FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages Catholics across our country to enter into the two weeks leading up to the Fourth of July (June 21 to July 4) with a strong focus on prayer, education and reflection on our freedom of religion, There have been many threats to this First Amendment right over the history of our country and it continues today. Resources and reflections about this freedom and the threats against it can be found on our diocesan website: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/freedom  Finally, as the Fortnight For Freedom concludes, everyone is invited to participate at Mass with Bishop Lennon on Friday, July 4, at 10:00am at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

THE FEST
 

As the summer season begins, mark your calendar for the highlight of the summer season - The FEST. On Sunday, August 7^th, from 12noon until 10pm join together with thousands from across our diocese for a day of faith, family and fun. The 16^th Annual Catholic Family FESTival will be held on the grounds of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The FEST features great Christian artists: Newsboys, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, and Lauren Daigle, and has engaging activities and displays for the entire family. The FEST is free and open to all. The day concludes with an inspiring outdoor Mass at 8pm. It’s the highlight of summer, everything that your family needs for a great family day. For more information, go online to: www.theFEST.us

LEAF MINISTRY

Do you have or know of someone who has a family member incarcerated? This may be a very difficult time full of feelings of shame, guilt, anger and an overwhelming sense of being alone. The LEAF Ministry offers support to these families. Groups meet monthly with an opportunity to listen, share and learn from others who understand their situation. All are welcome to participate irrespective of faith affiliation. For more information visit the website: www.leafministry.org No pre-registration is necessary. LEAF Ministry is available at these parishes: Communion of Saints, 2175 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Hts. (216-321-0024), St. Malachi, 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland (216-861-5343), St. Noel, 35200 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills (440-946-0887), or Holy Angels, Bainbridge Twp. (440-708-0000). 

 DANCE CONCERT

Next Sunday, July 10^th, at 1:00pm the Dance troupe “Ave Vita” from Lithuania will perform in our Upper Hall. Advance sale tickets are $20 and can be purchased after 10:00 Mass in our Lower Hall. Tickets at the door are $25. This event is sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter of Lietuviu Bendruomene.

Monday is the Fourth of July, American Independence Day. As we prepare to celebrate this holiday, we are reminded that our most precious gift as citizens is our freedom, and we need to remember that this freedom has come at a tremendous price.

     All of us need to take time during this holiday to thank God for the gift of our freedom and pray for those who lost their lives that we can live in freedom. We are also reminded that we need to continue to be vigilant to protect our freedom. Technology exists to monitor just about every aspect of our lives and political expediency threatens our religious freedom. If we ignore these signs in our society, we will see our freedom eroded and possibly lost.

     Let us pray and use our influence to assure that the freedoms we have will never be compromised.   

                                                                       God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

On Wednesday, July 13^th, we will have our monthly Eucharistic Adoration in the church from 6:00-9:00pm. We invite everyone to spend some quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. For those able to make a commitment to spend time in prayer, we ask you to sign up for a specific time. The sign-up sheet is located in the main entrance to the Church.