And this is my prayer:
that your love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that you may be pure and blameless
for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.
My dear friends,
Thank you to the parish council members who hosted coffee and donuts, and in a particular way to our chair, Carolyn Giannelli, for stocking up on items and coordinating the sign-ups.
Thank you to the parish council members who hosted coffee and donuts, and in a particular way to our chair, Carolyn Giannelli, for stocking up on items and coordinating the sign-ups.
Volunteers to assist the parish council members are welcome and a great way to get involved at IHM (914-723-0276).
Congratulations to IHM's very own Joan Bonsignore on receiving one of the two Top Honor awards at the 42nd annual Westchester County senior Hall of Fame awards luncheon yesterday, Friday, December 6th. 750 people took part and it revealed the amazing activities our senior citizens are doing for their own fraternity and to build up and serve the local community.
Congratulations to IHM's very own Joan Bonsignore on receiving one of the two Top Honor awards at the 42nd annual Westchester County senior Hall of Fame awards luncheon yesterday, Friday, December 6th. 750 people took part and it revealed the amazing activities our senior citizens are doing for their own fraternity and to build up and serve the local community.
Joan is the Executive Director of the Westchester Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. She was a great witness to our common faith and in love of neighbor in her words of acceptance!
I hope you’ll be able to join us to hear and to sing at Handel‘s Messiah on December 13. It’s definitely a treat to be able to welcome such a professional orchestra and singers to IHM under the direction of Justin Bischof. It is also a beautiful treat to allow that joy of the Lord’s coming presence and birth to be expressed in song.
We’re blessed with a very active Marian chapel where we have Eucharistic exposition Monday through Friday. A beautiful service that is being offered by someone is the repair of peoples rosary beads. Please know that a number of repaired rosary beads left in the drawer in the Marion chapel for the rightful owners to reclaim, disappeared. Also, the blue box that was there for this purpose vanished. If they were taken in error by anyone, please return them as soon as possible. Perhaps we need to have the Rosaries go through the rectory in the future?
You may notice that our church is and will be more decorated during Advent in the past year or two than it has normally been. While I like to give each liturgical season its due, in particular Advent, and then celebrate Christmas with a flourish, know that our church is getting prepared with wreathes and such due to the upcoming Handel's Messiah concert as well as Christmas Pageants by both the Religious Education Program and the School. We also need to factor in the schedule for maintenance to ensure they have the time to do all the assigned work.
I want to say how blessed Fr. Thumma and I are to be at a parish that manifests the importance and power of the Mass, particularly by having Mass offered for various intentions. In less than a month from its opening, the entire available calendar for 2025 has been fully reserved!
I hope you’ll be able to join us to hear and to sing at Handel‘s Messiah on December 13. It’s definitely a treat to be able to welcome such a professional orchestra and singers to IHM under the direction of Justin Bischof. It is also a beautiful treat to allow that joy of the Lord’s coming presence and birth to be expressed in song.
We’re blessed with a very active Marian chapel where we have Eucharistic exposition Monday through Friday. A beautiful service that is being offered by someone is the repair of peoples rosary beads. Please know that a number of repaired rosary beads left in the drawer in the Marion chapel for the rightful owners to reclaim, disappeared. Also, the blue box that was there for this purpose vanished. If they were taken in error by anyone, please return them as soon as possible. Perhaps we need to have the Rosaries go through the rectory in the future?
You may notice that our church is and will be more decorated during Advent in the past year or two than it has normally been. While I like to give each liturgical season its due, in particular Advent, and then celebrate Christmas with a flourish, know that our church is getting prepared with wreathes and such due to the upcoming Handel's Messiah concert as well as Christmas Pageants by both the Religious Education Program and the School. We also need to factor in the schedule for maintenance to ensure they have the time to do all the assigned work.
I want to say how blessed Fr. Thumma and I are to be at a parish that manifests the importance and power of the Mass, particularly by having Mass offered for various intentions. In less than a month from its opening, the entire available calendar for 2025 has been fully reserved!
