Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters,
be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted
to the work of the Lord,
knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday March 9th at 2:00AM.
Please remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour next weekend.
My dear friends,
This Sunday is our last one before we enter the 40 days of Lent. This sacred season invites us to deeper conversion—turning away from sin and even setting aside good things that may distract us from and hinder our faith. It is a time to open our hearts more fully to the Divine Life Jesus Christ offers.
I write this after reading a sobering snapshot of our Catholic faith from the annual Pew Research Center survey that indicated for every individual received into the Church, 8.4 people leave the faith. You may click here for the article.
As with any relationship, and particularly with God, we are either growing in it or we risk losing the gift of salvation we have been given in Baptism and that needs to be nourished in Sunday worship.
May I propose a reflection using what are called the "Precepts of the Church", the essentials for keeping our Catholic identity? These include attending Sunday Mass, confessing our sins yearly, receiving the Eucharist during the Easter season, observing days of fasting and abstinence, and supporting the Church.
Click here to read the 7 Precepts as presented by the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
This past year at IHM on Thanksgiving and Ash Wednesday, we now take up a collection for the Social Ministries of the parish. Particularly on Ash Wednesday when Jesus says to us in the Gospel, "When you give alms...", this collection may be a perfectly timed way to respond. The envelopes for this collection were not sent in the parishioner packets. They should arrive this weekend or by Monday and will be put out around the Church.
This past year at IHM on Thanksgiving and Ash Wednesday, we now take up a collection for the Social Ministries of the parish. Particularly on Ash Wednesday when Jesus says to us in the Gospel, "When you give alms...", this collection may be a perfectly timed way to respond. The envelopes for this collection were not sent in the parishioner packets. They should arrive this weekend or by Monday and will be put out around the Church.
Looking for ideas on meaningful Lenten practices?
Further information on Ash Wednesday, IHM daily Masses, Confessions, and our Friday Stations of the Cross is below.
Let us continue to pray for Pope Francis, who remains in the hospital and experienced another respiratory challenge. I ask that you include him in Grace Before Meals and in a Rosary as a good way to remember to pray for the successor of Saint Peter and visible head of the Church on earth.
After the 9:00 AM Mass this Sunday, join us for coffee and donuts, thanks to Theresa and Jeffrey Nicholson!
A big congratulations to our school’s cast and crew of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Friday’s performance was fantastic—full of energy, professionalism, and joy. They are off to a great start with more shows Saturday and Sunday!
Weekend Mass Schedule:
• Fr. Thumma: Saturday Vigil Mass, Saturday Confessions, Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:30 AM Masses
• Msgr. Sweeney: Sunday 9:00 AM Family Mass & 12:00 Noon Mass
May this Lent 2025 draw us closer to Christ!
Let us continue to pray for Pope Francis, who remains in the hospital and experienced another respiratory challenge. I ask that you include him in Grace Before Meals and in a Rosary as a good way to remember to pray for the successor of Saint Peter and visible head of the Church on earth.
After the 9:00 AM Mass this Sunday, join us for coffee and donuts, thanks to Theresa and Jeffrey Nicholson!
A big congratulations to our school’s cast and crew of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Friday’s performance was fantastic—full of energy, professionalism, and joy. They are off to a great start with more shows Saturday and Sunday!
Weekend Mass Schedule:
• Fr. Thumma: Saturday Vigil Mass, Saturday Confessions, Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:30 AM Masses
• Msgr. Sweeney: Sunday 9:00 AM Family Mass & 12:00 Noon Mass
May this Lent 2025 draw us closer to Christ!
Prayerful Devotions in Lent
Daily Masses:
Monday - Friday: 6:45AM & 9:00AM
Saturday: 8:30AM
Confessions:
Mondays: 8:00PM
Saturdays: 9:00AM & 4:00-5:00PM
Eucharistic Adoration:
Mondays & Wednesdays: 7:15AM - 9:00PM
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:15AM to 2:00PM
Fridays: 7:15AM to 6:45PM during Lent
Ash Wednesday:
Ashes will be distributed at the following Liturgies on March 5, 2025
6:45AM - Mass
8:00AM - Service
9:00AM - Mass
12:30PM - Mass
2:15PM - Service
8:00AM - Service
9:00AM - Mass
12:30PM - Mass
2:15PM - Service
4:00PM - Service
5:30PM - Service
7:30PM - Mass
Stations of the Cross:
5:30PM - Service
7:30PM - Mass
Stations of the Cross:
Fridays at 7:00PM (starts Friday, March 7th to/including Good Friday, April 18th)
Please note that there are envelopes in your packets for Wednesday, March 5th, Almsgiving/IHM Social Ministries and there will be envelopes at the doors of the church on Wednesday as well for IHM/Almsgiving.
Next Meetings: Monday, March 24, 2025
(none in April) May 12 and June 9
Next Coffee and Donuts: March 23rd
If you would like to volunteer to help or have questions, please send an email to IHMPC@IHMSCARSDALE.ORG.
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.
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:
- Rosary for Pope Francis' Health
- Thank you from Sisters for Life
- IHM Upcoming Events:
- IHM Parish Council Lenten Fish Fry: Friday's March 14th, March 28th & April 11th from 6-8PM in the lower Church
- Girl Scout Mass - Sunday, March 9th | RSVP by February 26th
- White Plains St. Patrick's Day Parade - Saturday, March 8th
- Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sunday, March 16th
- Midnight Run - the next Run will be Saturday, March 22nd
- Men's Retreat - Help from Heaven - April 25th - April 27th | RSVP by April 15th
- IHM HSOR - All high school students welcome every Wednesday from 7:30-9PM
- IHM Continuing Events:
- Eucharistic Exposition at IHM
- The 3 Bs - Celebrating Beethoven - Wednesday, March 12th
- St. Joseph's Day for Vocations - Saturday, March 22nd
- Called & Gifted for Life Formation Day - Saturday, March 29th
- Encounter NY Regional Conference - March 27-29
- Information on the Year of Hope
- Community News
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time| Luke 6:39–45
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” I recommend that you apply this text to your choice of a spiritual director.
Does the person to whom you’ve entrusted your soul know where to take you? Or are they as lost as you are? How do we know whether they see properly? In a way, this is rather simple: Have you entrusted yourself to someone who is utterly dedicated to Christ?
The next quality of a good spiritual teacher is that he acknowledges his need for a savior. Jesus uses a rather funny image to make this point. “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
Every spiritual teacher is eager to tell you what’s wrong with you. They are confident diagnosticians of your problems. But unless they’ve surrendered to Christ and found salvation in him, they are absolutely in no position to help you. They are as absurd as the man with a roof beam sticking out of his eye.
Does the person to whom you’ve entrusted your soul know where to take you? Or are they as lost as you are? How do we know whether they see properly? In a way, this is rather simple: Have you entrusted yourself to someone who is utterly dedicated to Christ?
The next quality of a good spiritual teacher is that he acknowledges his need for a savior. Jesus uses a rather funny image to make this point. “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
Every spiritual teacher is eager to tell you what’s wrong with you. They are confident diagnosticians of your problems. But unless they’ve surrendered to Christ and found salvation in him, they are absolutely in no position to help you. They are as absurd as the man with a roof beam sticking out of his eye.
Bishop Robert Barron
Rosary for Pope Francis' Health
Thank you from SISTERS OF LIFE
Dear Msgr. Sweeney & Parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church,
Allow us to express our deep gratitude for your generosity in Christmas donations this year! We were amazed at the abundance of gifts that came pouring in, and continue to marvel at God's providence for the women and children we serve as it has come through you. Not only do these gifts bring the joy of the newborn Jesus to these women at Christmastime, they continue to be a sign of God's care for them and the love they are surrounded with all throughout the year. Oftentimes, the grace to choose life comes through a tangible experience of support such as this -- the woman knows she is not alone in this, that help is here for her, and this gives her the courage to move forward in faith. Truly, your faithful and generous support over the years has allowed for much new life to come forth, both in the births of many babies and also in the blossoming maternity of these beautiful women. The gift you have given is the gift of new life!
Please know of how grateful we are to each of you, and of our prayers of thanksgiving to God for you. May the Lord bless you abundantly in this new year!
In Christ, our Life
The Sisters of Life Visitation Mission, NY
In honor of Girl Scout Sunday, the Scarsdale Edgemont Girl Scout service unit is bringing back the longstanding tradition of the IHM Girl Scout Mass on Sunday, March 9th at the 9AM Mass. Girls will gather in uniform at 8:45AM in the lower Church and will process in and sit together. Girl Scouts who are interested can volunteer to carry flags, read and bring up the gifts. Following Mass, there will be light refreshments in the lower church.
The cost is $10 per family to cover food. While families will sign up individually, troops should submit ONE check/Venmo (@Jessica-Leto-1) for all attending from their troop. ALL are welcome regardless of faith or service unit. Please see the above flyer and reach out to Donna Caro (joinsegs@gmail.com)with questions. Sign-ups close on February 26th.
