 Praying with the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary during LentDuring the season of Lent, our tradition of prayer changes slightly as influenced by our Byzantine roots, and we add the Prayer of St. Ephraim to the very end of Vespers.
| The Great Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power and idle talk. But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to judge my brothers and sisters. For blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. O God, cleanse Thou me a sinner (12 times) |
August 15: Feast of the Assumption and Happy Anniversary to the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
"Before all else, live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God." -Rule of St. Augustine, Ch. 1
August 15, 2011, the Feast of the Assumption, marks the 18th anniversary of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Over the years, the Order has served the people of God with the Augustinian spirit of Grace,Community, Charity, and Prayer.
Through our various ministries the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have:
- provided opportunities for prayer, reflection, and community across distances via conference calls for those in more isolated areas
- created a welcoming parish community in the Philadelphia region, St. Mary of Grace Parish
- provided Sacraments to those who have been refused them due to sexual orientation, marital status, or gender identity
- actively worked in support of policies for economic and social justice
- brought consolation and comfort through our ministry of intercessory prayer, Prayer of St. Nicholas
Most of all we provide a spiritual community for any who feel a call to religious life following the catholic tradition.
Please offer a prayer of thanks to God today with and for us all.
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord...God has done great things for me, Holy is the name of our God."
SAVE THE DATE: August 28-Come and meet the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
From August 26-28th the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be gathering in Philadelphia for our Annual Retreat.
We ask for your prayers as we approach this special time.
Also, professed members of the AIHM will be renewing their vows at the 6:00pm Sunday Mass at St. Mary of Grace Parish near Philadelphia on August 28th.
Come meet the members of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Mass on August 28th then join us for a meal at the parish dinner afterwards!
We ask for your prayers as we approach this special time.
Also, professed members of the AIHM will be renewing their vows at the 6:00pm Sunday Mass at St. Mary of Grace Parish near Philadelphia on August 28th.
Come meet the members of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Mass on August 28th then join us for a meal at the parish dinner afterwards!
Happy Anniversary, Fr. Joseph Augustine!
On June 4, 2011 Fr. Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM celebrated the 6th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
The Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary rejoice with Fr. Joseph on this special day! May God grant him many years!
Fr. Joseph serves as pastor of St. Mary of Grace Parish and Prior General of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary rejoice with Fr. Joseph on this special day! May God grant him many years!
Fr. Joseph serves as pastor of St. Mary of Grace Parish and Prior General of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Happy 7th Anniversary to St. Mary of Grace Parish!
St. Mary of Grace Parish was founded by the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 2004 and continues as a ministry of the AIHM today!
We are a small, self-supporting community and in our life and our ministry, we strive to bring the unconditional love and healing of Jesus Christ to all people.
Over the years, through our ministry at St. Mary of Grace Parish we have:
- baptized the children of LGBT parents whose home parishes refused them baptism
- married same-sex couples recognizing that their relationships are more than a blessing--they are sacrament--sign and symbol of God's grace and love in the world
- married opposite-sex couples who were looking of an inclusive community that would welcome their whole family regardless of denomination or sexual orientation
- helped organize and participated in the first Mass at the TransHealth Conference
- talked to LGBT students to let them know that it is possible to be faithful Catholic Christian and LGBT
- offered anointing of the sick to those who found it difficult to approach more conservative clergy
- hosted tables at Outfest and Equality Forum
- welcomed families from different Christian denominations so all could receive communion together during Sunday Mass
- provided a supportive community where LGBT parents can raise their children to grow in the Catholic faith
Most of all we provide a spiritual home for any who want to be part of an inclusive faith community following the Catholic tradition.
If you are in the Philadelphia region, please come and celebrate with us on Sunday, May 29 as we mark the feast of Our Lady of Grace and the 7th Anniversary of St. Mary of Grace Parish.
As part of our 6pm Sunday Mass, we'll have a solemn celebration of St. Mary of Grace with the crowning of our Blessed Lady.
Then after Mass we'll be heading over to Quotations, a local eatery, for a special parish dinner and celebration!
By our faithfulness to the responsibilities of God’s Grace among us, may we see many fruitful years.
MANY HAPPY AND BLESSED YEARS!
 | Community Advent Prayer
Community Advent Prayer: The Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary invite you to pray with us every Thursday this Advent. To learn more, click on the links below.
WEEK 1: Thursday, December 2 WEEK 2: Thursday, December 9 WEEK 3: Thursday, December 16 WEEK 4: Thursday, December 23 |
November: Month of All Souls
 St. Nicholas of Tolentine
Remembering Those Who Have Died
As Augustinians we remember the directive of our Holy Mother, Saint Monica, as recorded by her son in his Confessions, "care not where you rest this body but remember me at the altar of God." We join our Brother Friar, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, patron of the holy souls in Purgatory, in praying for all those whom we love who have gone to continue their journey with Christ in the Kingdom of God coming. Please contact Friar Shane Nicholas for your requests for prayer and Masses to be made with the community or fill out the form on the right. Mass cards can be ordered as well. To contact Friar Shane please email: brshane@prayerofstnicholas.org Friar Shane Nicholas has begun a ministry of intercessory prayer, especially for those who have died, and has created a remembrance site: http://prayerofstnicholas.org/. | As always, your generous and free will contribution for Masses offered, while not a condition, is most appreciated and needed.
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St. Mary of Grace Parish at Philadelphia Outfest
Bp. Tim, Friar Lyngine, and Karen at Outfest!
On Sunday, October 10, St. Mary of Grace Parish went to Philadelphia Outfest! It was a perfect Fall day to meet people, talk to them about the parish, the Order, and being Independent Catholic. We gave away copies of Scripture, candy, and a LOT of rosaries!!!!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table!
If you are in the Philadelphia area and looking for an inclusive catholic parish or have ever been interested in religious life, check us out!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table!
If you are in the Philadelphia area and looking for an inclusive catholic parish or have ever been interested in religious life, check us out!
AIHM Annual Chapter and Retreat 2010
Living Augustinian Spirituality:
An Augustinian Heart
From August 27 through August 29, the Order gathered for our Annual Chapter and Retreat in West Chester, PA. The weekend was marked by prayer, joyful community, the reception of an oblate, profession of first vows by a novice, and the renewal of vows of the professed. Fr. Joseph led the retreat as we explored the qualities that characterize Augustinian spirituality and how we live those as individuals and as a community.
At Solemn Vespers of the Triduum of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received Shari Myers as an oblate of the Order. The root of the word oblate means gift and Shari's presence has been a true gift to us all.
At the Holy Eucharist of the feast of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received the First Profession of Friar Shane Nicholas, AIHM. Also, that morning Friars Joseph Augustine, John Bartholomew, and Lyngine Dominique-Marie, AIHM renewed their vows. In recognition that God calls us to constant conversion and to freely respond to God's Grace in our lives, professed members of the AIHM renew their vows every year.
Congratulations and God's blessings to Michael Shirk, our newest subdeacon in the Independent Catholic Christian Church. Michael was ordained to the subdiaconate, the first of the major orders during Mass on Saturday morning. We also congratulate Friar Shane Nicholas, who was made a cleric, the first step on the journey towards priesthood, at the St. Mary of Grace Parish Mass on Sunday evening.
Thank you to all who helped to make the Annual Chapter one of the best ever!
At Solemn Vespers of the Triduum of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received Shari Myers as an oblate of the Order. The root of the word oblate means gift and Shari's presence has been a true gift to us all.
At the Holy Eucharist of the feast of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received the First Profession of Friar Shane Nicholas, AIHM. Also, that morning Friars Joseph Augustine, John Bartholomew, and Lyngine Dominique-Marie, AIHM renewed their vows. In recognition that God calls us to constant conversion and to freely respond to God's Grace in our lives, professed members of the AIHM renew their vows every year.
Congratulations and God's blessings to Michael Shirk, our newest subdeacon in the Independent Catholic Christian Church. Michael was ordained to the subdiaconate, the first of the major orders during Mass on Saturday morning. We also congratulate Friar Shane Nicholas, who was made a cleric, the first step on the journey towards priesthood, at the St. Mary of Grace Parish Mass on Sunday evening.
Thank you to all who helped to make the Annual Chapter one of the best ever!
