Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
My dear parishioners,
Come Lord Jesus! December 17th begins the O Antiphons - 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' and all the other beautiful lines of the hymn to give us a deeper appreciation of whom this babe to be born is. Let our Advent preparation for Christmas continue!
Do bring your Baby Jesus statues to Mass this weekend for a blessing! May I then suggest that you either cover them in the Creche until Christmas Eve or leave the manger without the Baby Jesus until you place Baby Jesus in your home Nativity on Christmas Night.
This weekend at the four Sunday Masses we welcome Fr. Zach Presutti, SJ of Thrive For Life Prison Project, Inc. Please check out the video by clicking here of Father and His Eminence to get to know more about this beautiful apostolate that needs support. A second collection will be taken up Sunday.
Among all the purchasing of gifts, decking the halls, putting up lights and trees, cooking and making plans to visit loved ones, please tend to and beautify by grace the space of your souls by making a good Confession this Advent to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. December 19th is Reconciliation Monday for our Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn. From 2-4pm and 6-8pm (until 9pm at IHM - we will use the Marian Chapel and the Sacristy), the Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation should be offered in any Catholic church throughout the five boroughs of NYC and the 7 counties north of the City. Various examinations of consciences can be found by clicking here. May Jesus forgiveness bring us closer to God, transform our relationships with others and grant us peace in our hearts.
Given Reconciliation Monday and its logistics, our exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will end at 1pm this Monday. So the schedule for the next two weeks will be as follows: Monday, December 19th through Thursday, December 22 Adoration from 7:15am until 1:00pm. Then, Adoration will be suspended on Friday, December 23rd and for the week between Christmas and New Year. Monday, January 2, for the observed holiday, we will ONLY offer one hour of Adoration after the 9am Mass. The usual schedule will resume on the 3rd of January.
Last Sunday our High School Teens of HSOR were able to get back inside to Sing for the Retired Religious Sisters at Marian Woods in Hartsdale! What joy it brought to the Sisters and what an impact it made on the youth. They now have prayer partners among all the Sisters! Thank you to Nancy Vericker with Elise Kuhn and Ray Mechmann for all you do for IHM's HSOR!
This past week our parish school had various Christmas pageants (PreK and then Kindergarten on Thursday and grades 1-8 on Friday)! To hear the wonderful music and see the moving pageant of Friday's School Pageant, please click here. Thank you to our Principal Mrs. Tracy Keelin, to our Music Teacher Dr. Daniel Leguizamon, to our Religion Teacher for the upper grades Ms. Joan Cosentino, to all the IHM School teachers and aides, and the students who made the tremendous evening possible!
I look forward to this Monday's Religious Education Pageant at 4:30pm! The Religious Education Program's Pageant will be livestreamed by clicking here. Thank you to Coordinator Mrs. Laura Covais, to Catechists Mrs. Deanna Ricciardi, Mrs. Angela Waterhouse and Mrs. Marie Tedesco, and to the other catechists and parents assisting her, and to all of our students who will be in the pageant and singing! Afterwards, there will be a reception in the lower church with all the families and a chance to thank all of our catechists, who volunteer, for their generous service. Thank you for your dedication!
To the good people of Bennett Funeral Home of Scarsdale and of Westchester Funeral Home of Eastchester, who once again have sponsored our 2023 Church Calendars - Thank you!
Those who serve as Trustees, members of the Parish Council, the Finance Council, RCIA Coordinators and Assistant, HSOR Coordinators, the Saint Veronica Guild Sanctuary and Chapel Team, the Choir, the IHM Development Committee, the Religious Education Program Committee, Coordinators of the Bible and Prayer Groups, R+R Committee, Maintenance Committee, Adoration Committee, Social Ministries Coordinators (HOPE, Cornerstone, Pantry and the Giving Tree), CYO Coordinator and Coaches, Parish Boy Scout and Girl Scout Adult Leaders, Ushers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (commonly referred to as Eucharistic Ministers), Servers, Gardeners, Counters, Coffee and Donuts (I hope I have everyone - let me know if not!), please stop the Sacristy after Mass for a token Christmas gift to say thank you for all you do in your time and with your talent to serve our beloved IHM Parish.
A blessed Fourth Sunday of Advent to you!
In this Edition:
- What Does the Advent Wreath Actually Symbolize?