The generosity of the IHM family has been overwhelming and, as a result, the recent Midnight Runs have been a wonderful success!! Our next Run will be on Saturday, March 22nd and we are targeting the following to replenish our inventory:
- Men's jeans especially waist sizes 30-34 and all lengths
- Men's sweatpants especially large and extra large
- Men's sneakers sizes 10 thru 13
- Rain ponchos, all sizes
- Backpacks
Please note that we only distribute gently used or new items. So, as you pull your spring wear forward in your closets, please consider Midnight Run if something doesn't strike your fancy anymore! Even if a donation cannot be used for a Run, we will have a home for it—there is much need in the NY metro area!
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!
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
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: 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 including the next meeting, 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 has just begun the study of the Book of Revelation. This may be a good Lenten practice to pick up to grown in the Word of God Tuesday evenings at 7:00PM in the lower church, ending at 8:30PM. We will discuss two chapters from the Apocalypse of John every Tuesday through Lent and most of the Easter season until we finish the 22 chapters in May. 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. The goal is to come to know Jesus in and through the Church, to know, understand and be able to explain our Catholic faith, and to live the life of Jesus through faith, hope and charity. 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.
- The Mall Walking Club meets every Tuesdays and Fridays, from 8AM to 10AM at The Westchester in White Plains. It's a great way to exercise no matter what the weather is outside. Go at your own pace. Walk on either carpeted or tile flooring. To join, sign up at the Parks table, next to the horse fountain on retail level 2 on Tuesday and Friday mornings during the program. Admission and parking* are free for all registered members of the mall walk program.*Registered Mall Walkers enjoy free parking from 8AM - 12noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. (Participants must check-in at the Parks table, or sign-up, if this is your first time at the Mall walk. For more information, call (914) 231-4539.
- The Scarsdale Adult School (SAS) has unveiled its 2025 curriculum! A vibrant mix of innovative courses, beloved favorites, and engaging community events. SAS stands out for its thoughtfully curated programs, offering: Author talks and expert-led walking tours of NYC landmarks and museums. Culinary adventures through Arthur Avenue and Chinatown, fitness sessions, and arts & crafts workshops. Discussion groups on literature and current events, plus lectures on art, architecture. Contact Information For questions about classes and registration, please e-mail: Registrar@ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org Stephanie Sklar Community Outreach Manager
- 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, March 1/2, 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, March 2, 2025
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:30PM - Deceased Members of the Giannelli and Farmer Families by Chris and Carolyn Giannelli
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - Virginia & Anthony Barra by the Barra Family
9:00AM - Virginia & Anthony Barra by the Barra Family
10:30AM - Walter and Virginia Gelozin by Suzanne and Joseph Marutollo
12:00PM - Anthony, Elvira and Anthony P. DeLillis by the DeLillis Family
MONDAY, March 3, 2025
St. Katharine Drexel
6:45AM - Antoinette Cover by Sean and Roseann Cover
9:00AM - Robert J. Pallone by the LoBono Family
TUESDAY, March 4, 2025
St. Casimir
6:45AM - William Falco by Joan Falco
9:00AM - Giorgio & Maria-Antonia Zeolla by Rosa Callara
WEDNESDAY, March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday
6:45AM - Flaherty Family, Living and Deceased (Special Intention) by Doreen Flaherty
9:00AM - Carmine Gizzo by Maria Cristina Giordano (Birthday)
12:30PM - Rosemarie D’angelo by Stephanie Lukic
7:30PM - Jeannine & John Ferrandi by Jeannine Saglimbeni
THURSDAY, March 6, 2025
6:45AM - Diana Casey by Margie and Danny Ryan
9:00AM - Teodoro Balmaceda by Ed and Lita Balmaceda
FRIDAY, March 7, 2025
Ss. Perpetua & Felicity
6:45AM - Margaret Rogan by the Pelella Family
9:00AM - Dr. Raymond A. Pisani by the Pisani Family
SATURDAY, March 8, 2025
St. John of God
8:30AM - Tolan Siblings by Susan Gulia
5:30PM - Eugene Callan by Barbara & Thomas Huvane
Please Remember in Your Prayers
The Sick of Our Parish
Andy Scott
Gina Catalano
Sean Fogarty
Joan Boccardi
Margaret Ambrose
Peter Alix
Thomas R. Farrell
Pren Gjdoda
John Powers
Leslie Vaccaro
Jason Bergen
John Dunleavy
Regina LoGudice
Kathryn Gleeson
Paul Assaro, Jr.
Ann DiMarco
Angelo Velez
John “Jack” Powers
Marie Esposito
Mary Katherine Sprague
Amparo Calleja
John “Jack” Powers
Marie Esposito
Mary Katherine Sprague
Amparo Calleja
- 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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