As Lent draws to a close, we are all reminded again of our need for forgiveness and reconciliation. One of the most difficult things we have to do is admit our sins. It is much easier to admit that we have faults – but only the good kind of faults like being too well organized or working too hard. It is very difficult for us to admit to wrongdoing and when we are forced to because we have been caught, we try to place blame elsewhere. Even in our society, when we hear of a criminal or a politician being caught committing a crime, the individual many times blames someone else, or complains that “the system is flawed.”      Deep inside, we know that we are sinners. We keep our sins hidden from everyone and try to hide them even from ourselves. We also know, but don’t want to acknowledge, that God knows all our sins. He knows us completely, even better than we know ourselves. And in spite of our faults and sinfulness, God still loves us with perfect love that only God can have.      There are many instances in the Gospels that Jesus explains to us the Father’s love or us and Jesus calls us to repentance. Lent is the time to answer that call. God, our loving Father is waiting for us.      The way to forgiveness is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During these last two weeks of Lent, look deep inside your soul, acknowledge your sinfulness and seek forgiveness. Our cluster parishes are offering the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Monday at Holy Redeemer Parish at 7:00pm. Confessions are also heard here every Saturday at 4:30pm, and during Holy Week confessions will be heard on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after the 7:30am Mass.                           God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
 

We ask you to remember in your prayers the following who have died recently:  George Beveridge and Christine Arnold. May they live forever in the joy of the Resurrection.

 

CLUSTER PENANCE SERVICE
 

This Monday, April 8^th, at 7:00pm, the Collinwood Cluster of Parishes is having their annual Lenten Penance Service at Holy Redeemer Parish. All the priests in the cluster will be available for confessions. We encourage you to take this opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the celebration of Easter.
 

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.

EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS
 

We rely on your generosity to beautify the church at Easter with live flowers. We welcome your donations for Easter flowers. Please use the envelope marked for this purpose in the envelope packet.

 

MASSES
 

We still have 50 Mass openings for this year, both on weekdays and on weekends. For those who would like to schedule Masses for 2019, please contact our office. The usual offering for Mass is $10. Once these Masses are scheduled, we will open the 2020 Mass book.

 

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
 

Before Jesus faced the attacks of the scribes and Pharisees, he spent the night in the quiet of the Mount of Olives. Technology increases the demands on us and we all need a quiet place to refuel our spirit, otherwise all we share in our homes are fatigue and bitterness. Where can you find a few minutes each day to refresh your spirit?

 

TAIZE SERVICE FOR LENT
 

We invite you to experience the beautiful and powerful hour of prayer, silence and song on Wednesday, April 10^th, at 7:00pm in Historic St. Peter Church on the corner of E 17^th  and Superior Ave., in downtown Cleveland. The service will be in the style of prayer which originated in the monastery in Taize, France. All are welcome. A simple supper will be offered at 6:00pm. Please RSVP for the supper by calling 216-344-2999 and leave a message.

 

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.

 

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.