Blessed are they
who follow the law of the Lord!
My dear friends,
There is something beautiful, simple and uncomplicated about taking Jesus' words and putting them into action in our lives.
-"Take up your Cross and follow after me."
-"Repent and believe in the Gospel."
-"Do this in memory of me."
-"Love one another as I have loved you."
God made us and cares for us very much. Jesus gives us the path and way that will lead from a world marked by Original Sin, to a life of grace, heaven and eternal joy.
But how often do we complicate the teachings of Jesus, explain them away, make other values - even good ones, primary, or perhaps we have forgotten some of our Lord's words?
In Sunday's Gospel Jesus has some simple, yet powerful things to say about anger, purity, marriage and swearing.
Our Christian life of discipleship is trusting in Jesus and believing that His words are truly the words of eternal life and that He will give us the grace and strength we need to embrace the fullness of His Way.
Today with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11th, we also pray for All the Sick.
Congratulations to the Boy Scouts of IHM Troop 2 on the fine job they did last Sunday at the 9am Mass celebrating their 84th year!
To all who contributed to our Christmas 2022 collection, thank you!
Looking ahead at our calendar, we have:
- Midnight Run on Saturday evening, February 18th
- Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. While not a Holy Day of Obligation regarding Mass or even receiving Ashes, it is a day of Fasting (ages 18 to 59 inclusive) and Abstinence from Meat (ages 14 and up) as we begin the Lenten Season at home or away on vacation.
- 5:00PM Saturday Vigil Mass on February 25th and Confessions will be from 4:00 - 4:45PM), due to the IHM Gala.
- The Holy Name Society of IHM Scarsdale and Annunciation/Fatima Crestwood Men's retreat on March 10-11-12 at the Marian Shrine in Rockland County.
- Saint Veronica Guild's morning of Recollection for Women in the IHM lower church after morning Mass on Saturday, March 11th.
World Marriage Day is Sunday! May it also be a good Super Bowl game with good food, friends and advertisements!
A blessed Sunday to you!
In this Edition:
- National Marriage Week (2/7-2/14) and World Marriage Day (2/12)
- Parents Night Out: Saturday, February 11th, open to children 4-12 years old - More details below!
- The Second Collection this weekend is for Peter's Pence
- Catholic Schools Week 2023 Recap
- Cyril, Methodius & Valentine; Pray for us! - February 14th
- Faith & Family: Valentine's Day and the Gift of True Love
- Southern Westchester Young Adult Mass - February 15th
- Men's Retreat at the Don Bosco Retreat Center, March 10-12, RSVP by February 14th
- New York Encounter 2023 - February 17-19 | details and link to volunteer below
- Voices in the Hall at Carnegie Hall - The Story of God: A Journey of Faith, Hope and Unity - February 19th at 7:30PM
- First Annual Family Life Conference: Saturday, March 25th - Details and RSVP below!
- Liturgical Ministries sign up for Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and Ushers
- Follow IHM Parish on Social Media
National Marriage Week & World Marriage Day
The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 12) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme, "Marriage...one flesh, given and received" highlights the one-flesh union of husband and wife that is willed by God. It also indicates the personal self-gift of each spouse, one to the other. These concepts point to Christ who gives Himself under the appearance of bread and wine—as real flesh and blood.
A Prayer for Married Couples
Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them. Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them. Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
CLICK HERE to visit the Archdiocese of New York Marriage Enrichment Offerings webpage
Parents Night Out
Make a date with your sweetheart
and leave the kids with us!
Open to Children 4-12 years old
Saturday, February 11th
6:30PM to 9:30PM
Tuckahoe Community Center, 71 Columbus Ave, Tuckahoe
There will be pizza, sports, games, and crafts
If interested, please contact Theresa Nicholson at Novellaiscool@aol.com.
In order to register your child(ren), please send in the attached PDF form with check payable to Eastchester Rotary Foundation to:
Theresa Nicholson
69 Webster Road, Scarsdale, NY 10580
All proceeds will go to Eastchester Rotary International Outreach
Sunday, February 12 | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time| Matthew 5:17-37
Friends, today’s Gospel presents Jesus as the new Moses delivering his Sermon on the Mount.
In the Old Testament, we find Moses, the great teacher, going up a mountain to receive the Law and then sitting down to teach it. Likewise, Jesus goes up a mountain and sits down to teach. However, Jesus is not receiving a law; he is giving one. During his sermon, we hear, “You have heard that it was said . . . But I say . . .” which reveals that Jesus has authority even over the Torah.
The Law is not being abrogated; it is being intensified, raised to a new pitch. Jesus declares that he would not undermine the Law and the prophets but fulfill them.
For instance, Jesus teaches, “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” To be like God utterly, we obviously have to eliminate cruel and hateful actions. But we have to go deeper, eliminating cruel and hateful thoughts and attitudes as well, for God is love right through.
Bishop Robert Barron
In the Old Testament, we find Moses, the great teacher, going up a mountain to receive the Law and then sitting down to teach it. Likewise, Jesus goes up a mountain and sits down to teach. However, Jesus is not receiving a law; he is giving one. During his sermon, we hear, “You have heard that it was said . . . But I say . . .” which reveals that Jesus has authority even over the Torah.
The Law is not being abrogated; it is being intensified, raised to a new pitch. Jesus declares that he would not undermine the Law and the prophets but fulfill them.
For instance, Jesus teaches, “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” To be like God utterly, we obviously have to eliminate cruel and hateful actions. But we have to go deeper, eliminating cruel and hateful thoughts and attitudes as well, for God is love right through.
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.
IHM Donations
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.
SECOND COLLECTION: PETER'S PENCE
The Second Collection this weekend is the Peter’s Pence Collection, a worldwide collection that supports the work of the Universal Church, including the work of the Holy See and the charitable works of Pope Francis. Take this opportunity to join with Pope Francis and be a sign of mercy to our suffering brothers and sisters. Please be generous today. Thank you for continuing to be a sign of mercy by supporting this collection. For more information, visit www.obolodisanpietro.va/en.html.
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week!
The school building is still filled with excitement and school spirit this week after celebrating Catholic Schools Week! On January 30th, our school choir, altar servers, reader and gift bearers helped remind us all why we are in a Catholic School. It is the foundation of our Catholic faith and education. School spirit then came alive Monday morning and continued all week as we held a Religion Bee, played Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, and a Middle School Math Bee! Older students worked with the younger ones drawing and writing about why they love their school! Grandparents, parents and prospective parents visited our classrooms to see the children at work. We came together once again at Mass on Friday where the Class of 2023 received their school pins. Let us not forget the one point 8th grade win over the parents, faculty and staff! In case you didn't know, Monsignor Sweeney has got basketball skills!
All in all it was a great week celebrating our school. I heard one of the first graders say to a visitor ¨this has been the greatest Catholic Schools Week ever in my life!" Granted she is in first grade, but I have to agree with her. Maybe it is because we were able to have the school watch the events and cheer on their classmates in the auditorium. Or maybe it was because we all tried to figure out who was smarter than a 5th grader! Our grandparent and parent visits earlier this week aren't too far behind. I think it is because we were all able to be together. IHM School has not fully celebrated a CSW together since 2020. And since then we have welcomed so many new families into our building. This is why I agree with my friend Micah in the first grade, that yes, this was the best Catholic Schools Week Ever!
Attached below are writings from our children at IHM on why they love their parish!
Cyril, Methodius, & Valentine:
pray for us! (Feb. 14th)
Happy Valentines Day!
On a day often preoccupied with a more caricatured version of love, it's a good reminder that true love—in our relationship with God, romantic relationships, and relationships with family and friends—takes virtue and sacrifice.
When it comes to virtue and sacrifice, no better place to look for inspiration than the saints! Who are these three saints all crowding on February 14th?
St. Cyril & St. Methodius: These two brothers of the 9th century were educated and worked both in education and civil leadership, eventually leaving their worldly professions behind to be missionaries throughout the often-neglected Slavic territories. Revered by both Catholic and Orthodox churches, these two saints show us that God wants to use our gifts and talents to reach the world in ways we could never dream of.
St. Valentine: Not much is officially known about this third-century Italian saint, but it is believed that Valentine was a priest who was persecuted for converting many to Christianity and eventually martyred by Emperor Claudius. Valentine was likely imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians in their own trials. Claudius sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded. He chose the latter and became associated with Christian love by the time of the Middle Ages.
Consider watching this episode from Bishop Barron's award-winning series Catholicism that draws attention to the power of the saints:
Saints Cyril, Methodius, and Valentine: pray for us!
On a day often preoccupied with a more caricatured version of love, it's a good reminder that true love—in our relationship with God, romantic relationships, and relationships with family and friends—takes virtue and sacrifice.
