Dear Parishioners,

I want to express the sympathy of the entire parish community to Richard & Mary Riccardi on the death of their son Russell, and to assure them, and their other son Rocco, of our prayers for Russell and for them during this difficult time. Russell graduated from our parish school and went on to graduate from St. Ignatius High School and then from the University of Toledo. He was gifted as a chemical engineer and enjoyed the esteem and friendship of his fellow workers. He spent time with his family & friends, especially enjoying the game of golf every Saturday. He watched Mass via livestream & also enjoyed reading daily meditations and had a devotion to St. Francis of Assisi, notably who loved animals as Russell himself did. Russell was also a gifted painter and I really admired some of his works which were displayed at the funeral home. We commended him to the love of God as we celebrated his funeral Mass on November 23rd. May he rest in God’s peace until his family and loved ones enjoy his company again in the kingdom of heaven.

Congratulations to the parents of Carver Davis who is being baptized this Sunday after the 11am Mass. May they raise him in the knowledge of God’s love and in the practice of the faith.

Congratulations, as well, go out to our Business Manager, Brenda Basalla and to her husband George as they proudly attend the marriage of their daughter Kathleen to her husband Nicholas Eaton this weekend. I am especially honored and grateful to witness Katie’s marriage as she worked here at St. Leo’s and I have enjoyed many family events with her parents and relatives. May Katie & Nick enjoy a long, happy & fruitful marriage.

This Thursday, December 8th, is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of our country. This is an acknowledgement and celebration of God’s gift to Mary in that she was conceived without sin and chose by the gift of free will to remain sinless throughout the course of her life. Mary is of course a central figure throughout the year but especially during this Advent Time as we reflect on her role in the God’s plan of salvation. So please remember to join us for the celebration of Mass (this is a holy day of obligation) either at 8:30am, along with our parish school children, or at 7pm.

After a long run here at St. Leo’s, today will be the last day for regular Blood Drives through the Red Cross. Unfortunately, we simply do not have enough people coming to donate blood to justify the number of workers who must be present during these drives. But I want to offer thanks to all those who have given blood in the past, and especially express my gratitude to Dan & Kim Roth who have so generously sacrificed their time and efforts to plan, setup and promote these blood drives over many years. I think of the many lives that were either saved or helped because of their goodness and because of those who willingly offered their blood for others. May God reward them and all of you who have imitated Christ whose Blood has saved us.

I’m happy to report that we have 48 people attending the trip to Italy in March of 2023! The only downside is that we have reached the limit for this trip; but, if you are still interested, I encourage you to submit your registration form so that you can be put on a waiting list in case someone is unable to go. We will not send in the form or cash any check until that availability becomes a reality.