ACCESS TO THE LOWER HALL

From Saturday, July 1^st through Monday, August 7^th, access to our lower hall will be ONLY from the Marcella Road entrance. Construction going on in the old cloak room, Youth Room, and old shower room will close off that area of the school building. This will primarily affect those who go to Sunday Coffee after the 10:00 Mass. This is being done for the safety of everyone who goes into the building.

FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM

The Fortnight for Freedom, a call to 14 days of prayer, education and action for religious freedom in the United States and abroad, will again take place this year from June 21 to July 4. During this two-week period our liturgical calendar celebrates great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages Catholics across our country to enter into a period with a strong focus on prayer, education, and reflection on our first freedom, freedom of religion. Beginning June 21^st and ending July 4th, we will offer daily prayers and reflections on this important freedom.

HELPERS NEEDED

We are looking for a few good people to help keep our parish running smoothly. We need additional ushers who can greet people when they come to Mass, take up the weekly collection, and act as “first responders” when someone needs help in Church. We hope to be able to provide first aid training for our ushers and first responder. We’re looking for additional ushers for all the Masses. We hope to be able to provide first aid training for them. If anyone is interested in being a church usher, please contact Father Bacevice.

CROSS FOR THE HILL OF CROSSES

The Lithuanian Roman Catholic Priests’ League will bless and place a cross on the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania on July 7, 2017, in honor of the Centennial of the Lithuanian Declaration of Independence. As one of 16 Lithuanian Parishes in the United States, we are sharing in cost of this project. We are accepting donations this week and next for this projects. Place your donation in an envelope marked “Hill of Crosses” and drop it in the collection basket this week or next. A replica of this cross will be at our parish sometime this summer. Thank you for your support.

AN AMAZING FAMILY DAY:

Are you looking for an opportunity for your family to grow in faith this summer? Join us for a family retreat day on Sunday, August 6^th, at the 17^th Annual FEST, beginning at noon at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Outdoor Mass, Adoration, praise and worship and more will inspire you to experience the FULL LIFE that only Christ can give. Check out www.TheFEST.us today.

POPE FRANCIS ASKS FOR YOUR HELP

The Catholic Bishops of the world will meet in October, 2018, for the 15^th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops and the theme will be “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” In preparation for this major synod on youth,  Pope Francis wants to gather input from the Catholic faithful. The Diocese of Cleveland asks everyone to fill out a short survey questionnaire to gather information on the current state of the young in our diocese that will be included as part of the pre-synod discernment document. The survey can be found on the diocesan website home page: www.dioceseofcleveland.org 

     Summer is the time of year that many are involved in outdoor activities and travel. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer, but we remind everyone to participate at Mass each weekend, even when traveling. We also remind everyone of their obligation to support our parish. As we continue to be challenged financially, especially since we lost a major tenant when the Sisters of Notre Dame moved, we need everyone’s support. So on the weekends you are not here for any reason, I ask you to make up for your missed offerings.

     Summer is also a time when the weather can be dangerously hot and humid, especially for our older members. Our church building can become very hot during the summer months as there is no air conditioning in the building and the windows do not open. I ask everyone, especially our old members and those with chronic illnesses to use common sense when coming to church. Wear light clothing, be sure to stay hydrated with sufficient water, and if it feels too hot or humid, stay home or in air conditioned place. God does not expect the impossible from any of us. So use good judgment and whether you will come here to Mass on a given Sunday.

     Finally, speaking of air conditioning, if we had 12 parishioners each willing to donate $5,000, we could air condition the Church.

God Bless!   Fr. Joe Bacevice

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Terry Kollar who died recently and was buried from our parish.  May she have eternal rest in the peace of God’s kingdom.  

FROM THE BISHOP’S OFFICE

Dear Faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland,

     It is only by your prayers and the tremendous assistance of so many tireless coworkers, that I have been sustained by the Lord in my duties of shepherding two dioceses.

     As I enter the sixth month of serving as Apostolic Administrator of Cleveland, I ask you to redouble your prayers that he Lord may give every grace to fulfill this role. Please also remember the intentions of Bishop Richard Lennon in retirement, and of Pope Francis, as we await his appointment of a new bishop for the Diocese of Cleveland.

With deep thanks in Christ Jesus,
Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas

OFFERING FOR OUR HOLY FATHER:

This weekend we are accepting offerings for the Holy Father.  Known for years as the Peter’s Pence Collections, this offering supports the charitable work of the Holy See throughout the world.  Please be generous.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA