When I look back on last Sunday, I am filled with joy at what the Lord continues to do for us. It is always wonderful to see so many of you come worship the Lord. In the afternoon, some of our parishioners went to the Loyola Retreat House to pray the Rosary and to walk in Procession led by Dc. Ray Herrick. We thank Jo and Bill Dickey for organizing it. We also thank Colleen McVicker and our school choir for leading us in song as we sang to Mary in this month of the Rosary.
Afterwards, many gathered on the parish grounds for a time of food, fellowship and fun! The only goal was to simply be together. Every age was represented. It was fun to grill the hot dogs and hear grateful parents say they didn’t have to cook that night. I am hoping to be able to offer more of these gatherings in the winter and the spring as a way for us to better get to know each other.
Next weekend we celebrate Priesthood Sunday. Continue to pray for all the priests who have served here at this parish and those who serve throughout the world. I thank you for your overwhelming support. Your kindness and prayers continue to bless me in all I do. I am not sure if you were aware but the Diocese of Cleveland has been working on a campaign—the Heart of the Shepherd Campaign—over the last couple of years that raises funds for the renovation of Borromeo and St. Mary Seminaries, for the priest retirement fund and for college debt reduction for seminarians. It has been very successful as the seminary is currently being renovated. Our very own Josh Stecz will enjoy a new dorm room next semester as a result of this. I share all of this with you because while I have tried to be sensitive about offering the campaign here since we already had a campaign going on, the diocese is nearing the end of the campaign this year. While we are not going to form a new campaign, the diocese has asked that we offer an opportunity for you to support this mission. In short, we will be offering an information night on November 8 @ 7:00pm in the Holy Family Room. You will also have an opportunity to give as we will have an in-pew appeal in mid-November. This parish has such a wonderful reputation for supporting vocations. We need to continue to pray for vocations and support all the different ways our members can commit their lives to the Lord. Thank you!
May God’s peace and joy be with you,
Fr. Jeremy
