Welcome
St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception BVM Church
SUNDAY'S READINGS
First Reading:
What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? (Is 5:4)
First Reading Question: Isaiah speaks of God’s frustration over the people of Judah (the Lord’s “cherished plant”) who have not yielded a good crop. How do you encourage family or friends to live up to their potential?
Psalm: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. (Is 5:7a)
Second Reading:
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:9)
Second Reading Question:
Paul teaches the Philippians that prayer and positive thoughts are key to avoiding anxiety and experiencing the peace of God. What are some positive thoughts you focus on when you are stressed or anxious?
Gospel:
“What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants.” (Mt 21:41)
Gospel Question:
Jesus harshly criticizes the chief priests and Pharisees in the Parable of the Tenants. How do you deliver legitimate criticism to someone you care about?
This Week at St. Mary's
DAC Diocese Annual Campaign
Click for latest DAC UpdatePlease help support our Diocese Annual Campaign. Click the button to see the latest DAC information. Scan the QR code to donate or click the link.
Present total $51,632.00
https://www.osvhub.com/immaculateconceptionyork/giving/funds/diocesan-annual-campaign-dac
Adult Education Series, "What We Believe" Fall 2026
When people hear the word "Catholic", the first thing that pops into their minds is a
church building. Others think of important moral issues on which the Church takes a
firm and generally unpopular position. For many, both Catholics and Non-Catholics
alike, the Catholic Church is seen as primarily an institution. The reality of the Church is far deeper and more intriguing. Come join us for the fall 2026 adult education series,
"What We Believe." We will outline who we are as Catholics, what we believe, and
how we live. This course will run for 8 consecutive weeks, with two weekly sessions available. There will be a Wednesday morning session, from 10 am to 11:30 am, beginning on Wednesday, September 16, and ending on Wednesday, November 4.
The Tuesday evening session, from 6-7:30pm, will begin on Tuesday, September 22, and ending on Tuesday, November 10. For the Tuesday night sessions only, you will
need to preregister by contacting the parish office. Come and join us for a journey into the heart of God in the company of a family that Jesus Christ called the Church.
Contact Deacon Steve with any questions
Holy Trinity Catholic School News
Catholic School LinksWe are ready for “Harvest of Hope: A Day of Service & Community” on October 8! Our students will spend the morning serving with a local nonprofit. Then, it’s time for Fall Fest: pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, bobbing for donuts, and a classroom scarecrow contest! The winning class will celebrate with a pizza and an ice cream party with the principal. Parents, grandparents, and parishioners are welcome! Sign up to volunteer for the day, or come to enjoy the festivities and cheer on our students. We hope to see you there!
I am also pleased to announce our Student Government results after last week’s elections! Each 5th or 6th grade student vying for a position ran a campaign with posters around the school building before delivering a speech in Brenner Hall to the student body. I am proud of each student for having the courage to step forth and take a risk and for having the courage to speak in front of their peers. After the ballots were cast, these students will be our Student Government leaders for the 2026-2027 school year: President – Michael Rodriguez, Vice President – Alex Hersh, Secretary – Lucy Skehan, Treasurer – Tommy Skehan, and Historian – Nezzie Skehan. Congratulations to these students!
TMIY - That Man is You
Next meetings: Thursday 10/8, 7 to 8 pm Seton Room
Saturday 10/10, 6:30 to 8 am Auditorium
Topic: The Faith of the Apostolic Fathers Tradition is a Handing-Over of a Way of Life
The Eucharistic is EssentialCatholic Faith, in our families, and in our church. There are sessions every Thursday in the Seton room from 7 to 8 pm or every Saturday in the Parish Hall from 6:30 to 7:30 am.
Rachel's Vineyard - Healing the Pain of Abortion
RACHEL'S VINEYARD RETREAT
Rachel’s Vineyard is a place of healing and hope for those struggling from an abortion. Our weekend retreats are uniquely designed to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God in a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental group environment.
Next Weekend Retreat:
Nov. 13-15, 2026 in Columbia, Lancaster County, PA.
To register, or for more information, contact Leah: leahsoulfilledbygrace@gmail.com or
call/text 609-709-3479 or Ana: anasoulfilledbygrace@gmail.com or call/text 908-319-2950. All Confidential; Sponsored by the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries - Job Opening
The Diocese of Harrisburg, Office for Catholic Life & Evangelization, seeks a Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministries to provide vision, leadership, and support for youth and young adult ministry across the Diocese. This position collaborates with parishes, colleges, and regional leaders to foster faith formation, leadership development, and evangelization. If you are passionate about forming the next generation of Catholic leaders and strengthening parish ministry, we encourage you to apply. Read the full job description and apply at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers.
Capital Campaign Dollars at Work
Pictures of ProjectsWe are working on the installation of lights in the front of the church to brighten the front steps on darker months as well illuminate the facade of the church. This process takes time and patience because we are working both with the city and our volunteer, Joe Lawler, to get them installed properly and to code.
In additon, we have repaired the back steps leading to the sacristy.
We have also removed several trees in the back parking lot as well as in the front.
Second Annual Gala Dinner
Please join us for our Second Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday October 3, 2026 in the Parish Hall. Our dinner begins at 6:30. Please dress in formal attire.
Help us celebrate our faith, unity, and community. If you need more information or have questions please contact Mayelyn Pichardo 717-817-1292.
Mental Health Ministry, St. Joseph's, York
St. Joe’s in York is hosting a mental health presentation on Saturday, October 3, from
10-11:30 am. Dr. Diller, a licensed psychologist, will be speaking about how to navigate behavior health services in York County, including the walk-in center at the Loretta Claiborne Building. If you have behavior health issues or know of someone who has behavior health issues and want to support them, this would be an opportunity to gain valuable insight.
Crafty Ladies
If you enjoy making crafts, we invite you to join us as we prepare items to sell at the
Holiday Bazaar. We meet Thursdays from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM in the parish basement.
All are welcome! For more information, please call Lin Huber at 717-887-4034.
Olive Wood Products by the Odeh Family
Stop by the Atrium after Mass on October 24th and 25th to purchase beautiful religious olive wood products, hand-made by the Odeh families. Your support goes to the Christian families living in the Holy Land in Bethlehem. If you would like a preview of the items, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/ILX3XGiyAd/
Women's Care Center is Hiring
The Women's Care Center is hiring a full-time Counselor. B A. is preferred. If you
like to put your pro-life beliefs into action, please send your resume and cover letter stating why you like to help young women & babies to: LynnWCCYork@gmail.com. Benefits package does not include health insurance.
Catholic Woman's Club
Members of the Catholic Woman’s Club will be attending the 9am Mass at St. Mary’s on October 11, 2026. CWC originated over 100 years ago and remains active today promoting spiritual and wellness education, offering scholarships, gifts of charity, and opportunities to gather with women from all 8 York Deanery parishes to share in our faith. We invite any women interested in joining our organization or wanting more information to find members available after Mass at each exit.
From the Pastor's Desk
Pastor's Weekly Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Many of you may have seen or received advertisements regarding the new edition of the Liturgy of the Hours. The retranslated 2nd edition is being published by Ascension Press and Word on Fire. This is the culmination of years of work by the United States Bishops. For anyone who may be interested in purchasing the new edition, you are able to place an order through the parish by contacting the parish office. The Diocese of Harrisburg will be purchasing them in bulk, which means that they are available at a significant discount. All orders must be placed NO LATER than October 15.
This Sunday is Respect Life Sunday, and begins a theme of prayer and reflection on the sanctity of human life throughout the entire month of October. There are many threats to human dignity and life that exist in the world today, and as people of faith, we are called to be champions especially for those who have no voice. The Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah: before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Our dignity is not bestowed upon us by mutual agreement or by a government or political entity. It comes directly from God Himself, the Author and Creator of all human life. May every word and action of ours foster the great gift of human life and dignity.
Finally, today is traditionally the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. May we imitate his love of poverty and humility, and always work to preach the Gospel and work for peace in the world.
God bless you!
Fr. Kuchinski
Prayer Requests
Blessing for Life
What wonder You have gifted us, Lord, in the blessing of life! May Your name be praised with every movement, every heartbeat, every breath. Protect life in every stage, race, age, ability, creed, and capacity. Pour Your mercy upon us this day, helping us to live deeply and love well. Amen.
Grow Your Faith in Community
At St. Mary’s, you’ll find a welcoming, multicultural family in the heart of downtown York. There’s a place for you here!
Faith Formation
We nurture lifelong faith formation, guiding all ages to grow in love, understanding, and devotion to Christ.
The Seven Sacraments
We encounter Christ’s grace at key moments of life, strengthening us in faith and drawing us closer to God.
Ministry Opportunities
Find fullfilling ways to serve within our parish, share your talents with others, and make a real difference in our church community.
Looking for a form?
Our Forms webpage has everything you need to begin your sacrament process.