Pastor's Column, April 5, 2015

     I extend a word of welcome to all who join us today for this great Feast of Easter. How great it is to have so many join us at St. Leo the Great for the celebration of God’s love manifested in the Resurrection of Christ and in the promise of our own rising to new life, now and in the life to come. Again, welcome to everyone!

    On this day of Good News, I am also happy to announce that I have welcomed a new principal for St. Leo’s Parish School. Sister Erin Zubal, OSU (the 3 initials after her name stand for “Order of Saint Ursula”) is an Ursuline Sister who comes to us not only with great educational background but with many experiences that will enable her to be a very effective leader for our school community. Sister Erin has a Masters Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Social Work. She is currently the Athletic Director at Beaumont High School and has also served as a Theology teacher. Sister worked with young women at the Cuyahoga County Jail. Sister Erin is young, energetic, and focused on continuing the good work done by our current principal of 12 years, Mrs. Diane Weiss. She stands on the shoulders of Mrs. Weiss as she brings her unique enthusiasm to build up our school community at St. Leo’s. I am anxious for the parents, children and parishioners of St. Leo’s to meet her and see first hand her professional and personal giftedness. I am grateful to the members of our Search Committee who interviewed some of the 15 applicants we had for this position and made their recommendations to me. We should feel very proud that Sister Erin was anxious to learn about the community of St. Leo’s and excited to serve our school and parish in this important role. You will have a chance to hear from her and meet her soon so please keep her, Mrs. Weiss and our school in your prayers. 

    Thanks to all who ministered during our Holy Week Services, especially Mike Caraffi and the choir of St. Leo’s who help us give heart-felt praise to God in music and song. 

    On Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil, we baptized 1 adult & 8 children. Another adult was received into the fullness of the Catholic Faith through Confirmation and Eucharist, which were also received by 4 children. We welcome all of them to our family of faith and look forward to introducing them to you in the weeks to come. Alleluia!