For those that are looking for a Mass card or Mass intentions, know that your unannounced Mass request is usually fulfilled within the month by either a retired priest from the Archdiocese of New York or by a priest in India. Knowing that the calendar fills up so quickly a number of years ago, Father Gerard Rafferty suggested that we reserve the first Saturday morning Mass for all those who died the prior month. All those whose funerals come through the parish are automatically placed on this list. If you would like anybody else mentioned by name sharing in the Mass intention for that day, please notify the rectory by Wednesday prior.
Thank you very much as you address your end-of-the-year offerings, including Christmas, and for your donations. Do consider the needs of our church, school or one of the many specific organizations, works or groups of our parish. Thank you for those who are making a final donation to the annual Cardinal's Appeal for 2024. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
For any of you who would like to include our parish either in your Will as part of estate planning or at the time of death through the obituary as the beneficiary of an In Memoriam (In Memory of), know that they are greatly appreciated and needed. For estate planning, may I suggest that you contact the rectory so that your wishes may be made clear and that any funds may be reserved or restricted according to your wishes and the needs of our parish.
Please see the assistance our parish Library is looking for so that we may get things up and running.
Thank you very much as you address your end-of-the-year offerings, including Christmas, and for your donations. Do consider the needs of our church, school or one of the many specific organizations, works or groups of our parish. Thank you for those who are making a final donation to the annual Cardinal's Appeal for 2024. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
For any of you who would like to include our parish either in your Will as part of estate planning or at the time of death through the obituary as the beneficiary of an In Memoriam (In Memory of), know that they are greatly appreciated and needed. For estate planning, may I suggest that you contact the rectory so that your wishes may be made clear and that any funds may be reserved or restricted according to your wishes and the needs of our parish.
Please see the assistance our parish Library is looking for so that we may get things up and running.
Should anyone wishes to be an altar server (grades 4-12), please leave your child's inquiry at the rectory (914-723-0276), and Mr. Ian Mendoza will follow up.
Thank you to our vibrant social ministries and their outreach! Cornerstone raised almost $2000 from local donations through Galloway‘s Bakery and we are most grateful for allowing people to contribute. The funds will go directly to the shipping fees of the goods that have been collected and given to United for the Troops so that our service men and women may receive their packages before Christmas.
To James and Marchello's Raffle for the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts for raising over $1500 for a hurricane relief as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation! Way to go!
To those who prepared for the midnight run this evening - all those who do the countless hours of sorting, folding and organizing, preparing toiletry bags, tee shirt and underwear bags, sandwiches, and other items and food that beautifully involves various parts of our parish from youth to senior citizens in order to accomplish the goal. To those who will go down and deliver the clothing and food, may your visit warm many hearts including your own! And may you warm the hearts of many by your presence, words and conversation, and of course needed items.
At all Masses of the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21/22, we will bless your Baby Jesus statues before you place him in the Manger and Nativity Scenes at your homes on Christmas. Please make a note to bring them to Mass that weekend!
This Sunday, Fr. Thumma will celebrate the 5:30pm Saturday Vigil and the 7:30am and 10:30am Masses. I will offer the 9:00am and the 12:00 noon Masses.
A blessed Sunday to you as we witness Holy Mass in Notre Dame in Paris being offered once again in this magnificent and historic church. What a reopening after the tragic fire of April 2019!
A blessed Sunday to you as we witness Holy Mass in Notre Dame in Paris being offered once again in this magnificent and historic church. What a reopening after the tragic fire of April 2019!
Monday (12/9)
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to the Monday since Sunday is Advent. For a long time we have operated under the rule that when a holy day of obligation is transferred, the obligation does not go with it. The Vatican has recently clarified it with our US Catholic Bishops by stating that the obligation does indeed transfer. We off a full day of Masses for everyone to fulfill their obligation.
Thursday (12/12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
7:00pm Young Adult Holy Hour in the Marian (Adoration) Chapel
with Confessions offered and a social following.
