4490 Norquest Blvd.
Austintown, OH 44515
(330) 793-9988
(330) 799-9269 (fax)
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and School

IHM Organizations

With over 1,600 families as part of our community of worship, we feel blessed to have a dedicated variety of individuals with resources, talents and gifts to share. As we come together to pray, work and play, each as a member of the body of Christ, we are reminded of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 12:4-12, in which Paul writes about the gifts of the spirit and how each of these gifts must work for the common good. The people of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish embody the spirit of a common bond rooted in the Lord Jesus. We strive as member of the body of Christ to live and spread the message of our Lord. Our Parish Council and the various committees, organizations and groups that sustain and support our parish community are described below. (All parishioners are encouraged to participate in or benefit from these services.)

 

         

 

 

Communion to
Shut-ins

Golf League (Men's)

Marriage Sponsor Couples

Youth Ministry

St. Vincent De Paul

       
 

 


 

Altar and Rosary Society
The members of this group, whose purpose is to honor the Immaculate Heart or Mary, provide for the needs of the sanctuary. They meet on the first Monday of each month in the school hall, from September through May. It is also their goal to promote social activities for women while raising funds to aid the parish. All parishioners are welcome to participate.
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Baptism Preparation
Once a month a class is offered to expectant and new parents on the sacrament of Baptism. A video is shown on the actual rite of Baptism.
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Athletic Club
Families of SJ-IHM student athletes form the Athletic Club which meets on the third Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the IHM Parish Center. It is a fund raising organization whose purpose is to financially support the SJ-IHM student athletes and to assist the athletic director in the maintenance of the athletic program. Although participation is mandatory for the athlete's family, membership is open to anyone interested.
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  Bowling League
Every Tuesday morning at 10:00, from September until April, the lady bowlers of our parish meet just for fun. These women of all ages would like more bowlers to join. The group celebrated their 35th year in 1999.
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  CCD
A religious education program is offered for children from grades kindergarten through eight. They are educated in the Catholic Faith and prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Report cards are issued three times a year and awards are given for attendance. Classes are held on Sunday from 9:25 a.m. until 10:40 a.m. from September through April.
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  Caring Hearts of IHM
This newly formed committee began as a spin-off of the Family Life committee of the Parish Council. Their purpose is to be of comfort and service to the families of our parish who are grieving. This group will be responsible for visiting the hospitalized, sending cards to the ill and sympathy cards to the bereaved as well as assisting families with necessary preparations. All are welcomed to be a part of this important ministry.
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  Choir
Our adult choir fills our church with beautiful sounds at the 5:00 p.m. mass on Saturday evening. They rehearse each Thursday from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. In addition, the children's choir lifts their voices in praise at the 11:00 a.m. mass on alternate Sundays. They also rehearse on Thursdays between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to join.
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  Communion to Shut-ins
Several of our parishioners devote their time to visiting the homebound members of our parish once a month- distributing communion and spending a few moments in fellowship. Any parishioner may be part of this ministry.
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  Eucharistic Ministers
This ministry allows layperson's to assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist. It calls for a personal faith commitment and giving of time, energy and self. In return, the Eucharistic Ministers are provided an opportunity for greater insight and inspiration of the celebration of The Eucharist. A workshop session takes place once a year. An invitation to become a Eucharistic Minister is extended to all members of our parish.
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  Family Life
The Family Life committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory meeting room. They are dedicated to the purpose of building a community of fellowship among our parishioners and families. They most enjoy welcoming new member to our parish. Any parishioner is encouraged to unite in their effort.
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  Festival
With so many hearts, minds and hands necessary to coordinate such an endeavor, this committee encourages assistance from all parishioners. Although their major project is to raise money for the church and school, they find most reward from camaraderie and true community spirit that is shared before, during and after the five day festival on our parish grounds.
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  Garden Club
On the second Thursday of each month, the members of this group meet in the rectory meeting room where they stimulate their knowledge and love of gardening along with the conversation of trees, flowers and shrubbery. The purpose of this organization is to provide fellowship and encouragement to all members as they work and plan the landscaping of the grounds of IHM. You need not have a "green thumb" to join.
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  Golf League (Men's)
The league plays on Tuesday nights at the Mill Creek Golf Course in Boardman. It was founded in 2004, runs from May through September and is open to all men 18 years old and up. For more information contact league secretary, Jim Hanek, at 330-565-1214
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Greeting Ministry
The role of this membership is to be present at the three entrances of our church to pleasantly greet people as they arrive for services. They help to foster feelings of comfort and belonging among our parishioners. Any of our community may contribute to this committee.
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  Home and School
Four times a year (September, November, February and April), the members of this association meet, on the third Wednesday, in the social hall. Their purpose if to bring closer the relationship between the home and school by developing a partnership among teachers, administrators and parents to secure for every child the highest advantage in physical, mental, moral and spiritual education. Home and School has raised and spent nearly $100,000 since 1995 to renovate and expand the school library as well as to purchase ceiling fans, computers, books and desks for several of the classrooms. Membership is open to all parents or guardians of SJ-IHM school children.
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  Hospital Visitation Team
Whenever anyone in our church community is hospitalized, one of the members of this team is available to visit and share precious time, lend a helping hand, a listening ear and offer the compassion of Christ.
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  Lector Committee
The membership of this committee ranges from teenager to senior citizen. Any person who is articulate and can proclaim God's Word with insight, love and conviction may become a lector. Several training classes are provided.
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  Maintenance Committee
The purpose of this group is to oversee, perform and advise any work needed on the parish buildings or grounds. This committee is proud of its accomplishments which include the addition of the church restroom; repair; re-pointing and waterproofing of the buildings; creation of a new sidewalk by the school; and repair of the school porch wall. All parishioners are invited to become part of this group.
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  Marriage Sponsor Couples
Several trained, married couples meet with engaged pairs as they prepare for marriage. "For Better and For Ever" by Fr. Robert Ruhnke is the basis of this course which provides a foundation for husbands and wives to grow as one in the Lord. Couples who choose to share their love for God and each other are encouraged to become sponsors.
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  Nursing Home Visitation
Manor West, Meridian Arms and Ashley Place are nursing homes within our parish. They are served by this group of parishioners who visit and pray with the residents. A prayer service is also offered where Eucharist is distributed. Any member of our parish may participate.
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  Offertory Calling
Each week the members of this group call upon our families to participate in "bringing up the gifts" at the Offertory during each of the weekend, holy day, or holiday masses. All member of the parish can be part of this committee.
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  Parish Council
Twelve members of our parish are elected to a three year term on the council. They meet monthly from September through July in the rectory, with the four administrators of the church. Their purpose is to discuss the events and concerns of the parish and to encourage unity among parishioners. The council hosts a monthly "Donut Sunday", every first Sunday of each month from September through May and the annual "Family Picnic" held each August. Nominations are open to all parishioners.
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  Sacristy/Church Environment
In the spirit of sacrifice and goodness, we invite you to join one of our teams in devoting some of your time to keeping the sacred spaces holy, simple and beautiful. Each team (two ladies) is scheduled once every six to eight weeks for about one hour Friday morning to "keep in touch".
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  St. Vincent De Paul
The purpose of this organization is to help people within the parish boundaries, Catholic and non-Catholic, in need of food or clothing. Members meet semi-annually at one of their homes. Parishioners of all backgrounds are welcome.
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School
St. Joseph Immaculate Heart of Mary School is a Catholic Elementary School consisting of preschool through grade eight. The school, staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, in collaboration with competent, dedicated lay persons and are fully certified by the State of Ohio and follows the directives of the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Youngstown. The staff, together with the children and parents, endeavor to create a Christian atmosphere where total life learning will take place.

