Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Friends,
Thank you once again for the warm and heartfelt welcome you extended to me last weekend. I feel truly blessed to be part of this faith-filled community, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.
Over the past week, I’ve been learning the ins and outs of the parish and the rectory office. I want to commend the incredible rectory staff—especially Fr. Thumma—for their patience, kindness, and generosity in showing me how things are done here. They’ve answered my many questions with grace and good humor, and I’m deeply grateful for their support.
Since I’ve been learning about you, I’d like to share a bit of my own story. I was born and raised in St. James, New York, where my faith journey began in a wonderful parish that nurtured my love for the Church. After graduating from Chaminade High School, I joined the Society of Mary, the Marianists, as a religious brother. I then completed my Master of Theology at Ave Maria University and taught Scripture at both Kellenberg and Chaminade High Schools. Feeling called to the priesthood; I entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie to study for the Archdiocese of New York.
Since my ordination in 2015, I’ve been blessed to serve at St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxville; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Shrub Oak; and as priest-secretary to Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In many ways, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish reminds me of my home parish on Long Island, which was so formative for me – a strong sense of parish community, a proud history, a thriving school, and vibrant social outreach to those in need. I look forward to September, when our full schedule of liturgies, classes, and outreach resume. In the meantime, enjoy these last days of summer!
Faithfully in Christ,
Fr. Stephen
The attached PDF is a copy of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council Constitution and By-Laws,
which was recently revised in March 2025.
Next Meeting: September and the Fall
Next Coffee and Donuts: The Fall
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.
If anyone has feedback, ideas, suggestions, complaints etc. please email the Parish Council at their email address. Parish Council members are also available to speak at Coffee and Donuts each month.
The Mass Schedule for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is as follows:
Thursday, August 14th Vigil Mass 7:30PM
Friday, August 15th Masses at
6:45 AM, 9:00AM, 12:30 PM and 5:30PM
The Solemnity of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation
The Solemnity of the Assumption, celebrated each year on August 15th, commemorates the event at the end of the Blessed Mary's life on earth, when God assumed her both soul and body into heaven, not allowing the corruption of the grave to touch her. As the image of the Church, the special blessing she received at her Assumption gives us the preview of our own bodily resurrection in the Lord at the end of time.
The Rectory will be closed on Friday, August 15th in observance of The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The IHM 2023-24 Pastor's Finance Report
was published in last weekend's Bulletin.
Click the button below to access the 2023-24 Finance Report.
SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE & Rectory Office Schedule FOR THE SUMMER
Please note changes to the Sunday Mass schedule for Summer at IHM.
Through Monday, September 1st (Labor Day Weekend) the Sunday Mass Schedule will be as follows:
Saturday: 5:30PM Vigil Mass
Sunday: 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 12noon
The regular Sunday Mass Schedule resumes Sunday, September 7th
IHM's Rectory Office will operate on the following summer schedule for July and August (always call ahead to confirm receptionist)
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00am - 6:30pm
Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday - 8:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday - Closed
When you are traveling and looking for a nearby Church for Mass, use
Sunday, August 10, 2025 | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Luke 12:32-48 (or 12:35-40)
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus urges us to be ready for his Second Coming. It reminds me of John the Baptist preparing us: “Make straight the way of the Lord.” He is saying that his job is to prepare for the mighty coming of the Lord. A change is coming, a revolution is on the way, a disaster (the destruction of the old) is about to happen. Prepare the way of the Lord.
And what is the manner of preparation? It is a baptism of repentance. Baptism—an immersion in water—reminded first-century Jews of the Exodus, passing through the Red Sea, leaving the ways of slavery behind.
And repentance (metanoia)—going beyond the mind that you have. How our minds are conditioned by the fallen world! How our expectations are shaped, stunted by what has gone before. The world of Tiberius and Pilate and Herod and Caiaphas has shaped our imagination. It’s time, John is saying, for a new mind, a new set of eyes, a new kind of expectation. God is about to act!
Be ready!
And what is the manner of preparation? It is a baptism of repentance. Baptism—an immersion in water—reminded first-century Jews of the Exodus, passing through the Red Sea, leaving the ways of slavery behind.
And repentance (metanoia)—going beyond the mind that you have. How our minds are conditioned by the fallen world! How our expectations are shaped, stunted by what has gone before. The world of Tiberius and Pilate and Herod and Caiaphas has shaped our imagination. It’s time, John is saying, for a new mind, a new set of eyes, a new kind of expectation. God is about to act!
Be ready!
Bishop Robert Barron
A Word from Cardinal Dolan: Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
A Word from Cardinal Dolan: Prayer Through Mary
A Word from Cardinal Dolan: St. Alphonsus Liguori
A Word from Cardinal Dolan: St. John Vianney
A Word from Cardinal Dolan: Come and See the Knights of Columbus!
The Sheen Center Presents:
Between Two Popes:
A Conversation with Cardinal Dolan on the
Election and Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV
We joyfully announce the forthcoming celebration of Marriage for
III Kyle Longo & Anna Ratto
III Matthew Dale & Julianne Befi
The Second Collection this Sunday, August 10, is for the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.
