Letter from Fr. Stephen Ries
Friday May 22, 2026
Wishing you and your families a Blessed Memorial Day!
On Monday, May 25th, in honor of Memorial Day our parish office will be closed. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am followed by a Holy Hour
Friends,
As our nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are invited to unite in prayer for the healing, renewal, and unity of our country.
To mark this historic moment, parishes and individuals across the nation are encouraged to participate in 250 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. These shared acts of prayer and service are meant to draw us closer to Christ and to one another.
Pope Francis, in Dilexit Nos, reminds us to “nourish our lives with the strength of the Eucharist” in Holy Communion and Adoration, so that we may come to know more deeply the love of Christ and reflect that love in our care for others. Contemplating the Sacred Heart leads us into the mystery of our salvation and opens our eyes to Christ present in every person — especially those most in need.
We invite you to join our parish family in this national moment of grace. Consider committing to an hour of Adoration, performing a work of mercy, or praying intentionally for peace and unity in our land. Together, we can help our parish contribute to this collective offering of faith, hope, and love.
250 Hours of Adoration during the 250th Anniversary of America
Our parish has been uniquely blessed to offer Eucharistic Adoration in our Marian Chapel weekly. Join us in prayer Mondays through Fridays at IHM.
250 Works of Mercy during the 250th Anniversary of America
Assist with our parish outreach programs or volunteer on your own. These works of mercy could take a variety of shapes, such as:
Our parish will join with all the parishes around the country in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart with a novena beginning on June 3rd and leading up until the consecration on June 11th.
On June 11 at our daily 9:00am Mass we will consecrate our parish and nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We hope you can join us in person or united in prayer for our nation.
Faithfully in Christ,
Father Stephen Ries
Pastor
As our nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are invited to unite in prayer for the healing, renewal, and unity of our country.
To mark this historic moment, parishes and individuals across the nation are encouraged to participate in 250 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. These shared acts of prayer and service are meant to draw us closer to Christ and to one another.
Pope Francis, in Dilexit Nos, reminds us to “nourish our lives with the strength of the Eucharist” in Holy Communion and Adoration, so that we may come to know more deeply the love of Christ and reflect that love in our care for others. Contemplating the Sacred Heart leads us into the mystery of our salvation and opens our eyes to Christ present in every person — especially those most in need.
We invite you to join our parish family in this national moment of grace. Consider committing to an hour of Adoration, performing a work of mercy, or praying intentionally for peace and unity in our land. Together, we can help our parish contribute to this collective offering of faith, hope, and love.
250 Hours of Adoration during the 250th Anniversary of America
Our parish has been uniquely blessed to offer Eucharistic Adoration in our Marian Chapel weekly. Join us in prayer Mondays through Fridays at IHM.
- Mondays / Wednesday / Fridays - 7:10am until 8:00pm
- Tuesdays and Thursdays - 7:10am until 1:00pm
250 Works of Mercy during the 250th Anniversary of America
Assist with our parish outreach programs or volunteer on your own. These works of mercy could take a variety of shapes, such as:
- Assisting women who face a crisis pregnancy
- Donating to food pantries and clothing closets
- Participating in a community beautification program
- Raising money for an overseas development project
- Sponsoring a refugee family
- Tutoring children
- Volunteering at homeless shelters
Our parish will join with all the parishes around the country in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart with a novena beginning on June 3rd and leading up until the consecration on June 11th.
On June 11 at our daily 9:00am Mass we will consecrate our parish and nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We hope you can join us in person or united in prayer for our nation.
May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! And may the Immaculate Heart of Mary, intercede for us!
Faithfully in Christ,
Father Stephen Ries
Pastor
Prayer Resources For This Momentous Occasion
Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire
that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side,
you have poured out the wellspring of life,
for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people
to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation,
founded on the self-evident truths
that our Creator has endowed all people
with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses
against you and against human dignity
that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours,
so that our families and communities
enjoy peace and happiness;
may broken relationships be reconciled,
injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign,
pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History,
we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
On the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops
Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