Friday (12/13)
7:30pm Messiah sing-along
Saturday (12/14)
8:30-10:30am Breakfast with Santa (Lower Church - details below)
Sunday (12/15)
High School of Religion (HSOR) visits retired Religious Sisters
for "Singing with the Sisters" Christmas Caroling.
Next Meetings: Monday, January 13, 2025
and February 10, March 24, May 12 and June 9
Next Coffee and Donuts: Sunday, January 12, 2025 (interested in assisting? Reach out to the volunteers to assist the PC. Members are most welcome by clicking here)
Tentative dates - February 2, March 16, April 6, May 18, June 29
What is the Parish Council?
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council serves as a consultative body of the parish whose responsibility is to advise and assist the pastor in matters relating to the parish. This includes promoting lay participation in the activities of the parish, evaluating the goals and needs of the parish, developing and recommending ways to address those needs, and finally developing and maintaining a two-way communication between the Council and the larger Parish community. Council members will also be expected to take a leadership role in the various Parish Council events as well as in the particular area of Parish life they are interested in or involved in already.
If you have any questions, please email IHMPC@ihmscarsdale.org.
In this Edition:
- The Giving Tree at IHM
- Please take a tag from The Giving Tree by Sunday, December 8th
- Volunteers are needed to sort Giving Tree items on Monday, December 9th
- The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be transferred to Monday since Sunday is Advent and will be a Holy Day of Obligation (Monday, December 9th).
- 2025 Mass Intentions
- Christmas Flower Memorials
- IHM School Breakfast with Santa - December 14th
- Second Collection next weekend is for the Retired Religious
- Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Rocco Rescigno Park - Sunday, December 8th at 5PM
- IHM Christmas Schedule
- IHM Parish Library Update
- IHM Upcoming Event
- 2024 Public Square Rosary Rally - Saturday, December 21st
- IHM HSOR - Wednesday nights at 7:30PM
- IHM Continuing Events:
- Eucharistic Exposition at IHM
- The 2025 Jubilee of Hope will run from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026
- The Good Newsroom
- Community News
GIVING TREE AT IHM
Please take a gift tag, purchase a new gift and return it unwrapped under the Giving Tree by Sunday, December 8th. Gifts are for the Dominican Sisters Family Health Agency in the South Bronx; Paradise House, a residence for people with special needs on the Grand Concourse, HOPE Community Services, a food pantry, soup kitchen and social service agency in New Rochelle, Catholic Guardian Services, a foster care agency and some local families.VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please take a gift tag, purchase a new gift and return it unwrapped under the Giving Tree by Sunday, December 8th. Gifts are for the Dominican Sisters Family Health Agency in the South Bronx; Paradise House, a residence for people with special needs on the Grand Concourse, HOPE Community Services, a food pantry, soup kitchen and social service agency in New Rochelle, Catholic Guardian Services, a foster care agency and some local families.VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We will be sorting Giving Tree items in the Rectory on Monday, December 9th at 9:45AM. Contact the Rectory if interested, call 914-723-0276 or email IHMChurch@IHMScarsdale.org. Much help is needed!
This year the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be transferred to the Monday since Sunday is Advent and it will be a Holy Day of Obligation Monday, December 9th.
The Mass Schedule is as follow:
Monday, December 9th
6:45AM, 9:00AM,
12:30PM, 5:30PM & 7:30PM
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
by Fr. Matthew Ernest,
Director of the Office of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of New York
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception has long held a significant place in the annual cycle of the Church’s liturgical year. As early as AD 700, a feast dedicated to the “Conception of Mary by Saint Ann” was celebrated in the East on December 9. This commemoration was thought to have been initially inspired by the non-canonical Protoevangelium of James, which described the events surrounding Saint Ann’s conception of Holy Mary, despite the former having been thought barren due to her advanced years. December 9 was chosen as the day for this commemoration as it fell nine months prior to September 8, the day on which the birth of Mary was celebrated by the Eastern Church.
