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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

He is Still Risen! Indeed He is Risen!!!

Sacrament of Confirmation
The following young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation this past week. Some celebrated it at St. Francis de Sales Parish with Bishop Gries and one person received the sacrament from Cardinal Burke in Cleveland as his Eminence was in town to celebrate a Confirmation Mass in the Extraordinary Form.  Congratulations to them all as they have completed their sacraments of initiation and are now equipped by God’s grace to remain faithful and fight the battles necessary to usher in the Kingdom of God.

Kevin Elliot
Paul Okoye
Joseph Okoye
Cedric Ortiz
Eliza Stone
Dylan Walker
Lucas Westfall

Adult Faith Formation Returns!
Speaking of confirmation, the Faith Formation topic for this weekend is Spiritual Wimp or Warrior?  Warfare is not merely a reality in the natural world.  Due to Satan and the fallen angels, there is spiritual warfare as well.  Even though we are not angels, demonic activity affects us.  God gives us a role to play to advance His Kingdom.  Are we responding to that call?  We will examine how to fight this war with the spiritual weapons God gives to us especially in light of the sacrament of Confirmation.  Join us Saturday April 24 after Mass in the PAC. 

We tried to livestream and record our previous session and post it on our YouTube channel so people could watch from home.  Of course, we ran into technical difficulties.  So we will try it again.  If you are able, please come in person.  There is plenty of room in the PAC to socially distance and things are just better in person.  

First Communions
There are a few parishioners receiving their first Holy Communion.  Over the next few weeks, you will see them (depending on which Mass you attend) come to receive our Lord sacramentally for the first time.  What a great witness for all of us, so keep them in prayer, and may we all reflect on our appreciation of the Eucharist.  In fact, our Faith Formation topic on May 8 will be on the Eucharist.

Stewards of the Land - Help Needed!
The time has come.  Our stewards of the land ministry is in need of a leader.  The responsibilities include organizing the projects required to keep our grounds looking beautiful.  We contract out to mow the lawn, but trimming bushes, mulching, flower beds, and maintaining the Marian Shrine garden are other areas that need stewardship.  There is a great team who have been doing great work the past few years.  We just need someone to take the reins and lead.  If one wants to join the team and not lead, that would work too.  Either way, please call the rectory. 

Rogation Procession and Ascension Thursday
Looking ahead there is a traditional practice, which we did last year for the first time, of having a Rogation procession.  We walked around the campus asking God to hear our prayers asking Him for protection from wars, famines, and plagues (it seemed very appropriate last year especially).  We will do this again on Tuesday May 11 at 6pm.
In the Ordinary Form of the Mass the Feast of the Ascension is transferred to the following Sunday.  But in the Extra. Form it retains its traditional place at forty days after Easter.  So, on Thursday May 13, we will have an Extra. Form High Mass at 6pm to honor the fortieth day of the Easter Season. 
Happy Easter! Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr