Immaculate Conception  & 

Assumption of Our Lady 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation

Thursday, December 7, Vigil
*7 PM at Immaculate Conception Church

Friday, December 8
7:30 AM at Assumption Church
8:30 AM, 9:30 AM School Mass, Noon, and 7 PM at Immaculate Conception

*The Solemn Vigil Mass on December 7 will be concelebrated, with the ICC Choir present. Hospitality, sponsored by the Pastoral Council, will follow in the lower church as we celebrate our patronal feast. Parishioners are invited to bring baked goods on a disposable tray to the lower church before Mass. Consider baking your favorite Christmas cookie.

The 7 PM Vigil Mass and Noon Mass will be livestreamed.

Our next youth-led, family Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, December 10, at 5 PM. We are calling all seventh graders from ICS, PREP, and CYO to attend and participate with their families. The priest celebrating this Mass will be giving a homily especially designed for them. We ask the families of our seventh graders to please contact the youth-led, family Mass coordinator at [email protected] so that those interested can be given a role. A list of possible roles can be found below. All young people and their parents, siblings, grandparents, godparents, friends, and fellow parishioners are invited and welcome to attend the Mass and experience the church alive and well.

Possible Roles

• Altar Servers • Banner Carrier • Gift Bearers • Greeters • Lectors • Singers • Ushers

Following the 5 PM Mass on December 10, Immaculate Conception School will be celebrating their annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The Christmas tree outside the rectory will be lit and carols will be sung, led by the ICS Choir. ICS parents then invite everyone to the lower church for refreshments.

As we begin a new liturgical year this Advent and start our journey toward Christmas, consider using the Jesuit Examen of Consciousness as a way to prepare yourself for the birth of our Lord and to grow in your faith life.

Examen of Consciousness

Please join us for Hospitality Sunday in Fr. Fata Hall on Sunday, December 3 after the 9 AM Italian Mass at Assumption Church.

Enjoy some light refreshments and the company of your fellow parishioners.

A Tree of Life, rooted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, will be placed in a prominent position of the Prayer Garden at Assumption Church, attached to the new wrought-iron fencing near the waterfall. This Tree of Life will provide an opportunity, with an engraved leaf, acorn, or stone, to honor various occasions in the lives of your loved ones and to memorialize them when they have passed into eternal life. Each memorial is made out of durable polycarbonate, also known as Lexan, so that these memorials will stand the test of time. We are pre-selling the leaves, acorns, and stones so that when the Tree of Life is installed in the Spring or early Summer 2024, these can be installed as well. The procedure is simple: for each memorial, fill out an order form, available below or at the Usher’s tables in each church and in the Parish Office. Please call the Parish Office at (914) 961-3643 with any questions.

Initial Pricing
$200 per Leaf; $300 per Acorn; $500 per Stone

Order Form

Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Every Monday, after the 12 Noon Mass, our Parish prays the Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. On Monday, October 30, we began another 9 Mondays of prayer through Our Lady. Bring your intention, as there will be some silence to offer your intention to the Lord through Mary. In addition, each time we begin a novena (every tenth week), Fr. Sorgie will invest anyone with the Miraculous Medal that would like to be. 

On November 27, 1830, Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in Paris at the Motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity and asked Catherine to have a medal cast. Our Parish has a relic of St. Catherine which will be venerated during the final hymn of the novena each week.

The Miraculous Medal, also known as the Medal of Our Lady of Graces, is a devotional medal, the design of which was originated by Catherine Labouré following the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal of Paris, France. It was first made by goldsmith Adrien Vachette and approved for use by Archbishop Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen from the Archdiocese of Paris in 1836.

When looking around the church during Sunday Mass, it is not difficult to notice that there is a substantial portion of our community that is not as strongly represented as it should be: our young people. As the future of the Church, the youth are an integral part of our Parish life and well-being. To help encourage and inspire these young people and their families to nourish their souls just as much as they nourish their minds and bodies through school and sports, our Parish will be inaugurating a youth-led, family Mass to be celebrated once a month in Immaculate Conception Church.

The celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith, should be at the forefront of our family and community life. Without God and our worship of Him, Immaculate Conception School, PREP, the Immaculate Conception Gym, and all the apostolates would be meaningless. A fitting motto, that may one day adorn the entrance to the Immaculate Conception property, is: Mass -> Academics/Activities -> Sports

For these youth-led, family Masses, our young people will be called to play an active role in that Mass, with their families also being encouraged to assist and participate in a special way. All children have a special gift, which was given by God, that can be shared through their participation in the Mass.

Our first youth-led, family Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 18, at 5 PM. We are calling all eighth graders from ICS, PREP, and CYO to attend and participate with their families, strengthening the Parish church. Fr. Sorgie, who will be celebrating this first youth-led Mass, will be giving a homily especially designed for them. As they prepare for the reception of Confirmation later this school year, this Mass will be a wonderful way to begin their final few months before they become “young adults” in the Church after Confirmation. A special blessing will be given to the confirmandi to encourage them to welcome the Holy Spirit into their hearts for the rest of their lives. We ask the families of the confirmandi to please contact the youth-led, family Mass coordinator at [email protected] so that those interested can be given a role. A list of possible roles can be found below.

All young people and their parents, siblings, grandparents, godparents, friends, and fellow parishioners are invited and welcome to attend the Mass and experience the church alive and well.

Possible Roles

Altar Servers, Banner Carrier, Gift Bearers, Greeters, Lectors, Singers for the Choir, and Ushers for the Collection

Proposed Schedule for Youth-Led, Family Masses
Sunday | ICC | 5 PM

• December 10: Grade 7

• January 28: Grade 6

• February 25: CYO Teams and Scouts

• March 10: Grade 5

• April 14: Grade 4

• May 19: Grade 2

• June 9: Grades 1 and 3

Day of Prayer for Peace throughout the World
Thursday, October 26

Special Time: 9 AM - 8 PM
Special Location: Immaculate Conception Church

On Thursday, October 26, our Parish observed a day of prayer for peace throughout the world, especially for the Holy Land, Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Africa.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament took place from 9 AM to 8 PM in Immaculate Conception Church. Adoration began with Exposition at 9 AM after the 8:30 AM Mass and concluded with Benediction at 8 PM.

There were holy hours at 4:30 PM and 7 PM to allow the Parish to join together in prayer.

May the Prince of Peace stir the hearts of humanity to embrace an end to senseless violence and destruction.

12 PM Mass for Promoting Harmony

4:30 PM Holy Hour 

7 PM Holy Hour

Italian classes for returning students at the intermediate level will begin again on Saturday, September 23, at 10:30 AM in Fr. Fata Hall.

Beginner level classes will be on the same day, September 23, at 9:30 AM.

Both sessions will meet for 10 weeks with a fee of $250 per person.

Registration is now open and space is limited. To register, contact Ms. Persampieri directly at:
(914) 645-0784
or
[email protected].

Feast of the Transfiguration
Sunday August 6, 2023

Several of you, after the 12 Noon Mass, asked for a copy of the poem I read at the beginning of my homily. My good friend Peter Ricca, a Green Beret Veteran of the Vietnam War, graciously allowed me to make it available to you.

Fr. André, OFM

The Difference
by Peter Ricca

Do you think there’s a difference
between listen and hear?
I sure do and the difference
is quite clear!

Hear is strictly automatic.
Sound, Ear drum. Reply.
Listen is all heart.
I’m here if you want to cry.

Hear is “hurry up”;
I’ve got something to say.
Listen is take your time,
I’ve got all day.

So keep that in mind when
a friend comes to your door.
You may need to listen as
you’ve never “listened” before!

Pre‐Baptism Class: Baptismal Catechesis

Parents who are planning for their child’s Baptism are required to attend a Pre‐Baptism Class to prepare themselves for their child’s reception of the Sacrament and to understand the importance of their role in developing their child’s relationship with God. Our Parish offers a class on one Thursday a month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center at Immaculate Conception.

Please call the Parish Office to register for the class in advance so the instructor may have the appropriate materials ready. The upcoming Pre‐Baptism Classes are Thursdays:

December 14

As construction continues on the St. Frances Cabrini Apartments for Adults with Autism, the local news published the following article:

“In a former convent in Eastchester where Franciscan sisters lived for decades, workers are building apartments for adults on the autism spectrum.

Donna Maxon said the building’s new purpose will provide what she and other parents, as they age, want: A place where their adult sons and daughters lead lives of independence.

'To see that our children are OK, that they have a happy life, that they are safe, that they’re accepted, that they’re welcomed,' said Maxon, independent housing managing agent with ArchCare, the continuing care community of the Archdiocese of New York.

The St. Frances Cabrini Apartments at Immaculate Conception Church – eight units each with their own kitchenettes as well as first-floor community/activity and dining spaces – are slated to open in 2024’s first quarter. [...]"

Read the Full Article

After thoughtful consideration and with the blessing of Cardinal Dolan, our Parish has returned to the two options for receiving Holy Communion: in the hand and on the tongue.

As a reminder, when you receive Holy Communion:

• You should be in a state of grace, with no mortal sin on your conscience.

• You should make a reverent bow to the Body of Christ before stepping up to the minister of Holy Communion.

• Before receiving, respond “Amen” when the minister says, “The Body of Christ.”

• If receiving in the hand, you should make a throne, placing your left hand over your right hand, with your hands at chin level and parallel to the ground. You should never take the host from the minister; the Body of Christ should be received in the palm of your hand.

• If receiving on the tongue, please stick your tongue out of your mouth so that the minister has the proper area to place the Body of Christ.

It has come to our attention that there are a number of individuals arriving for Mass late and leaving Mass early. We appreciate that you lead busy lives, but, out of respect for the Third Commandment and the holy sacrifice of the Mass, you should be arriving at least 5 minutes before the start of Mass so that you can prepare yourself to experience the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Just as you would never leave a friend’s house after putting the last bite of dinner into your mouth, you should never leave church with the Body of Christ still in your mouth and should remain to receive the final Blessing from the priest as he sends you forth into your lives in Jesus’ name, which is a beautiful way to begin your week.

A Prayer of Pope Francis to
Mary, Undoer of Knots

Holy Mary, full of God’s presence
during the day of your life,
you accepted with full humility the Father’s will,
and the devil was never capable
of tying you up with confusion.
Once with your Son,
you interceded for our difficulties,
and full of kindness and patience,
you gave us example
of how to untie the knots in our life.
By remaining forever Our Mother,
you put in order and make more clear
the ties that link us to the Lord.
Holy Mother, Mother of God and our Mother,
to you who untie with a motherly heart
the knots of our life,
we pray to you to receive us in your hands,
and to free us of the knots and confusion
with which our enemy attacks.
Through your grace, your intercession,
and your example deliver us from all evil,
Our Lady,
and untie the knots
that prevent us from being united with God,
so that we, free from sin and error,
may find God in all things,
may have our hearts placed in God,
and may serve God always
in our brothers and sisters.
Amen.

On Saturday, March 18, Fr. Joseph Kelly concelebrated the 5 PM Mass at Immaculate Conception. He spoke of his book On Second Thoughts: A Book of Stories. Below is the synopsis (courtesy of Amazon) and a link to the Amazon page.

In his book On Second Thoughts: A Book of Stories, Father Joseph Kelly recalls experiences from his eventful life (e.g., his childhood in New York City, his time in the U.S. Navy, his life of priestly service) and reflects on those experiences and how they illustrate faith and the presence of God in all things. His engaging stories are an aid to the reader’s own faith in God inviting meditation and prayer.

On Second Thoughts

Remember a Loved One
Reserve a Mass or Donate Flowers
2024 Mass Book is Open

The 2024 Mass Book is now open and will take Mass Intentions for the living and deceased during the year 2024.

The cost for Announced Masses is $20. No more than five Mass Intentions can be taken at any given time. To arrange for and donate flowers for either church in honor of a loved one, call the Parish Secretary at the number below for details.

Information for all memorials can be obtained by calling the Parish Office:
(914) 961‐3643

Going forward:

1. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday and First Friday at 9:00 AM in the Divine Mercy Chapel in the Parish Center.
2. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday and First Friday at 3:00 PM in the Divine Mercy Chapel in the Parish Center.
3. We need people to sign up and commit an hour so that we never have the Blessed Sacrament exposed without anyone to adore the Lord.

The Divine Mercy Chapel was built within the Father Anthony Domenic Sorgie Parish Center in 2020. You can enter the Chapel by going to the Parish Center front door, which is located behind the School, and, after being let in, walking to the Chapel.

It has come to our attention that the names of the pastors of our three local parishes (IHM, St. Joseph's, and ICA) are being used in an email scam. We would like to officially state that Fr. Sorgie would NEVER ask for gift cards or anything of the sort through email. If you have any doubts about the veracity of an email, please call the parish office - (914) 961-3643 - and speak to a staff member before responding.

If Fr. Sorgie were to ask for assistance, he would reach out through more personal means, such as a phone call or speaking in person. Thank you for your assistance in stopping this cyber-crime.

The image below provides an example of where to find the information detailed underneath. It is not an actual Scam email.

• When receiving an email of uncertain origin, look at the sender's email address (black arrow in image above) at the top of the email.
  • Our parish emails will always have an "@icaparish.org" or "@flocknote.com" address.
• If you receive a scam email, please report it, within your email provider, as "phishing," "spam," or a similar type of description (blue arrow in image above) so that these thieves cannot take advantage of anyone.
  • Within Gmail, the menu to report an email can be found by clicking the vertical ellipsis (blue star in image above).

The opening of our long-awaited, new Parish Center began with the move of all Parish Offices out of the Rectory. The Parish Center can be entered from the original entrance to the school building. There is a handicap ramp between the Church and School and a new sign to lead you directly to the new center.

For all Parish business, please visit our new offices and see the center as we prepare for its complete opening.