Dear Parishioners,

Well here we are into the month of March already. Beware the Ides of March (though I should really warn you about that next week…if you don’t know what it means…make a visit to Google… if you don’t know what that is, try an encyclopedia). As I write this, it is quite warm in my office…75 degrees. It’s not that warm outside but our boiler is always pumping out heat even when our radiator fans are turned off. I often make the mistake of shutting off the boiler system & turning on the air conditioner far too early, and then we freeze when it gets cold again. But not this year. We made a note not to turn off the heat until May. In fact it’s suppose to go down into the 20’s again today (a big drop!) but then get warmer again. Anyway, you may be a bit warm in church in the next few weeks but you won’t be cold. Either way, I hope to keep you as comfortable as possible so let me know if you need a sweater or a fan.

I’m sure many of you will remember Fr. Joseph Pednekar, whose picture is below. Father Joe passed away on February 14th , which of course was Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day this year. He was certainly in love with the Lord and I pray he may have the reward of his goodness. Father Joe used to help us by having one Mass every weekend and would also help with weekday Mass from time to time. It’s been a few years since he’s been here due to his declining health but he lived close by at Jennings. May I ask you to offer a Hail Mary for him now as you read this so that we can help him with our prayers? Here is his obituary from the Cleveland.com: REV. JOSEPH C. PEDNEKAR, M.S.F.S. "Fr. Joe" age 93. Born in Goa, India to the late Shevanti and Sonu Pednekar. He was the the second youngest of 12 siblings. He was ordained a priest on October 3, 1962. He was sent to Rome to further his studies before coming to the United States and landing in Cleveland. Bishop Isseman requested for him to serve the Diocese of Cleveland. He served at St. John Cathedral, St. Phillip Neri, St. Mary Chardon, St. Brendan and for over 30 years at St. Patrick Church (West Park). He was a member of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales for over 60 years. He enjoyed all sports but loved golf. You could find him walking the course every chance he got. Passed away February 14, 2024. Funeral Mass Friday, February 23, St. Patrick Church (West Park) at 11:00 AM. Most Reverend Roger Gries, Principal Celebrant. Friends may call FRIDAY 9:30-10:30 AM. at St. Patrick Church (West Park). Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Patrick Church, 4427 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135 or Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales, Provincial House, 3887 Rosebud Rd., Atlanta, GA 30052. Arrangements by: CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOMES 216-251- 6566. www.chambersfuneral.com Published by Cleveland.com from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2024.

Congratulations to the parents of Charlotte Elizabeth Grubic who is being baptized this Sunday. May she grow into the love and holiness of God through her parents and godparents.

Our Fish Fry’s have been going very well. Our lobster tail option is especially very popular and we had a great turn out for that last Friday. We will be offering them again on March 15th, but you do need to order that dinner in advance so please plan ahead if you want to enjoy that delicious meal. And again, feel free to join us for the Stations of the Cross afterward (7pm in the church). It’s 25 minutes long and will help you to make a connection between your cross and the cross that Christ carried for us

Fr. James P. Schmitz