When Israel fled from Egypt, God’s chosen people began a journey into being a new creation – changing from a nation of slaves to a nation of free people, from being under the thumb of Pharaoh to being in an intimate covenant with God, from eating manna in the desert to feasting on the fruits of the Promised Land. The journey took forty years and was certainly not easy.      When the Prodigal Son finally “came to his senses,” he realized he would be better off back home as a hired worker than stealing slop from the pigs. His journey went from being lost to being found, from being “dead” to being a “new creation.”      It did not take forty years, but how does one measure in time a journey that transforms the heart? The path to being a new creation can take forty years, or forty days, or forty minutes or even forty seconds. Sometimes it is an outer journey, but it is always an inner one. Only with God’s help is it possible. Jesus walks with us. Eventually we arrive at the celebration where our heavenly Father embraces us, welcoming us home.       What does it mean for you to be a new creation? Think about it.                         God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
 

We ask you to remember in your prayers the following who have died recently:  Lillian Vehovec and Grazina Budrys. May they live forever in the joy of the Resurrection.

 

CLUSTER MASS AT ST. JEROME

 

All are invited to the third Cluster Mass this Monday, April 1, 7:00pm  at St. Mary Parish (15519 Holmes Ave.). Following Mass all are invited to their parish hall for food and fellowship. We encourage parishioners to participate in this worthwhile Lenten program in our community.

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
 

We will pray the Stations of the Cross this Friday at 7:00pm. The stations will be led by representatives of the Lithuanian scouts. All are invited to participate in this traditional Lenten devotion. Bi-lingual Stations of the Cross prayer pamphlets are available so all can participate.

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

 

This weekend we will accept offerings to support Catholic Relief Services(CRS). In addition to supporting the relief and development work of CRS in some 98 developing countries, the Catholic Relief Services also supports programs that serve immigrants through Migration and Refugee Services, fosters programs in Justice, Peace, and Human Development, along with the Holy Father’s Relief Fund. Please be generous.

 

SIT, STAND or KNEEL?
 

Last weekend we included a letter from Bishop Perez regarding our posture during the Communion Rite at Mass – when to stand, kneel and sit. With this bulletin and for the next two Sundays, we will include explanations from our Liturgy office as to why we do these things. The Bishop asks that all of us be in compliance with these regulations by Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28^th. Once we have an understanding of why we stand, kneel or sit, it will be easier to follow the regulations.

 

ALTAR SOCIETY ANNUAL PLANT SALE:
 

Spring is on the way! Now is the time to start planning your garden and ordering your flowers and vegetables from the Altar Society’s annual plant sale. There are a few new flowers and new colors this year. Order forms can be found at the church entrances on the bulletin tables. Take home an order form and choose which flowers and vegetables you would like to order. Orders will be accepted until Tuesday, April 16. Return your order form together with your payment to the parish office either through the collection basket, the mail, or simply drop it off at the rectory by the due date. Support your parish and beautify your yard. It’s a win-win! Questions? Call Jackie Taylor at 216-509-0401.

 

NEWS FROM THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY:
 

The winner of the March 50-50 Raffle was Rimas Čepulis. The Holy Name Society thanks all who participated in the March raffle. The next drawing will take place after the April monthly meeting Wednesday, April 29^th, at 7pm at Hope House. Tickets are now on sale for $1 each after most weekend Masses at the entrances to the Church and at the Rectory during the week. All are invited to attend the meeting and see what the Holy Name Society is all about. New members are always welcome.

 

SPRING CONCERT
 

Senior Scouts Židinys invites everyone to a concert featuring the Dainava Lithuanian Men’s Ensemble. The concert “Return From Your Journey, Oh Winds of Spring” will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00pm in upper hall of the Lithuanian Club. Tickets are $20. For tickets call Terese Urbaitis: 440-442-9091.