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February
16, 1918, March 11, 1990. These are two important dates for Lithuanians
both in Lithuania and throughout the world. February 16TH is
Lithuanian Independence Day, the day that Lithuania declared itself
independent from Russia. It also established Lithuania as a democracy
governed by an elected president and parliament. During the 22 years
that Lithuania enjoyed this freedom, the nation flourished. World War
II changed all that. Being caught between Nazi Germany and Soviet
Russia, Lithuania was soon overrun by two competing influences and
eventually lost its freedom as it was forcibly annexed into the Soviet
Union. The loss of the freedom and self-determination lasted until
March 11, 1990, when once again Lithuania rose up and declared its
independence from the Soviet Union. And today, Lithuania once again
flourishes as a free and independent country. This weekend, we join
with so many other Lithuanian communities throughout the world
celebrating the independence of our Lithuanian Homeland. The dark days
of the past half century are behind us. But the challenges of the
present and the future are ahead of us. As we take this weekend to
reflect on the suffering of the past and celebrate freedom, we also need
to continue to support our brothers in sisters in Lithuania to help them
grow a strong economy, a strong military to protect itself, and continue
to grow as a nation, as a culture and as a people committed to the
principles of freedom, democracy and self-determination. All of us this
weekend join with our Lithuanian brothers and sisters in celebrating the
freedom of our homeland.
God bless!
Fr. Joe Bacevice |
ONLINE MASS
Our weekly online Mass is
back. Beginning this weekend, Sunday Mass can be accessed beginning on
Saturdays at 4:00 pm. Go to our website and click on the Mass link. We would
also like to hear from our online congregation. Comments – good or bad – can be
sent to Father Bacevice’s e-mail along with
any requests for special prayers (jbacevice@dioceseofcleveland.org) .
FAMILY
PERSPECTIVES
In the gospel
reading today, Jesus reaches out to touch the leper, one who had been rendered
ritually unclean due to his skin infection. This gospel story is one of mercy,
acceptance, compassion and empathy. We hear that Jesus is moved with pity at
the plight of the leper and reaches out to touch him, breaking the Jewish law of
his time. How as Christians do we treat our family members with mercy,
acceptance, compassion and empathy? Throughout his life, Jesus seeks out and
draws near to those on the margins. How do we respond to those in our family
who are on the margins of society or on the margins of our own family?
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PLEASE PRAY
 We
ask you to remember in your prayers the souls of Kenneth Zagar and Anthony
Wisnewski. May they live forever in the blessedness of God’s heavenly Kingdom.
LENT
Lent begins this Wednesday, February 17TH, Ash Wednesday. This year,
because of the pandemic, we will offer only one Mass at 7:30 am. Ashes will be
distributed only at that Mass. Because of the pandemic, this year’s Lenten
activities will be much simpler than in the past. First, there will be no
Collinwood Cluster Monday evening Masses or Penance service, nor will there be
the Annual Night of Confessions. But there will still be spiritual
opportunities to grow in faith this season. Stations of the Cross will
be prayed simply after the 7:30 Mass each Friday morning in English, and each
Sunday after the 11:00 am Mass in Lithuanian. Confessions will be heard
every Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in the Church.
LENTEN DIETARY REGULATIONS
Ash Wednesday (February 17th) and Good Friday (April 2nd)
are days of Fast and Abstinence. Fasting means having only one full meal on
those days with two smaller meals allowed. Eating between meals is not
permitted. This law is binding on all Catholics form their 18TH
birthday to their 59TH birthday. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday along
with all the Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence from eating meat. Meat is
defined as the flesh, organs, and blood products from warm blooded animals.
This law is binding on all Catholics from their 14TH birthday.
Individual dispensations from these regulations can be given by the Pastor.
Group dispensations must be obtained from the Chancellor of the Diocese.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
The 2021 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal will take place next weekend in our
parish. This year’s appeal theme is “Love Your Neighbor.” Our parish goal this
year is $15,710.00. Your generous support will transform the lives of others,
to offer dignity, possibilities and companionship to those who are most
vulnerable. As in the past, the in-pew process will take place next weekend.
All who have not received the mailing from Bishop Malesic, or have not had a
chance to respond to it, will be asked to consider making a generous pledge to
support the ministries and services provided by Catholic Charities. If you have
received the mailing, please respond generously to it and we ask you also to
complete the in-pew envelope and indicate by checking the box that you have
responded by mail. We invite you to view stories of inspiration and more
information at the diocesan website
www.CatholicCommunity.org/2021Appeal
BLACK & INDIAN MISSIONS
The annual collection to support the Black and Indian Missions takes place next
weekend. This is the oldest designated collection in the United States. We ask
everyone to be generous in supporting this important work of the Catholic
Church. |
Lietuvi