FEBRUARY 15, 2026 - SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Friends,
Lent is not simply a familiar tradition on the Church calendar. It is a sacred invitation — forty days set aside for renewal, repentance, and deeper intimacy with God. It begins with Ash Wednesday, a day that calls us to humility and honesty, reminding us of our dependence on God and our need for His mercy.
This year, I hope we will enter Lent with renewed seriousness and renewed hope. The world around us is loud and restless, but Lent offers a different rhythm: a season to slow down, to pray more intentionally, to fast with purpose, and to give generously. It is a time to let God reshape our hearts.
Ash Wednesday marks the doorway into this journey. When we receive the ashes, we are not simply participating in a ritual — we are really making a declaration. We are choosing conversion. We are choosing to turn away from sin and toward the Gospel.
To help each of us make this Lent truly meaningful, our parish offers several opportunities to deepen our walk with Christ. I encourage you to take advantage of them:
- The Sacrament of Confession: God’s mercy is one of the greatest gifts we have. Make time this Lent to come to confession. Allow the Lord to free your heart and renew your spirit.
- Eucharistic Adoration: Spending quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful way to let God speak to you. Our adoration times are moments of peace in a busy world. Even a short visit can open your heart to grace.
- Stations of the Cross on Fridays: Walking with Jesus along the Way of the Cross helps us understand the depth of His love. Join us each Friday as we pray the Stations together and reflect on His sacrifice.
- Our Lenten Parish Mission: This is a special moment of grace for our entire community. Set aside the time to participate fully. Come with an open heart and allow God to work in you through the preaching, prayer, and fellowship.
Let us encourage one another and let us make this Lent count — not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who gave everything for us.
May these forty days draw us closer to Christ and to one another as a parish family. May our hearts be renewed, our faith strengthened, and our lives transformed by the grace of this holy season.
Faithfully in Christ,
Rev. Stephen Ries
Pastor
Faithfully in Christ,
Rev. Stephen Ries
Pastor
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.
JOIN US THIS LENT AT IHM
DAILY MASSES
Mondays - Fridays: 6:45AM & 9:00AM | Saturdays: 8:30AM
CONFESSIONS
Wednesdays at 7:00PM | Saturdays: 9:00AM and 4:00PM
Wednesdays at 7:00PM | Saturdays: 9:00AM and 4:00PM
PARISH MISSION
Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25
More details to follow soon!
Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25
More details to follow soon!
ADORATION
Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays: 7:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00AM - 1:00PM
Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays: 7:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00AM - 1:00PM
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Fridays during Lent at 7:00PM
Fridays during Lent at 7:00PM
Starting on February 20th through Good Friday, April 3rd
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.
Due to the President's Day Holiday, Monday, February 15th:
- The Rectory and School Offices will be closed in observance of President's Day
- The Religious Education office is on Winter Break this week and returns on Monday, February 23rd
- Mass will only be at 9:00AM, followed by a Eucharistic Holy Hour from 9:30am - 10:30AM. The Church will be closed following the Holy Hour.
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time| Matthew 5:17–37
Friends, today’s Gospel presents Jesus as the new Moses delivering his Sermon on the Mount.
In the Old Testament, we find Moses, the great teacher, going up a mountain to receive the Law and then sitting down to teach it. Likewise, Jesus goes up a mountain and sits down to teach. However, Jesus is not receiving a law; he is giving one. During his sermon, we hear, “You have heard that it was said . . . But I say . . .” which reveals that Jesus has authority even over the Torah.
In the Old Testament, we find Moses, the great teacher, going up a mountain to receive the Law and then sitting down to teach it. Likewise, Jesus goes up a mountain and sits down to teach. However, Jesus is not receiving a law; he is giving one. During his sermon, we hear, “You have heard that it was said . . . But I say . . .” which reveals that Jesus has authority even over the Torah.
The Law is not being abrogated; it is being intensified, raised to a new pitch. Jesus declares that he would not undermine the Law and the prophets but fulfill them.
For instance, Jesus teaches, “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” To be like God utterly, we obviously have to eliminate cruel and hateful actions. But we have to go deeper, eliminating cruel and hateful thoughts and attitudes as well, for God is love right through. - Bishop Robert Barron
REMEMBRANCES FOR THE WEEK
Week of February 15th
Church Sanctuary Lamp Intention for:
Betty Flanagan by Milaccio Family
Bread & Wine Intention for:
Michael Colasuonno (Anniversary) by the Colasuonno Families
Altar Candles in Our Lady's Chapel for:
Protection of protestors and undocumented families
from ICE (Special Intention) by Francine Naughton
from ICE (Special Intention) by Francine Naughton
Church Altar Flowers Intention for:
For the intentions of our new Archbishop Ronald Hicks
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, February 15, 2026
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:30PM - Emil and Doreen Goryeb by the Zarola Family
7:30AM - Lolly Cibelli by Noel & Elisa Buckley
9:00AM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
10:30AM - John Alzapiedi and Burlin Family by the Bridgman Family
12:00PM - Msgr. Edward M. Connors by Catherine and Tom Souther
MONDAY, February 16, 2026
9:00AM - Joseph Cannata by Phyllis Caro
TUESDAY, February 17, 2026
Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
6:45AM - Joan Alvarez by Alice Nixon
9:00AM - Antonio Vaccaro by Lucy Farrell
WEDNESDAY, February 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday
6:45AM - Nicola Brusco
9:00AM - Deceased Members of the Reardon and Ferguson Families
by the Camisa Family
by the Camisa Family
12:30PM - Thomas John Camisa Jr.
5:30PM - The People of Immaculate Heart of Mary
THURSDAY, February 19, 2026
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
6:45AM - Esterina Caruso by Giuseppina Bonvita
9:00AM - Henry Varenne by Chip and Mary Rausch
FRIDAY, February 20, 2026
Friday after Ash Wednesday
6:45AM - Augusta Bitay by the Pelella Family
9:00AM - Carmine Cerino by John Cerino (7th anniversary of his passing)
SATURDAY, February 21, 2026
St. Peter Damian
8:30AM - Rosario Pessolano by Phyllis Pessolano (Birthday, 20 years in Heaven)
5:30PM - Anthony DiCarlo by Annette DiCarlo
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.
It is with great joy that the Parish Family of Immaculate Heart of Mary congratulates Br. Finbar Kantor, O.P. upon the occasion of his
Ordination to the Order of Deacon
May God Bless you in your service to Christ and His Church!
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY UPCOMING EVENTS
The Thursdays of prayer will begin again on Thursday, February 19th.
In mid-Lent, Sr. Nancy will give talks on Lenten themes.
March 5: Prayer and Fasting
March 12: Eucharist
March 19: The Cross
NEXT HOPE SOUP KITCHEN Drop off:
Friday, February 20th by 11:00AM
HOPE 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.
- We could also use help with shopping for other food items
- To sign up or ask questions contact: Lynne Richy call or text (914) 772-8348
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!
IHM Volleyball Presents
Presidents' Day Volleyball Camp for all ages!
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
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
Michael Mirabella
Andrea Russo
Wayne Skarberg
Leslie Vaccaro
Cindy Whelan
Thomas J. Camisa Jr.
John E. Cinguina
Richard James Ditrio
Peter Doherty
Barbara Farrell
Frank C. Greco
Conrad Knowlton Harris
Anne F. Maier
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.
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.
Holy Communion for those with Gluten Sensitivities
For any who have sensitivities to Gluten, know that Low Gluten hosts (containing less than 0.002% gluten, <20ppm, fully in accord with Church Canon Law) are available for receiving our Lord in Holy Communion. For those unable to have any gluten, we are happy to offer Holy Communion from a separate Chalice. Please speak with a priest before Mass.
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