"As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua
Simon Peter answered Jesus,
"Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe and are convinced
that you are the Holy One of God."
My dear friends,
Consider the later timing of today's bulletin appropriate for a summer weekend - a wee bit later than I like getting it out!
This Sunday concludes the 6th Chapter of Saint John's Gospel where Jesus declares Himself the Bread of Life come down from heaven and prepares us for the Eucharist, the means of our one flesh communion in His Body and Blood. Take note the huge difference in this chapter in meaning of "the flesh" being of no avail (because it is without grace and God's life), and Jesus' flesh that is sanctified and divinized ("my flesh") that gives life to the whole world.
The Church wants to soak us in Sacred Scripture in the Mass since it is the Word of God. As the Second Vatican Council states, "The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she venerates the body of the Lord, since, especially in the sacred liturgy, she unceasingly receives and offers to the faithful the bread of life from the table both of God's word and of Christ's body" (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation - Dei Verbum, 21).
I like to take every opportunity to allow the Word of God to echo and resonate in our Church - in us - be it the singing or reciting of the entrance and communion antiphons or at other times selecting the long form of a reading. It is in this context that I will use the full second reading of the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 5:21-32. Within the first couple of lines it will surely strike a response in many, perhaps even a reaction with the words we will hear later in the Gospel of the day "This saying is hard; who can accept it?"
But how are we to receive this sacred word from the Lord this Sunday? In the context of Jesus the Son of God, the Bridegroom, who has come to seek out His bride - Israel and also the Gentiles who will come to believe in Him. How is this done? By the ordering of Jesus' entire life to the Cross, to the sacrificial love that redeems us, enables us once again to live communion with God and one another. The Cross (and therefore the Eucharist) is the manifestation of divine love par excellence, and that is why Jesus is able to draw all to Himself when He is raised up on it. In the one flesh communion that Jesus calls us to in the Eucharist, we are to receive His loving presence laid down and poured out for us and our salvation. This beautiful gift of love is eternally true and good.
In receiving Jesus, His love and His word, we are also aware that Jesus will call us to a proper response, the demands of the Gospel, that is to the fullness of life and love. We enter into this mystery without fear because Jesus is with and in us as we strive to return the love to our Savior by the love of our lives.
Married couples who have received the Sacrament of Marriage are meant to image and live this sacred reality, this one flesh reality, this "great mystery" of Christ and the Church in their lives and families. By this witness husbands and wives are meant to bring each new generation into this divine and saving reality of love.
As Christians we are incarnational - both spirit and body! So now from the sublime to the temporal and necessary:
It is expected that the asbestos abatement will conclude this Tuesday and the tented structures within the church will be taken down then. The installation of the new carpet will begin this week. While the red carpet in the sanctuary is not being touched at this time, the new carpet on the church floor will have different notes that will connect to various colors in our church: red (for obvious reasons), brown (wood in our church), gold (some of the painting we have) and black (wrought iron in our lighting chandeliers and altar rails near the votive candles).
After Tuesday, it is the hope to move Adoration back into the chapel with modified hours this last week of summer. Currently the hours are Monday through Friday 7:15 AM to 8:50 AM, Monday evening from 7:30pm to 9:00pm and Friday evening from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Regular hours of Adoration will resume on Tuesday, September 3rd. Any updates and changes will be communicated by a special Flocknote to the parish.
Plan to have Mass in the school auditorium through Labor Day and then the Sunday following September 7/8, unless work progresses faster than expected. The Regular Sunday Mass Schedule will resume after Labor Day on September 8th.
If there is anyone who is interested in receiving Baptism, becoming Catholic or receiving the remainder of their Sacraments of Initiation (First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation), consider the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults process at IHM (also known as RCIA). More information is below. Please contact the rectory for more information.
Save the date for our Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 15th (rain date the following Sunday)!
In reference to some of our parish's Social Ministry outreach:
I am grateful to Paul Doyle who oversees and coordinates so many volunteers who get word out about the seasonal needs of the NYC homeless and our participation in Midnight Run, sort through the generous donations, line up the supplies and the people who cook, pack and then go on the run. Last week was an important and successful summer run with the next one planned for October.
Thank you to Lynne Richy who coordinates the monthly volunteers who cook, prepare and buy food for HOPE Soup Kitchen. To Lynne and to all who volunteer to receive and transport the food each month - thank you!
Since this weekend's printed bulletin was prepared a week ago, this article is not in it, but I have inserted some important and disconcerting information about an upcoming New York State Proposition that is problematic for the common good and the respect to persons. More information is available in the Archdiocesan Monthly Bulletin link below.
I will have the 5:30pm Vigil Mass this evening and the 12 noon Sunday Mass, Fr. Raja is scheduled to celebrate the 8 AM Sunday Mass and Fr. Thumma has the 10 AM.
Parish offices will be closed this Friday and Saturday of Labor Day Weekend and also on the Monday holiday.
A blest Sunday to you and your families and enjoy the last full week of summer before school starts!
In this Edition:
- Why Should I 'Turn the Other cheek?" ... And What Does That Even Mean?
- Sunday Mass Schedule through Monday, September 1st (Labor Day Weekend)
- Traveling this summer?
- Catechetical Sunday - Sunday, September 8th at 9:00AM Mass
- IHM Upcoming Events:
- IHM Bible Discussion Group - will begin on Tuesday, September 17th at 7PM
- IHM Church Picnic - Sunday, September 15th from 1:00-4:00PM
- Sensory Friendly Mass - Sunday, September 29th at 3:00PM
- IHM Development Fund 3rd Annual Golf Outing - Monday, October 7th at Lake Isle Country Club
- Midnight Run - the next run is October 12th
- RCIA at IHM
- IHM Religious Education:
- 2024-2025 - Registration is ongoing
- IHM Continuing Events:
- Eucharistic Adoration at IHM
- Update through August 23rd
- Eucharistic Adoration at IHM
- August 2024 Monthly Bulletin from ADNY
- ADNY Family Life - Retrouvaille Weekend
- Community News
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time | John 6:60-69
Friends, we come today to the end of the extraordinary sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. Before this, Jesus told his listeners, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Well, today, we have the denouement of the story.
We hear that “many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, ‘This saying is hard; who can accept it?’” Notice that we are talking about Jesus’ followers. And yet they find this teaching impossible to take.
If his words were meant in a symbolic sense, they wouldn’t have had this shocking effect. If what he meant was simply, This bread is a symbol of my body, why would there be such a strong reaction? I mean, the Jewish Scriptures deal in poetic metaphor all the time. The point is that they had understood him in this context only too well.
Given every opportunity to explain himself better, Jesus does nothing of the kind. Instead, he upbraids them for their lack of faith. This is why the Catholic tradition has insisted, against all attempts to soften these words of Jesus, that he should be taken straightforwardly.
We hear that “many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, ‘This saying is hard; who can accept it?’” Notice that we are talking about Jesus’ followers. And yet they find this teaching impossible to take.
If his words were meant in a symbolic sense, they wouldn’t have had this shocking effect. If what he meant was simply, This bread is a symbol of my body, why would there be such a strong reaction? I mean, the Jewish Scriptures deal in poetic metaphor all the time. The point is that they had understood him in this context only too well.
Given every opportunity to explain himself better, Jesus does nothing of the kind. Instead, he upbraids them for their lack of faith. This is why the Catholic tradition has insisted, against all attempts to soften these words of Jesus, that he should be taken straightforwardly.
Bishop Robert Barron
Jesus confounded his followers with this new, radical message of non-violence.
But are we called to just sit back and be passive in the face of evil?
Why would Jesus ask us to "turn the other cheek"? Check out this quick video from Bishop Barron... you may be surprised at the true meaning of Jesus' words!
But are we called to just sit back and be passive in the face of evil?
Why would Jesus ask us to "turn the other cheek"? Check out this quick video from Bishop Barron... you may be surprised at the true meaning of Jesus' words!
SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE
FOR THE SUMMER
Please note changes to the Sunday Mass schedule for Summer at IHM.
Through Sunday of Labor Day Weekend
the Summer Sunday Mass Schedule will be as follows:
Saturday: 5:30PM Vigil Mass
Sunday: 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 12noon
All Masses at present are in the School Auditorium
All Masses at present are in the School Auditorium
The regular Sunday Mass Schedule resumes Sunday, September 8th
TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
With Summer Vacation upon us, many of our parishioners will be traveling:
- MASSTIMES.ORG will help you locate any church in the country and view the Mass schedule. You can search by town or zip code.
- IHM ONLINE GIVING with WeShare will let you make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation. When you become a recurring donor, it allows IHM to fund essential ministries and appropriately budget our needs for the future.
- READ WEEKLY IHM BULLETIN ONLINE to stay connected to IHM Parish. Also, find Parish information on our website: IHM-PARISH.ORG.
We joyfully announce the forthcoming celebration of Marriage for
I Joseph Riccardi & Kaitlin Murphy
Please join us for as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday
September 8th
9:00AM Mass
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
We hope to serve refreshments following Mass
(subject to confirmation given church work).
Please stop by and meet your child’s catechist!
Textbooks and curriculums will be available.
The IHM Bible Discussion Group will begin its study of the Old Testament Book of Exodus on Tuesday evening September 17th at 7:00PM in the lower church. We will read and discuss the first two chapters in Exodus that night ending at 8:30PM.
All parishioners, and anyone they care to invite, are welcome. We often have 20 participants, leading to a lively discussion with many ideas, thoughts and interpretations opening up the Scriptures for a better understanding of its meaning and significance for our lives. We will continue most Tuesdays until late Spring 2025 discussing one or two chapters an evening depending on their length. Refreshments are served for the convenience of the participants. Hope to see many of you there as we grow in Faith together seeking the Wisdom of God.
Save the Date:
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Picnic
Sunday, September 15th
Sunday, September 15th
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Davis Park Grounds, between Carman Rd. and Boulevard, & Lyons Rd. and Bradley Rd
Davis Park Grounds, between Carman Rd. and Boulevard, & Lyons Rd. and Bradley Rd
IHM Development Fund 3rd Annual Golf Outing
Good news, bad news. On our August 17th Run we were able to deliver food, clothing and supplies to nearly a hundred of our less fortunate brothers and sisters. But now the cupboards are bare and we have less than 50 days to restock.
Our next Run is October 12th. Can you help? Our biggest needs are:
Our next Run is October 12th. Can you help? Our biggest needs are:
- Men's sweatpants all sizes.
- Men jeans waist sizes 30 to 42.
- Men's sneakers and cold weather shoes size 9 thru 13.
- Women's sneakers & cold weather shoes size 7 thru 11.
- Women's clothes all sizes.
- Hoodies, backpacks and ponchos are very requested items!
We need whatever gently used adult clothing you can spare and with the seasons about to change we are happy to receive those fall and winter items which are not needed or don't fit anymore!! And don’t forget to recycle last year’s backpacks by donating them to Midnight Run! Thank you for your overwhelming and continuing support.
Anyone who is interested in any aspect of Midnight Run—driving, sorting, food prep—please email ihmmidnightrun@gmail.com, thank you!
Anyone who is interested in any aspect of Midnight Run—driving, sorting, food prep—please email ihmmidnightrun@gmail.com, thank you!
Please note, there will be Red Boxes available in the School Auditorium to drop off for Midnight Run and non-perishable food donations.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
AN INVITATION THAT NEVER ENDS
AN INVITATION THAT NEVER ENDS
- Have you been worshiping with us, but never officially taken the step to become Catholic?
- Have you been a Catholic all your life, but never celebrated all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)?
- Have you joined us from a different faith background and would like to find out more about the Catholic Church?
If you (“or someone you know”) answers YES to any of these questions, you are invited to find out more through the process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a journey that begins with your questions. Let us help you discover more about your Catholic faith and to discern if this is to be your spiritual home.
