Mar 06, 2026

Greetings,

WELCOME Fr. Nathan Cromly!

This weekend begins our Annual Parish Lenten Mission. I am very excited that Fr. Nathan Cromly, CSJ, will be joining us for this event. A nationally recognized priest, speaker, author and educator with the Brothers of Saint John, his ministry specializes in leadership, marriage and family life. Some of you had the opportunity to hear him speak at the weekend Masses although he was not able to be here for the Saturday 4:30pm Mass. With his motto, “Dare Great Things for Christ,” how can it not be a boon for our Lenten journey? The Mission will run from Sunday through Tuesday, each night beginning at 7pm and lasting approximately one hour. It is free and open to the public so bring everyone along with you. On sight childcare will be available.

IN OTHER NEWS:

CONGRATULATIONS CONFIRMANDI: Our Confirmandi received the Sacrament of Confirmation this past Friday night at St. Bernard with Bishop Michael Woost. Thank you to Mr. Keith Johnson, Ms. Cinnamon Chivers, our teachers and catechists and all who helped to bring us to this day. Also, a thank you to the Rev. Christopher Zerucha and the people of St. Bernard for your hospitality and work to make this night special.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: This coming Saturday, March 14 will be our Men’s Breakfast following the morning Mass. Mr. Matt Akers (formerly of this parish), son of a Fundamentalist minister will tell of his journey to the Catholic Church. The breakfast is free and open to all interested men.

LORD OF THE RINGS: Next Sunday, March 15 is the J. R. R. Tolkien presentation in Zwisler Hall at 2pm. This event is free and open to the public. We are expecting a good crowd for this event so come early and claim a seat!

SOUND: The temporary speaker system in the church has been greatly improved but it is not yet a finished product. We will be waiting a few weeks for new equipment to come in. If you have noticed levels slightly off and sound slightly muted, that is hoped to change in the very near future with the installment of new equipment.

LENTEN EXCURSION WITH THE FAMILY: If you are looking for something to do with your young ones during Lent, consider a visit to the church. Even if the Blessed Sacrament is not exposed, there is the opportunity to come and pray before Him. A young person can be taught about praying and lighting candles (there are some for 50 cents and others for $3) writing intentions in the intention book by St. Patrick, visiting art on display in the Padre Pio chapel or viewing the relics that are also in display there. It would also be an excellent time to explore the windows and chapels and even pray the Stations of the Cross. And as this is a time for Almsgiving, the Poor Box is also always available, and the Holy Water container is there to take some Holy Water home.

BYRIDER HALL REMINDER: Dear coaches and meeting leaders, for safety’s sake, whenever students are in the building, even in the evening, do not leave entrances unlocked or propped open! Have students utilize the buzzer. If your group does not wish to man the door, consider changing buildings for your meeting. Thank you! It would mean a lot to our families.

God bless,
Fr. Valencheck