Just a quick reminder that the people traveling to Italy in March will be having an (optional) meeting this Sunday at Noon over in the Parish Community Center. Save room for donuts which will supply the necessary energy for you to enjoy the gathering.

         Another quick update on my Dad & Mildred…Dad was moved back to Vitalia in Strongsville this past week & is now in a nice studio apartment (as is Mildred) instead of the two bedroom apartment he had before. He will also be under the care of Hospice (as is Mildred). Both are doing fair but dad is still very confused. We’re glad they will be in the same place again & hope & pray for their comfort & peace. So far, God has granted that to them. Thank you for your concern & prayers.

Also a reminder that our Information Desk is open after all weekend Masses in the vestibule of the church. Our friendly receptionist there can help you with things such as: picking up your contribution statement (if you notified us that you’d like a copy of that), parish registration form, scheduling a Mass intention, buying a sweepstakes raffle ticket (credit cards accepted for this) or buying popular gift cards or just asking for general information. Let us know if there is something in particular you would find helpful for us to have available to you in this way. 

I know I’m throwing a lot of reminders at you today but in the absence of other important information, it’s always good to remember what is available to you. If you’d like to make an appointment with myself, Deacon Pat or Joan Berigan, you can do that quickly & easily by going to our parish website, leothegreat.org and clicking the link with my or their name. You will see what days & times we are available & can make the appointment accordingly. You can even do it with your mobile phone. If you need assistance, feel free to call the rectory office or see the receptionist at the Information Desk in the back of the church. And of course you can ask me before or after Mass as well. We are always happy to meet with you and to be honest, talking with people is what I enjoy most outside of celebrating Mass & the sacraments, so don’t ever hesitate to reach out if we can help you in some way. And please don’t think that you don’t want to bother us because we are “busy.” We want to be busy helping people so that should never stop you from asking for our assistance. 

Today begins Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Cleveland. We are so blessed to still have a parish school so that we can provide not only an excellent education to our students but an environment of faith where people of all backgrounds can come together and learn about the love of God in the Catholic community. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the teachers and staff of our school for the great job they do. As a product of a Catholic elementary school myself, I know how much it has meant to me to have received a great education, surrounded by people of love and faith. I am especially proud of our Principal, Mrs. Burns, who has done an excellent job in her role as leader of our school. We have such a good working relationship and I have come to see how well she uses her gifts for the growth of our student body. We continue to have a very healthy enrollment in both our preschool and elementary levels and it’s a great gift to the local neighborhood to have our parish school as an option for the education of students. You are welcome to walk over to the school during the open house today from 10:30am-12:30pm. Pray that we may continue to educate in wisdom & faith.