In Rome, a similar feast began to be celebrated in the 15th century, albeit with special focus on the Blessed Mother’s Immaculate Conception. This dogma was initially the subject of debate amongst scholastic authors, some of whom questioned how Mary could be conceived without sin prior to the events by which her Son redeemed humanity. Blessed John Duns Scotus (d. 1308) is credited with developing the Church’s theological understanding of the Immaculate Conception of Mary as “preservative redemption.” This belief was later dogmatically defined in 1854, when Pope Pius IX formally declared that Mary “was by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race,
preserved free from all stain of original sin” (Ineffabilis Deus). The title of Holy Mary as “the Immaculate Conception” was again affirmed a few years later within the Marian apparitions in 1858 to Saint Bernadette at Lourdes, France, where Our Lady declared herself to be the Immaculate Conception. …
Our Lady under the title of the Immaculate Conception has also been the patroness of the United States since 1846, when the US bishops placed the entire country, and not only the Church in the United States, under her care at the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore.
For many years, the understanding in the United States was that, when the date of
the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was transferred in a particular year, the obligation to attend Mass on this day did not also transfer. However, more recently, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, wrote to the Holy See seeking clarification on the
obligation to attend Mass when a holy day of obligation in Advent, Lent, or
Easter falls on Sunday and the Solemnity is transferred to Monday. In a letter to the US bishops dated October 10, 2024, Bishop Paprocki communicated the Dicastery for Legislative Text’s response: “the feast must be observed as a day of obligation on the day to which it is transferred.” In light of this new directive, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9, 2024 is to be observed as a holy day of obligation this year and in all future years when the celebration is transferred to Monday.…one may satisfy this precept for the Sunday of Advent at any Mass from 4pm on Saturday, December 7 through midnight of Sunday, December 8. The obligation to attend Mass on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception can be fulfilled at any Mass from 4pm on Sunday, December 8 (irrespective of the Mass texts used) through midnight on Monday, December 9. In the latter case, attending Mass on Monday, December 9 would be more ideal, bearing in mind the given opportunity to hear the readings and prayers associated with this beautiful Solemnity dedicated to Our Lady.
the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was transferred in a particular year, the obligation to attend Mass on this day did not also transfer. However, more recently, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, wrote to the Holy See seeking clarification on the
obligation to attend Mass when a holy day of obligation in Advent, Lent, or
Easter falls on Sunday and the Solemnity is transferred to Monday. In a letter to the US bishops dated October 10, 2024, Bishop Paprocki communicated the Dicastery for Legislative Text’s response: “the feast must be observed as a day of obligation on the day to which it is transferred.” In light of this new directive, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9, 2024 is to be observed as a holy day of obligation this year and in all future years when the celebration is transferred to Monday.…one may satisfy this precept for the Sunday of Advent at any Mass from 4pm on Saturday, December 7 through midnight of Sunday, December 8. The obligation to attend Mass on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception can be fulfilled at any Mass from 4pm on Sunday, December 8 (irrespective of the Mass texts used) through midnight on Monday, December 9. In the latter case, attending Mass on Monday, December 9 would be more ideal, bearing in mind the given opportunity to hear the readings and prayers associated with this beautiful Solemnity dedicated to Our Lady.
Sunday, December 1, 2024 | First Sunday of Advent | Luke 21:25–28, 34–36
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.” (Isa. 40:3)
make straight his paths.” (Isa. 40:3)
Advent is a great liturgical season of waiting—but not a passive waiting. We yearn, we search, and we reach out for the God who will come to us in human flesh. In short, we prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This preparation has a penitential dimension, because it is the season in which we prepare for the coming of a Savior, and we don’t need a Savior unless we’re deeply convinced there is something to be saved from. When we have become deeply aware of our sin, we know that we can cling to nothing in ourselves, that everything we offer is, to some degree, tainted and impure. We can’t show our cultural, professional, and personal accomplishments to God as though they are enough to save us. But the moment we realize that fact, we move into the Advent spirit, desperately craving a Savior.
This preparation has a penitential dimension, because it is the season in which we prepare for the coming of a Savior, and we don’t need a Savior unless we’re deeply convinced there is something to be saved from. When we have become deeply aware of our sin, we know that we can cling to nothing in ourselves, that everything we offer is, to some degree, tainted and impure. We can’t show our cultural, professional, and personal accomplishments to God as though they are enough to save us. But the moment we realize that fact, we move into the Advent spirit, desperately craving a Savior.
In the book of Isaiah (Isa. 64:7), we read:
“Yet, O Lord, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands.”
Today, let us prepare ourselves for the potter to come.
Bishop Robert Barron
2025 Mass Intentions
IHM's 2025 Mass Intention Book has fully booked all available Masses.
Please be aware that at the 8:30AM daily Mass on the First Saturday of each month, the intention is by name for all the deceased whose funerals were celebrated by IHM the previous month.
If you would like a name added to this First Saturday list, please notify the rectory by the Wednesday before First Saturday (914-723-0276).
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.
This festive gathering is $10 per person,
with free admission for children under 2.
Please use the button below to register.
Second Collection Next Weekend is for the Retired Religious
The Second Collection next 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!
Come Join your Friends and Neighbors for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Rocco Rescigno Park Sunday, December 8th at 5:00PM (triangle park between Brook & Montgomery) -across from Book Street Bagels. Santa will be there. This event is sponsored by The North Eastchester Civic Association.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Christmas Schedule
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reconciliation Monday, December 16th | 2:00-3:30PM; 7:00-9:00PM (other parishes throughout the Archdiocese may have 2-4pm & 6-8pm)
Saturday, December 21st | 9:00AM; 4:00-5:00PM
Saturday, December 21st | 9:00AM; 4:00-5:00PM
Christmas Eve Masses
Tuesday, December 24th
4:00PM (Family Mass)
6:00PM
9:00PM (Choir, Brass Ensemble and Soloists)* (8:30PM Music)
12:00AM Midnight Mass (Brass Ensemble and Soloists)* (11:30PM Music)
Christmas Day Masses
Wednesday, December 25th
Wednesday, December 25th
8:30AM (8:10AM Music)
10:30AM (Choir, Brass Ensemble and Soloists)* (10:10AM Music)
12:00 Noon (Brass Ensemble and Soloists)** (11:40AM Music)
Sunday, December 29th
Feast of the Holy Family
5:30PM - Vigil
7:30AM
9:00AM
10:30AM
12:00Noon
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
5:30PM Vigil (Tuesday, December 31st)
9:00AM
12:30PM
*Christmas Hymns 30 minutes before Mass begins
**Christmas Hymns 10-20 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
Library Update
Now that the Parish Library has been catalogued, it is much easier to access and borrow books, DVD’s and other resources. The library also has an extensive Children’s section, that many parishioners may access as well.
The next step is to have access to the library open at convenient times to allow browsing to borrow the available volumes. The plan is to have the library open on Sunday morning from 9 to noon, on one or two days during the week after the 9 AM Mass to 11 AM, and perhaps one evening. Currently, there are volunteers for the
Sunday time slot. The staff is looking for volunteers for the other times as well. If you are interested in participating in this endeavor, please email the library at ihmllibrary@ihmscarsdale.org. Thank you for your interest!
2024 Public Square Rosary Rally
You are invited to the 2024 Public Square Rosary Rally on Saturday, December 21st 12:00 noon. The Rosary Rally will take place in Our Lady's Chapel. This year as we pray Our Lady’s Rosary and other prayers in her honor, we invoke her blessings on marriage and the family, our country and the world, and especially for Peace as we await the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Please make an effort to attend. The Rosary Rally Captain is Priscilla Parameswaran (914) 723-0271. Please be there on time.
The IHM High School of Religion (HSOR) welcomes all high school students every Wednesday from 7:30-9:00PM in the Lower Church Hall.
HSOR offers a fun and relaxing faith community with service projects, Prayer & Pizza, Game Nights, Christmas party, sacraments, Tee Shirt Giveaway, lively discussions, interesting speakers, Open Gym, Faith on Film, pizza and delicious donuts. 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 CONTINUING EVENTS
EUCHARISTIC EXPOSITION AT IHM
located in the Marian Chapel
Mondays and Wednesdays 7:15AM - 9:00PM
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:15AM - 2:00PM
Fridays 7:15AM - 8:00PM
On May 9, 2024, the 2025 Jubilee of Hope was announced by Pope Francis. It will run from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026. Holy doors will be opened at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major and the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls.
The Holy Father also gave indications that, in all the cathedrals of the world, diocesan bishops would celebrate the Eucharist as a solemn opening of the jubilee year. However, unlike the Jubilee of Mercy of 2016, local dioceses will not have a holy door, but the papal bull does encourage local pilgrimages to cathedrals and other sacred places where indulgences may be obtained. The Archdiocese of New York will celebrate the opening of the Jubilee at a Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family.
The office of family life will continue to provide Jubilee 2025 resources on their website at: https://archny.org/ministries-and-offices/family-life/.
Download the Jubilee 2025 app at: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/applicazione.html which is available in multiple languages.
The Holy Father also gave indications that, in all the cathedrals of the world, diocesan bishops would celebrate the Eucharist as a solemn opening of the jubilee year. However, unlike the Jubilee of Mercy of 2016, local dioceses will not have a holy door, but the papal bull does encourage local pilgrimages to cathedrals and other sacred places where indulgences may be obtained. The Archdiocese of New York will celebrate the opening of the Jubilee at a Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family.
The office of family life will continue to provide Jubilee 2025 resources on their website at: https://archny.org/ministries-and-offices/family-life/.
Download the Jubilee 2025 app at: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/applicazione.html which is available in multiple languages.
Stay connected with the Catholic community of New York! Visit thegoodnewsroom.org for information and updates. The Good Newsroom is the award-winning digital newsroom of the Archdiocese of New York, publishing videos and articles in English and Spanish daily.
Young Members:
- IHM High School of Religion (HSOR): HSOR meets on Wednesdays at 7:30PM the lower church until 9:00PM! 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!” High school students grades 9-12 are welcome. For more information, please contact Nancy Vericker at nancy@nancyvericker.com.
- IHM College & Young Adult Group for those age 18-25: Will be receiving the gifts from the Giving Tree and the Toy Drive these next few weeks. Click here to reach out to participate and for more information.
- Scouting:
- IHM Troop 2 (Boy Scouts): 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.
- The IHM troops are Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts. Click here for more information.
Prayer Groups:
- IHM Centering Prayer Group: The Centering Prayer Group meets on Wednesdays 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.
- 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 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).
Adult Faith Formation:
- IHM Bible Discussion Group: The IHM Bible Discussion Group continues its study of the Old Testament Book of Exodus Tuesday evenings at 7:00PM in the lower church, 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 School of Community: This group 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.
Becoming Catholic & Catholics completing their Sacraments: The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - formerly RCIA) is a process of initiation into the Catholic Community of Faith for persons who are experiencing a conversion in their lives and seeking either Christian baptism in the Catholic Church or full Communion with the Catholic Church and completion of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Please contact the Rectory and one of our coordinators will reach out to you (914-723-0276 or ihmchurch@ihmscarsdale.org).
Religious Education: On the day of your child's/children's Baptism, the Church pledged to you, the parents, our assistance in raising them in the practice of the faith to keep God's commandments as Jesus taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Here at Immaculate Heart of Mary, our Religious Education Program is part of this integral formation in the faith that would include daily prayer at home, family participation in Sunday Mass (and on Holy Days of Obligation), periodic Confession, and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy flowing out from your dinner table. For more information please email ihmsor@ihmscarsdale.org or call 914-723-7593.
School: Rooted in the mission Jesus Christ gave to the Church to go out to the world to preach, to sanctify and to shepherd souls, IHM School seeks to work with parents in forming their children in the faith and educating them for life in the world by faithfully and charitable teaching Jesus Christ and the two-fold command to love God and our neighbor, to immerse the students in the sacramental life of the Church so that they may know of God's presence in their lives and come to unite their lives for the glory of God, and to help lead and guide them on their journey through life to heaven by building up the virtues our faith has received from the Apostles. For more information and to register call 914-723-5608 or go to ihmscarsdale.org.
Social Ministries: IHM parish is involved in many social ministries, including Midnight Runs into Manhattan to bring food and clothing to the homeless; a food pantry and support of HOPE Community Services; annual Christmas Giving Tree, Baby Shower donations, support of mothers in crisis pregnancies, and bereavement assistance, among other needs. Click the link for Ministries on our parish's website (https://ihm-parish.org/) or call the Rectory (914-723-0276). If you have any questions, please email IHMPC@ihmscarsdale.org.
- 23rd Annual Lessons & Carols Christmas Concert: Bring friends, children and your voices! Please join Kenneth A. Farnum, Jr., George Wyman, Elizabeth Farnum, The St. Mary Star of The Sea Christmas Concert Choir, with The GiZMO SynFauxNY (an electro-classical keyboard ensemble) and guest vocalists for our 23rd Annual Lessons & Carols Christmas Concert on Sunday evening, December 22nd, 2024. Admission is free! Doors open 7:10 PM. St. Mary, Star Of The Sea Church 600 City Island Ave, City Island (Bronx) NY 10464 (across from the Seashore Restaurant). There is a free parking lot next to the school behind the church on Minnieford and Kilroe.
- 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, December 7/8, 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 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent
5:30PM - Joseph Piscopo by Elena & Paul Ippolito (Anniversary)
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - Eileen Hyland by the Hyland Family
9:00AM - Eileen Hyland by the Hyland Family
10:30AM - Carmine Gizzo (Anniversary Dec. 12) by Maria Cristina Giordano
12:00PM - Richard Fontana by
MONDAY, December 9, 2024
6:45AM - Marian Pertriccione by Mary Petriccione
9:00AM - Joan Mary Keating by Maureen T. Murphy
12:30PM - Joan Gambeski by Deirdre Corio
5:30PM - James McCready by Charli Anne McCready
7:30PM - The Catalano and LaVerghetta Families (Special Intention) by Gino & Maria LaVerghetta
TUESDAY, December 10, 2024
6:45AM - Lisa Troiani by Mom
9:00AM - Richard G. Fontana by Camille & John Roche
9:00AM - Richard G. Fontana by Camille & John Roche
WEDNESDAY, December 11, 2024
St. Damasus I
6:45AM - Richard Fontana by Catherine and Tom Souther
9:00AM - Christopher Murphy by the Murphy Family
THURSDAY, December 12, 2024
THURSDAY, December 12, 2024
Our Lady of Guadalupe
6:45AM - Mary & Michael Kubenik & Family by D'Agostino family
9:00AM - Mary Russo by the Reiss and Santoro Families
FRIDAY, December 13, 2024
St. Lucy of Syracuse
6:45AM - Lucy and Emmett Roche by Family
9:00AM - Vita Napoli by Steve & Denise Napoli
SATURDAY, December 14, 2024
SATURDAY, December 14, 2024
St. John of the Cross
8:30AM - Dominick Zarola by Susan and Eric Cohen
5:30PM - Donato Callara by Rosa Callara
Please Remember in Your Prayers
The Sick of Our Parish
Peter Alix
Sean Fogarty
Joan Boccardi
Joan Boccardi
Margaret Ambrose
Thomas R. Farrell
Gino Catalano
Leslie Vaccaro
John Powers
Anthony Sgarlata
Pren Gjdoda
The Deceased of Our Parish
Monsignor Nicholas J. Soares
Father Wilfried Robert Theisen, Benedictine
Elizabeth Mary Roberts
Richard Murphy
Lynn Giackette
Joseph Pernisiglio (pronounced - Per Ne SigLi Oh)
Rita Marie Rohlman
Joseph Imperiale
- 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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