Pastor's Column

     Congratulations to the parents of Grace Anna Brant who is being baptized this Sunday after the Noon Mass. May the Lord hold Grace in the palm of his hands.

    We pray for those who have been born into this world and we pray for those who have been born again into the next world, especially John Butkiewicz who died February 25th. We also remember John Szakal, and Jack Habrat, both of whose funerals took place this past week here at St. Leo's. 

    John Szakal was married over 50 years to his wife who died in 2012 and the two of them sent their two children, Tom & Kate, to St. Leo the Great School.

    Jack Habrat had a heart attack after the 4pm Mass seven months ago. He spent time at Metro Hospital at first but then also went to Parma hospital & Broadview Multicare and then died at Holy Family Hospice. His wife Margaret had spent countless hours with him and members of his family would come in from out of town as well. It was a long struggle for Jack and for his family. May they all rest in the peace of the Crucified One. 

    Another parishioner to keep in your prayers is Jean Colwill who had surgery & is now recovering at St. Mary of the Woods in Avon, while doing physical therapy. We hope she will be home soon. 

    I anointed both Stephen Nagy and Ely Stimac at Parma Hospital this past Sunday and so ask that you to keep both of them in prayer as well. 

    There has been a heroin epidemic in the Cleveland area and I have sadly had the funerals of many young people who have died from this addictive disease. We have placed some very informative pamphlets and booklets in the vestibule of the church so that you can learn more about the many resources available to those who struggle but who don't know where to turn for help. Please feel free to take as many as you need and pass them on to family or friends whom you think may make good use of that information. We also have a parishioner who specializes in addiction counseling and I am happy to put you in touch with him should the need arise in your family. 

    We also received the sad news last week of the death of Father Stephen Kaminski. Father Steve helped out here at St. Leo's during Fr. Lowe's time but was assigned as Pastor of St. Mary Magdalene in Willowick shortly after I arrived here so was no longer available to help us. He went on Medical leave in the middle of February. Please remember him and all our departed priests who have served the People of God with love.