Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

20 Years Ago
Celebrating anniversaries is such a beautifully human and joy filled experience. Birthdays, wedding days, Baptism days, feast days, confirmation days, and so many others are occasions to thank God and bring us continued blessing.  But in our fallen humanity, we also must commemorate tragedy.  I find it odd to say the anniversary of 9/11 because the word “anniversary” is so associated with good things.  Since we should never forget, it is perhaps more aptly named a memorial day, so that we remember the events of 9/11.  I say “events” on purpose, for it was not only one “event” of violent and barbarous terrorism that we remember.  Much more also happened that day.  American heroes showed their true colors in the midst of hardship.  The first responders who sought to save others, the passengers on flight 93, and all Americans of goodwill who came together as one - these are also the events of that day 20 years ago.  As Catholics we celebrate this paradoxical reality in every Mass for Christ’s “anniversary” of death is truly the memorial of our salvation.  In Christ the cross leads to resurrection, and even tragedy opens up the way to deeper love and joy. 

To commemorate this day and continue our prayers for the nation, this weekend on Sat. 9/11 we will have a 15 min. period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament immediately following Holy Communion at the 4:30 vigil Mass.


Coming Soon:
Perhaps you have heard of The Heart of the Shepherd Campaign for the Cleveland Diocese.  This is a fundraising endeavor that Bishop Perez started way back before Covid started in order to renovate the seminary building, which has needed major work for years.  Most of the parishes of the diocese have already gone through it, and we are slated to have ours in the next couple months.  We will have a goal to reach, but one advantage (other than helping our seminarians prepare for the priesthood) is that 60-70% of the total amount raised will come back to the parish for a designated project(s)!  I am meeting with finance council and with representatives from the diocese to work out the details.  I will share those details with you in next couple weeks.  In the meantime, please pray for our seminarians and their professors, and pray about how we can best assist them through this campaign.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr