Have you ever noticed how few Easter songs there are? Easter defies being reduced to chestnuts on an open fire or snow and mistletoe and presents. Easter demands a bold proclamation: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad” or simply the repeated one word anthem: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.” These are our Easter songs.      Today begins the fifty days of Easter, our longest celebration in the Church year, a season given over to joyful, faith-filled songs. The Scripture readings of Easter morning give us a reason to rejoice. St. Peter provides the story of Jesus from his Baptism, through his ministry, to his death and resurrection. St. Peter who strongly denied knowing Jesus is now a bold witness to the Risen Jesus. St. Paul follows calling the Corinthians to be the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Finally, the “beloved disciple”, the most intuitive of believers, with eyes of faith, discerns resurrection in a folded head-cloth, some scattered burial clothing, and an empty tomb.      On this special day, we wish everyone in our Parish Community and our visitors a glorious day, full of love, peace and joy. We also invite you to live their Faith each day, grow in your relationship with Our Lord Jesus, and join in the celebration of the Eucharist each Sunday during the year.   Happy Easter! God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

 

PLEASE PRAY
 

We ask you to remember in your prayers the following who have died: Anthony Jacketti, Kevin Ousley, and Deacon William Dirk. May they live forever in the joy of the Resurrection.

 

THANK YOU
 

We thank the members of the Altar Society for their work decorating the Church this Easter Season and also thank all who donated to purchase Easter flowers and decorations. Together you made our Church a beautiful house of worship to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. God Bless all of you!

 

DIVINE MERCY

Next Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, the day we are reminded of the Divine Mercy of our Redeemer. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all of us are invited to experience the Divine Mercy of the Lord. The Second Sunday of Easter was proclaimed by Saint John Paul II as Divine Mercy Sunday in 1990, the day he canonized Saint Faustina Kowalska.
                                        

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Wrapped in grief, the family of Jesus went to the tomb to anoint His body. They saw only death until two strangers announced His resurrection. Like the strangers, we are called to be “Alleluia” people who affirm life to others. The resurrection bids us to bring light to darkness, hope to the despairing and comfort the sorrowful. Alleluia! He is risen!

COMMUNION RITE AT MASS

Beginning Divine Mercy Sunday (next Sunday), we will be changing our Communion Rite posture to reflect the original policy, first established in 2003. We will remain standing after the Lamb of God, through the singing of the Communion Hymn, until the end of the distribution of Holy Communion. Once the last person has received Holy Communion and the Communion Hymn ends, we may kneel or sit for private prayer. More information, including documentation, may be found on the Diocesan Office of Worship website: www.dioceseofcleveland.org/worship

OUR MASS SCHEDULE

Over the past year and a half, we have been studying Mass attendance and the number of weekend Masses celebrated here at St. Casimir’s. Over the past five years, our Mass attendance has dropped dramatically, necessitating the need to eliminate one weekend Mass. At the same time, we also looked at our Mass times to see if we offer a more convenient schedule. This matter was discussed at several meetings of our Pastoral Council, and from mid-February to mid-March, a poll was made available for everyone to offer their suggestions.

     After hearing from everyone, we are happy to announce that beginning with the First Sunday of Advent (November 30/December 1, 2019), our weekend Masses will be celebrated as follows: on Saturday evening at 5:00pm, and on Sunday morning at 8:30am (English) and 11:00am (Lithuanian). Masses Monday through Friday will be offered at 7:30am.

     This change will bring many challenges but it will also bring us many opportunities. So rather than concentrating on the challenges, let us concentrate more on the opportunities.

HONEY CAKE/GINGERBREAD COFFEE SOCIAL

Sunday, April 28^th, everyone is invited to participate in a family-style Coffee Social after the 10:00 Mass. All parish families are invited to bring of plate of honey cake or gingerbread cookies to the lower hall and to share the Easter season spirit (and your goodies) with your fellow parishioners.