Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Feast Days At the time of this writing I am celebrating my Patronal Feast Day! September 21 is the feast day of St. Matthew, who was an Apostle, Evangelist, and a Martyr. Everyone knows and often celebrates their birthdays, but as Catholics we remember too that we are connected with the saints of the past because those saints are present to us now through our being united in Christ.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Coming Soon: Heart of the Shepherd Campaign 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

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.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It’s good to be back! I returned last week from some vacation time. Due to covid it had been quite a while since I had some time away. But I am glad to be back so we can continue working together as we strive to grow in grace to fulfill the mission God has given to us. Thank you to all the priests who helped me out covering the Mass schedule. Thank you to all the ministers who assisted the priests. Thank you to our parish staff who worked on some projects while I was away.