Joe Hadacek died unexpectedly and we celebrated his funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 22nd. I was able to give Joe the last rites at Metro hospital in the presence of family and friends. He was a kind gentleman who was faithful in coming to Mass & so even though death came to him “as a thief in the night,” I believe Joe was prepared to meet the Lord. We called upon several of the saints by name to pray for him before he was removed from life support, including his patron, St. Joseph. Joe donated his skin to burn patients at Metro hospital and cared for the living by giving away vegetables he grew in his garden to his neighbors. I will miss seeing him at the 4pm Mass but pray that he may be celebrating the heavenly liturgy in God’s kingdom.

     Pamela Harmon was married to her husband John for 22 years so we extend our sympathy especially to him. We celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Pam on Friday, June 24th which was the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And the scripture chosen for her funeral Mass asked, “What can separate us from the love of Christ?” In the gospel, Jesus invites those who are burdened (Pam suffered from illness in her life and her husband carried the burden of grief) to come to him for rest. Jesus invites us because he is meek and humble of heart. May Pam and John know the  gentle love of the Sacred Heart at this time.

     Father Dave (sorry I forgot his last name) is a Franciscan priest and a member of the Pelley family so we welcomed him here to celebrate a Memorial Mass in honor of Rose Pelley who died a few months ago. Rose was a longtime member of St. Leo’s & her heart was always here, even though she left us a few years ago to live with her daughter Kathy in Pennsylvania. Rose had a heart of gold and was always a pleasure to talk to. Many parishioners came to honor her and pray for her, including Father Tom Dragga, a former Parochial Vicar of St. Leo’s, who remembered her well. He and I concelebrated the Mass and Deacon Pat assisted. Rose will be fondly remembered and prayed for and we ask the Lord to keep her in his eternal peace.

     I also want to mention that Liz Hirko died from a heart attack on June 18th. Liz was 89 years old and a member of Holy Spirit Byzantine Church on W. 54th St. though she joined our parish when Holy Spirit church closed. Her funeral Mass was celebrated there on June 22nd. She was a delightful woman who was happy to pray with us here at St. Leo’s. May she too rest in God’s peace as we pray for the repose of her soul.

     We congratulate Eric & Mary Piechowski on the baptism of their daughter Lily Ann, who was baptized last Saturday after the 4pm Mass. Mary is our Associate Musician & she will be returning to play the organ & piano at weekend Mass during July. We’re so happy for her & Eric as they enjoy their daughter and I’m sure Mickey Stitt, our Music Director, is happy to have Mary back too! May God bless the newest member of their family.

     Mass on Monday, July 4th, will be at 9am outside at the shrine, weather permitting. We have several benches there and chairs will be put out as well so you need not bring your own though you are welcome to bring your favorite lawn chair if you’d like. 

     The Bishops of Ohio remind us that The Catholic Church in Ohio – including its dioceses, eparchies, parishes and social service ministries – remain committed to serving women in crisis pregnancies, both before and after delivery, with both material resources and personal accompaniment so that they can flourish and contribute to the common good. They urge all people of good will to pray for and actively assist pregnant mothers in need.