Next Sunday, we will collect an offering for the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. Founded on the basic principles of Pope St. John Paul II's call to action, the fund has been making real differences in the lives of Catholics for almost 20 years through its support of seminary training, the formation of religious sisters and brothers, health care and hunger relief, and other pastoral ministries that address the needs of the rapidly growing African Church.;
However, it is difficult for the Church there to sustain its growth and maintain essential pastoral outreach. Our solidarity is necessary to help the "salt of the earth" Church in Africa realize its potential as a "light of the world. "Your participation has been crucial to fostering tolerance and respect between neighbors, including those of different faiths, which has contributed to interreligious cooperation and more peaceful communities across Africa. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Scarsdale Edgemont Girl Scouts will be selling cookies in the North Parking lot after the 10AM Mass on Sunday, August 10th. Cookies cost $7 per box and you can pay by cash or Venmo. Your support turns those cookies into vital funding for girl-centered leadership programs for our Girl Scouts. If you will not be at mass or do not need cookies, please consider donating to help our military troops, veterans and food pantries. Between now and August 28th, donations made online to purchase Girl Scout Cookies for Operation Cookie Drop or Food Pantries will be matched 2 for 1 up to $10,000! Click here to donate. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please reach out to Donna Marie Caro (joinsegs@gmail.com) with questions.
HOPE COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN
NEEDS YOUR HELP!
NEEDS YOUR HELP!
We are looking for more volunteers to cook for the HOPE Community Supper Program. The need is greater than ever. Cooking is done at home and delivered to the Church, it is then picked up and delivered to HOPE Community Services in New Rochelle (www.hopecommunityservices.org).
- Timing: Held every third Friday, and also the occasional 5th Tuesday of the month. NEXT HOPE SOUP KITCHEN Drop off: Friday, August 15th by 11:00AM
- If cooking is "not your thing" we could use help with shopping for other food items
IHM SPORTS PROGRAMMING INFORMATION:
Join one of our sports teams today!
HOT (High Octane Training) Volleyball Club Tryouts – Westchester
Attention IHM Families!
HOT Volleyball is inviting athletes from IHM to try out for our brand-new 13U & 14U Regional Club Teams!
Tryouts: August 15th & 22nd
Location: East Coast Sports & Fitness,
201 Veterans Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY
Time: 13U: 10AM–12PM | 14U: 12PM–2PM
HOT Volleyball Club is one of the fastest-growing youth volleyball programs in the region, known for skill development, positive coaching, and player mentorship. Whether you're new to the sport or ready for club competition—this is your moment!
Click the button below to register!
All skill levels welcome!
The generosity of the IHM family has been overwhelming and, as a result, the recent Midnight Runs have been a wonderful success!! Our next two Runs will be during the warmer weather and we are targeting the following to replenish our inventory:
- Men's jeans waist sizes 30-36 and all lengths;
- Sweatpants sized small, medium, large, and extra large;
- Men's sneakers sizes 9 thru 13;
- Women's sneakers sizes 7 thru 9;
- Men's tee and golf shirts, especially large and XL;
- Women's tee shirts mostly large and XL
- Men's shorts, waist sizes 30-38
- Women's shorts and joggers mostly large and XL
- Rain ponchos, baseball caps and backpacks
- Small Toiletry items such as deodorant, face soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes
We are also grateful to receive packages of new/unopened underwear and socks for both men and women. In addition, small sizes of toiletry items such as shampoo, body wash, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc. are always needed!!
Please note that we only distribute gently used or new items. So, as you pull your summer wear forward in your closets, please consider Midnight Run if something doesn't strike your fancy anymore!!
Anyone who is interested in any aspect of Midnight Run—driving, sorting, food prep—please email ihmmidnightrun@gmail.com, thank you!
Please note that we only distribute gently used or new items. So, as you pull your summer wear forward in your closets, please consider Midnight Run if something doesn't strike your fancy anymore!!
Anyone who is interested in any aspect of Midnight Run—driving, sorting, food prep—please email ihmmidnightrun@gmail.com, thank you!
IHM Jubilee Parish Pilgrimage to Italy
October 9 - 18, 2025
Please reach out to the ProRome Tours directly if you are interested, have questions or would like to be a 'maybe'! We have over 27 and can go up to 40 people.
The itinerary features six nights in Rome and two nights in Assisi, with a day-trip to Loreto built in as well. Daily Mass – the cornerstone of each day – will be complemented by a rich Catholic touring program designed to bring the pilgrims face to face with the great saints, martyrs, miracles and cultural heritage of Roman Catholicism. Highlights include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Basilicas, the Catacombs, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square and many incredible saints, churches, basilicas and holy sites throughout Italy.
Roundtrip airfare (see FAQ section below for more information) and beautiful four-star hotels have been arranged. A ProRome tour manager will accompany the group throughout the course of the trip, and private bus transportation, Catholic tour guides, all tours and tickets, daily breakfast and either daily lunch or dinner are included in the price.
