Hello everyone! Happy Fall! The Harvest and Herb fest in Ada was a fun event with the parade, many booths, and food. Thanks to Donna Lamb for bringing back OLL’s representation and for making the church-shaped cookies, and to the rest who volunteered! 

Last week, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association published an open letter to all Ohioans, signed by the CEOs of the 6 Children’s hospitals in Ohio, asking for all of us to help protect our children from Covid. Please see their message in this attachment: 

According to the Ohio Department of Health, we are at the highest peak of Covid cases reported since the pandemic started. In addition, 97% of all those currently in the hospitals in Ohio are unvaccinated. Governor Dewine said, “We’re seeing our highest levels ever of hospitalizations among those under 50 years old. Those who are getting very sick, being hospitalized, and dying of COVID are getting younger and younger. And it is because they are not vaccinated." https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/news-releases-news-you-can-use/covid-19-update-09-21-21 Hospitals across the country are reporting record numbers of ICU patients and many are full, having to turn away patients. Our nurses, doctors, and staff are overwhelmed. 

If you can, please get vaccinated. We do not want any more people to die from Covid! Since most children cannot get vaccinated, it is up to the adults to stop the spread by getting vaccinated. We should also wear masks again while inside in group settings. 

To repeat the Bishop’s message sent out earlier this week, “What I ask at this point is that we exercise prudence and charity in these weeks in which we are dealing with this surge. In that spirit I am asking that we wear masks at Mass and at indoor parish activities for the time being, continue to practice good measures of hygiene such as the use of hand sanitizers, and that we exercise extra patience with one another during this tense time. The Office of Catholic Schools will continue to work with particular schools to meet the differing needs and regulations in the various communities. The people of this diocese overwhelmingly have been extraordinary in showing that charity and patience – I am proud to be associated with you and deeply grateful for your goodness. In the meantime let’s pray for all those suffering with illness of any kind, for those who have died, their families, care takers and all those who serve in healthcare.   

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Brennan”

I thank you as well for your charity, your patience, and your cooperation!

Over the next couple of weeks, you will be hearing about our Increased Offertory Program with the theme “Deepening Our Love For God and Neighbor.” This effort is important as we move forward with the mission and vision of both of our parishes. We, as parish families, have changed so many lives in our communities! In order to continue our mission and ministries, I encourage all parishioners to spend time in prayer and discussion with your family, reflecting on the work we do. We will have a special Commitment Weekend which will be celebrated on the weekend of October 2nd and 3^rd for ICC, and October 9^th and 10^th for OLL, where we will ask each parish family to fill out commitment cards for the offertory for the next year. 

I will be preaching at ICC this weekend, specifically on the increased offertory program, in preparation for ICC’s Commitment Weekend Oct 2^nd and 3^rd. 

I will be preaching at OLL next weekend, specifically on the increased offertory program, in preparation for OLL’s Commitment Weekend Oct 9^th and 10^th. 

Those at ICC should be receiving a brochure and commitment card in the mail this upcoming week. Please plan to fill out your commitment card and drop it in the offertory on Commitment Weekend, Oct 2^nd and 3^rd. 

In October, parishioners will have the ability to see proposed draft models of the future of our parishes. These are proposals only, given to us by the consulting firm, CLI. This is your opportunity, as the parishioner, to give feedback to these proposed models. The Parish Consultation Sessions will be online, so you would need a computer and internet connection and preferably a microphone and camera, though you may be able to give feedback by typing. CLI will be showing us data and models, so it is recommended to join the meeting via computer rather than by phone. 

Please plan to participate and invite others to do the same. You only need to attend one session to give your feedback.

The sessions for Our Lady of Lourdes are scheduled for October 11th and October 13th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. 

The sessions for Immaculate Conception are scheduled for October 18th and October 20th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

Registration is required by going to www.realpresencerealfuture.org , then going to Parish Consultation Sessions, then click to sign up. Even if you are not able to participate, register anyway. All registrants will receive a link to the recording via email after the session.

For more information, here are some FAQs: https://realpresencerealfuture.org/parish-sessions-faqs/

The First Saturday Mass at ICC will be on October 2^nd. Mass at 9am, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and confessions from 9:30-10:30am and ending with Benediction.

Blessing of Animals 

The annual blessing of animals in commemoration of St. Francis’ Feast Day will take place on Sunday, October 3, at 1pm at ICC. All are welcome to bring your pets to the front of the rectory for the blessing.

At OLL, the blessing will take place on the day itself, October 4^th at 5pm in the church courtyard.

We'll be offering a Marian Consecration for children this spring! We'll be ordering books soon and will contact those interested about future dates. The process involves daily reading and prayer with your children and Mass and a prayer of consecration on a Marian feast day. We'll also have a small, fun activity planned for the group. For those who sign up by September 28th, the total cost will be $15-20 per family including the book and supplies (costs will increase slightly after that date). Please email Ann Johnson at acjohnson@alumni.nd.edu or sign up in the narthex for more information. 

Attached are the bulletins and Fr. Ferguson’s cat column.  

 

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!       

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us!    

God bless!       

Fr. Ed