Mar 17, 2022

Greetings,

This Sunday, March 20, at 4:30pm there will be a 45-minute benefit concert in our church performed by Singers Companye to support humanitarian efforts in the Ukraine. The concert is free and open to the public, so at the very least it is an opportunity to come and pray while listening to great music. There will, however, be a freewill offering taken up for those who wish to donate. 100% of the funds raised will be sent to Ukraine relief efforts.

Bishop Malesic has asked us to pray and fast for the situation in Ukraine. I would also add to pray for those Russians, particularly soldiers, whose consciences are bothering them. May they have the courage to act in accord with their conscience.

The Diocesan Social Action Office suggests the following prayer:

A Prayer for Ukraine

Loving God,

We pray for the people of Ukraine,

for all those suffering or afraid,

that you will be close to them and protect them.

We pray for world leaders,

for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.

We pray for the world

that in this moment of crisis,

we may reach out in solidarity

to our brothers and sisters in need.

May we walk in your ways

so that peace and justice

become a reality for the people of Ukraine

and for all the world.

Amen.

IN OTHER NEWS:

SYNOD OPPORTUNITIES:  Our meetings for the world-wide Synod on Synodality will be on two Wednesdays, March 23, and March 30, from 7:00 to 9:00pm in Zwisler Hall. Have you ever wanted to have a greater voice in the Church? This is Rome’s attempt at making that desire possible. If you don’t exercise the opportunity, it is like not voting! If you can’t make these dates, there is an “at home” version with which you might participate, the link for which can be found in our Angelus Letter sent out to you each Thursday.

SEMINARIANS:  It was fun having Deacon Ian Kelly and Mr. Charlie Bulger with us for their winter break. This Monday they both returned to their studies. I think we will see Charlie back again for Holy Week to help steer our parish through the liturgies. Deacon Kelly is slated to be ordained in 2023 and Charlie is finishing up his first year in the Theologate.

Those entering the seminary as undergraduates attend St. Charles Borromeo Seminary until they graduate and along with their studies focus on philosophy. St. Mary Seminary is for graduate level studies with a focus on theology. Those discerning priesthood typically spend four to five years in the theological seminary. Both seminaries are located in Wickliffe, about a 45-minute drive from here. Please keep the seminarians in your prayers.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck