NOVEMBER 23, 2025 - CHRIST THE KING
Friends,
As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving, I invite you to join me in lifting our hearts in gratitude to Almighty God, the giver of every good and perfect gift.
This season calls us to reflect not only on the blessings of family, fellowship, and daily provision, but also on the deeper gift of our communion in Christ. In the words of the Psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Truly, His mercy sustains us, and His grace binds us together as one parish family.
This season calls us to reflect not only on the blessings of family, fellowship, and daily provision, but also on the deeper gift of our communion in Christ. In the words of the Psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Truly, His mercy sustains us, and His grace binds us together as one parish family.
I am profoundly grateful for all of you:
- The faithfulness of our parishioners, who continue to serve with humility and devotion.
- The beauty of our liturgies, which lift our minds and hearts to the divine.
- The spirit of charity that flows outward from our community to those in need.
- The blessing of our parish school and religious education program, where children are nurtured in faith, knowledge, and virtue.
As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, may we remember those who are hungry, lonely, or burdened, and extend to them the love of Christ. Let our gratitude be expressed not only in words, but in deeds of mercy and compassion.
Let us also lift up prayers for our nation. May God guide our leaders with wisdom, protect those who serve in public life, and inspire all citizens to seek justice, peace, and unity. In gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, may we remain steadfast in our responsibility to care for one another and to build a society rooted in faith, hope, and charity.
On behalf of our parish, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and holy Thanksgiving. May the Lord fill your homes with peace, your hearts with joy, and your lives with His abiding presence.
With prayerful gratitude,
Rev. Stephen Ries
Pastor
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Heavenly Father, source of all blessings, on this day of gratitude we lift our hearts to You in thanksgiving. We praise You for the gift of life, for the love of family and friends. Lord, we ask Your blessing upon this food, the hands that prepared it, and the table around which we gather. May our meal be a sign of Your abundance and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. As we share in this feast, make us mindful of those who hunger, those who are lonely, and those who suffer, that our gratitude may overflow in acts of charity and mercy.
We pray also for our nation. Grant wisdom to our leaders, unity to our people, and peace to our land. May we always seek justice, uphold truth, and walk humbly with You, O God.
Bless our homes with joy, our hearts with hope, and our lives with Your abiding presence. May this Thanksgiving renew in us a spirit of gratitude, deepen our bonds of fellowship, and draw us ever closer to You, the giver of all good gifts.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A very special “Thank You” to all who donated gift cards, cash and food supplies for our Thanksgiving collection. The Thanksgiving Season would not be complete without acknowledging your support. Your generosity has touched the lives of many in need and is sincerely appreciated.
Please note that the Thanksgiving envelope included in your packets supports our IHM Social Ministries Account to assist those in need and our various Social Ministries. Thank you for your generosity.
Our Parish Thanksgiving Week Schedule
Wednesday, November 26
6:45am and 9:00am Masses
Adoration from 7:00am until 1:00pm
Parish Office Closing at 1:00pm
No Evening Confessions
Thursday, November 27
9:00am Mass
No Adoration and Parish Office is Closed
Friday, November 28
9:00am Mass
No Adoration and Parish Office is Closed
Saturday, November 29
8:30am Mass with Confessions Following
Parish Office Open from 8:00am until 1:00pm
4:00pm Confessions
5:30pm Vigil Mass
6:45am and 9:00am Masses
Adoration from 7:00am until 1:00pm
Parish Office Closing at 1:00pm
No Evening Confessions
Thursday, November 27
9:00am Mass
No Adoration and Parish Office is Closed
Friday, November 28
9:00am Mass
No Adoration and Parish Office is Closed
Saturday, November 29
8:30am Mass with Confessions Following
Parish Office Open from 8:00am until 1:00pm
4:00pm Confessions
5:30pm Vigil Mass
From all of us at IHM, Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Parishioners,
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded every day of why our Catholic school is such a vital part of our parish community. This year, we opened our doors with over 300 students, a goal I have held close to my heart since beginning in 2019. I truly believe it became a reality because of your support and the unwavering partnership of our parents. I am deeply grateful.
At Immaculate Heart of Mary School, our mission is lived out daily. Our children learn the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, understanding that there is always a need greater than their own in the world around them. Forming them in faith, guiding them toward their Sacraments, and watching them grow in the beauty of our Catholic tradition is a blessing my faculty and I treasure.
We are blessed by the leadership of our new pastor, Father Stephen, whose support for our school has been evident from the moment he arrived. His guidance, along with your continued generosity, strengthens our mission and allows us to serve our children with excellence and in faith.
Gratitude is all around us at IHM-in our classrooms, in our parish, and in the hearts of our families. Thank you for believing in the importance of Catholic education and for walking with us as we form the next generation in faith, values, and service.
Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving.
With sincere gratitude,
Tracy Keelin
Principal
Join us for Coffee and Donuts this Sunday, November 23rd after Masses
If you would like to volunteer to help or have questions, please send us an email.
What is the Parish Council?
The IHM Parish Council advises the pastor, promotes lay involvement, and supports parish life. Members help lead events and serve in areas where they’re active or interested. Questions? Suggestions? Email IHMPC@ihmscarsdale.org.
The IHM Parish Council advises the pastor, promotes lay involvement, and supports parish life. Members help lead events and serve in areas where they’re active or interested. Questions? Suggestions? Email IHMPC@ihmscarsdale.org.
Next Meeting: December 1, 2025
Announcing our Christmas Eve Mass Raffle!
Enter for a chance to win a reserved front row pew and reserved parking at the upcoming Christmas Eve 4:00pm mass! Two lucky winners will be announced during our Breakfast with Santa event on 12/13.
Raffle tickets will be available after Masses on 11/22 and 11/23 and in the rectory.
Church Memorial Opportunities
IHM has always been a place where faith, love, and memory come together. It is within these walls that generations have prayed, celebrated, and found comfort in God’s presence.
One way to honor this sacred tradition, is by memorializing an item in our Church. This gesture offers a meaningful way to remember loved ones, celebrate family milestones, or simply give thanks for blessings received. These memorials will stand as lasting tributes, woven into the very fabric of our worship space, reminding us of the lives and stories that shape our parish. We invite you to prayerfully consider participating in the memorial opportunities below:
Remaining Nativity Figurines: Last year our parish debuted a new nativity display in the Church. This beautiful addition to our Christmas decorations was imported from Italy and contains many hand painted figurines. Under Msgr. Sweeney’s direction the various figurines were offered to be memorialized and we have a few remaining items available. There will be a plaque on display next to the nativity listing all those who donated.
Camel and Camel Driver
Creche
Shepherdess
New Processional Cross and Candle Set: Our parish has just received a beautiful processional cross and candle set handmade by Adrian Hammers of Larchmont. After many years of use, our old set was worn and damaged. These new altar pieces will enhance the sanctuary and our worship. We would like to offer these items to be memorialized in honor of a loved one. There will be an engraved memorial plaque placed on the stand which will hold these sacred items.
Processional Cross - One Available
Processional Candles - Two Available
New Altar Missal: The Roman Missal is the ritual text or book for the celebration of the Mass. It contains the Mass prayers as well as instructions for the priest, the congregation and other ministers on how the Mass should be celebrated. It is used daily at all of our Masses. Our parish is in need of a new copy of this sacred book, and this too is being offered to be memorialized.
Please contact Liz Reyes in the Rectory Office
if you are interested in reserving one of these memorials.
Sunday, November 23, 2025 | Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe | Luke 23:35–43
Friends, today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. This day reminds us what the Christian thing is all about: that Jesus really is the King, the Lord of our lives. It affirms that we belong utterly to him; that we can say, with St. Paul, “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.”
If we say anything else, we are horsing around with Christianity and not really living it. If we pay lip service to Jesus but do not submit completely to him, we are fooling around and not treating him as the King of our lives. If we let him into one or two rooms of the house and not every room, he isn’t our King.
Jesus is our Dominus, our Lord—or we are missing the point.
If we say anything else, we are horsing around with Christianity and not really living it. If we pay lip service to Jesus but do not submit completely to him, we are fooling around and not treating him as the King of our lives. If we let him into one or two rooms of the house and not every room, he isn’t our King.
Jesus is our Dominus, our Lord—or we are missing the point.
Bishop Robert Barron
REMEMBRANCES FOR THE WEEK
Week of November 23rd
Church Sanctuary Lamp Intention for:
William Douglas Badger by His Family: Sandie, Ashley, Lindsay, Hayden
Altar Candles in Lady's Chapel Intention for:
Christina Aerts by the Brusco Family
Bread & Wine Intention for:
Marie and Rosario Pessolano by Phyliss Pessolano
Church Altar Flowers Intention for:
William Douglas Badger by His Family: Sandie, Ashley, Lindsay, Hayden
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, November 23, 2025
Christ The King
5:30PM - Mary & Joseph Mucci by Patrick & Joanne Tormey
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - William Scalley by Ann McKeon
10:30AM - Anthony Carrea by Elsa Carrea
12:00PM - Dr. Philip Falcone by Rita Falcone
MONDAY, November 24, 2025
St. Andrew Dung-Lac & companions
6:45AM - William Rausch (Birthday) by Chip and Mary Rausch
9:00AM - Michael Macari by Jane Syracuse
TUESDAY, November 25, 2025
St. Catherine of Alexandria
6:45AM - John Rausch (Living) by Chip and Mary Rausch - 50th Birthday (11/18)
9:00AM - Betsy & Felix Nash by Priscilla Parameswaram
WEDNESDAY, November 26, 2025
6:45AM - Thomas P. Roche (Birthday) by Son
9:00AM - Marie Tazza by Donna Marie Caro
THURSDAY, November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Day
9:00AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
FRIDAY, November 28, 2025
9:00AM - Anne De Simone by Frank De Simone & Louise Cofini
SATURDAY, November 29, 2025
Mem. of Blessed Virgin Mary
8:30AM - John F. Byrnes by Margie & Tony Lelia
5:30PM - Emmett Andrew Roche by Family
We joyfully announce the forthcoming celebration of Marriage for
III Peter Concilio & Kiestyn Power
III Matthew Ferrara & Alexandria Becker
8th Grade Confirmation Retreat
On Sunday evening, November 16th, our 8th grade Religious Education Confirmation students, together with their parent or sponsor, attended their Confirmation retreat at IHM. The retreat was led by Colleen Rayner of CKR Retreats, who guided participants through a spiritual experience centered on God’s love for each of us. Her thoughtful presentation created an atmosphere where Jesus could truly touch the hearts of everyone present. The evening concluded with Adoration in the Church, offering a peaceful and quiet time for personal prayer and reflection.
Thank You, 8th Grade!
We are proud to share that several of our 8th grade Confirmation students held a bake sale after class on Monday, November 17th, and raised $317. The funds will be used to purchase gift cards that will help provide turkeys and grocery items for families in need this Thanksgiving season. Through this generous effort, our students not only supported our community, but also fulfilled part of their corporal works of mercy service hours. We are grateful for their hard work, compassion, and example of faith in action.
Boy Scout Christmas Wreath Fundraiser
Scarsdale Troop 2 will be outside the Church after all Masses THIS weekend (November 22nd & 23rd) to deliver balsam pine wreaths, centerpieces and crosses to parishioners that placed an order in October. Checks can be made payable to Scarsdale Troop 2. Merry Christmas and thank you for your support!
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY UPCOMING EVENTS
IHM Sports is excited to announce the opening of our Winter 2025 IHM Sports Store! Your support helps our vibrant and growing sports programs continue to thrive. For every item purchased, $5 will go directly to IHM Sports. Click the button below to shop!
The store will be open for two weeks or until all items are sold out -so don’t wait! Show your school spirit at games or around town, and remember that these items also make great Christmas or birthday gifts (please note that shipping dates are not guaranteed).
Go Crusaders! Wishing you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving from the IHM Sports Team
On the weekend of November 29th–30th, our friends offering handcrafted olivewood items from the Holy Land will be visiting IHM. They will set up in the lower Church.
May this be a wonderful opportunity to show our support for the Christian community in the Holy Land.
Our next Midnight Run is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th. We are urgently in need of the following items and ask that they arrive by Sunday, November 30th:
- Men's jeans waist size 30 thru 34, any length
- Men's sneakers sizes 9 thru 13
- Men's long sleeved shirts and hoodie wear especially large and XL
- Toiletries especially bars of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and shampoo
We will also be needing jackets, coats, and winterwear as the cool weather arrives. As you search through your closets, please keep us in mind as you discover items which you have outgrown or lost interest in!! Please make sure that donations are in good shape with no holes or stains
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 to our weekly gatherings on Wednesdays from 7:15- 9:00PM in the lower Church Hall. Please note the new start time. 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!”
Click the button below if you would like to enroll or for more information from our coordinator, Nancy Vericker
Young Members:
IHM Religious Education Grade K to 8
IHM Catholic School Grades K to 8
IHM High School of Religion (HSOR)
IHM Boy Scouts Troop 2
Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts
Prayer Groups:
Adult Faith Formation:
IHM Bible Discussion Group
IHM School of Community
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults: The OCIA (formerly RCIA) is the process by which we receive adults and children of elementary school age or older who wish to enter the Catholic Church.
Get Involved! Various organizations at IHM provide an opportunity for our parishioners to contribute their talents for the good of others.
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
Prin Gjidoda
Emily Gosewehr
Dr. Peter Healy
Wayne Skarberg
Michael Mirabella
Michael Mirabella
Cindy Whelan
Elizabeth Ann Bagnuolo
Patrick Briody
Patrick Briody
Mary Connolly
John Dunleavy
Kathleen Ferrandi
Ruth Hoffman
Rosa Pagiarulo
Nicola Brusco
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.
FOLLOW IHM PARISH ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
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