CATHOLIC CHARITIES

The first six months of this year have seen substantial support for the 2016 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal. As of June 30, 2016, $10,808,850 has been pledged by 47,160 donors. This represents nearly 94% of our diocesan goal of $11,500,000. 104 parishes, including our own, have met or exceeded their parish goals with 46 parishes at 90-99%. 111 parishioners of St. Casimir’s have pledged $11,542, which is 106.5% of our goal! Because of your commitment to provide help and create hope, nearly 400,000 men, women and children throughout our diocese will have their basic needs met. THANK YOU!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Our next Pancake Breakfast will be on Sunday, August 14^th, from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Tickets are now available after the weekend Masses at the main entrance to the Church, in the lower hall after the 10:00 Mass and at the Rectory during the week. Adult tickets - $7, and children 12 and younger - $4.  Save $1 by purchasing your tickets early. All proceeds benefit the parish.

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

 CULTURAL GARDENS

The Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation (CCGF) will have its annual “One World Day” celebration at the Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park on Sunday, August 28^th from 11am to 7pm. This year marks the 100^th Anniversary of the first garden. Also, this year, the Lithuanian Cultural Garden is celebrating its 80^th Anniversary. Many of the gardens, including the Lithuanian garden, will have displays, programs and ethnic foods. All are invited to visit the gardens and enjoy this unique cultural display in Cleveland.

Looking at the Parish Calendar, I see that in the next several weeks, we will be celebrating the sacraments of both baptism and matrimony here at St. Casimir’s. It might be a good time for us to look at these two sacraments and what they mean in the life of the Church.

     Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation. Sacramentally, it erases Original Sin and so makes one a child of God and a member of His Catholic Church. Parents who present an infant for baptism pledge to raise their child in the Catholic Faith, following the teachings of the Church. Parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of our Faith, and when the time comes, they more formally prepare their child, through religious education, for the other sacraments of initiation: the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. So Baptism is for the person the beginning of living a life of Faith.

     That Faith then leads to the sacraments of commitment: Holy Orders and Matrimony. Holy Orders are received by one who is ordained a deacon, a priest or a bishop. Most people, though, are called to the married state and receive the sacrament of Matrimony. With this sacrament, the couple enters into a special relationship with God to help them live out the covenant relationship of marriage. Catholics are to follow the “Canonical Form” of Marriage, by exchanging their consent before an authorized priest and two witnesses at their parish church. Any variation to this must be approved by the Bishop or the marriage is not recognized by the Church. Those who marry without following “Canonical Form” or with a dispensation from the Bishop, are excluded from receiving the other sacraments.

     Sometimes we need to remind ourselves what these sacraments mean, and renew our commitment to live our faith and guide our children to do the same.

                                                                       God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

HOLY NAME SOCIETY
 

Our Holy Name Society (HNS) is pleased to invite the entire parish to attend the Holy Name Picnic and Cookout on Wednesday, July 27^th, from 5:00-8:00 pm in the back yard of the convent. Hot dogs, burgers, snacks and soft drinks will be served. Last year, we had live entertainment which might be repeated this year. There is no cost for the picnic as the HNS underwrites the entire cost. In case of rain, the food will be served in the lower hall. Come meet fellow parishioners and learn about the Holy Name Society.