Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Kosciol Niepokalanego Serca Najswietszej Maryi Panny
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"My Transfigured Lord, You are truly glorious in a way that is beyond my comprehension. Your glory and splendor are beyond what my imagination can ever comprehend. Help me to always keep the eyes of my heart upon You and to allow the image of Your Transfiguration to strengthen me when I'm tempted to despair. I love You, my Lord, and place all my hope in You. Jesus, I trust in You". Amen
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"O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt, before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary of comtemplating you". Amen Prayer to St. Joseph, patron saint of families, fathers, house sellers and buyers and working people. Feast Day: March 19th
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"May the shield of God defend us. May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. May Christ be with us. Christ before us. Christ in us. Christ over us. May Your salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and forevermore". Amen. Prayer of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, engineers and people who fear snakes. Feast Day: March 17th.
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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 March 15
8:00 am + Sister Mary Narcissa SSJ-TOSF (17th Anniversary of Death)
4:00 pm + Betty Kravetz (Birthday Remembrance)
SUNDAY March 16
8:00 am + Thomas Swiech
10:00 am + Stanislaw Dziemian, Monika Polecka & Amelia Suhak
12:00 pm Navy Mitchell (Health & Blessings)
MONDAY March 17
8:00 am + Mr. Joseph Shuman, Jr. (Birthday Remembrance)
TUESDAY March 18
8:00 am For Our Parish Family
WEDNESDAY March 19
8:00 am + Joseph & Stephanie Kabay
THURSDAY March 20
8:00 am + Zofia & Adam Opalinski
6:30 pm Stations (English)
7:00 pm + Jim Orzech (7th Anniversary of Death)
FRIDAY March 21
8:00 am + All Souls Intention
6:30 pm Stations
7:00 pm Elzbieta Potrzuski (Birthday Blessings)
SATURDAY March 22
8:00 am + Jay Orzech
4:00 pm + Chester, Eleanor & Marya Grabowski
SUNDAY March 23
8:00 pm + Peter & Mary Kmet
10:00 am + Leon Klejna
12:00 pm + Fr. Bill Jerse
+ Deceased
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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 p.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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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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District Penance Service at St. John Nepomucene Church - Monday, March 31st at 7:00 pm. Located on Fleet Avenue at East 50th. Visiting priests will be present. For more information call the parish office at 216-641-8444. All are welcome.
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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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Thursdays & Fridays of Lent: Stations of the Cross & Evening Mass - provide special spiritual opportunities. ENGLISH: on Thursdays 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross & 7:00 pm Mass; POLISH: on Fridays 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross & 7:00 pm Mass.
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Lenten Regulations - Fasting: Ages 18-59 fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals each day, with no snacking between meals. Abstinence: Catholics age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and ALL Fridays of Lent. Prayer: Catholics are encouraged to pray more during Lent especially with Scripture. Lent is also an ideal time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) in preparation for the celebration of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection. Almsgiving: Moved by the sacrifice of Christ, many Christians combine Almsgiving with fasting, giving to the poor the money they saved by eating, drinking or buying less as they rely more upon God's grace in making daily decisions for charity.
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Transfiguration Scholarship - Families of Eastern European-ethnic heritage, (e.g. Bohemian, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak) may be eligible for a Transfiguration Scholarship for their children attending a Catholic elementary, Catholic high school or Catholic college in the 2025-2026 school year. Families must be registered parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish or St. Stanislaus Parish (both in Cleveland); and be able to demonstrate financial need. A FACTS application has to be filed through the non-college school for this purpose, or parents of college students must attach a copy of their most recent tax return. The students must be in good academic standing. Transfiguration Scholarship applications are available in the rectory office or from your parish priest if you are interested in applying. The deadline for returning this application to the pastor is March 15. The diocesan office which conducts this scholarship program has made it available earlier this year.
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The Diocesan-Wide Evening of Confession is Wednesday, March 19th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. - This spiritual event will occur in every parish church in our Diocese of Cleveland. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church confessions will be heard in English and Polish. Fr. Ralph Hudak and Fr. Andrzej Panek hope you will join us, and perhaps even invite someone who has not participated in this sacrament for a period of time. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has underscored the place of the Sacrament of Penance in our Catholic lives by asking us to witness to this great gift Jesus has left to His Church. This would be a wonderful time to participate in this sacrament during Lent. You may even see television, radio and social media promotional ads to build awareness of the "2025 Evening of Confession".
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Available Mass Dates in March and April - 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 April: 5th - 8a, 26th - 8a, 27th - 12p & 3p, and 30th - 8a. In May: 3rd - 8a, 4th - 8a & 12p, 11th - 12p, 27th - 8a, 28th - 8a and 31th - 8am.
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Aid to the Catholic Church in Central & Eastern Europe - For many in these areas, as well as parts of Asia, the aftermath of 70 years of Soviet rule is still experienced through poverty, infrequent pastoral care, and lack of buildings for the faithful to worship in and in which to cultivate their faith. Today, these countries have become more stressed, because Putin and the Russians declared war on Ukraine. There is the fear that Soviet rule could come back. Your support strengthens the Church of this region through grants that provide pastoral care, affordable shelter, and a cultural and spiritual education to those in need. There is an envelope for this purpose in your monthly mailed home packet. For more information, please visit (www.usccb.org/ccee). You can donate to this cause throughout the season of Lent.
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Called to Lead - The Diocese of Cleveland's Catholic Men's Conference is Saturday, March 22, 2025. Bishop Edward Malesic will be speaking at 3:00 pm, and celebrate Mass at 4:00 pm. Location is Holiday Inn Rockside, 6001 Rockside Road in Independence. Registration 8:00 am, coffee & donuts, conference begins at 8:45 am, lunch & confession at Noon. Guest speakers: Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., and Elvis Grbac, retired NFL quarterback and motivational speaker. Adjourn at 5:00 pm. For more information or to register, go to (www.cmfneo.com) or call 216-633-3502. Deadline to register is Tuesday, March 11. Cost: group of 8 men or more, $45 each, single $50, student $15. A flier about this conference is on the church bulletin board and pamphlet racks with the registration form.
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Contribution Statements for 2024 - Registered parishioners who need a tax statement of their 2024 contributions for tax purposes may request one by calling the rectory at 216-341-2734 during office hours (Mon.-Fri. 9-2 pm), 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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"40 Days for Life" from March 5 to April 13 - you are invited to join other Christians for Life - 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You are also invited to stand and peacefully pray anytime between 7 am to 7 pm during the 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside PRETERM - 12000 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland or PLANNED PARENTHOOD - 25350 Rockside Road, Bedford Hts., or SIGNATURE HEALTH - 54 South State St., Painesville. Contact John Noall for more information (216-245-9744) or (clevelandpraysforlife@gmail.com).
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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: March 23, April 6, 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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Operation Rice Bowl - During the days of Lent, our parish will participate in the "ORB" Catholic Relief Service's Lenten program. This year "ORB" asks us to PRAY as a community, FAST in solidarity with those who hunger, GIVE concrete assistance to those most in need, while we LEARN about the joys and challenges in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world. The theme for this 50th year anniversary is "For Lent For Life". The Rice Bowl is available on the tables near the church doors. We have 100 of them. If you wish to participate, take one of them, then, on Easter put your total donation into the large container near the marble pulpit.
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Thank You from Our Neighbor Parish - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. John Nepomucene Church) would like to thank the parishioners of IHM Church for your generous donation of can and paper products to our food pantry (11 boxes) on February 10th. It was very much appreciated. It will help many people at Easter. We make bags of food available for about 20-30 households per month.
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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:
02/23/2025 - $2,402.00 (R&R) - $120.00
03/02/2025 - $2,698.00 (R&R) - $1,165.00
03/09/2025 - $2,491.00 (R&R) - $237.00
Keeping the Faith - $127.00
"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 March 16th topic is "Spring, Easter and Grief: Times of Sacred Transition". 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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