A couple of years ago, when speaking with some people about the trip I took to Lithuania, we compared what I experienced a few years ago with what others experienced visiting Lithuania when it was under the Soviet Union’s rule. In less than 30 years, Lithuania transformed itself, not only with infrastructure but in education, agriculture, business and tourism. What had once been a grim, and oppressed state became a growing nation and a vibrant part of the world community.      What made this change? The answer comes in two words: freedom and spirit. The time was right for the people who were enslaved to taste freedom, and the people were willing to risk everything, even their lives, to stand up to what was called the Evil Empire and declare their independence again.       Much of the same things could be said about Lithuania’s Declaration of Independence back in 1918. Under domination of a failing Russia, the people longed for freedom and risked everything, even their lives, to gather together and to declare their independence, establishing themselves as an independent nation. After that Declaration, what was once a small serfdom became a free and growing nation and a vibrant part of the world community.      This weekend we gather here with our youngsters to celebrate Lithuania’s independence -  not only its restoration in 1990, but the independence that was originally declared in 1918. Whether one is Lithuanian or not, it is a time to celebrate the freedom of the Lithuanian people today and also to reflect on the precious gift of freedom. With the ongoing troubles in the Middle East, South America, and other parts of the world, we see that the gift of freedom is being threatened again. So today is also a fitting time for all of us to renew our efforts to ensure that every person in our world is a free person, who can determine his or her own future free from fear, and be a vibrant member of the entire world community.                       God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

 

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
 

We ask you to remember in your prayers the soul of David Dula who died recently and was buried from our parish. May he have eternal rest in the peace of God’s kingdom.

 

FAMILY PERSPECTIVES
 

In many of our families, even when we are home together, we find ourselves going in different directions, separated by the things that clutter our lives. We acquire more and more stuff, yet we can still feel empty. Today’s gospel suggests that those who avoid all this stuff, who are poor and hungry now, are better able to concentrate on the things that lead to happiness: time spent together and shared memories.

 

MASS SCHEDULE
 

Over the past year, the Pastoral Council and I have been studying our weekend Mass schedule. Over the past few years our attendance has gone down, and we feel that we should re-do our schedule to more accurately reflect Mass attendance and to provide a schedule that would be more responsive to the need of our people. Members of our Pastoral Council have listened to you and have presented some ideas for a new Mass schedule. It is very important to present this to everyone in the parish for their input before any decision is made. Any change will take place in January, 2020.
 

     Regarding the Saturday evening Mass - a number of people suggested making the time earlier to better accommodate those who are concerned about being out after the dark in the winter time. It was suggested that we move the Saturday evening Mass to 5:00pm. Yet a significant number have indicated that the Mass should remain at 5:30pm.

     Regarding the Sunday Masses - there were several suggestions. One was to have the Lithuanian language Mass be the last Mass of the day. What we have heard regarding two Masses was evenly divided: Mass at 8:30am in English, and 10:30am in Lithuanian; or Mass at 9:00am in English, and 11:00am in Lithuanian.

     On the attached sheet, I ask that you indicate your preferences. Please return the sheet either in the collection basket, or return it to the rectory by mail or drop it off personally. I would like all these returned by March 17^th, so that the Pastoral Council can take up this matter at their April meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with me or any member of the Council.

 

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
 

Our next Pancake Breakfast will be on Sunday, March 3, from 8:30 to 1:30. Tickets are now available at the main entrance to the Church after the weekend Masses and at the Rectory during the week. Adult tickets are $7, children 10 and younger are free. Save $1 by purchasing your tickets in advance. All proceeds benefit the parish.

 

CLUSTER MASS
 

On Monday, March 18^th, we will be hosting all the parishes in Collinwood for our Lenten Cluster Mass. After Mass, everyone is invited to our Upper Hall (gym) for food and fellowship. We need volunteers to bake, set up and clean up. Those willing to help out are asked to sign up at the main entrance to the church or contact Ingrid Civinskas at: icivinsk@yahoo.com or call 440-838-0652.

 

REFLECT & REFRESH
 

Exultate choir invites you to a program of music and meditation - REFLECT and REFRESH on Sunday, March 31^st at 12:00 noon at the upper hall of the Lithuanian Club. Tickets are $20 and include lunch. They are available in our lower hall after the 10:00 Mass or by calling Virginia Rubinski 216-486-9023.