Apr 21, 2022

Greetings,

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. This day focuses on the gifts of mercy and love given through Christ's Death, Burial and Resurrection. As Pope John Paul II stated, “Divine Mercy reaches human beings through the heart of Christ crucified.”

According to the EWTN website, “A plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!”) A partial indulgence, granted to the faithful who, at least with a contrite heart, pray to the merciful Lord Jesus a legitimately approved invocation.”

IN OTHER NEWS:

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET:  The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed after all Masses this Sunday. After giving a couple of minutes for those in church who need to leave, we will begin. The prayer lasts about ten minutes.

SURVEY:  We are currently conducting an online survey to determine if there is need in our community or in the communities directly surrounding us, for a ministry for those persons who have significant developmental challenges. The survey may help us determine who needs access to the sacraments or if their families are experiencing challenges getting to the sacraments themselves because their whole family is not provided for at their parish. The survey can be found in our online Angelus Letter that comes out on Thursdays. If you do not receive this letter and would like to fill out the survey or know of someone who might benefit from such a ministry, please contact Cathy Sivec in the parish offices at 330-836-2233 and she will make sure a link is sent out.

NEW MINISTRY FOR COUPLES STRUGGLING WITH FERTILITY:  If you are struggling to conceive a child, you may find the journey to create a family is not always easy. Many people have experienced different circumstances that are often hidden and not discussed for many reasons. You are not alone in your frustrations and grief. Within our Parish there are so many others who have gone through the heartbreak of these situations that affect both men and women. Infertility, miscarriage and loss are a sad reality of our world. Just know there is understanding and hope in speaking with others. If you are in need of connecting with others who have experienced loss or if you have been through a situation where you may be helpful to others, please consider lending your name to this healing group. Sharing your story can make a world of difference for someone struggling. For more information contact Kathy at 330-328-2240.

EVENTS:  This coming week we have Night at the Races (Friday), Couple’s Day Out & Chesterton Academy Gala (Saturday) and on Sunday, there is the Eucharistic Procession from Our Lady of the Elms to St. Sebastian Parish. See elsewhere in the bulletin for details.

FR. SIMONE:  Fr. Simone, who last year at this time was still the parochial vicar at St. Sebastian Parish, is receiving another assignment. He has been appointed Parochial Vicar, St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland and as Presbyteral Moderator, St. Aloysius-St. Agatha Parish, Cleveland effective June 14, 2022. Please keep him in your prayers! Congratulations!

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck