The winter storm last weekend was one that we had not experienced in many years. The heavy snowfall, strong winds made for a lot of extra work for our maintenance staff and kept more than half of our regular church goers away from Mass. Our total attendance for the weekend was 98, and only 62 envelopes came in the collection. I do believe that this was the smallest collection we’ve ever had since we became St. Casimir’s.      The “pastor” side of me is thankful that we made it through the storm and safely, but the “administrator” side of me asks everyone who was not here last weekend to please make up for the missed offering. This is our most expensive time of year and we need everyone’s support to meet our expenses. Even though snow is predicted for this weekend, I hope it isn’t a repeat of last weekend.                           God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

 

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

We ask you to remember in your prayers the soul of Ernest Ruppe who died last week and was buried from our parish. May he have Eternal Rest in the peace of God’s Kingdom.

 

LATIN AMERICA - EL SALVADOR
 

We will be accepting donations for Latin American Missions and El Salvador next weekend. This is the only appeal made by the Diocesan Mission Office for the Cleveland Latin American Mission in El Salvador. It is the main support for two diocesan priests who work in the two parishes served by our Mission Office. This appeal also makes a contribution to the Collection for the Church in Latin America that is managed by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and benefits projects and the formation of seminarians, religious and lay leaders in 23 countries across Latin America. Please be generous.
 

FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Jesus announces in Luke’s Gospel that he comes to proclaim liberty to captives and announce a year acceptable to the Lord. Let us follow Pope Francis’ call to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. First in our own families, but also with others – especially those who are forgotten.

 

FLU SEASON CAUTION
 

We are getting to the worst part of the annual influenza (flu) season, with many people succumbing to the virus. The flu virus is an irritation for many, but for our elderly, it can be dangerous. During this winter season, if you are feeling ill, please do not drink the Precious Blood from the chalice at communion time. The chalices are thoroughly cleaned after each Mass and our communion ministers are instructed to use hand sanitizer both before and after distributing communion. We urge everyone to take the proper steps to stay healthy and keep others healthy during this winter season.

 THROAT BLESSINGS
 

Sunday, February 3^rd, is the Feast of St. Blaise, the day we traditionally bless throats. In honor of St. Blaise, we will bless throats after all the Masses next weekend.

 

2019 CATHOLIC CHARITIES
 

Walk in Faith. Give in Joy. Many parishioners received letter in January inviting their support of the Annual Appeal. Please pray for the good work of Catholic Charities and make a pledge today. Your donation makes a difference. Your support of the 2019 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal will help us serve those individuals who are most in need and most vulnerable. From St. Matthew’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did it for me.” When we feed the hungry, take care of the sick, and welcome the stranger, we are also serving Jesus himself. We appreciate your donation and will take special care to use it wisely in providing essential programs and services to people in need throughout all eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland.

 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
 

     January 27^th to February 2^nd we will celebrate Catholic Schools’ Week in our Diocese. Our neighborhood has always had a strong commitment to Catholic Schools and though the demographics have changed, we can still be proud of the presence of one Catholic High School in our own neighborhood. What follows is an excerpt from the current issue of “Northern Ohio Catholic,” our diocesan magazine:

     The story of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is a story rooted in faith and family, and focused on the future. In 1879, the Ursuline Sisters opened Villa Angela Academy on the shores of Lake Erie. A little more than a mile east, Bishop Edward F. Hoban opened St. Joseph High School in 1950 and asked the Marianist Brothers (Society of Mary) to staff it. For a generation, the schools served as shining beacons of values-based Catholic education. The two schools have produced some 20,000 graduates, including countless leaders in all areas of American life. Inspired by the formation and education they received, graduates went out into the world to carry the light of truth and faith to family, parish and community.

     In 1990, as demographics and modern education changed, the girls’ and boys’ schools consolidated. Formed and owned by the Diocese of Cleveland, Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (VASJ) became the only school in the world sponsored by both the Ursulines and the Marianists. “For the past 28 years, VASJ has thrived as a model of academic and athletic success, meeting the evolving needs and challenges of Catholic education,” says school President Bill Cervenik. “With a college preparatory curriculum rooted in Ursuline and Marianist core values of education, service, justice and diversity, VASJ strives to bring each student to a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ and Gospel values,” adds Principal David Csank.