Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Ash Wednesday is a few days away, so it is good for us to prepare to celebrate it well. 
                Ash Wednesday distribution of ashes will be at the 8:30am and 5:30pm Masses.
 
Our Lenten Mission: “Forgiveness” from FORMED.ORG
 
This year for Lent we will focus on the Beauty of God’s Mercy, which of course has been a theme of Pope Francis since he was elected five years ago.  Our parish will offer faith formation sessions so that all parishioners can take advantage to learn more about and ultimately live God’s mercy. 
 
There will be a session each of the first five weeks of Lent, which will utilize a great video series from FORMED.ORG.  But we are not going to just sit around watching a video. Each session will be facilitated by Fr. Pfeiffer and Dcn. Amedeo, which will include opportunity for questions so that we can grow in appreciation of God’s forgiveness and then live the mercy that we receive. 
 
So, our regular Coffee and Catechesis time on Sundays from 9:30 -10:30 remains the same but will be focused on this theme.  But what about our parishioners who attend 4:30 Mass on Saturday’s?  Have no fear!  Dcn John and I will be offering the same opportunity on Saturday evenings immediately following Mass from 5:45-6:45.  Because this is dinner time, we will have food available so we are ready to grow in faith. Mark your calendars now for the weekends of Lent - now with two times available to attend!  No need to sign-up, just show up to any (but hopefully all) of the sessions.  Any questions please call the rectory.
 
Lenten Mission Schedule:  FORGIVEN
                March 9,10 : Where are You?
                March 16,17:  An Encounter with Mercy
                March 23, 24: Embraced in Mercy:The Rite Explained
                March 30, 31: Biblical Foundations: Sin, Mercy, and Confession
                April 6, 7: Answering Common Questions About Confession
 
More Lenten Opportunities
To live the mercy of God we need to celebrate it, so in honor of our Lenten Mission theme of Forgiveness, I will be offering more opportunity for confessions.  Our regular Saturdays from 3pm-4pm remain, but in addition will be the following starting the first full week of Lent:
                Tuesdays: 2pm-2:45 (Benediction of Blessed Sacrament immediately follows)
                Thursdays: 6pm-7pm (with Stations of the Cross to follow at 7pm)
                Fridays from 4pm-5pm (Mass follows at 5:30pm)
 
Diocesan-Wide Evening of Confession
                Wednesday, March 20 ^th from 5:00-8:00pm all Catholic churches within the eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland will be open for Confession.  Take this opportunity to renew your faith through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
 
Soup Suppers Return! and Stations of the Cross
In Lent on Thursdays is the Soup Supper sponsored by our St. Vincent DePaul Society. Beginning Thursday, March 7 ^th through April 11 ^th in Boeke Hall from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Be sure to enjoy the soup and fellowship, then come over to the church for confessions and stations.
 
 
May God bless you!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr