an envelope in your mailed home packet for this purpose. Due date is April 27th.
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Saturday, May 3rd, is the 131st Anniversary of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - a wonderful way to celebrate this day would be to begin it by attending the 8:00 a.m. Mass in the convent. The door opens at 7:30 a.m. Hope to see you there! After Mass, you might consider going out for breakfast, and reminisce about your life as a member of the parish with fellow attendees.
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Parish May Crowning Prayer Service is Saturday, May 3rd - at approximately 4:45 p.m. immediately following the 4:00 p.m. Mass. Hopefully, your schedule will permit you to participate in this prayer time in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. All are welcome.
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Polish Constitution Weekend is May 2-4, 2025 - A variety of events take place on these days. The Polish-American Congress is the sponsoring organization (visit our website: PACOH.ORG). A poster explaining these events in detail can be found on our church bulletin board near Father Hudak's confessional. Join the Polish American Cultural Center and the Slavic Village Historical Society for a Polish Constitution Day tour of IHM church. This will be a video presentation in the church on Saturday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m., following our Vigil Mass and May Crowning prayer service, and will feature historic photographs, narration and music. Parishioner Charles Gliha will lead the event.
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Movie About Carlos Acutis - On Sunday, April 27th, the first Millennial and newest young saint, Carlo Acutis, will be canonized in Rome. To be known as "The Saint of the Internet" for his online presentation of world-wide Eucharistic miracles, his life has been documented in a film entitled "Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality". It will be screened locally at Cinemark Valley View on Sunday, April 27th at 4 p.m; Monday, April 28th at 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, April 29th at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased upfront through a pre-sale program at (www.carloacutisfilm.com). You may remember the exhibit IHM hosted about the Eucharistic miracles that had taken place in Poland over the centuries, all researched by young Carlo, and available on his website, still maintained after his death in 2006 at the age of 15.
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Divine Mercy Pamphlets - A variety of prayer pamphlets for the Divine Mercy devotion are available on the tables near the church doors. Please take as many as you want, and distribute them to others, in order for more people to learn about this beautiful devotion and prayer.
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For IHM Parishioners Information: Plumbing Repairs in the School - Most of the pipes in the school are decades old. When leaks occur, we have tried to take care of them, but in most cases, this was a bandage solution. The boys bathroom on the second floor and the girls bathroom on the first floor required a completely new set of PVC drain pipes, etc.
$15,200.00 (3-24-25) boys urinals
$11,150.00 (3-25-25) boys toilets
$849.00 (3-27-25) preliminary investigation of problems
$16,567.00 (4-04-25) girls toilets
Sal's Heating & Cooling Co. in North Royalton did the work. Father Ralph Hudak
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An Important Notification to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parishioners - Fr. Andrzej Panek concludes his assignment, after 10 years, as Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, effective June 2, 2025. He will then return to the Diocese of Rzeszow in Poland.
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2025 Catholic Charities Appeal Update for Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - as of the February 2025 report: Goal is $9,275.00; Pledged - $4,720.00; 50.89% to Goal Fulfilled $1,357.00. Households are 344; Donors are 10.3%. Remember to fulfill your pledge during this appeal year. If you would like to participate, envelopes can be found in the pamphlet racks near the confessionals. Thank you to all the participants.
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Hot Meal Program Every Thursday - Please join us at the St. John Paul II Ozanam Center located at Holy Name Church, 8328 Broadway Avenue, for a hot meal. Dinner is served in the Parish Hall every Thursday between 4-5:30 p.m. NO TAKE-OUTS!
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District Pre-Baptism Class - for parents will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes, 3395 East 53rd, on Sunday, April 27th at 11:15 am. Call the parish office during regular business hours to register or for more information (216-641-2829).
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Available Mass Dates in May & June - Please consider scheduling a Mass for your beloved death or any other special date. Also, remember that the Saturday 8:00 am Mass has been reinstated. In May: 11th - 12p. In June: 1st - 12p, 4th - 8a, 8th - 12p, 12th - 8a, 22nd 8a & 12p and 30th - 8a. In July: 6th - 10a, 13th - 12p, 14th - 8a, 20th - 12p and 25th - 8a.
