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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Feast of the Ascension
One of the interesting oddities of embracing both liturgical forms of the Roman Rite happens this weekend.  In the Ordinary Form Calendar, Ascension is still forty days after Easter meaning it always lands on a Thursday.  But in our country, the decision is left to the local bishop to decide whether to celebrate it on its traditional day or to transfer it to the following Sunday.  In the Diocese of Cleveland for as long as I can remember the feast has been transferred.  I believe the thinking behind this move is that it allows more people, since they would be expected to be at Mass anyway, to be edified by the mystery of this great feast.  So, it can perhaps be a little confusing depending on where one lives. In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass there is no option for moving the feast.  We celebrated Ascension this past Thursday in that form.  So here at St. Paul’s one has the chance to celebrate this great feast twice! 

Pew Missals Have Returned
In light of the diminishing covid situation, and having talked with other pastors who have brought back pew missals at their churches, we are doing the same.  This weekend you will find current missals for this year’s Masses in the Ordinary Form.  As you come into the Narthex, feel free to use one.  Please return them to the rack when you leave.  Our ushers will wipe down their plastic covers so that they are ready for the next Mass.  In fact, if you wish to volunteer, our ushers would appreciate any help.  More hands make the work go quickly. 

Fostering Community
Speaking of getting involved and helping out, and since we are opening up more to certain events like Faith Formation, do not be afraid of finding creative ways to foster greater connection in the parish.  There are opportunities to contribute to the parish that go beyond the offertory basket.  There is the mulch and planting day this Saturday, May 22 at 9am.  A Men’s group just started that meets in the old gym on Saturday mornings at 9:00am.  Our Stewards of the Land not only keep the grounds looking great, but they assist in cleaning the interior of the church as well.  Liturgically you have noticed we are bringing back our lectors and servers for the Masses. Are you interested in being a part of these ministries?  Thankfully there has been a little uptick in attendance at most Masses, so we are in need of more ushers to help make sure everything goes smoothly.
Maybe you have an idea for starting a prayer group or Bible Study.  What are your gifts that the Lord is calling you to use for the upbuilding of the parish?  Feel free to contact me and we can discern together. 

Adult Faith Formation Topic for May 22
With this month dedicated to Mary, our session this week will help us to know, appreciate and love the woman whom our Blessed Lord gave to us as our spiritual mother.  The session will begin (around 5:45pm) following the Vigil Mass on May 22. It will be Livestreamed on our YouTube channel as well.  If you have ideas for future topics, please feel free to call or email the rectory with your suggestions. 

Happy Easter! Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr