FEBRUARY 8, 2026 - FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Friends,
February is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family — Jesus, Mary, and Joseph — whose quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love offer us a model for every Christian home.
When we look at the Holy Family, we see the steady courage of Joseph, the tender faith of Mary, and the humble obedience of Jesus. Their home in Nazareth was simple and hidden, yet profoundly holy. In their daily life — in work, prayer, sacrifice, and love — they welcomed God’s presence and allowed His grace to shape their family. This is the kind of holiness to which every one of our families is called.
In a world that often pulls families in many directions, the Holy Family reminds us that holiness begins at home. It grows in small acts of kindness, in patience during difficult moments, in forgiveness offered freely, and in prayer shared together. No family is perfect, but every family can become a place where Christ is invited to dwell.
Throughout this month, I encourage you to turn to the Holy Family in a special way:
- Pray together as a family, even if it’s just a short prayer before meals or a decade of the Rosary.
- Bring your family’s intentions to Mass, placing them confidently before the Lord.
- Ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to watch over your home and strengthen the bonds of love within it.
- Seek their intercession for healing where there is hurt, unity where there is division, and peace where there is worry.
- Look for small ways to show love — a kind word, a moment of listening, an act of service.
As your pastor, I hold each of your families in my prayers. I know the challenges many of you face, and I also see the quiet faithfulness with which you continue to love, serve, and persevere. May this month devoted to the Holy Family be a source of grace for you. May their example inspire you, and may their protection surround you.
Faithfully in Christ,
Rev. Stephen Ries
Pastor
Faithfully in Christ,
Rev. Stephen Ries
Pastor
COFFEE AND DONUTS THIS WEEKEND AND ENTER OUR IHM SUPER BOWL POOL!
We are opening a second pool! Members of the Parish Council will be selling boxes in the vestibule of the Church after the 5:30pm Mass and in the lower church on Sunday during coffee and donuts.
Enter for your chance to win! $25 per box. Winners as follows:
1st Quarter: $200
2nd Quarter: $350
3rd Quarter: $200
4th Quarter: $500
Questions? Reach out to Stephen Riccardulli at stephen.riccardulli@hklaw.com
1st Quarter: $200
2nd Quarter: $350
3rd Quarter: $200
4th Quarter: $500
Questions? Reach out to Stephen Riccardulli at stephen.riccardulli@hklaw.com
Calling all active and retired law enforcement officers at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
In light of the increasing prevalence of criminal activity across the country targeting religious-based organizations, IHM is seeking to build a database of current and retired law enforcement officials residing within the IHM community who could be helpful in addressing security concerns of the parish. Many of our neighboring parishes have established programs that endeavor to provide for a law enforcement presence at each Mass. IHM would like to do the same.
If you are willing to assist in the process we ask for you to contact
Rick Nicklas at rpnicklas@optonline.net.
ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE
Lent Begins on Wednesday, February 18th.
Ashes will be distributed at the following Liturgies:
6:45AM - Mass
8:00AM - Service
9:00AM – Mass
12:30PM - Mass
4:00PM - Service
5:30PM –Mass
Ash Wednesday Adoration 7:00am until 7:00pm
There are NO Confessions on Ash Wednesday
PLEASE NOTE:
Ashes will not be distributed in the rectory office or outside the scheduled mass or service times. Packets will be available in the church to take home for other family members or those who are homebound.
There is a special collection on Ash Wednesday to support our parish Almsgiving and IHM Social Ministries. There are envelopes in your packets and additional envelopes available at the doors of the church.
Lenten Practice of Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.
For members of the Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.
The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon all members of the Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.
If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time| Matthew 5:13–16
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “If salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?” That question ought to bother us as much today as it did Jesus’ audience long ago. What he means is that a weak Christianity is a disaster for the world, for the world depends upon the Christian Church in order to become what it was meant to be.
Consider the truly awful gun violence in the streets of Chicago and other large American cities. A vibrant Christianity would actively get in the way of this affront to human dignity. Vibrant Christian churches would rub salt into the earth of this violence; vibrant Christian witness would be a city set on a hill.
Consider the truly awful gun violence in the streets of Chicago and other large American cities. A vibrant Christianity would actively get in the way of this affront to human dignity. Vibrant Christian churches would rub salt into the earth of this violence; vibrant Christian witness would be a city set on a hill.
Consider the tens of millions of unborn eliminated over the past fifty years. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of the mothers and fathers of these murdered children came from a Christian background. Why wasn’t their Christianity strong enough to function as salt and light? Why wasn’t their faith illuminating enough to shine a light into the darkness of what they were doing?
The clear implication is that without vibrant Christians, the world is a much worse place. - Bishop Robert Barron
We joyfully announce the forthcoming celebration of Marriage for
III Andrew Antoni & Michelle Milanes
REMEMBRANCES FOR THE WEEK
Week of February 1st
Church Sanctuary Lamp Intention for:
Angelo Velez (Anniversary) by the Velez Family
Bread & Wine Intention for:
Frank Iorio by Marie Iorio
Altar Candles in Our Lady's Chapel for:
Frank Iorio by Marie Iorio
Church Altar Flowers Intention for:
Thomas J. Camisa Jr.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, February 8, 2026
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:30PM - DeVico Family by Mr. & Mrs. Rosario DeVico
7:30AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
9:00AM - John G. Matishek by Cynthia Matishek (beloved husband)
10:30AM - Ann, Joseph Saccomano by the Saccomano Family
12:00PM - Jerry McEvoy by the McSherry Family
MONDAY, February 9, 2026
6:45AM - Frederic Wolff, Jr (Birthday) by Mary Wolff
9:00AM - Anna Caputo and Maria DeJesus by Maggie Racioppo (5 & 7 years deceased)
TUESDAY, February 10, 2026
St. Scholastica
6:45AM - Patricia Chiulli by Joyce Levine
9:00AM - Constantino Caruso by Giuseppina Bonvita
WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2026
Our Lady of Lourdes
6:45AM - Lee and Lou Marotta by Patti Greig (Birthdays for Godparents)
9:00AM - Filomena Maria Trombetta. In honor of the Blessed Mother in Thanks Giving by Maria Cristina Giordano
THURSDAY, February 12, 2026
6:45AM - Antonino Mendola by Anthony & Sebastiana Tagliamonte
9:00AM - Carlo & Lena Longo by JoAnn Longo-Silvestri & Vincent Silvestri
FRIDAY, February 13, 2026
6:45AM - Henry Keuling Stout/Peggy Petitmermet (Living) by Chip and Mary Rausch Family (Members with Alzheimers)
9:00AM - Robert B. White by the White Family
SATURDAY, February 14, 2026
Ss. Cyril & Methodius
8:30AM - Thomas Patrick Roche (Birthday) by Tom Roche
5:30PM - Emil and Doreen Goryeb by the Zarola Family
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY UPCOMING EVENTS
The IHM HSOR held an Evening of Service by donating and packing more than 60 toiletry bags for Midnight Run.
Father Stephen blessed the bags and the students.
HSOR welcomes all high school students to our weekly gatherings on Wednesdays from 7:30- 9:00PM in the lower Church Hall. 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!”
Enroll or for request more information from our coordinator, Nancy Vericker
IHM Volleyball Presents
Presidents' Day Volleyball Camp for all ages!
The next Midnight Run is scheduled for Saturday March 7th. Because of the overwhelming generosity of the IHM family, we are well-stocked for that Run. This will be our last cold weather Run before we start gearing up for future spring and summer events. As always, we ask that all donations be 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. We welcome new faces and new ideas, thank you!
Men of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
It’s Always a Good Time to Recharge Your Spiritual Batteries!
Weekend Men’s Retreat - Friday, March 6th - Sunday, March 8th at Don Bosco Retreat Center, Stony Point, NY. All men are welcome. Spend a weekend in a time of restful retreat, quiet prayer, reflection, talks and God’s grace.
This year’s theme is “WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE AS MEN OF GOD?”. The Retreat Chaplain will be Fr. Nicholas Blackwell, O. Carm. Also, a Saturday Night Q&A Session with Rev. Matthew S. Ernest, S.T.D.
The Retreat will begin with dinner on Friday evening at 6 PM at the Don Bosco Retreat Center and conclude after brunch on Sunday. The cost of the retreat is $350 and includes two nights of single occupancy rooms and all meals. TWO WAYS TO SAVE! Pre-Pay before Monday, February 23 and save $25! Bring a friend that has never been with us before and you both save $25! Only one discount may be used per person.
Please confirm your registration by February 23rd with a $50 deposit using Venmo (“Damian-Wach”) or mailing a check to Damian Wach c/o The IHM Holy Name Society, Annunciation Rectory,470 Westchester Ave, Crestwood, NY 10707
(made payable to Holy Name Society)
Questions – Please email or call:
Damian Wach - 973.204.3691 - damian.wach@pgim.com
Joe LoBono - 914.500.5591 - jnmlobono@optonline.net
Bill Fraser - 914.282-7918 - bfraser54@gmail.com
Joe Panessa - 914.325.8717 - joepanessa@gmail.com
Donato Vaccaro - 914.588.2007 – donato.vaccaro@aol.com
Sponsored by the Holy Name Society
Please Remember
in Your Prayers
The Sick of Our Parish
Jason Bergen
Gino Catalano
Gino Catalano
Anthony D’Agostino
Sean Fogarty
Emily Gosewehr
Dr. Peter Healy
Wayne Skarberg
Michael Mirabella
Michael Mirabella
Leslie Vaccaro
Cindy Whelan
Thomas J. Camisa Jr.
John E. Cinguina
Richard James Ditrio
Peter Doherty
Barbara Farrell
Frank C. Greco
Conrad Knowlton Harris
Dorothea Marie O'Connor
Giuseppe Pisacreta
Christopher Walsh
Michael Thomas Walzer
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.
We are going to discontinue Charismatic Morning of Renewal at the House of Prayer on Thursdays until Thursday, February 19th.
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.
- The Rev. John A. Keogh Knights of Columbus council and their families will host their annual Michael Francis “Sonny” Dalton Memorial Mass & Breakfast on Sunday, February 15th. Knights and their families will gather for the 8:00AM Mass at The Church of St. Joseph in Bronxville. Guest Speaker will be Sister John Paul of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal (CFR). Full breakfast will follow at J.C. Fogarty’s 60 Kraft Avenue, Bronxville, NY. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for family members under 18; free for children under ten. Please make checks payable to: Rev. John A. Keogh Council 2108. Mail check by February 7th to John F. Larkin at 7 Arlington Road Scarsdale, NY 10583 -- and RSVP as soon as possible to Grand Knight Bob Fois at robertfois@gmail.com. Those interested in joining the Knights of Columbus are encouraged to attend.
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