When it comes to virtue and sacrifice, no better place to look for inspiration than the saints! Who are these three saints all crowding on February 14th?
St. Cyril & St. Methodius: These two brothers of the 9th century were educated and worked both in education and civil leadership, eventually leaving their worldly professions behind to be missionaries throughout the often-neglected Slavic territories. Revered by both Catholic and Orthodox churches, these two saints show us that God wants to use our gifts and talents to reach the world in ways we could never dream of.
St. Valentine: Not much is officially known about this third-century Italian saint, but it is believed that Valentine was a priest who was persecuted for converting many to Christianity and eventually martyred by Emperor Claudius. Valentine was likely imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians in their own trials. Claudius sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded. He chose the latter and became associated with Christian love by the time of the Middle Ages.
Consider watching this episode from Bishop Barron's award-winning series Catholicism that draws attention to the power of the saints:
Saints Cyril, Methodius, and Valentine: pray for us!
Questions for Reflection:
- What does it take to be a saint?
- How is God calling you to love him without reservations? What might be holding you back from going "all in" with Christ?
Valentine's Day
and the Gift of True Love
The world tends to be pretty confused about what love truly is. It's important to look, as a family, to the perfect example and ideal of true love, and let it be our model for how we love one another, and ourselves:
True love is the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Valentine's Day is the perfect day to reflect on the love of Jesus as a family
Catholic Valentine's Day Cards
It's not very surprising that there is a national holiday dedicated to love, after all, love is one of the deepest feelings and emotions that we experience. The truth is, though, love isn't just a feeling. Love is primarily a choice - a decision to choose the good of the other, even if it is difficult for us.
The greatest example of love is Jesus on the Cross. Not only did God humble Himself in becoming human, but He also humbled Himself still further in dying for us, and in the most humiliating way on the Cross. The Lord's humility goes even further, for He humbles Himself to the point of becoming food for us to consume in the Eucharist.
There is no greater love than that of Jesus Christ, His Incarnation, His Crucifixion, and His Eucharistic presence. Let us celebrate this perfect, true love on Valentine's day and share it with others.
Download and print out these Catholic Valentine's Day cards. These are perfect to share with others as a reminder of what true love is.
The greatest example of love is Jesus on the Cross. Not only did God humble Himself in becoming human, but He also humbled Himself still further in dying for us, and in the most humiliating way on the Cross. The Lord's humility goes even further, for He humbles Himself to the point of becoming food for us to consume in the Eucharist.
There is no greater love than that of Jesus Christ, His Incarnation, His Crucifixion, and His Eucharistic presence. Let us celebrate this perfect, true love on Valentine's day and share it with others.
Download and print out these Catholic Valentine's Day cards. These are perfect to share with others as a reminder of what true love is.
“I held the Host with two fingers and thought: How small Jesus made Himself, in order to show us that He doesn't expect great things of us, but rather little things with great love.”
Southern Westchester Young Adult Mass & Social
February 15th
Our Lady of Fatima
5 Strathmore Road, Scarsdale
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish |
Annunciation - Our Lady of Fatima Parish
Men's Retreat:
Lent and the Eucharistic Revival
March 10-12, 2023
at the Don Bosco Retreat Center
Stony Point, NY
All Catholic men are welcome. Spend a weekend in a time of restful retreat, quiet prayer, reflection, Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual talks and God's grace. Time to recharge your spiritual batteries!
The Retreat Chaplain will be Fr. Justin Cinnante, Chaplain of Iona Prep High School (and former Chaplain of Archbishop Stepinac High School).
The Retreat will begin with dinner on Friday evening at 6:00PM at the Don Bosco Retreat Center and conclude Sunday at 12noon. The cost of the retreat is $250 and includes two nights of single occupancy rooms and all meals. Registration can be confirmed by mailing a $30 deposit (check to I.H.M. Holy Name Society) or using Venmo ("@Damian-Wach") to Damian Wach, 11 Stoneleigh Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
Please contact Bill Fraser at (914) 282-7918 or bfraser54@aol.com or Damian Wach at dwachny@gmail.com for further details. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 14th.
Sponsored by the Holy Name Society
2023 Edition | February 17-19, 2023
Who am I that you care for me?
In Person & Streamed Live
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th St, New York
New York Encounter is an annual three-day cultural event in the heart of NYC, offering opportunities for education, dialogue, and friendship. All New York Encounter events are free and open to the public. No registration required.
Join us on February 17–19 for a weekend of public discussions, exhibits and live performances to encounter people who grapple with these questions and experience this “someone” in their lives.
For more information, please visit www.NewYorkEncounter.org.
2023 Volunteer Enrollment is now open. CLICK HERE to fill out the 2023 Volunteer Enrollment Form. If you have any questions, please contact volunteers@newyorkencounter.org.
Voices in the Hall
The Story of God:
A Journey of Faith, Hope and Unity
February 19th at 7:30PM
Stern Audorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall
Featuring ValLimar Jansen and John Angotti and Voices in the Hall Choir. Comprised of performers representing more than 25 choirs from across the United States, including St. Barnabas High School, Bronx.
For more information visit carnegiehall.org or call (212) 247-7800. Use code "STB39878" for discounted pricing!
Saturday, March 25th
9:00AM - 3:00PM
Cathedral High School
350 East 56th Street New York, NY 10022
Attention all priests, deacons, men and women religious, lay leaders, and parishioners interested in exploring pastoral ways to focus on concrete ways to assist our parishes and families in new and exciting ways. There will be time for small group sharing and opportunities to learn about initiatives such as Strong Catholic Families, Communion – A Program for Parish Renewal, Covenant Eyes, and the Marriage Catechumenate.
Included in the day: Mass, Lunch, Keynote, Exhibits, Fun Activities
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets through Eventbrite.
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
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.
- 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).
- HSOR: IHM High School teens in grades 9 through 12 will gather again on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:30pm in the lower church. HSOR is "a night out in the middle of the week!" Some of our activities are: prayers and pizza, scavenger hunt, faith on film, basketball and more!
- Bible Discussion Group: on the Gospel of Matthew: Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 PM in the lower church. Refreshments served. The group is discussing the Gospel According to St. Matthew. If you have any questions, please call Tom & Rosemary Roche at (914) 725-1148.
- Charismatic Prayer Meeting at the House of Prayer: On Mondays at 7:30PM in the Chapel & Thursdays of Prayer after the 9:00AM parish Mass.
- 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: Please contact the group's Coordinator, David Pereira, or the Co-Coordinator, Katya Drohan for more information about the next gathering (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.
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, February 11/12, 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, February 12, 2023
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:30PM - Mike Wolff (Birthday)
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - Carlo and Lena Longo by Vincent and JoAnn Silvestri
10:30AM - Mary Zochowski (Anniversary) by Mary Ann Minozzi
12:00PM - The Laverghetta family (Special Intention) by Luigi Laverghetta
MONDAY, February 13, 2023
6:45AM - Robert B. White by White Family
9:00AM - Gaetano Serraino by Anthony & Sebastiana Tagliamonte
TUESDAY, February 14, 2023
Ss. Cyril & Methodius
6:45AM - Aileen Rose Quinn
9:00AM - James Ward by Eileen & Terry O’Brien
WEDNESDAY, February 15, 2023
6:45AM - Jeanie & Dom Castiello by Linda & Jim Andreski
9:00AM - The Crupi & Giordano Families (living & deceased) by Betty Crupi
9:00AM - The Crupi & Giordano Families (living & deceased) by Betty Crupi
THURSDAY, February 16, 2023
6:45AM - Carmine Cerino by John Cerino
9:00AM - Erik Heltzer (Living) by Jeanne Scarcella
FRIDAY, February 17, 2023
Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
6:45AM - John and Rosa Mancheril by Celina John
9:00AM - Kevin Keane by Joyce Mikovits
SATURDAY, February 18, 2023
Mem. of Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30AM - Rev. Msgr. Thomas Leonard by Katie Viviano
5:30PM - Marie Cacciato by Andrea and Peter Iannuccilli
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
James Hannan
Nick Ciampanelli
Louise Ciampanelli
James Micillo
Antonietta Altobello
Frances Galante
Martin Verendia
Sofia Janer
Joe Caggiano
Daniel T. Carello
Han Yu Hung
Anna Holten
Virginia Verendia Reyes
Rose Molinari
The Deceased of Our Parish
Father Jack Hunter
Father Karl A. Bauer
Virginia McSweeney Stuart
Joanie Guerra
Michael Manna
Baby Maverick Trainer
Ida Giarratana
John Vincent Taranto, Sr.
Michael Provenzale
Julie Casey Gray
Janina Jlab
- 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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