One of the most beautiful places around our nation’s capital is Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington, DC in Arlington, Virginia. The cemetery itself is meticulously maintained with rows of Crosses and Stars of David marking the graves of our servicemen and women and national leaders buried there. The most solemn place in the cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknowns. There Company E of the Third US Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard – keeps a constant vigil honoring servicemen “known only to God.” The cemetery and the tomb are signs of the respect we show to those who have lost their lives in service to our country.      On Monday, the national holiday of Memorial Day, all of us are called to honor our war dead, those who gave their lives in defense of our country and for freedom throughout the world. As Catholics, the best way to honor our dead is to pray for them, particularly on Memorial Day.      Our Catholic War Veterans Post 613 has, since its founding in 1946, provided a beautiful opportunity for us to gather to honor our war dead. On Monday beginning at 8:30am, they will lead us in a flag raising ceremony, followed by Mass. Immediately after Mass, they have arranged for a breakfast at the Lithuanian Club. They invite everyone in the Parish to join with them in remembering those who have died in service to our country and to remember their members who have died.      I have been a member of Post 613 since 1980, and have led the Memorial Day service each year. I invite all of you to join with me as we remind ourselves through prayer, that the freedom we enjoy here in this country came at a great price, and we offer our prayers for those who sacrificed their own lives that we could live in freedom. God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice

MEMORIAL DAY

Monday, May 27^th is Memorial Day. Again this year, our Catholic War Veterans Post 613 will have their annual Memorial Day commemoration here at St. Casimir, beginning at 8:30am with a service at the Freedom Memorial in our Neff Road parking lot, followed by Mass. The commemoration will conclude with breakfast at the Lithuanian Club (877 E 185^th St.). All are invited.

CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS

Memorial Day is approaching, and our Catholic War Veterans Post 613 will have their annual Poppy Distribution. This activity enables the Post to continue their welfare programs for our veterans and their families. They will be distributing poppies and accepting donations after all the Masses the weekend of May 25-26. Please be generous in supporting their work.

BALTIC COMMEMORATION

On Sunday, June 9^th, at 2:00pm, here at St. Casimir’s, the Baltic American Committee of Cleveland is sponsoring a prayer service to commemorate the 78^th Anniversary of the occupation of the Baltic States and remember the victims of the mass deportations of June 13-14, 1941. After the service there will be a program at the Lithuanian Club. All are invited to join with our Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian communities for this commemoration.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVE:

“My peace is my gift to you.” In the document “Follow the Way of Love” our bishops regarding parents state: “As the primary teachers of your children, you impart knowledge of the faith and help them to acquire values necessary for Christian living. Your example is the most effective way to teach. Sometimes they listen and learn, sometimes they teach you new ways of believing and understanding. Your wisdom and theirs come from the same Spirit.” What do we teach our children about peace, justice and mercy? How do we model conflict resolution? How do they see us deal with stress? Do they see us act with mercy? Let us share the gifts of peace and mercy.

 GENERATIONS OF FAITH ALL ON ONE DAY

FEST 2019 is fast approaching, a day of faith – family – fun all for FREE! Where will you be Sunday, August 4^th? We hope you will be in Wickliffe at The FEST, enjoying live music, delicious food, amazing displays/activities, and FREE giveaways! This year’s theme is Generations of faith and family. There is something for everyone at the FEST so invite your whole family. Moms, don’t forget to register for your Marc’s Mom’s Giveaway Bag loaded with great free stuff for you and your family. For more information, or to register, go to www.theFEST.us