You too must be patient.
Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
(James 5:8)
My dear friends,
In an Advent of full four-weeks, we are now more than half-way to Christmas - rejoice for the coming of Jesus our Savior is near!
It is wonderful to see the community of IHM being built up. In fact one of the fruits and effects of the Sacraments is precisely the building up of the Body of Christ, the Church!
- Thank you to Laura Covais and her team for organizing the Advent Wreath making-event on Thanksgiving weekend along with some reflective words from Nancy Vericker!
- Thank you to Greg Doyle and all the CYO basketball coaches, players and families for dedicated practices and enthusiastic games!
- Thank you to the Parish Council's One Community for a great Cocoa & Carols event last Saturday - and specifically to Tara Ritchie, all who assisted her, and the group of young ones who were a traveling chorus of Christmas tunes that evening!
- Thank you to Paul Doyle and the many tireless volunteers who from an incredible network, who are able to send a parish group to New York City on periodic Midnight Runs!
- Thank you to Dotty Meehan and all assisting her gather and prepare the gifts from the Giving Tree that will conclude this Sunday!
- Thank you to our Home School Association, the Executive Board, Tracy Keelin and IHM School Teachers, for transforming the lower church yesterday for an outstanding Christmas Fair for the School!
Thank you for your generosity, both financial and in personal time! In these days of increased costs for so many things, your support of IHM is appreciated and needed to maintain and expand our offerings.
I am looking forward to the various School and Religious Education Christmas Pageants over the next ten days. I believe we will be Livestreaming the main School Pageant and the Religious Education Pageant, so all parishioners will be able to enjoy afterwards.
Speaking of Christmas, everyone should have received the Christmas Schedule with an donation Envelope in the mail. Pleased note that Christmas is on SUNDAY, December 25th this year.
Next Sunday, may I invite all to bring their Baby Jesus, from your home Nativity sets, to receive a blessing at all the Masses next weekend?
Next Sunday, December 18th, we will also welcome Fr. Zechariah Presutti, SJ, from Thrive for Life USA. This wonderful ministry to the incarcerated, and those who have served their time, comes recommended to us by Deacon Carlos Germosen (who was assigned to the Program last summer), Seminarian Vincent Castaldi (who came to know Fr. Zach) and His Eminence Cardinal Dolan (who may have ordained Father a Jesuit priest and speaks highly of Thrive). Father Zach will preach at all the Sunday Masses, and we will take up a second collection for this wonderful Work of Mercy.
Please give some thought to making a good Confession this Advent. Besides the Archdiocese of New York's and Diocese of Brooklyn's Advent Reconciliation Monday on December 19th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm (IHM will stay open until 9pm), IHM usually offers the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation Monday evenings from 8-8:50pm, Saturdays at 9am and from 4-5pm and on First Saturdays at 8am before Mass.
The increased times of Eucharistic Adoration is such a blessing - do stop by for some quiet time with Jesus (From 7:15am weekdays until Mondays 9pm, Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays 1pm and Fridays 8pm).
Our HSOR teens will be attending the 12noon Mass this Sunday, followed by a bagel brunch in the lower church and then an afternoon annual Service Project - Singing with the Sisters in the Marion Woods Retirement Community in Hartsdale!
Our IHM College group will be spearheading a Christmas Toy Drive this week - if you missed the Giving Tree, now is your chance!
It is such a blessing that since last Saturday and today, 5 school children are to be Baptized, we also have a couple of children in our Religious Education Program who will be Baptized in the coming months and our Order of Christian Initiation has both adults and teens preparing for their Sacraments of Initiation! The wonderful turnout to worship the Lord in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady was very heartening, too!
Have a blessed Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday where we light the rose-colored candle!
In this Edition:
- Giving Tree at IHM:
- Please take a gift tag, purchase a new gift and return it unwrapped under the Giving Tree by Sunday, December 11th
- Volunteers Needed: Monday, December 12th
- Adoration at IHM - details and sign up below
- The IHM 2023 Mass Intention Book is now OPEN. Instructions to reserve are below.
- Advent Reflections: Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Christmas Flower Donations - please return before December 24th
- Second Collection this Weekend: Retired Religious
- HOPE Community Toy Drive: December 12th-18th; Drop off box located next to Altar in Church
- Bible Study at IHM will now be meeting on Tuesdays from 7:00PM-8:30PM
- 43rd Annual A City Singing at Christmas will take place on December 15th at 7:00PM
- FORMED Watch Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well - complimentary during the month of December
- The Good Newsroom: Pope Francis Calls on Volunteers to be Artisans of Mercy
- The Gift of Attention Article
- Southern Westchester Young Adult Mass & Christmas Caroling at Our Lady of Fatima, Scarsdale on December 21st at 6:30PM
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Upcoming Community Events. All are Welcome:
- IHM Development Fund Gala | February 25, 2023 - DETAILS BELOW (sponsored by the IHM Development Committee)
- New York Catholic Youth Day 2023 is on April 22, 2023 at St. Joseph's Seminary
- Liturgical Ministries sign up for Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and Ushers
- Senior Parishioner seeks small apartment in Parish
GIVING TREE AT IHM
Please take a gift tag, purchase a new gift and return it unwrapped under the Giving Tree by Sunday, December 11th. Gifts are for the Dominican Sisters Family Health Agency in the South Bronx; Paradise House, a residence for people with AIDS on the Grand Concourse, HOPE Community Services, a food pantry, soup kitchen and social service agency in New Rochelle and some local families.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We will be sorting Giving Tree items in the Rectory on Monday, December 12th at 9:45AM. Contact the Rectory if interested, call 914-723-0276 or email IHMChurch@IHMScarsdale.org. Much help is needed!
ADORATION AT IHM
IHM is increasing the hours of Eucharistic Adoration:
- Now on Mondays and Fridays the Marian Chapel will host this special prayer with Jesus from 7:15AM until 9:00PM on Mondays and 8:00PM on Fridays.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays will have Adoration from 7:15AM until 1:00PM.
That will increase as committed adorers sign up for all of the spots.
The IHM 2023 Mass Intention Book is open for online Mass intention requests. Please use the link below to view available Masses for 2023 and to reserve Mass Intentions. Mass Intentions will remain opened until all available Masses have been requested. For those who are unable to utilize the online feature, stop by the rectory, email IHMchurch@IHMscarsdale.org or call (914) 723-0276.
Sunday, December 11, 2022 | Third Sunday of Advent | Matthew 11:2-11
Friends, in today’s Gospel, John the Baptist asks if Jesus is “the one . . . or should we look for another?” When this inquiry is conveyed to Jesus, the Lord does not respond theoretically but rather by pointing to things that are happening.
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”
Was Jesus doing all of this in the literal sense? Yes! That he was a miracle worker and a healer was one of the most fundamental perceptions regarding Jesus. When God came among us in Christ, he effected the work of repairing his broken and hurting creation. He is not interested simply in souls but in bodies as well.
And so we hear indeed of the man born blind, of Bartimaeus, of the paralyzed man lowered down through the roof to Jesus, of the woman with the flow of blood, of the man who is deaf and dumb to whom Jesus says “Ephphatha!” (Be opened!). We hear of Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus and the son of the widow of Nain.
Bishop Robert Barron
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”
Was Jesus doing all of this in the literal sense? Yes! That he was a miracle worker and a healer was one of the most fundamental perceptions regarding Jesus. When God came among us in Christ, he effected the work of repairing his broken and hurting creation. He is not interested simply in souls but in bodies as well.
And so we hear indeed of the man born blind, of Bartimaeus, of the paralyzed man lowered down through the roof to Jesus, of the woman with the flow of blood, of the man who is deaf and dumb to whom Jesus says “Ephphatha!” (Be opened!). We hear of Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus and the son of the widow of Nain.
Bishop Robert Barron
Explore the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Faith
Our parish has gifted you with full access to the entire library of Word on Fire's feature-length films, and short engaging series through Word on Fire Digital. Click the button below to browse all titles and watch on-demand.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
When an uneducated Mexican farmer encountered the appearance of the Virgin Mary, he had no idea how the world would change.
Juan Diego was 57 years old when, in 1531, he received a visit from Our Lady on Tepeyac Hill who told him to ask his bishop to build a church on the site of her visit. The bishop, initially skeptical, came to see that Mary herself did appear when out of Juan Diego's tilma fell roses (that were out of season) as well as a visible imprint of Mary on the cloak itself. Juan Diego's tilma, woven from cactus fibers, with a shelf-life of barely 30 years, remains miraculously preserved in the Mexican cathedral that houses millions of pilgrims to this day.
On October 12, 1945, Pope Pius XII, decreed Our Lady of Guadalupe to be "Patroness of all the Americas!"
Mary still serves as an important friend and intercessor in heaven. She’s there to help us all.
Watch the short video below to learn how Mary has continued to transform the world today.
- How did Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego at Guadalupe change the country of Mexico?
- What personal intercessions can you ask Mary to pray for today?
After watching, please add a comment sharing your thoughts!
If you plan to contribute online using WeShare for your recurring IHM contributions, and would like to discontinue receiving mailed envelopes, or if you have any questions or comments about envelopes or WeShare, please use the simple contact form above.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS
Please use the envelope provided in your envelope packets for donations for our Christmas flowers. Your donation can be made in memory of a deceased loved one. Please print clearly. Additional envelopes are available at the doors of the Church or the rectory and should be returned before December 24th.
Second Collection This Weekend:
Retired Religious
The Second Collection this weekend is the Annual Appeal for the Retired Religious. Our parish will take up the annual archdiocesan collection for the thousands of retired Catholic sisters and brothers whose hard work, prayers, and sacrifices helped build our Catholic schools, hospitals, and charitable agencies. These dedicated women and men gave- and give- their lives in extraordinary and exemplary service to the archdiocese, and now, as they move into their senior years, we are able to offer them in return our love and support through this annual collection that helps to provide for their needs. Please do whatever you can to assist our retired religious. Please be as generous as possible. Thank You!
HOPE Community Toy Drive
The IHM College Group will sponsor a Toy Drive to benefit the HOPE Community from Monday, December 12th through Sunday, December 18th. There will be a drop off box located next to the Altar in the Church. Your generosity is appreciated!
TIME CHANGE FOR BIBLE STUDY AT IHM
The IHM Bible Discussion Group meets on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM in the lower Church. The group will discuss the Gospel According to St. Matthew.
If you have any questions please call Tom & Rosemary Roche at (914) 725-1148.
On Thursday, December 15th at 7:00PM, St. Patrick’s Cathedral will hold the 43rd Annual A City Singing at Christmas. Please contact IHM Rectory (ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org/914-723-0276) if you would like to attend.
Watch Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well
on FORMED during December
Many parishioners have very real questions about death. What happens when we die? What does Scripture teach about death? How do we prepare for the life to come? Eternal Rest, a four-part film series, explores the mystery of death and the promise of everlasting life—the latest offering for parishes from the Augustine Institute.
Eternal Rest is available for complimentary viewing during the month of December.
Pope Francis Calls on Volunteers
to be Artisans of Mercy
In his monthly prayer intention for December, Pope Francis prays that volunteer organizations, and those who work in them, be committed to the common good. Being a volunteer, he says, means being an artisan of mercy and working with the people they serve, not just for them. At a recent event for asylum seekers in New York City, we saw how the volunteers and staff of Catholic Charities are living the Pope’s prayer out each and every day.
The Gift of Attention
Have you noticed that computer screens are popping up everywhere? In subway cars, on gas pumps, and even in restrooms! You may be holding one right now. They give us advice, recipes, news, and advertising. It is difficult to escape from the screens that vie for our attention.
Attention is a precious gift. We give attention to what we believe is important. We value our work with our attention. We love people by giving them our undivided attention. We show our love for God by participating in the liturgy by attending to the ritual, prayers, and readings.
But, unfortunately, we are in a world which invites us to distraction. Despite our best intentions, we allow our attention to drift from the work we enjoy, the people in front of us, and participation in our worship. No wonder it is common for employees, spouses, and friends to report they feel no one hears them!
Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation, God’s embodiment in human form. God raised our humanity to a sacrament in Jesus Christ, a sacrament of God’s presence. Therefore, we can celebrate Christmas by becoming more attentive to our prayers, actions, and neighbors.
Remembering that the embodied person is more important than the disembodied voice is essential today — whether that disembodied voice is a phone call, text, email, or post. So let’s use the holidays as an opportunity to give our undivided attention to all those embodied souls we meet and interact with daily. By retraining and redirecting our attention, let’s enter more deeply into our work, the lives of others, and our attentiveness at Mass. It is a Christmas gift that will give throughout the year.
About the author: Youth Faith Formation
The Department of Youth Faith Formation encompasses children’s and adolescent faith formation, and youth ministry. Collaboratively, we work with parishes and parish leaders to support young people and their families from baptism to 12th grade. We desire children, youth and parents to encounter Christ and grow in their Catholic faith.
Southern Westchester Young Adult Mass
& Christmas Caroling
Our Lady of Fatima, 5 Strathmore Rd, Scarsdale
December 21st: 6:30PM - Adoration & Confessions; 7:30PM Mass
IHM DEVELOPMENT FUND
95th GALA ANNIVERSARY
February 25, 2023
Mulino's at Lake Isle
More information below
Mark your calendars for New York Catholic Youth Day on April 22, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Seminary. We will also be hosting a Middle School Rally on April 23, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Seminary. We are aiming for over a 1,000 young people at both events.
We are looking to expand the involvement of our parishioners in four important Liturgical Ministries:
- Altar Server - Grade 4 to college-aged
- Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion - Adult
- Lector - High School and older
- Usher - Adult
Please consider getting involved, your service will help our parish and offer you the opportunity to grow in a specific way in your faith. Support and training will be provided for all interested persons.
You may use the buttons below for more information to and to submit an interest form. We will contact you in a few weeks with an update.
FOLLOW IHM PARISH ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Social Media helps parishioners stay up to date through interactive posts that highlight the happenings of the Parish on a public platform. Please show support by using the links below to follow us!
CLICK HERE to follow us on Instagram
CLICK HERE to follow us on Facebook
Senior female parishioner seeks a small apartment or studio in the parish. Rent under $1,000/month. For information call Dotty through the
Rectory (914-723-0276).
John the Baptist, while still in the womb of Elizabeth, recognized Jesus in the womb of Mary and leapt for joy. This Advent season may we recognize Jesus as our Savior and be open to his joy, peace, and love.
- IHM Women's Prayer Group: Weekly prayer gatherings for women are offered each Thursday from 7:00-8:00PM in the Church Library. For more information, please contact the Rectory (914-723-0276 or ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org).
- Bible Discussion Group on the Gospel of Matthew: Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 PM in the lower church. Refreshments served.
- Charismatic Prayer Meeting at the House of Prayer: On Mondays at 7:30PM in the Chapel. PLEASE BE ADVISED: The Thursdays of Prayer will not be continuing at this time.
- Forming a new parish young family group: Any father or mother of a young one who would be interested in some weekly prayer and socializing with other parents of young child(ren), please contact the rectory (ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org or 914-723-0281).
- The College Evenings: After getting together on the Immaculate Conception, our next gathering will be in January when all will be on break. Please contact the group's Coordinator, David Pereira, or the Co-Coordinator, Katya Drohan for more information (ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org). CLICK HERE to sign up for the email list.
- The Centering Prayer Group meets on Wednesday's at 10:00AM in the Church Library. Newcomers are always welcome. Meetings last around 45-60 minutes. The format includes: 20 minutes of Centering Prayer (a silent prayer form in the Christian contemplative tradition in which we seek to open our minds and hearts to the Divine Life within), Lectio Divina (a prayerful reading of Scripture) and a brief discussion. For more information, contact Elise Kuhn at 914-725-4728
- Boys 11 to 17 are invited to Join Immaculate Heart of Mary Boy Scout Troop 2 Scarsdale. Visit Boy Scout Troop 2 in the IHM lower Church (201 Boulevard, Scarsdale) on Thursday evenings at 7:30PM. Do you want to canoe, camp, go white water rafting, rock climb, repel . . . all while using life skills like first aid and CPR? Then come try us out! For more information, contact info@troop2scarsdale.org. A Boy Scout is 11 years old or has completed the fifth grade but is not yet 18.
- Earn Degrees and Certificates in Theology through Saint Joseph’s Seminary – Spring Classes have been announced! Take classes in person or 100% on line. Expand your understanding of the Catholic faith. Affordable tuition, faithful to Church Teaching, conveniently scheduled classes – Apply TODAY! For more information go to: www.dunwoodie.edu/ma-in-theology
- St. Nicholas: The Academy of Sacred Drama presents holiday performances of historic significance at St. James the Less Church in Scarsdale (December 16th at 7:30PM) and St. Vincent Ferrer Church in NYC (December 17th at 2:30PM): the New York premiere of Giovanni Bononcini’s oratorio San Nicola di Bari (1693). This tale of St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) reveals the untold story of his early life—before he became known for giving gifts in secret. It’s a musical drama you won’t want to miss. For more information, visit sacreddrama.org/nicholas.
- NavigatorACO | Calvary Hospital: NavigatorACO is an Accountable Care Organization for high-needs populations. In general, patients with high needs are defined as adults with complex care needs and functional limitations in their ability to care for themselves or perform routine daily tasks. In partnership with your healthcare provider, other healthcare professionals, and your family, we offer services to better manage complex health issues in your home. Our goal is to coordinate your care so you get the right care at the right time while avoiding unnecessary duplication or services and preventing medical errors.
Parishioners who attend DAILY MASS, can sign up to receive an email each day for the readings of the day. If you would like to subscribe to the emails for the daily readings, Click HERE
For THIS SUNDAY's Readings, December 10/11, 2022, Click HERE
Please be advised that you can print them out at home or you can use your phone or tablet to follow along with the readings in church or at home.
SUNDAY, December 11, 2022
Third Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
Saturday 5:30PM Vigil - Living and Deceased Members of the Kuhn & Otto Familes by Elise M. Kuhn
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - Christopher Murphy by Patricia MacGillivray
10:30AM - Edwin & Patria Lopez by Raquel Quesada
10:30AM - Edwin & Patria Lopez by Raquel Quesada
12:00PM - Jean Costello by Mary E. LeCerenza
MONDAY, December 12, 2022
Our Lady of Guadalupe
6:45AM - Francis & Robert Delaney by Sue E. Schneider
9:00AM - Silvio Mattucci by Diana Casey
TUESDAY, December 13, 2022
St. Lucy of Syracuse
6:45AM - Eileen Hyland by William & Arlene Hyland
9:00AM - Dominick Zarola (Birthday) by Susan & Eric Zarola-Cohen
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2022
St. John of the Cross
6:45AM - Mario Bonavita by Giuseppina Bonavita
9:00AM - Josephine & Domenico Pezzella by Anna & Susan Holten
9:00AM - Josephine & Domenico Pezzella by Anna & Susan Holten
THURSDAY, December 15, 2022
6:45AM - William Falco by Joan Falco
9:00AM - Mary Russo by Antonietta Iorio
FRIDAY, December 16, 2022
6:45AM - Jean-Francois Lacoudre
9:00AM - Anthony & Julia Tagliamonte by Anthony & Sebastiana Tagliamonte
SATURDAY, December 17, 2022
8:30AM - Fritsch Family (Special Intention) by John Fritsch
5:30PM Vigil - Anna & John DiNapoli by Anthony & Gina Becker
Please Remember in Your Prayers
The Sick of Our Parish
Sr. Danielle Baran
Barbara Grossberg
Catherine Rancic Ritiu
Marina Perna
Thomas Lifrieri
Angela Lifrieri
Allison Santo
Rowland Miller
Nary Sith
Baby Maverick Trainer
James Hannan
Nick Ciampanelli
Louise Ciampanelli
James Micillo
Antonietta Altobello
Frances Galante
The Deceased of Our Parish
Xiu Lian Hu
Geraldine Tummolo
Pauline Marcotrigiano
Frances Cohen
- As part of the Communion of Saints and members of the Body of Christ, it is important for us to pray for our sick members and for those who have died.
- If you wish to be included by name, please contact the Rectory (ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org or 723-0276).
- If you are calling for another person, please ensure his/her permission.
- Our parish will keep the name of a deceased parishioner or loved one for 2 weeks on our bulletin and Sunday Mass lists.
Prayer for Healing
Dear Lord, We lift up all those who are
Facing illness Today.
We ask that You would bring Healing,
Comfort, & Peace to their bodies.
Calm their fears
Let them experience the
Healing powers of your love.
Amen.
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