The invitation is always open!
On behalf of the Catholic faith and the community of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, we look forward to welcoming you.
For more information: Call the Rectory Office @ (914) 723-0276, and a member of the RCIA Team will contact you.
IHM CONTINUING EVENTS
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AT IHM
(Temporarily in the School Auditorium for limited hours)
While asbestos abatement and carpet removal
continue in the church until August 27th,
Adoration will be from 7:15 -8:50AM Monday through Friday.
Adoration will be also on Monday evening from 7:30 - 9:00PM and
Friday evening from 6:30 - 8:00PM.
When we transition to the installation of the new carpet,
we will resume adoration in the church chapel, but with modified hours this last week of summer (notice will be given midweek).
Regular hours of Adoration will return Tuesday after Labor Day, September 3rd, in the Marian Chapel.
Thank you for your cooperation.
August 2024: We’re excited to share upcoming events and initiatives with you. Please click on the link below to view the August 2024 Monthly Bulletin for the latest from the Archdiocese of New York.
September 13-15, 2024
Is your marriage heading in the wrong direction? Retrouvaille is a practical program for married couples facing difficult challenges and need a lifeline.
It is not counseling, and you will not be asked to share the personal details of your story
It is not counseling, and you will not be asked to share the personal details of your story
Location: Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, NY
RSVP:1-800-470-2230; HelpOurMarriage.org
RSVP:1-800-470-2230; HelpOurMarriage.org
- IHM High School of Religion (HSOR): HSOR will return in September! We offer a fun and relaxing faith community of service projects, Prayer & Pizza, Game Nights, sacraments, lively discussions and Open Gym. Come see why our students say HSOR “is a night out in the middle of the week!” For more information, please contact Nancy Vericker at nancy@nancyvericker.com.
- IHM Women's Prayer Group: The Prayer Group holds weekly prayer gatherings for women Thursdays from 7:00-8:00PM in the Church Library. For more information, please contact the Rectory (914-723-0276 or ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org).
- Charismatic Morning of Renewal Meeting at the House of Prayer: This group meets on Thursdays after the 9:00AM parish Mass - Morning Prayer, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Intercessory Prayer and a discussion of the Scripture Readings for the coming Sunday.
- IHM School of Community: This group will return after Labor Day and meets on Wednesdays at 7:00PM in the IHM Rectory Conference Room to look at our daily life and discover who we are as Christians. The text discussed is "The Religious Sense" by Father Luigi Giussani. If you are interested in attending via Zoom, please contact the Rectory and ask to be put in contact with Carolyn of School of Community.
- IHM Bible Discussion Group: The IHM Bible Discussion Group will begin its study of the Old Testament Book of Exodus on Tuesday evening September 17th at 7:00PM in the lower church. We will read and discuss the first two chapters in Exodus that night ending at 8:30PM. We will continue most Tuesdays until late Spring 2025 discussing one or two chapters an evening depending on their length. Refreshments are served for the convenience of the participants. CLICK HERE for more details, to submit questions, or if you are interested in joining.
- IHM Troop 2 (Boy Scouts): this group welcomes 5th through 8th grade boys interested in outdoor adventure. If hiking, camping, white water rafting and first aid skills interest your child, consider joining! For more information, email info@troop2scarsdale.org or visit www.facebook.com/Troop-2-Scarsdale.
- IHM College Group: CLICK HERE if you would like to inquire and for the next meeting. We will contact you directly!
- IHM Young Adult Group for those in their 20's & 30's: We will plan an IHM gathering in September.
- The Father Mychal Judge 911 Walk of Remembrance -September 8th. All are invited to walk down 7th Avenue the route that Father Mychal and so many others traveled on that fateful day. FDNY, NYPD, PAPD will be honored as we pray and remember. For info go to 911WalkOfRemembrance@gmail.com or call 646-856-WALK.
- The Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Ursula Church Men’s Club presents its 13th Annual Golf Outing to be held at the Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers on Monday, September 16th. Join us for golf or dinner at this important fundraising event. The cost is $175/golfer and $75/dinner only. The day includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart, BBQ lunch, cocktail hour and buffet dinner, raffle prizes and awards. To register visit stspeterpaulandstursula.org/golfouting or call 914-668-9815.
- Salesian High School Seeking Campus Facilities Director: Salesian High School is seeking a qualified campus facilities manager to work with its administrative team to oversee the operational aspects of the school’s infrastructure and resources and to plan for and supervise future development and projects. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references to Fr. James Heuser, SDB, President at jheuser@salesianhigh.org.
- The Magdalene (Sleepy Hallow) is in need of a Religious Education Coordinator/Director: This is a small program with approximately 120 students. The program includes three levels of the catechesis of the Good shepherd, a classroom based program from grades 2 to 8 and is fully staffed for this year. Applicants must be practicing Catholic with some previous experience. Salary is commensurate with experience. For information, contact Father Tim at the Magdalene@archny.org.
- A senior parishioner is looking for an accessible apartment in the area for $1,000 or under. Please reach out to the pastor with any information.
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, August 24/25, 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, August 25, 2024
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:30PM - Marcus Monaco by Caitlin Monaco
8:00AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
10:00AM - Richard Meyers by Rocco & Diane Pozzi Clerkin
12:00PM - John and Maria Moscato by Rosaria Mastronardi
10:00AM - Richard Meyers by Rocco & Diane Pozzi Clerkin
12:00PM - John and Maria Moscato by Rosaria Mastronardi
MONDAY, August 26, 2024
6:45AM - John Tallent by Tallent Family
9:00AM - Elaine Ferrara by Connie & Anthony Pollina
9:00AM - Elaine Ferrara by Connie & Anthony Pollina
TUESDAY, August 27, 2024
St. Monica
6:45AM - Peter A. Modica by Maria & Ron Sannicandro
9:00AM - Tammy Brady Palmer by Connie & Anthony Pollina
9:00AM - Tammy Brady Palmer by Connie & Anthony Pollina
WEDNESDAY, August 28, 2024
St. Augustine of Hippo
6:45AM - Maureen Gilbride (18th Anniversary) by The Mannion Family
9:00AM - Tom, Jim & Brendan Moyna by The Moyna Family
THURSDAY, August 29, 2024
THURSDAY, August 29, 2024
The Passion of St. John the Baptist
6:45AM - Zef Kalaj by Lula Camaj
9:00AM - Anthony Scarcella (Living - Birthday) by his children
9:00AM - Anthony Scarcella (Living - Birthday) by his children
FRIDAY, August 30, 2024
6:45AM - Jane M. Hulsebosch (Birthday) by Sheila A. Hulsebosch
9:00AM - Pauline Dapolito by Annette DiCarlo
SATURDAY, August 31, 2024
SATURDAY, August 31, 2024
Mem. of Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30AM - Jeanne Scarcella (Living - Birthday) by her children
5:30PM - Theresa Pugni and Mary Mercado by Louisa Pricoli
Please Remember in Your Prayers
The Sick of Our Parish
Wolfgang & Maureen Fritsch
Sean Fogarty
John Byrnes
Joan Boccardi
Thomas LiFrieri
Angela LiFrieri
Joan Boccardi
Thomas LiFrieri
Angela LiFrieri
Antonietta Iorio
Ann Trask
John J. Powers
Margaret Ambrose
Thomas R. Farrell
Les Vaccaro
Fabiola Rincon
Patti McConville Smith
Patricia Matteson
Nick Ciampanelli
Eileen Faulkner
Gino Catalano
Gino Catalano
Pren Djidoda
Dan Hoch
Giancarlo Traverso
Kathryn Gleeson
Joe Perillo
Joe Perillo
The Deceased of Our Parish
Permanent Deacon John W. Lyttle, Jr.
Johanna Connor
Domenic Mariani
Edward James Patricello
Frederick Eugene Ball IV
Patricia Matteson
Kathleen Zawadski
- 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 914-723-0276).
- 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.
A Prayer to our Guardian Angel
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
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