My dear friends,
This past Thursday brought joyful news for the Church and the world: the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As Catholics, we were united in prayer and anticipation as the white smoke rose and the words “Habemus Papam!” rang out. We now turn our prayers to support Pope Leo as he begins his ministry as Vicar of Christ. His inaugural Mass is set for Sunday, May 18th.
While my own service at the Holy See and at the Office for Bishops ended before the appointment of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Prefect, I had the pleasure of meeting him during two visits back over the years to catch up with former colleagues. The future Pope welcomed me warmly to the morning coffee break and I recall him as gracious, humble, and genuinely kind. May God bless and guide him!
Today we also celebrate the second round of First Holy Communions! May God grant us good weather. We invite all children receiving the sacrament—whether this weekend or last—to wear their First Communion outfits to Mass this weekend. At each Sunday (Saturday Vigil) liturgy a Marian Crowning will take place during the offertory. After the Creed, First Communicants should gather at the church entrance before the offertory to assist with presenting the gifts and floral crown for Our Lady. At the end of Mass, they’ll be invited forward so we may honor them as a parish.
A heartfelt thank you to all who supported our IHM Giving Day yesterday. It was a wonderful day of generosity, capped off with a beautiful gathering at J.C. Fogarty’s in Bronxville to celebrate the support of our parish school. Thank you for your continued support of our parish mission!
This evening, we welcome back the IHM School Class of 1975 as they join us for Mass and a reception at the school. We’re grateful to have you home again—welcome!
We also celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, giving thanks for all the mothers in our lives, both living and deceased. As a sign of our love and appreciation, roses will be available for all mothers at Mass this weekend.
This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. At Cardinal Dolan’s request, priests throughout the Archdiocese will be sharing their vocation stories. Fr. Thumma will offer the 5:30 p.m. Vigil, 7:30 a.m. and 12 noon Sunday Masses and I the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses. Seminarian Ian Mendoza will share his vocation story at the 7:30am Mass. Please note: there will be no separate children’s liturgy this weekend, as children will be invited forward for the Gospel and homily.
At the church entrances, you’ll find books from Bishop Barron’s The Word on Fire Ministry about the Creed. This month marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed for the Catholic, Orthodox and ancient Oriental Christian Churches—a perfect time to reflect more deeply on what we profess each Sunday.
Also available at the doors are baby bottles to support the Gianna Center in Brewster. Their new mobile ultrasound unit, which many of you saw during its visit, is now actively serving women in crisis pregnancies. Your generosity makes a real difference.
Finally, I’m pleased to confirm that our parish pilgrimage in October is happening! Click here for more information! I hope you’ll consider joining me!
A blessed Sunday to you!
Parish Calendar of Events
First Holy Communions (Saturday May 10th)
Class of 1975 welcomed to 5:30pm Vigil Mass for their 50th Reunion with gathering to follow in the school auditorium.
Sunday, May 11th - Mothers Day
Baby Bottle Drive begins for Gianna's House
Second May Crowning the next 2 weekends at Sunday Masses inside statue of the Blessed Mother (First Communicants, please wear your First Holy Communion outfits).
Monday, May 12th
IHM School May Crowning, Monday afternoon outside statue of the Blessed Mother, May 12th.
Evening Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 13th
7pm (lower church) Bible Discussion Group - conclusion of the Book of Revelation
Wednesday, May 14th & each Wednesday
10am (parish library) Centering Prayer
7pm (rectory Dunne Conference Room) School of Community
7:30pm (lower church) HSOR - High School of Religion
Thursday, May 15th & each Thursday
After the 9am Mass - Charismatic Morning of Prayer at the House of Prayer
7pm (parish library) Women's Prayer Group
Saturday, May 17th
Midnight Run
Sunday, May 18th
Coffee and Donuts after all Sunday Masses, hosted by the Parish Council
Wednesday, May 21st
7:30pm HSOR Graduation evening (high school)
Friday, May 30th
Sacrament of Confirmation
For more details, please check the parish bulletin or contact the rectory.