Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Kosciol Niepokalanego Serca Najswietszej Maryi Panny
"FROM HIS FIRST CRY IN BETHLEHEM,
TO HIS LAST CRY ON CALVARY,
HE HAS GIVEN US THE GIFT
OF HIS UNDYING LOVE."
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The weekday Masses are held in the convent at the usual time of 8:00 a.m. For the weekend, the Mass schedule is the usual schedule: 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (Polish), and 12:00 Noon on Sunday.
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Returning to Public Worship - The faithful are obliged to wear a mask (or other face covering) upon entering the church and during the celebration of Mass, except for the brief moment of receiving Holy Communion.
There will only be two entry doors into the church; the front middle door and the door on the east side of the church with the ramp (convent side). In order to assure compliance with social distancing requirements, six feet of distance should be maintained at all times. Families may sit together but are to maintain six feet of distance between other families or individuals throughout the celebration of Mass. One or two pews should be left vacant in between congregants, such that six feet of distance can be maintained in all directions. Please observe social distancing.
Hand sanitizer is available at each of the designated entrances of the Church for your use. Please sanitize your hands before entering, when exiting, and after contact with your face.
All parishioners are encouraged to take their temperatures prior to coming to Mass. Any parishioner with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more should stay home. Anyone not feeling well is encouraged to stay home.
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect for the Catholic faithful who reside in the Diocese of Cleveland and all other Catholics in the diocese until further notice.
The period of time in which to fulfill the obligation to receive Holy Communion annually has been extended by one year from the end of the Easter Season, 2020. This is the directive from the bishops in the six dioceses of the Province in the State of Ohio. (Cleveland Catholic Diocesan Memorandum, August 2020)
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High risk/vulnerable parishioners are encouraged to stay home - The Diocese of Cleveland also encourages those who live with, care for or routinely come into contact with high/risk vulnerable people to stay home as well for the protection of those in their care. You can participate in live-streamed Masses from parishes that have it available, or the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Mass from the cathedral is live-streamed daily Monday-Friday at 12 Noon, and Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Visit dioceseofcleveland.org to watch the Mass. TV Mass is presented each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WUAB 43. The Mass from EWTN is at 8:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, and weekday Masses are aired at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
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A Donation to IHM has been received in memory of Rita Drabek from Deborah L. Chrzanowski and is gratefully acknowledged.
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We keep in our prayers Linda Grabowski who has died. May her soul and those of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
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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 February 20
8:00 am For Our Parish Family
4:00 pm Blessings for the Galka Family
SUNDAY February 21 First Sunday in Lent
8:00 am + Frank & Helen Calvert
10:00 am + Ryszard Kocinski
12:00 pm + Elizabeth Koziol - Birthday Remembrance
MONDAY February 22
8:00 am + Marcia Elizabeth Flack
TUESDAY February 23
8:00 am + Deceased of the Struna Family
WEDNESDAY February 24
8:00 am For Our Parish Family
THURSDAY February 25
8:00 am + Leonard & Marie Spayer
6:30 pm Stations (Polish)
7:00 pm + Helena Koziol (Polish)
FRIDAY February 26
8:00 am 8:00 am Mass Attendees
6:30 pm Stations (English)
7:00 pm + Frances & John Adamczak and Irene & Joe Kuznik (English)
SATURDAY February 27
8:00 am Michael Cesen - Birthday Blessings
4:00 pm Blessings for the Kulbokas Family
SUNDAY February 28 Second Sunday in Lent
8:00 am + Wenceslaus, Pauline and Paul Cuglewski
10:00 am + Eugene Barcikowski
12:00 pm + Frank & Clara Krawczewicz
(+) DECEASED
(*) NO INTENTION REQUESTED THEREFORE SOULS IN PURGATORY
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Parish envelopes are still arriving at some of our parishioners' homes late - Due to the problems which continue to exist in the U.S. Post Office, some parishioners still have not received their monthly packet of envelopes on time. In those cases where this applies, please use a plain envelope with your name, address and envelope number on it for your donation in the church basket, in the slot in the rectory door, or if you choose to mail it. Thank you!
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Lenten Regulations - Ash Wednesday, February 17 and Good Friday, April 2 are days of abstinence from meat and also days of fast, that is limited to a single full meat. With regard to Good Friday, the teaching of the Second Vatican Council should be recalled: "Let the paschal fast be kept sacred. Let it be celebrated everywhere on Good Friday and, and where possible prolonged throughout Holy Saturday, so that the joys of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear mind" (Constitution of the Liturgy #1101). The law of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years and older. The law of fasting binds all Catholics from their 18th birthday until their 59th birthday (Canons 97 & 1252). The other Fridays of the season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. With frequent questions about the degree of seriousness of the mater - the teaching of the Holy Father may be simply paraphrased: the obligation to do penance is a serious one; the obligation to observe the penitential days specified by the Church is serious. People should seek to do more rather than less. Fast and abstinence on the days prescribed should be considered a minimum response to the Lord's call to penance and conversion.
Prayer - Catholics are encouraged to pray more during Lent especially with Scripture. Lent is also an ideal time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for the celebration of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection.
Alms-giving - Moved by the sacrifice of Christ, many Christians combine alms-giving with fasting, giving to the poor the money they saved by eating, drinking or buying less as they rely more upon God's grace.
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Evening Stations of the Cross & Mass during Lent - On Thursdays, the Polish Stations are at 6:30 p.m. followed by the 7:00 p.m. Mass, and on Fridays the English Stations are at 6:30 p.m. followed by the 7:00 p.m. Mass.
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Daily Morning Mass - is at 8:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, in the convent chapel. The door opens at 7:30 a.m. Participating in a weekday Mass is an excellent Lenten activity for your spiritual well-being. Hope to see you there!
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Disciplines for Lent are still in effect - Even though the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still temporarily suspended because of the COCID-19, the Church still expects us to live our lives during Lent with almsgiving, fasting, penance, prayer, sacrifice, etc.
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Prayer Against Coronavirus
"Lord Jesus Christ, our Divine Physician, we ask you to guard and protect us from
Coronavirus COVID-19 and all serious illness. For all that have died from it have mercy;
for those that are ill now, bring healing. For those searching for a remedy, enlighten them;
for medical caregivers helping the sick, strengthen and shield them. For those working
to contain the spread, grant them success; for those afraid, grant peace. May your
precious blood be our defense and salvation. By your grace may you turn the evil of
disease into moments of consolation and hope. May we always fear the contagion
of sin more than any illness. We abandon ourselves to your infinite mercy. Amen"
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Prayer of Healing and Protection to St. Rocco
"During your travels on earth,
God worked His miraculous healing through your intercession.
Many were cured of the plague from your prayers
and through the sign of the cross.
We beseech you to intercede before the throne of God,
and send us a blessing of protection from
contagious diseases and the Coronavirus.
Bless us Heavenly Father with your healing grace.
We ask this in the name of your Divine Son, Jesus. Amen."
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Prayer for Good Humor
(The following is St. Thomas More's prayer, which the Holy Father, Pope Francis, recites each day.)
"Grant me O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest.
Grant me a healthy body and the necessary good humor to maintain it.
Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good
and that doesn't frighten easily at the sight of evil,
but rather finds the means to put things back in their place.
Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumbles, sighs, and laments,
nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called "I."
Grant me O Lord, a good sense of humor,
allow me the grace to be able to take a joke,
to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others.
Saint Thomas More, pray for us."
(Taken from the Vatican Weekly Newspaper ''OSSERVATORE ROMANO, June 26, 2020. St. Thomas More lived 1478-1535, Chancellor of England, martyred by King Henry VIII, Feast Day is June 22.) I though this would be a good prayer to recite during these challenging times that we all face each day. Humor is a fundamental Christian virtue. Fr. Ralph Hudak
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Weekly Donations:
01/24/21 - $2,236.00 (R&R - $482.00)
01/31/21 - $2,137.00 (R&R - $174.00)
02/07/21 - $2,656.00 (R&R - $431.00)
02/14/21 - $3,205.00 (R&R - $696.00)
As a reminder, for those still unable to attend Mass at church, your envelope donations are vital for the financial well-being of our parish. Please mail your envelope, or put it into the slot on the rectory office door (do not put it into the mailbox). The bills continue to come on a regular basis as you are personally aware of during this pandemic. IHM parish needs your regular donations during this difficult time to pay them too.
"THANK YOU" to all who have donated to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in these very difficult times! You remain in my prayers. Fr. Ralph Hudak
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Sunday Mass attendance during the Coronavirus Crisis:
4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
January 23/24 34 25 91 24
January 30/31 35 21 97 18
February 6/7 44 28 79 20
February 13/14 38 28 79 18
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Information about the "Face Masks" found on our church card tables - 1) Through the Diocese of Cleveland, we recently received for free, 500 black cloth masks, 2) An anonymous donor gave 50 white cloth masks, 3) Several people through the months gave approximately 125 disposable blue and black masks, and 4) IHM Church purchased to date 500 disposable blue asks. Thank you to all who have helped keep us safe.
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Contribution Statements for 2020 - Parishioners who need a tax statement of their 2020 contributions for tax purposes may request one by calling the rectory at 216-341-2734 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9-2 p.m.), sending a note through the mail, or put a note in the collection basket. Please include in this note your name, address, phone number and envelope contribution number. Thank you.
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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.
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2021 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal is underway with an in-pew commitment process taking place this weekend, February 20-21. This is not a special collection; rather, the Appeal represents the chance for all Catholics to make a significant pledge, payable in installments, to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland in order to support its mission of a society that stands united in its support of the "least among us." Many parishioners have received a letter from Bishop Malesic requesting their support. If you have not received this letter please respond to the in-pew commitment process today! If you have received the mailing, please respond to it. There is a box on the in-pew envelope to indicate that you have already responded by mail.
Love your Neighbor. Your support of the Appeal helps us to carry out the mission that Jesus entrusted to us: "I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Please consider a generous gift that will change the lives of the 400,000 who are served each year in Northeast Ohio. Please pray for the success of the Appeal, which provides for essential programs and services in need throughout all eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland. The Appeal goal is $13.5 million. We invite you to view stories of inspiration and more information at Catholic Community.org/2021Appeal.
Double your impact! A generous donor, who believes in the mission of Catholic Charities, will match your gift, up to $1 million. Do twice as much good when you give online at CatholicCommunity.org/Match. Thank you!
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Have you forgotten about Mass intentions? - I would like to begin by presenting some reasons for them. This is not an exhaustive list: 1) An expression of our faith, 2) Belief in life and after death, 3) An act of charity - Belief in the power of prayer to help the deceased individual during their time of purification, 4) Belief that the Mass is the greatest of prayers, 4) The intention is designated for a particular person or persons who have died, for an anniversary of death, a wedding anniversary, for health, etc. We at IHM have once again reached a point where we do not have enough Mass intersessions for daily Masses. In order to bring this to your attention, you will see the phrase: NO INTENTION REQUESTED followed by an (*). This (*) will be next to another phrase below the Mass schedule: NO INTENTION REQUESTED THERFORE SOULS IN PURGATORY will be prayed for at this particular Mass. We will continue with the practice of putting the dates and times in the church bulletin for available Masses. Hopefully, this explanation will help you to be desirous of a Mass intention for a special reason. Fr. Ralph Hudak
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Pre-Cana Day is offered on February 21st from 12:45-7:30 pm for engaged couples at the Jesuit Retreat Center, 5629 State Road in Parma. Cost is $100 per couple, including Mass and dinner. The events meet diocesan marriage preparation requirements. Visit jesuitretreatcenter.org or call 440-884-9300.
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Catholic Cemeteries Association Monthly Grief Support - The next meeting is Sunday, February 21th from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the following locations: St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon (new office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron (office); Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park (office); Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland (office); All Saints Cemetery, Northfield (office) and All Souls Cemetery Chardon (office). We offer a comfortable, private and encouraging environment where you do not have to hide what you are really feeling. The topic for this session is "Experiencing God's Loving Embrace", but discussions follow whatever is in your heart. You do not even have to talk, but come and listen and be in the presence of those who understand. Meeting sites are sanitized and seating is arranged so everyone is at a safe distance. Participants are required to RSVP so we can plan appropriate social distancing at each location. Participants must wear protective facial coverings. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Rhonda at 216-930-4866.
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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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Practicing Spiritual Communion - When the faithful are unable physically to 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 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 TV MASS HAS MOVED TO A NEW TV CHANNEL AND A NEW TIME - The weekly television Mass produced by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has moved. The Sunday television Mass can be seen at 10:00 a.m. on WUAB Channel 43, the CW43. This change 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 to 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 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Also, radio station WINT-1330 AM airs the Mass each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and Cox Communications cable subscribers can view the Mass on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on channel 45, and cable station 18 EWTN has its own Sunday and weekday (8:00 a.m., Noon & 7:00 p.m.) 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 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. and the Divine Mercy Chaplet: 5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday; 3:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please visit am1260therock.com for their full schedule.
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Mass Intentions for 2021 - Some reasons for Mass intentions: 1) An expression of our faith, 2) Belief in life after death, 3) Belief in the power of prayer to help the deceased during their time of purification, 4) Belief that the Mass is the greatest of prayers, and 5) The intention is designated for a particular person or persons who have died, for an anniversary of death, or a wedding anniversary, for health, etc.
To schedule in person, please come to the rectory, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
At this time, only two weekend Masses will be permitted per every five intention scheduled. To accommodate those with a work-schedule conflict, homebound, traveling a long distance or due to the Coronavirus, we will accept requests in writing. These may be mailed to the rectory (6700 Lansing Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44105) or put into the slot on the rectory office door (do not put it into the mailbox). You may also place it in the Sunday collection basket. Please mark the envelope, "Mass Intentions" and include in it your name, phone number, the name for whom the Mass is intended, Mass date, Mass time and stipend. The stipend for a Mass intention is the Diocesan recommended $10. Please make check 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. Thank you.
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Jezu, ufam Tobie