Land Only: $3500 per person
Airfare: $1100 per person (from JFK Airport)
Total Package Including Airfare: $4600 per person
Airfare: $1100 per person (from JFK Airport)
Total Package Including Airfare: $4600 per person
Registration with group airfare closed July 6.
Registration for land only closes August 10.
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
(First Fridays of non holidays until Midnight)
The Word on Fire Institute is now offering a Master of Arts in Evangelization & Culture, in partnership with The Catholic University of America! This program will be offered remotely with an optional in-person summer residency. Be formed by faithful scholars and Catholic thought leaders, including Word on Fire Institute professors, and gain practical evangelization skills to fulfill the Great Commission of proclaiming Christ to all nations. Apply by August 15th to enroll for the fall semester!
The Archdiocese of New York takes stewardship of your donations seriously. If you have knowledge of or reason to suspect misconduct, please report your concerns via a toll-free hotline at 877-820-0541 or on the internet at http://www.reportlineweb.com/ADNY. Both are available 24 hours per day.
Young Members:
- 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!” 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 (or chapel in warmer months). 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 will resume the Scripture discussion group in the Fall. 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 the 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 Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Ursula Church Men’s Club presents its 14th Annual Golf Outing to be held at the Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers on Monday, September 15, 2025. Join us for a day of golf or dinner as we bring together parishioners and friends for a day of fellowship and purpose at this important fundraising event. The cost is $175/golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, greens fees & cart, BBQ lunch and cocktail hour/dinner. $75/dinner only. For more information and to register visit the Church website at stspeterpaulandstursula.org or contact the Parish office at 914-668-9815 or sppcmvny@gmail.com.
- Catholic Widows and Widowers of Yonkers Annual Communion Breakfast will be held on Sunday, September 21st. Mass at 10AM, Immaculate Conception Church, (53 Winter Hill Rd, Tuckahoe), followed by brunch at San Martino’s Ristorante, 12 Young Ave, Yonkers. Cash $36 per person payable at the brunch. Members and guests welcome. Reservations required. Fore more information and reservations, call (914) 423-5331.
- Catholic Engaged Encounter marriage preparation: Know a couple planning to get married and want them to start off with a strong foundation? Refer engaged couples to Catholic Engaged Encounter of Lower Hudson Valley for their pre-cana marriage prep weekend. For over 50 years, we have been preparing couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony and giving them the tools for a healthy and successful marriage. Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE) is endorsed and approved by the Catholic Church from the Vatican to dioceses and local parishes worldwide. CEE weekends are a wonderful gift for engaged couples. Our program fulfills the pre-cana requirement of the Archdiocese of New York. For more information and to register, go to:
lowerhudsonvalley.engagedencounter.com or call (845) 298-4772. - Xavier Society for the Blind provides free religious, spiritual and inspirational reading materials in braille, large print and audio to blind and visually impaired individuals worldwide, free of charge, thanks to the generous support of donors. They support this community of faithful in understanding, developing and practicing their Faith. Their service began in 1900, and they hope to serve many more people in new and innovative ways for many years to come. More information: xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
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 9/10, 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 10, 2025
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:30PM - Giorgio and Mariantonia Zeolla by Teresina Zeolla
8:00AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
10:00AM - Golio / Imundi Family by Agnes Golio
12:00PM - Deacon Robert diTargiani, (Anniversary of his death) by Natalie diTargiani
MONDAY, August 11, 2025
St. Clare
6:45AM - Flaherty Family, Living and Deceased (Special Intention) by Doreen Flaherty
9:00AM - Antonio Pozzuto by the Ashman Family
TUESDAY, August 12, 2025
St. Jane Frances de Chantal
6:45AM - Julia Gayanelo (Birthday) by her parents
9:00AM - Domenic Mariani by Donna & Tom Telegades
WEDNESDAY, August 13, 2025
Ss. Pontian & Hippolytus
6:45AM - Marie & Leonard Abbrescia by Joan Falco
9:00AM - Margaret DiCarlo by Annette DiCarlo
THURSDAY, August 14, 2025
St. Maximilian Kolbe
6:45AM - Allison Wright (Birthday) by Wayne & Laura Wright
9:00AM - Fred Wolff III by Family
7:30PM (Assumption Vigil Mass) - Rosa Russo by Anna Russo Mihalchik
FRIDAY, August 15, 2025
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6:45AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - Generosa and Angelo Soranno by the Coco Family
12:30PM - Ettore & Rosa Russo by Anna Russo Mihalchik
5:30PM - Jean Flaherty & Family, Living and Deceased (Birthday) by Doreen Flaherty
SATURDAY, August 16, 2025
St. Stephen of Hungary | Mem. of Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30AM - Living & Deceased Members of the Pezzella & Holten Families (Special Intention) by Susan Holten
5:30PM - Donato Callara by Rosa Callara
5:30PM - Donato Callara by Rosa Callara
Please Remember in Your Prayers
The Sick of Our Parish
Margaret Mary Ambrose
Jason Bergen
Joan Boccardi
Gino Catalano
Joan Boccardi
Gino Catalano
Anthony D’Agostino
Sean Fogarty
Sean Fogarty
Dr. Peter Healy
Frances Simone
- 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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