Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Kosciol Niepokalanego Serca Najswietszej Maryi Panny
Jezu, ufam Tobie
"Christ be with me, Christ within me. Christ behind me, Christ before me. Christ beside me, Christ to win me. Christ to comfort me and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me. Christ in quiet, Christ in danger. Christ in hearts of all that love me. Christ in mouth of friend or stranger ". Amen. St. Patrick Breastplate 390-461 A.D.
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"
Mass Schedule
(8:00 AM DAILY MASS IS IN THE CONVENT CHAPEL MONDAY THRU SATURDAY. DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 AM)
SATURDAY March 18
8:00 am For the Poor & Hungry of Slavic Village
4:00 pm + Dolores Roche
SUNDAY March 19
8:00 am + Walter & Henrietta Bialkowski
10:00 am Stanislaw & Helena (Health & Blessings)
12:00 pm + Joseph & Stephanie Kabay
MONDAY March 20
8:00 am + Jason Cowling
7:00 pm Polish - Celebrant Intention
TUESDAY March 21
8:00 am + Irene Cesen (Anniversary of Death)
7:00 pm Polish - Celebrant Intention
WEDNESDAY March 22
8:00 am For Our Parish Family
THURSDAY March 23
8:00 am + Adeline Lipiec
6:30 pm English Stations of the Cross
7:00 pm + Edward Galka
FRIDAY March 24
8:00 am + Dorothy & Ben Stryczny
6:30 pm Polish Stations of the Cross
7:00 pm + Malgorzata Kacka
SATURDAY March 25
8:00 am Elzibeta Potrzuski (Birthday Blessings)
4:00 pm + Dolores Roche (Anniversary of Death)
SUNDAY March 26
8:00 am Isabella M. Henry (Birthday Blessings)
10:00 am + Leon Klejna
12:00 pm Blessings for Greg, Spencer, Grant, Mary & Mia Latran
(+) Deceased
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There are numerous dates available for Mass intentions in the months of May, June and July . Please consider scheduling one for your beloved dead or any other special occasion. The dates are as followed: In May: 21 (12p). In June: 20 (8a) and 23 (8a). In July: 4 (8a), 13 (8a), 15 (8a), 20 (8a), 22 (8a & 4p) and 23 (8a). Thank You for your support of our church!
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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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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. 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 in making daily decisions for charity.
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Change in Schedule for Thursdays & Fridays of Lent - Our Parish Pastoral Council received a request to change the days for the STATIONS OF THE CROSS & EVENING MASS. The following will be implemented beginning February 23 & 24: ENGLISH on THURSDAYS 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & 7:00 p.m. Mass; POLISH on FRIDAYS 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & 7:00 p.m. Mass.
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IHM Parish Retreat Days - It has been a parish tradition to set aside a special time of prayer for our parishioners and friends during Lent. Fathers Andrzej Panek and Ralph Hudak invite you to be a part of it. We encourage your participation in all or some of these spiritual experiences. We ask you to invite your family members, relatives, friends, former parishioners and others to join us. This is a holy time for you and our parish as we prepare to commemorate the Triduum (the Last Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord).
ENGLISH:
March 19 - Sunday 1:00-1:30 pm - Confessions
March 23 - Thursday 6:30 pm - Stations of the Cross
Thursday 7:00 pm - Mass and Benediction
POLISH:
March 19 - Sunday 11:00 am Gorzkie Zale
Sunday 1:00- 1:30 pm Confessions
March 20 - Monday 7:00 pm Mass
March 21 - Tuesday 7:00 pm Mass
March 24 - Friday 6:30 pm Stations of the Cross
Friday 7:00 pm Mass
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Penance Service at St. John Nepomucene Church - Monday, March 27th at 7:00 pm. Located on Fleet Avenue at East 50th St. Visiting priests will be present. For more information, call the parish office at 216-641-8444. All are welcome.
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Cinema & Conversation: Herself - Monday, March 27th at 7:00 pm. Shown at the Jesuit Retreat Center. Located at 5629 State Road in Parma. For more information call 440-884-9300 or go to (https://www.jesuitretreatcenter.org). Registration is not required. After the movie, there will be time for conversation and questions. A free will offering will be accepted.
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The Catholic Relief Services Collection - Funds from this collection provide food to the hungry, support displaced refugees, and bring Christ's love and mercy to vulnerable people here and abroad. Learn more about the collection at (www.usccb.org/catholicrelief). There is an envelope for this purpose in your monthly mailed home packet. The due date for your donation is March 19th.
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Two Day Lenten Recollection - The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, 3549 E. 65th St., Cleveland, welcomes back popular radio personality "Trapper" Jack, who is now blind with a re-ignited faith, for a powerful two-day Lenten Recollection on the theme of "Mary, His Messenger". On Tuesday, March 21st following the 7 pm Mass, the focus will be "Mary at the Foot of the Cross" and Wednesday, March 22nd, it will be "The Eucharist-to Jesus through Mary", also at 7 pm during Eucharist Devotions. Don't miss this opportunity for spiritual enrichment along with a powerful personal witness of faith. Why not bring some family and friends...? Free will offerings will be accepted.
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Dispensation on the Feast of St. Patrick's Day 2023 - Bishop Edward Malesic has granted a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat for those who feel it absolutely necessary to be dispensed in order to celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick. He asks that those who exercise this dispensation and eat meat on this day to select another non-Friday day during Lent to abstain from eating meat or to make some other sacrificial activity. His complete statement is on the sheet found in the church bulletin racks. It was a church bulletin insert March 4-5.
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Transfiguration Scholarship - Families of Slavic European-ethnic heritage (i.e. 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 2023-2024 school year. Families must be registered parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary or Saint 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 student 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 applying is April 1, 2023.
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Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and 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 other Russians declared war on Ukraine. One year has gone-by since this began. 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.uscc.org/ccee). You can donate to this cause throughout the season of Lent.
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"The Little Black Book" - is available again at IHM. We are offering the popular Lenten devotion found in this book. It highlights the Passion according to Matthew, spiritual meditations and short educational passages about the season. It is convenient to carry and travels easily in your pocket, purse of glove compartment. The goal is to find six minutes of quiet time every day during Lent. You can use this book anywhere. It is available on the tables near the church doors. The requested donation is .50. We have 50 books. They cost the parish $65.00 plus $25.00 for shipping and handling.
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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 48th 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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40 Days For Life - From February 22-April 2, you are invited to join with other Christians for 40 Days for Life-40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You are also invited to stand and peacefully pray anytime between 7a to 7p 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 Family Planning - 54 South State St., Painesville. For more information, contact John Noall at 216-245-9744, or website (www.40daysforlife.com/cleveland) or (clevelandpraysforlife@gmail.com).
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Results of Parish Fundraisers - The August 2022 Silent Carnival raised $4065.00, and the December 2022 Malley's chocolate bars raised $784.00 for the parish. Thank you to all who were planners and participants in this activity for Immaculate Heart of Mary.
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Are You Man Enough - To Become More Christ-Like? - Diocese of Cleveland Catholic Men's Conference is Saturday, March 18, 2023. Bishop Edward Malesic will be present to celebrate a 4:00 p.m. Mass. Location is St. Albert the Great Parish Life Center, 6667 Wallings Road in North Royalton. Registration: 8:00 a.m., light breakfast, conference begins at 9:00 a.m., lunch and confession at Noon; Nationally known guest speakers present for the conferences. The theme is "Why Pursue Holiness?" For more information or to register, go to (www.cmfneo.com) or call Joel Bollenbacher at 216-633-3502. Deadline to register is Monday, March 13th. A group of 8 men or more: $30 each, single $35 and student $15. A flier about this conference is on the church bulletin board.
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Pre-Cana Day - is offered 12:45-6:30 p.m. for engaged couples at the Jesuit Retreat Center, 5629 State Road in Parma. Cost is $75/couple, including Mass and dinner. Topics to be covered include: Communication, Sexuality, Everyday living, and the Sacrament of Marriage. This program meets Cleveland Diocese marriage preparation requirements. Dates for 2023 are Sundays: April 23, May 7, June 4, no July date, August 20, September 17, October 8 and November 5. To register or for more information call 440-884-9300 or visit (jesuitretreatcenter.org) in Parma, Ohio.
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English and Polish Missalettes - They are NEW! Both of these liturgical aides are used for one whole year. Let us keep them in good condition. An appropriate way to do so is by placing the Polish missalettes ONLY into the plastic racks attached to the back of the pew, and by placing the English missalettes on the end of the pew seat near the aisle side. The English missalette is too thick for many of the plastic racks. This method will hopefully eliminate damage to the missalettes and more damage to the plastic bookracks. Many of the racks are already cracked. Cost for the missalettes: English - 225 @$1,512.00, and Polish - 250 @ $2,295.00.
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Immaculate Heart of Mary's Polish School of Religion(PPSR) - meets on Sundays at 11:00 - Noon in the convent for grades K-8. For more information or to register, contact Fr. Andrzej Panek at 216-341-2734, or Beata Pierzynski at 216-355-7424 or come to the convent on Sunday.
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Three-Year Nationwide Eucharistic Revival - In their November 2021 meeting, the U.S. bishops announced their intention to launch this revival. This effort is scheduled to officially begin on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 19, 2022 and it includes a Eucharistic Congress in 2024. This bishops' goal is to "rekindle a Eucharistic love and a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by embracing Trust, Beauty and Goodness of His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist." A diocesan focus will include Eucharistic processions and adoration events. Beginning in 2023, the Parish year will emphasize what the Eucharist really means. The third year 2024, includes a Eucharistic Congress in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis from July 17-21. Further development of this revival will be forthcoming.
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The Mass Intention Book for 2023 - is OPENED! 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 deceased during their time of purification, 4) Belief that Mass is the greatest of prayers, and 5) The intention designated for a particular person or persons who have died, for anniversary of death, or wedding anniversary, for health, etc. To schedule in person, please come to the rectory during regular business hours (Mon.-Fri. 9:00 -3:00 p.m.) At this time, only two weekend Masses will be permitted per every five intentions scheduled. To accommodate those with a work-schedule conflict, homebound, traveling a long distance or due to the corona virus, WE WILL ACCEPT REQUESTS IN WRITING. These may be mailed to the rectory (6700 Lansing Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44105) or put into the slot on the rectory office door (do not put in 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 and time and the stipend. The stipend for a Mass intention is the diocesan recommended $10. Please make checks out to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. If you have a special occasion DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to schedule. Thank You!
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WEEKLY DONATIONS:
03/05/2023 - $2,717.00 (R&R) $400.00
03/12/2023 - $1.989/00 (R&R) $197.00
"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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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 from maternity homes to parish based ministries, the Church consistently bears witness in word and deed to the beauty and dignity of ever human life - including both mother and child." (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)
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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 (216-341-2734).
Thank You!
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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 (3 p.m.) and Virtually (5 p.m.). 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 and listen and be in the presence of those who understand. The March 19th 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. Come and be in the presence of those who understand. The 3 p.m. In-Office meet in the main office building at each of the following 6 cemetery locations: All Saints, Northfield 480 W. Highland Road, All Souls, Chardon 10366 Chardon Road, Calvary Cemetery, 10000 Miles Avenue, Holy Cross, Akron 100 E. Waterloo Road, Holy Cross, Brookpark 14609 Brookpark Road and St. Joseph, Avon 32789 Detroit Road.
*Important Notice: During our unpredictable winter weather months, please check the weather forecast and if there is inclement weather, please check the voice mail greeting at 216-930-4866 for any potential office closures before you drive to any of these locations. Your safety is our number one objective. Our Virtual Grief Support Group remains an alternative for any in-office meeting cancellations.
The 5:00 p.m. Virtual Grief Support meets for an hour via Zoom and follows the same monthly topic discussion as the in-office groups. Sign-up at http://bit.ly/ccavirtualgriefsupportgroup to receive login information and to download the handout materials. You can join virtually from any Wi-Fi enabled 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.
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"A Closer Walk With Thee" - CCA Monthly Grief Support E-Newsletter: Our monthly grief support e-newsletter, "A Closer Walk With Thee" provides much of the same helpful grief support information that is presented at the monthly meetings but can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home and from any device where you can access your email. This newsletter is emailed the first Tuesday of each month to any family/individual who has expressed an interest in our bereavement.
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Information for Senior Age People - If you have an IRA retirement account and you are 70-1/2 years old, 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 placed on the church bulletin board and in the two pamphlet racks near the confessionals.
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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 responseservice@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 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 (1515-1582) said: "When you do not receive Communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make 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 most 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
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 a.m. 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 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 Mas 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, Mass can be heard on the radio on, AM1260 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 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 a.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.
