October 30, 2026

IHM students and staff celebrated an early Halloween today with a costume parade, parties, and trunk or treat. Middle schoolers enjoyed cider and donuts and each recieved a treat bag. We thank all the parent volunteers and Home & School for making it such a special celebration. More pics and videos to come on our social pages!

From the Principal's Desk

Hello IHM Families!

It was a very busy, but very fun week topping it all off with Saints and Sweets and class parties today.  

I want to thank Home and School and all of you who donated for teacher conference meals and candy and decorated cars and handed out candy at Trunk or Treat! It is amazing how this community comes together for the kids!

The fifth graders completed their fall week at the Franciscan Life Process center. When I started at IHM and learned about this program I thought it was a huge gift for the kids to be able to get outside and learn about so many things outside of the classroom. IHM 5th graders have been going to the farm three times a year (fall, winter and spring-except for that little break in 20-21 due to the pandemic) for ten years! We were the first school to participate in the outdoor education program that the farm hosts. I asked Sr. Mary Paul to look at our diocesan curriculum for 5th grade and identify all the standards that are covered during those three weeks a year. When they are at the farm, they cover 71 of the 5th grade standards in core classes as well as music, PE and art! And the gift of time outside and in God's creation and some fresh air is great! Thank you Mrs. England and Mr. Jacob for participating in this experience!



Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Holly Lake

Principal

Ring, Ring! IHM Joins the Tin Can Initiative!

We are so excited to announce that IHM is partnering with DeVos Family Foundation and several Christian schools across West Michigan on the Tin Can Initiative, a community-wide effort to help families delay smartphone use while still giving children opportunities to build independence and stay connected.



Beginning with our third-grade families, students received a free Tin Can phone—a landline-style, Wi-Fi connected phone with no apps, internet access or screen. Kids can call parent-approved friends and family, make plans and practice independence without the pressures and distractions of a smartphone.

IHM is proud to be the FIRST Catholic school in Grand Rapids to join this growing initiative! By working together with other Christian school communities, we hope to help make waiting for a smartphone feel normal—and give our kids more time to connect, play and experience childhood beyond a screen. Click HERE for ordering information and to join the IHM Tin Can Contact List!

Halloween Yard Sign Contest!

Join the Halloween Yard Sign contest this weekend! Put your sign on display and take a photo with it (costumes encouraged) this weekend. Post it and tag us on Facebook or Instagram. Don't use social media? No worries - email your photo to ldunlap@ihmschoolgr.org. Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing to win a fabulous prize!

Winter Dress Code Begins Monday

Starting Monday, November 2, shorts will no longer be allowed. Navy uniform pants (khaki for middle school) are required. Girls are not required to wear leggings under their skirts or jumpers, but if they choose to wear them, they must be navy only (new this year).

Please Keep In Your Prayers:

Beloved IHM substitue teacher and parish member, Martha Adams, had surgery in Cleveland over ten days ago and her recovery is going much slower than anticipated. She is recovering at her son's home in Cleveland.  Please pray for her recovery and that she is well enough to come home soon.

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Please continue to pray for baby Ariel who is still in the hospital after three long months. The surgery last week was thought to be successful, but within the last few days he's developed an infection. This complication may require yet another surgery. Please continue to pray for this sweet boy and his family as he has been unable to come home since he was born.

Santa Breakfast Is On!

We are so incredibly grateful to Mrs. Hermiz who has stepped up to coordinate the Santa Breakfast. This is such a special tradition and we are so happy that it will continue! Save the date for Sunday, December 13th after the 10:30 Mass. In order to make this event a success, we need volunteers to help serve, work the game and craft stations and clean up. This is a great opportunity for middle school service hours! Please see the link to the sign up genius below.

Now Enrolling Young 3s!

We are SO excited to announce that we are starting a brand new preschool program specifically for young three year olds! If you have a child that has or will be turning three before December 31 but missed the September 1 deadline for Prek 3 - this program is perfect for you! Mrs. Angela Bayes will be teaching our littlest learners on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Bonus - as an enrolled student, Young 3s are also eligable for preschool enrichment and Disciple Den! If you are interested or know someone that might be, please have them contact Mrs. Dunlap at ldunlap@ihmschoolgr.org

Christ named His Apostles, each with a special function, a unique mission.

I was named at my baptism. What do you want of me, Lord?

Take a listen to Fr. Troy's All School Mass Homily!

Hi IHM Families!

The countdown is on! Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for Immaculate Heart of Mary’s annual fundraising auction! We’re bringing the cozy charm of an alpine lodge to IHM for a fun-filled evening of great company, exciting auction items, and an incredible opportunity to support our school.

Whether you’re ready to hit the bidding slopes, enjoy a night out with friends, or simply soak up the Après Ski atmosphere, you won’t want to miss it!

Grab your tickets today and join us in the lodge! Every ticket helps support IHM and the amazing things happening in our school community. The Early Bird pricing ends October 29th, 2026.  Purchase your tickets HERE

We’re still looking for volunteers to help keep the evening running smoothly and make sure our guests have an amazing night. Sign up below!

2026 Auction Volunteers: 2026 Auction Volunteers

Bundle up, bring your friends, and get ready for a night worth celebrating!

We’ll see you in the lodge! 

IHM Auction Committee

Our Immaculate Heart of Mary Youth Ministry Program recently underwent personnel changes. Youth Minister Stacie Byers resigned her post as leader of the Middle School EDGE Night Ministry. We wish her our best as she moves her school-aged children and ministry closer to their home in Marne. Continuing the EDGE program, we welcome interim Team Leader Eliza (Brown) Sergeant. A graduate of IHM School, Catholic Central High School and Aquinas College, Eliza was a very active member of our Youth Ministry program prior to her recent marriage and birth of their daughter. Interested in joining the Youth Ministry Team? Contact Colleen Lowe in the parish office at 616-241-4477 or pa@ihmparishgr.org.

IHM Athletic Association Fundraiser 26-27

It's that time again! The first IHM Athletic Association Fundraiser of the 2026-2027 school year is here. We are two weeks away from the MSU vs UofM football game and we are once again offering squares and a chance to win $$$ and support IHM Athletics. All transactions will be conducted through the IHM Clover site and payouts will be provided from these funds.  These opportunities help fund IHM Athletics to keep our kids playing sports for free and provide the necessary equipment, uniforms, and facility standards that make IHM a great place to compete and grow our community.

Your donation gives you a chance to win while also providing $5,000 to the IHM Athletic Association. Same rules as prior events apply with the squares being assigned at random as they are purchased. When all the squares are filled, we will blind draw the numbers 0-9 for each side. (Your squares will be sent to you prior to the game) Then you just match the last digit of the score after each quarter to win! We are continuing the rotating squares feature which provides you fresh numbers each quarter!!! This will offer more chances to win, not being stuck with "bad" #'s, and less of the same score in consecutive quarters.

Link to purchase squares

Please put "Go Vikings" in the comment section,see details on the attachment. No limit on the amount of squares you may purchase.

See these attachments for more details:

Example Square

MSU vs UM Square Info

Thanks to you, these fundraisers help pay the increasing cost for fall/winter/spring sports. We also use our sponsorships, gate, and concessions to cover the rest of the necessary costs to provide your children the best place to play and best experience. We appreciate all your generosity and support for IHM and the Athletic Association. Please consider participating and we encourage you to share with friends and family!

The current IHM Athletic Association officers would like to thank the previous officers (KC Cuncannan, Mike Tietema, Brett Huffman, Jeff Yost and Josh England) for their many years of service.

God Bless and Go Vikings!

-IHM Athletic Association

Altar Server Training

5th Grade & Up — Ready to Serve? Join us for Altar Server Training on November 2, 2026, from 1:50–3:05 PM. Come learn the basics, get comfortable serving, and discover how you can serve in an important role in the celebration of Mass. Interested in serving at Funerals? Funeral Server Training will take place at the same time on November 2nd. Permission slips can be picked up from the school office. Please have them signed and returned to the office before the training.

Refresher Training

Want to feel more confident, overcome those pre-Mass nerves, or sharpen your skills? Come to our Refresher Course on October 25 from 9:30–10:15 AM in the church, between Masses.

Please sign up on SignUpGenius! 

SAVE THE DATE - A mandatory meeting for ALL parents of student altar servers is scheduled for Sunday, November 15 from 9:30 - 10:15 am.

Questions? Contact Dr. or Mrs. Brown at christinabrown77@gmail.com

On December 3, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm your family is invited to celebrate the IHM Parish Family Evening of Reconciliation. Approximately 7 priests will be stationed throughout the church to hear confessions, either privately or face to face. A host of volunteers will be on hand to direct you to either the priest of your choice or the next available. Wait times should be minimal. Grace will be overflowing! BONUS: Our 2nd graders will be making their First Confession that night as well. All the more reason to bring your entire family to celebrate Christ's merciful love.

*Note to Parents of IHM School children: In an effort to ensure the care of your children's soul(s) remains primarily in your hands, this offering is being made in place of the All School Reconciliation normally held in December during the school day.

Looking Ahead...



• 11/1 - Mandatory Reconciliation Parent Meeting for 2nd Graders - 9-10 am
• 11/2 - Second Quarter Begins
• 11/4 - 6th Grade Vocations Awareness Day at St. Roberts 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
• 11/5 - LapTime 10:00 - 11:00 am in the gym
• 11/7 - Home & School Fall School Auction
• 11/15 - Mandatory meeting for parents of Altar Servers 9:45-10:15 am
• 11/15 - Middle School Band Concert
• 11/12 - 8th Grade Confirmation at Cathedral of St. Andrew 7:00 pm
• 11/26-28 - No School: Happy Thanksgiving!

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