Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Kosciol Niepokalanego Serca Najswietszej Maryi Panny
Jezu, ufam Tobie
"Awaiting Baby Jesus - My heart is beating, filled with joy, awaiting Mary's baby boy. For with this child, we embrace the birth of God's most precious grace. Baby Jesus, soon to come! For to us comes the Promise One. Baby Jesus, God's own son, you will be the Chosen one to lead our flock into salvation. Our eternal life awaits. The birth of Jesus brings us nearer to Heaven holy gates. Sing with joy and count the days, for soon to come, the Lord we'll praise! Rejoice that Jesus will soon arrive, the Messiah and our faith alive". 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 December 10
8:00 am + All Souls Intentions
4:00 pm + Donald Jeric
SUNDAY December 11
8:00 am Holy Name Society
10:00 am + Irena & Jan Boc & Family
12:00 pm + Cecelia & Ernest Tolar
MONDAY December 12
8:00 am + Donald Jeric (1st Anniversary of Death)
TUESDAY December 13
8:00 am Holly Nichols (Blessings on her Birthday)
WEDNESDAY December 14
8:00 am For Our Parish Family
THURSDAY December 15
8:00 am + John & Cecelia Jasinski
FRIDAY December 16
8:00 am + Leo & Pauline Sobolewski
6:00 pm Blessings for Pietrzycki Family
SATURDAY December 17
8:00 am God's Blessings for the Swiatek & Potrzuski Families
4:00 am + Marya, Chester & Eleanor Grabowski
SUNDAY December 18
8:00 am + Jozeta & John Kowal (Anniversary of Death)
10:00 am + Jerzy Amanowicz
12:00 pm + John & Victoria Mahnke
(+) Deceased
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Oplatki - are available after the Sunday Masses near the entrance of the church or in the rectory during regular business hours (9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) $1.00/small packet or $ 2.00/large. They will be available throughout the Advent season while the supply lasts.
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Parish Pastoral Council - will meet Monday, December 12th at 6:00 p.m. at Harry's Steak House. If a member is unable to be present, please leave a message for Fr. Ralph Hudak at 216-341-2734.
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St. Stanislaus Penance Service - is Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. It will consist of a prayer service with individual confession in English or Polish. Guest priests will be available. All are welcome. (3649 E. 65th St, 216-341-9091)
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IHM Art & Environment Committee - will gradually decorate our church for Christmas on: Saturday - December 17 at 9:00 am. Any interested person is welcome to join us in this pleasant parish project.
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Chocolate Fund Raiser at IHM - We have a variety of chocolate bars available for you to purchase for $2.00 each after Sunday Masses or in the rectory during regular business hours (9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.). This would be a pleasant tasty treat for the holidays, plus it will raise some extra funds or IHM parish. The candy bars will be available while the supply lasts. Do not wait until last minute to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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Individual Confession Times During Advent at IHM - are Friday, December 16 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Polish with guest confessors; December 21, 22, & 23 from 8:30-9:00 a.m. in English and Polish; and the regular time in English and Polish is Saturdays from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
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Your Christmas Gift to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - As you plan your Christmas gift-giving, I respectfully ask that you be especially mindful of your parish. IHM depends so much on your consistent giving. Plus, I ask that YOU MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOUR PARISH A SIGNIFICANT ONE. Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. Please use both envelopes in your packet, one for Sunday and the other one for Christmas. There are extra Christmas envelopes in the bulletin racks. This appeal goes out to all parishioners: young and old, active and inactive, registered and non-registered and visitors, too. Your parish needs your help financially in order to continually remain vibrant for this neighborhood, the Diocese of Cleveland and for doing God's work. Thank you! Fr. Ralph Hudak
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Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass - will be a special time to offer the gift of a child's love. As a means of showing our appreciation for the gifts the Christ child has provided for us, especially our own gift of life, we ask that each family or individual bring to Mass a wrapped baby item (NEW ITEMS such as diapers, rattles, blankets, baby powder, etc.) as a donation for "Womankind" located on Transportation Blvd in Garfield Heights. A Pro-Life organization that deals with pregnancy care and counseling. You will be asked to present your gift to the Christ child with the presentation of the bread and wine during the Offertory procession.
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"Cleveland Catholic Diocese's Heart of a Shepherd Campaign" - it began in the summer of 2019. It is well underway in its efforts to raise $30 million for 1) $20 million to renovate the two seminaries: St. Charles Borromeo and St. Mary's major seminary both on the same campus in Wickliffe, Ohio; 2) $7 million to care for the retired priests; 3) $3 million to support newly ordained clergy to help pay off loans as needed; and 4) gives parishes an opportunity to raise funds for their needs. Immaculate Heart of Mary parish has already contributed two of three installments towards this goal: $8,704.66 on December 14, 2021 and November 10, 2022. We will complete our pledge with the third installment in November 2023. In the name of Bishop Edward Malesic and the seminary community "Thank you!" Father Ralph Hudak
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IHM Parish Giving Tree for Christmas - Place your non-perishable food or paper products in the containers near the tree by the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, then take an ornament from the basket provided and hang it on the tree. Your donation will help our neighbors in need, and brighten our church for this Christmas. We ask your help in checking all items for freshness, expiration dates, no dented cans, no items without labels and open containers are unacceptable. No clothes or household items.
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Angel Scholarship Fund - New opportunity to support students in Catholic schools through your State Taxes. Ohioans can now receive a 100% tax credit of up to $750 ($1500 if married filing jointly) for cash donations to the Angel Scholarship Fund. The aim of this tax-credit scholarship program is to award scholarships for elementary and high school students. This is a great opportunity to provide tuition assistance for families who wish to send their children to our Catholic schools. More detailed information about this was a church bulletin insert on Sunday, November 27th. This information can still be found in our church bulletin racks. If you do not want to participate in this endeavor feel free to pass this information on to someone else who does. This has to be completed by December 31, 2022. This tax credit program will continue, if you are unable to participate this year. This is sponsored through the Diocese of Cleveland.
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IHM St. Vincent de Paul Society - is in need of non-perishable food items and paper products for the Thanksgiving baskets. Place your donation into the container near the church doors. PLEASE DO NOT put clothes or household items into these containers.
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Immaculate Heart of Mary's Polish Parish School of Religious (PPSR) - meets on Sundays at 11:00- Noon in the convent for grades K-8. It began September 11th. 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 at this specified time period. .
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Need More Volunteers for Seeds of Literacy - We need you! "Seeds of Literacy" is an award-winning innovative adult literacy program that provides FREE, individual tutoring in basic education and high school equivalency prep to adults. TUTORING JUST ONE CLASS A WEEK is all it takes to change a life. We have opportunities for in-person tutoring, as well as virtual. For more information, email (volunteering@seedsof literacy.org) or call 216-661-7950 ext. 115. You don't have to be an educator. Seeds provides volunteers with: thorough tutor training, ongoing professional development, all study materials and lesson plans for each student, on ongoing support in the classroom.
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Projects That Have Been Completed to Our Parish Building - 1) Five levels of the school roof have been replaced by the Absolute Roofing Co. for $195,000.00. 2) We are waiting on a proposal for the church roof leaks. 3) 24 hour security cameras have been put into place by the Power Alarm Co. for $9600.00: two for the front steps of the church, one for the church interior, two for the front yard of the rectory, and one for the alleyway by the rectory. School cameras cover the two other parking lots. These cameras were installed and paid for by the Constellation Charter School. 4) Iron rails have been put into place by the Magic Iron Co. for $5,210.00: front steps of the rectory and the east side exterior stairwell of the school.
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Zelie's Home Recruitment "Want Ad" - Zelie's home for homeless pregnant women and babies is looking for women to serve our residents. We hire in partnership with NDMVA, Americorps and offer a stipend and benefits. Part-time and full-time are available and paid hours include weeknights, weekends and overnights. More information at (zelieshome.org/americorps).
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Polish Genealogical Society of Greater Cleveland - (PGSGC) focuses on helping members trace their Polish family ancestors and increase their knowledge of Polish history, heritage, customs and culture as well as Pole's contribution to Northeast Ohio. Find out more information at PGSGC.org. We offer members tips on searching Polish databases and archival materials along with monthly genealogy presentations and other resources. If you have any questions please call 440-552-0452.
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"Beloved and Blessed" With Kimberly Hahn - News from AM1260 The Rock. Schools out for the summer...kids love it but how are you doing, MOM? Here is a tip to help all WOMEN recharge their holy desire and be inspired by learning about the beauty of the Catholic faith and our loving God. Tune into Kimberly Hahn, wife, mother, grandmother, author, and speaker who offers experience, hope and strength for women in all walks of life. Her program, "Beloved and Blessed" airs on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on AM1260 The Rock, and her focus is trust in God. Couldn't we all use a little hope and trust in God during these tumultuous times! Please tune into AM1260 The Rock, download our app or listen online (www.am1260therock.com) for Kimberly's program.
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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. The 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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Adult servers are needed for Sunday Mass and for Funeral Masses - If you attend Mass at IHM on a weekly/regular basis, you know that there is only one adult server for our Sunday Masses. We definitely need more! We have only 2 servers for funerals. We need your help in this area. Please contact Father Ralph at 216-341-2734 or speak with him after the Sunday Mass. Prior experience is NOT necessary.
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Abortion Healing - "Many people know someone personally who is suffering because of an abortion. If a friend confided in you tomorrow that she had and abortion, would be able to respond in a way that brings her closer to healing?" United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. (respectlife.org)
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Sacred Steps to Peace Divorce Recovery Program - Any person who is separated or divorced is invited to attend the Sacred Steps to Peace Program at St. Joseph Parish, 12700 Pearl Road in Strongsville. Sacred Steps is a spiritual journey that helps heal the participants from the trauma and grief associated with divorce. The group meets once a month, usually on the third Friday of the month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Family Center. If you are interested in taking this journey, please call Deacon Bob Lester at 440-238-5555 Ext 110.
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The Mass Intention Book for 2023 - is now OPEN! 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 designated for a particular person or persons who have died, for anniversary of death, or a wedding anniversary, for health, etc. To schedule in person, please come to the rectory during office hours, Monday - Friday , 9:00 a.m. to 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 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 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. Thank you.
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Weekly Donations:
11/06/22 $2,524.00 (R&R) $330.00
11/13/22 $2,530.00 (R&R) $430.00
11/20/22 $2,266.00 (R&R) $264.00
11/27/22 $2,256.00 (R&R) $345.00
12/04/22 $2,235.00 (R&R) $200.00
"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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Information for Senior Age People - If you have an IRA retirement account and you are 70-1/2 years old 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!
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Catholic Cemeteries Association - CCA Grief Support November 20th "In-office" at 3:00 pm and "Virtual" at 5:00 pm: Catholic Cemeteries Association provides free monthly grief support groups in two formats: In-office (3pm) at six Cemetery offices and Virtually (5pm) via Zoom. We meet the 3rd Sunday of every month except where a holiday falls on the 3rd Sunday, then we meet on the 4th Sunday. Meetings are open discussion, surrounding a monthly topic or whatever is on your heart. The December 18th topic is "The Gift of God's Presence". 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.
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 pm at 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).
Virtual / 5-6 p.m. 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 area 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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"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 at 216-930-4866. You can also click this link and go directly to the signup https:.//bit.ly/ccabereavementbulletin.
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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 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 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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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.
To schedule in person, please come to the rectory, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY (9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). 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.
