Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, 

His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Don’t Wait! St. Expeditus, Pray for Us!

There is a story of an early saint who was a roman soldier.  He desires to become a Christian but kept putting off his baptism again and again.   This was especially dangerous because of his profession where his life could end without much warning.  Thankfully, he finally responded fully to the Lord’s grace and was baptized and lived the remainder of his life with heroic virtue.   He became known as St. Expeditus (think “expedited” delivery), and in a Roman church there is a statue of this saint with his arm raised holding a banner that reads “hodie” (which is Latin for “today”).  Under his feet is another banner that reads “cras” (which means “tomorrow’). Continuing this small Latin lesson, the word “pro” means “for.”  The reason I mention it is have you ever wondered why we use the word “procrastinate?”  Look at the word - “pro” - “cras.” It literally means “to be for tomorrow.”   Expeditus conquered “tomorrow” by accepting the grace of “today.”  We who are baptized can apply the lesson of this patron saint of procrastinators in another sacrament.  Don’t wait until holy week or later this year or on your deathbed! You may miss the opportunity, so go now to Confession!

There will be more times for confession every week of Lent. In addition to our regular parish times (Fridays and Saturdays) there will be:

Tuesday       March 25 @ 5-6 @ St. Paul

Tuesday       April 1 @ 5-6 @ St. Paul (Cluster Confession Night)

Tuesday       April 8 @ 5-6 @ St. Francis de Sales (Cluster Confession Night)

Bishop’s Pastoral Letter

Everyone should have received in the mail Bishop Malesic’s Pastoral letter: A Flourishing Apostolic Church.  His expectation is that this letter be at the forefront of conversation for parishes.  The bishop is our diocesan pastor and our spiritual father, so we owe him the respect to take his letter seriously and implement his vision as best we can.  You can download and read his letter online here:

https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/a-flourishing-apostolic-church/overview

Easter Surprise!

You have already heard much about the Old Chapel Door project and moving the panels into the Church. In addition to the joyful liturgical celebrations of Easter, there will be a wonderful surprise that goes along with the unveiling of the panels.  

Sincerely in Christ,