Pastor's Column for July 2, 2023
Dear Parishioners,
For the last several years we have been renting out the large room of the Parish Center and it has gone very well over all, but not infrequently we find that people do not follow the rules (such as no alcohol use or taping things to the ceiling) which causes liability to us or damage to the space. So we will continue to rent out that space but only to active parishioners (approved by me) and to parents of our school children. It is a great space that can hold around 75 people, with an overflow room (the “Conference Room”) which has a large table and about 12 chairs for additional seating. We have a full kitchen, 2 restrooms, and a lot of parking. The building is also handicap accessible. We also have a large TV in the space with an Apple TV for displaying pictures, etc., a large whiteboard and a drop down screen for use with the projector that is installed in the ceiling. We will keep our prices very reasonable (very competitive with surrounding places). If you are interested in finding out more information about the rental of this space, please see our website or contact Miss Nadia whose contact information is available on the front of the parish bulletin. Many have used this space for parties for baptism, anniversaries, first communions & confirmations, birthdays, baby & wedding showers, etc.
Our rectory office will be closed on both Monday and Tuesday of this week in observance of the holiday. Mass will be celebrated outdoors at the shrine (weather permitting) on Tuesday, July 4th, at 9am. Chairs and benches are available so you need not bring your own.
Thanks to John & Jeanne Sabol for displaying new pictures in the vestibule which include a variety of school, festival and recent pictures. Be sure to take a look!
In keeping with the command of Jesus in last week’s gospel that we speak in the light what is so often kept in the darkness, I would like to include here some words from our Bishop on the one year anniversary of the reversal or Roe v. Wade:
As we approach the first anniversary of the Supreme Court of the United States’ Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states, I’d like us all to remember the Catholic Church’s teaching on the inherent dignity and immeasurable value of human life. We are brothers and sisters in the human family, created in the image and likeness of God, and we are called to protect and care for each other – from conception to natural death.
In the year since the Dobbs decision last June 24, we applaud the many states that have acted to protect preborn children, and are saddened by those that have moved to enshrine abortion into law -- and tragically in some cases -- up until birth. In Ohio, there likely will be a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that seeks to do the latter – expand and enshrine abortion at the expense of existing protections for women and preborn children.
The Diocese of Cleveland has developed and supports many ministries to serve expectant mothers who face unplanned pregnancies and those who find it difficult to care for their children after they are born. From Catholic Charities programs and services, to the Christ Child Society to Zelie’s Home, women faced with these challenging circumstances are provided with mother and infant necessities, medical and mental health care, job training and education, housing, and adoption and foster care services. Our goal is that every parish in our diocese connect women in their time of need and beyond with the many resources available to them, enabling them to choose life.
Fr. James P. Schmitz