With this week’s bulletin there is a letter from Bishop Perez (also available on our diocesan website) which addresses again the issue of clergy sex abuse. Since the Grand Jury report from Pennsylvania, this issue again is in front of us. Last week the Bishops of the United States had their Annual Meeting to again address this issue. In February, the church leaders of the world will be meeting in Rome to address this issue with Pope Francis.      Two weeks ago Bishop Perez wrote another letter, which I included with our bulletin, and which again addressed this issue along with petitions for the Universal Prayer (General Intercessions) at the Sunday Masses. In early October at our clergy conference, a lot of time was devoted to this topic. A few weeks ago, I was given a statement from St. Noel parish in Willoughby Hills regarding this matter and the need for additional accountability especially regarding our bishops. I have asked a few people their feelings on this matter and I hear their anger with the church and the hurt and doubt about their faith that this has caused.      Many of us have strong feelings about this issue, are looking for answers, and are in need of healing. As the Pastor of our Parish, I feel that I need to provide a forum for those who want to express their feelings to come together, find answers and begin a healing process. So after much thought and prayer, and after consulting the Pastoral Council, I am calling a meeting of all parishioners to discuss this matter and to give as many as want to a safe and non-judgmental forum to express their feelings.        Advent seems to be an appropriate time to do this, so I am scheduling this meeting for Tuesday, December 4, at 7:00pm in the Church. This meeting is open to anyone who is inter-ested, whether they are a parishioner or not. It will give all of us an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of this problem, what is being done, and most importantly, will give those who are in need, an opportunity to begin the healing process.  God Bless ! Fr. Joe Bacevice

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CCHD)

This weekend we are accepting offerings for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

THANKSGIVING

Thursday of this week is Thanksgiving Day, the holiday set aside each year for us to pause and give thanks to God for all that we have. Too many times we allow ourselves to become critics and complainers. It seems that we can always find things to criticize in our society and in our Church.
     On Thanksgiving Day, we are reminded to look beyond the problems and difficulties and look at what we do have. Even our poorest people have a place to live and food to eat. We have access to health care and we have a voice in our government. As people of faith, we have much for which to be thankful. We are free to practice our faith and we have a loving God who watches over us.
     On this Thanksgiving Day, let us all take time to offer a prayer of thanks to God for all the gifts we have received. Let us also remember those who have less than we do. Let us renew our efforts to help everyone improve their lives so we can continue to grow as people and as a society of compassion, of justice, of peace and of love.
     One of the best ways we can offer thanks is to worship together as a community. On Thanksgiving Day, everyone in the parish is invited to gather for the celebration of Mass at 9:00am. Our office will be closed on Thursday and Friday.

PASTORAL COUNCIL NEWS

At the close of nominations for our Pastoral Council last Sunday, we had six candidate applications. Four seats were up for election and two members were to be appointed by Father Bacevice (1 for 2 years and 1 for 1 year). So without an election, all six will join the Pastoral Council beginning on January 1, 2019: Dana Cipkus, Ted Egan, Loretta Gudenas, Faye Roth, Gerald Thompson, and Albert Yevchak (1 year). They will join Nancy Anzlovar, Anthony Bacevice, Giedre Jesmantas and Judy Kowalski. We thank our council members for their commitment to our Parish.

GIVING TUESDAY

You have heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, now you can share your blessings on Tuesday, November 27 - Giving Tuesday. All day around the globe people are asked to contribute to their favorite charities and non-profits. The Diocese of Cleveland asks you to be part of Northeast Ohio’s Online Day of Catholic Giving: #weGiveCatholic, which allows you to contribute to over 160 Catholic schools, parishes, Catholic Charities programs and sites, ministries and other Catholic non-profits in Northeast Ohio.
     Our Parish is one of the institutions taking part this year. Simply use your computer or smartphone on Tuesday, November 27 to access the website www.weGiveCatholic.org  Then search the list of participants and donate to your favorites (don’t forget St. Casimir). In the spirit of the season, remember to Give Catholic on Giving Tuesday.