SCOTCH PLAINS — As area Catholics prepare for Holy Week, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (IHM) has announced that it will feature two speakers to share reflections on Jesus’ teachings.

Dan Balogh, adjunct instructor for the Office of Evangelization at St. Paul Inside the Walls, will offer a talk based on Brant Pitre’s book “The Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” this Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m. It will take place in the IHM Nazareth Center.

Mr. Balogh will answer the question “Isn’t the Eucharist Just a Symbol?” Catholics believe that the meal shared on Holy Thursday, known as the Last Supper, was the moment that Jesus Christ gave the Eucharist. Community members are welcome and are asked to register for the event. To sign up or find out more, visit www.ihmparish.net.

The second speaker, Father Vic Kennedy, will give his talk on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m., in the IHM church basement. He will reflect on the question “Is knowing God enough?” Father Kennedy will speak to families at every stage of life, on the Paschal Mystery, a need for a relationship with God, and the call to discipleship made to every believer.

The whole community is invited to join the congregation for these events, and for observance of Holy Week services leading ultimately to the celebration of the Easter season. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is located at 1571 S. Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains. For information on IHM’s Holy Week schedule, visit the church website at www.ihmparish.net.