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Pre-Cana Days at the Jesuit Retreat Center - located at 5629 State Road in Parma (https://www.jesuitretreatcenter.org) or 440-884-9300. Register-on-line: Click on "Retreats & Programs", go down to "Pre-Cana". Dates all on Sundays 2025: May 4, June 1 and August 24. Cost $80. 12:30-6:30 pm. Topics to be covered include: Communication, Sexuality, Everyday Living and the Sacrament of Marriage. The day will include prayer, presentations, couple sharing (most important part of the day), Mass and dinner. Dress is casual. Register early.
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Parish Pre-Cana Sites Programs - Go to the diocese website for the list: https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/parish-life/marriage-and-family-ministry/marriage/pre-cana.
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Mass Intention Book for 2025 was opened on June 25, 2024 - To schedule in person, please come to the rectory on Monday & Friday, 10:30 am - 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm. The stipend for a Mass intention is the Diocesan recommended $10. Only two weekend Masses will be permitted per every five intentions scheduled. To accommodate those with a work-schedule, homebound or traveling a long distance conflict, we will accept requests in writing. These may be mailed to the rectory (6700 Lansing Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44105) or place in the Sunday collection basket. Please mark the envelope, "Mass Intentions", include in it your name, phone number, the name for whom the Mass is intended, Mass date and time, and stipend. Make checks out to "Immaculate Heart of Mary Church". If you have a special anniversary to celebrate, DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to schedule it!
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Protecting God's Children - The Diocese of Cleveland's "Protecting God's Children" program is a continuing effort to instruct and inform everyone about the protection of children from sexual abuse. To report any past or present suspected inappropriate behavior toward children by priests, deacons, religious, lay ecclesial ministers or personnel associated with the Church, please contact the Diocesan response Service Office at 216-334-2999 or via email at (responseservices@dioceseofcleveland.org). You are also asked to immediately inform local authorities about inappropriate behavior.
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Weekly Donations:
03/30/2025 - $3,770.00 (R&R) - $570.00
04/06/2025 - $2,193.00 (R&R) - $180.00
04/13/2025 - $2,708.00 (R&R) - $387.00
Easter and Special Collection totals were not available at the time of the printing of this bulletin
Keeping the Faith - $102.00
"Thank You" to all who have donated to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in these difficult times. You remain in my prayers. Fr. Ralph Hudak
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IHM Parishioners Support Catholic Education Through the Use of the Blue Envelope - The diocesan program "Keeping the Faith" has been implemented in IHM parish by collaborating with St. Stanislaus Elementary School. Through the use of the blue envelope in your mailed home packet with began in January 2024, IHM parishioners have donated to St. Stanislaus School, one year later $4,305.00. Thank you to all who have participated in this continuing program. You are encouraged to assist in this endeavor as the opportunity presents itself.
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Standing with Moms in Need (for your information) - "The Catholic Church has a long history of service to those who are most vulnerable and remains the largest private provider of social services in the United States. Through the sacrificial efforts of faithful Catholics, the Church serves millions through diocesan ministries and agencies, Catholic hospitals and schools and parishes. From religious communities to pregnancy care centers, from refugee resettlement services to foster care and adoption agencies, and form maternity homes to parish based ministries, the Church consistently bears witness in word and deed to the beauty and dignity of every human life - including both mother and child" (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops).
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Information for Senior Age People - If you have an IRA retirement account and you are 70 1/2 years or older, please consider an IRA Charitable Rollover to benefit your Parish, Catholic Charities, Priestly Formation, Catholic Education or another ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland and/or a "Not for Profit" organization in the community. For more information read some of the material place on the church bulletin board and in the two pamphlet racks near the confessionals.
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Are You in the Process of Moving? - In order to serve you the best way possible, we need your current information. Any changes in your family information should be updated with the Parish Office. Thank You!
************************************************************************************************************************** "A Closer Walk with Thee" - (CCA Monthly Grief Support E-Newsletter) - Subscribe to the Catholic Cemeteries Association's monthly grief support e-newsletter, "A Closer Walk with Thee". This e-newsletter is emailed the first Tuesday of each month to any family/individual who has expressed an interest in our bereavement programs. To subscribe to this valued grief support resource, visit: https://www.clecem.org/Information/Bereavement.aspx and click the tan signup box on the right side, contact Rhonda (rabrams@clecem.org) or call 216-930-4866. You can also click this link and go directly to the signup (https://bit.ly/ccabereavementbulletin).
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Catholic Cemeteries Association Grief Support/ "In-Office" and "Virtual" - We continue to provide free monthly grief support groups in two formats: In-Office (3pm) and Virtually (5pm). Our Grief Support Groups meet the 3rd Sunday of every month. Meetings are open discussion format, surrounding a monthly topic or whatever is on your heart. They do not build off each other so you can stop in any monthly and fit right in. If you are not yet able to talk about your grief, just come to listen and be in the presence of those who understand. The April 27th topic is "Mother's Day & Grief". We offer a comfortable, private and safe environment where you are free to explore your grief. Catholic Cemeteries Association follows the guidelines set by the CDC, the State of Ohio and the Diocese of Cleveland regarding COVID-19 protocols. We do however strongly suggest that those not yet vaccinated or who are otherwise vulnerable, continue to wear a facemask. CCA will continue to follow strong hygiene practices and encourage all who are ill to stay at home. Our Virtual Grief Support Group and our monthly grief support e-newsletter are excellent alternatives for individuals who are not able to join us in person for Grief Support. In Office: 3-4:00 pm at St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon (new office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron (office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Brookpark (office); Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland (office); All Saints Cemetery, Northfield (office) and All Souls Cemetery, Chardon (office). Virtual: 5-6:00 pm via ZOOM follows the same monthly topic discussion as the in-office groups. Sign-up at http://bit.ly/ccavirtualgriefsupportgroup to receive login information and the handout materials. You can join virtually from any Wi-Fi enabled are via computer, laptop, smartphone, or even without Wi-Fi (via audio only) from your analog phone. If you do not have Wi-Fi or email, please contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866. Your RSVP for both In-Person and Virtual Grief Support is appreciated but not required to attend. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866 or rabrams@clecem.org.
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Practicing Spiritual Communion - When the faithful are unable to physically attend Mass, they should be recommended to practice "spiritual communion", an act to which the saints have given a consistent witness. Spiritual communion is a traditional practice of expressing to the Lord our longing for Him and our desire for Him to enter our hearts. St. Theresa of Avila (1515-82) said: "When you do not receive Communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you". While there is no formula prescribed by the Church to make to an act of spiritual communion, prayers composed by various saints are part of the Church's rich treasury of devotions. One of the more popular acts of spiritual communion comes from St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787): "My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You". Amen
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The Sunday television Mass can be seen at 10:00 am on WUAB Channel 43 - This provides viewers with an opportunity to take part in the weekly celebration of the Mass at a much more convenient time. In addition, WUAB 43 is an over-the-air station that is accessible even to those without cable TV. Those with cable TV need only check their local cable system listing to determine where WUAB is located on their local channel line-up. The weekly TV Mass is produced by the Diocese of Cleveland. It originates from the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. The televised Mass has been a staple of religious programming on Northeast Ohio airwaves for decades, cultivating a dedicated and faithful following. It is hoped that viewers will continue to tune in on this new station at this new, more convenient time. The TV Mass can also be accessed on demand starting Saturday evening and running throughout Sunday on the Diocese of Cleveland website, www.dioceseofcleveland.org. In addition, the Mass can be heard on the radio on AM 1260 The Rock at 4:00 pm on Saturdays and 10:30 am on Sundays. Also, radio station WINT-1330 AM airs the Mass each Sunday at 9:00 am and Cox Communications cable subscribers can view the Mass on Sunday at 11:30 am on channel 45, and cable station 18 EWTN has its own Sunday and weekday (8:00 am, Noon & 7:00 pm) schedule of Masses. In addition to the Holy Mass, AM 1260 The Rock offers numerous opportunities for prayer throughout the day. The Holy Rosary at 5:30 am and 9:30 pm and the Divine Mercy Chaplet: 5:00 am Monday thru Friday; 3:00 pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please visit am1260therock.com for their full schedule.
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The Mass is the Greatest of Prayers - Some reasons for Mass Intentions are an expression of our faith, belief in life after death, belief in the power of prayer to help the deceased during their time of purification (souls in purgatory), for a particular person or persons who have died, for an anniversary of death, wedding anniversary, for health, alcohol-drug addiction, financial help, peace in the world, for our government, a happy death, respect for life, Devotion to Mary or other special intentions.
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THE MAGNIFICAT
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His Name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm,
He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of His servant Israel
for He remembered His promise of mercy,
the promise He made to our fathers,
to Abraham and His children forever.
THE MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known,
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins,
my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen
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