To assist the working parents of the K-8 students attending St. Joseph Immaculate Heart of Mary School, an "Extended Day" program is operated by the school from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
For more detailed information regarding school curriculum, finances, and extra curricular activities, please call the school office at (330) 799-1944.
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  R.C.I.A.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is a journey of faith for those adults seeking knowledge of the Catholic faith and Catholic Christian beliefs Those wishing to be Baptized, Confirmed, and receive The Eucharist enter the process for a period of usually one year. Catholics who wish to gain more knowledge of their Faith and grow deeper in their relationship with God are also invited to become part of this process.
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  Scripture Study
On Monday at 6:00 p.m. this group meets in the rectory meeting room for an hour to study and pray over the scriptures for the following weekend masses. It is a time of sharing and fellowship, as well as an opportunity to learn from each other's experience. The resource used is "Sunday by Sunday". Anyone interested is welcome to join this study.
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  Senior Citizens
At 1:00 p.m., on the third Thursday or each month, this large group assembles in the school hall to promote sociability and friendship with one another. The members would like all senior parishioners to join in their fun.
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  Social Concerns
The function of this committee is to be aware of the needs of the parish community and to provide hospitality for the RCIA and other parish related events. For example; receptions for Easter Vigil and All Soul's Day. They meet on the first Wednesday of every month in the religious education room. Membership is open to all parishioners.
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  Youth Ministry
This is a group of 8th, 9th and 10th grade students who meet in friendship with one another in a Christian manner and atmosphere. A Youth Ministry calendar is available for all the young people of our Parish.
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