- Christmas Flower Donations - please return before December 24th
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Christmas Schedule
- Photos of the happenings in our Parish during the month of December
- HOPE Community Toy Drive: December 12th-18th; Drop off box located next to Altar in Church
- FORMED Watch Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well - complimentary during the month of December
- Bible Study at IHM will now be meeting on Tuesdays from 7:00PM-8:30PM
- 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)
- Holy Communion for those with Gluten Sensitivities
- Liturgical Ministries sign up for Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and Ushers
- Senior Parishioner seeks small apartment in Parish
Sunday, December 18, 2022 | Fourth Sunday of Advent | Matthew 1:18-24
Friends, the Gospel for today presents Matthew’s version of the Incarnation.
The central claim of Christianity—still startling after two thousand years—is that God became human. The creator of the cosmos, who transcends any definition or concept, took to himself a nature like ours, becoming one of us. Christianity asserts that the infinite and the finite met, that the eternal and the temporal embraced, that the fashioner of the galaxies and planets became a baby too weak even to raise his head.
And to make the humor even more pointed, this incarnation of God was first made manifest not in Rome, Athens, or Babylon, not in a great cultural or political capital, but in Bethlehem of Judea, a tiny outpost in the corner of the Roman Empire.
One might laugh derisively at this joke—as many have over the centuries—but, as G.K. Chesterton observed, the heart of even the most skeptical person is changed simply for having heard this message. Christian believers up and down the years are those who have laughed with delight at this sacred joke and have never tired of hearing it repeated.
Bishop Robert Barron
The central claim of Christianity—still startling after two thousand years—is that God became human. The creator of the cosmos, who transcends any definition or concept, took to himself a nature like ours, becoming one of us. Christianity asserts that the infinite and the finite met, that the eternal and the temporal embraced, that the fashioner of the galaxies and planets became a baby too weak even to raise his head.
And to make the humor even more pointed, this incarnation of God was first made manifest not in Rome, Athens, or Babylon, not in a great cultural or political capital, but in Bethlehem of Judea, a tiny outpost in the corner of the Roman Empire.
One might laugh derisively at this joke—as many have over the centuries—but, as G.K. Chesterton observed, the heart of even the most skeptical person is changed simply for having heard this message. Christian believers up and down the years are those who have laughed with delight at this sacred joke and have never tired of hearing it repeated.
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.
What Does The Advent Wreath Actually Symbolize?
One of the most famous Advent traditions is the Advent wreath. There is much rich symbolism to be found in this beautiful tradition.
The Advent candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Each Sunday of Advent we light another candle as we get closer and closer to Christmas - the moment Jesus brought light into our darkness.
Three of these candles are purple and one is pink (or rose). The dark purple also reminds us of darkness and marks a time for prayer and waiting. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent which is called Gaudete Sunday, meaning ‘Rejoice’ for the time of Christmas is near.
The circular shape of the wreath reminds us of our God, who has no beginning or end, as well as His endless love for us. The evergreen leaves that make up the wreath remind us that God gives us the gift of everlasting life through Jesus.
Download and print out this coloring sheet to decorate your very own Advent Wreath as a family! As you you color the leaves and candles, remember their deeper meaning.
Three of these candles are purple and one is pink (or rose). The dark purple also reminds us of darkness and marks a time for prayer and waiting. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent which is called Gaudete Sunday, meaning ‘Rejoice’ for the time of Christmas is near.
The circular shape of the wreath reminds us of our God, who has no beginning or end, as well as His endless love for us. The evergreen leaves that make up the wreath remind us that God gives us the gift of everlasting life through Jesus.
Download and print out this coloring sheet to decorate your very own Advent Wreath as a family! As you you color the leaves and candles, remember their deeper meaning.
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.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Christmas Schedule
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday, December 19th | 2:00-4:00PM; 6:00-9:00PM
Saturday, December 24th ONLY at 9:00AM
Christmas Eve Masses
Saturday, December 24th
4:00PM (Family Mass)
6:00PM
9:00PM (Choir, Brass Ensemble and Soloists)*
12:00 Midnight Mass (Brass Ensemble and Soloists)*
Monday, December 19th | 2:00-4:00PM; 6:00-9:00PM
Saturday, December 24th ONLY at 9:00AM
Christmas Eve Masses
Saturday, December 24th
4:00PM (Family Mass)
6:00PM
9:00PM (Choir, Brass Ensemble and Soloists)*
12:00 Midnight Mass (Brass Ensemble and Soloists)*
Christmas Day Masses
Sunday, December 25th
8:30AM
10:30AM (Choir, Brass Ensemble and Soloists)*
12:00 Noon (Brass Ensemble and Soloists)**
Sunday, December 25th
8:30AM
10:30AM (Choir, Brass Ensemble and Soloists)*
12:00 Noon (Brass Ensemble and Soloists)**
*Christmas Hymns 25 minutes before Mass begins
**Christmas Hymns 15 minutes before Mass begins
For up-to-date information, please visit the Parish website,
www.IHM-Parish.org or call the Rectory (914) 723-0281
Below are some photos from the happenings around our Parish
from the month of December!
Immaculate Heart of Mary School Christmas Pageant
On Sunday, December 11th, IHM High School of Religion hosted a "Singing with the Sisters" event. Here are some pictures from the event:
Pictured below: Aaron Wang - 8th grader at Scarsdale Middle School and Confirmation Candidate playing for the Monday eve Session for 7th and 8th grades. Aaron is a student of Juilliard School of Music.
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. The drop off is located at the Christ the King Altar in the Church. Your generosity is appreciated!
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.
IHM BIBLE STUDY - Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
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.
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
HOLY COMMUNION FOR THOSE
WITH GLUTEN SENSITIVITIES
For any who have sensitivities to Gluten, know that Low Gluten hosts (containing less than 0.002% gluten, <20ppm, fully in accord with Church Canon Law) are available for receiving our Lord in Holy Communion. For those unable to have any gluten, we are happy to offer Holy Communion from a separate Chalice. Please speak with a priest before Mass.
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).
St. Joseph’s Seminary:
Cathedral Prep High School
Explore the possibility of a calling to the priesthood through Cathedral Prep, a program to introduce high school boys to the priesthood in a positive, no-pressure environment. Spend one weekend every other month at St. Joseph Seminary, hanging out with seminarians and priests, learning to pray more deeply, and most importantly learning to look up and listen for God’s call. Get info and apply at nypriest.com
- 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 early this week to gather the Toys and bring them to HOPE Community Services. 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
- 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 17/18, 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 18, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saturday 5:30PM Vigil - Anna & John DiNapoli by Anthony & Gina Becker
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - Lope Lopez by Raquel Quesada
10:30AM - Hugo Benschop by Lucy Benschop
10:30AM - Hugo Benschop by Lucy Benschop
12:00PM - Bridget Huvane by Thomas & Bernadette Huvane
MONDAY, December 19, 2022
6:45AM - Louis & Lena Cava by Annette Cappucci
9:00AM - Joseph Flanagan by William & Carrie Flanagan Milaccio
TUESDAY, December 20, 2022
6:45AM - Josephine Citarella by Rocco & Diane Pozzi Clerkin
9:00AM - Fred Wolff, III by Barbara Wolff
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2022
St. Peter Canisius
6:45AM - Geraldine and Irene Bertolini by Gaetana Rubano
9:00AM - Philip Kurumunda by Sajey & Rajani Kurumunda
9:00AM - Philip Kurumunda by Sajey & Rajani Kurumunda
THURSDAY, December 22, 2022
6:45AM - William Kugler by Bogdan & Maura-Kugler Vasilescu
9:00AM - Philip Kurumunda by Sajey & Rajani Kurumunda
FRIDAY, December 23, 2022
St. John of Kanty
6:45AM - Stephen Collins by James & Anne Loos
9:00AM - Lucia Vaccaro by Lucy Farrell
SATURDAY, December 24, 2022
Christmas Eve
8:30AM - Sister Pauline Cinquini, SC by Sr. Nancy and the House of Prayer
4:00PM - Catherine Murphy, JoAnn Murphy and Christopher Murphy by Patricia MacGillivray
6:00PM - Larry Holten, Sr. & Larry Holten, Jr. by Anna and Susan Holten
9:00PM - Peter Adamo by Anthony & Laurie Ricigliano
12:00PM (Midnight Mass) - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
SUNDAY, December 25, 2022
Christmas Day
8:30AM - Frederick Wolff III by Mary Wolff
10:30AM - The Living and Deceased Members of the Saint Veronica Guild
12:00PM - The Deceased Members of the Grogan & Vaccaro Families
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
Nary Sith
Baby Maverick Trainer
James Hannan
Nick Ciampanelli
Louise Ciampanelli
James Micillo
Antonietta Altobello
Frances Galante
Lucille Reynolds
Martin Verendia
The Deceased of Our Parish
John Costello
Luann Branowitz
Janet Ann Triano-Beddows
- 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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