Well, hello there!
This weekend we're still in the Easter season and hearing in the Gospel that even the Risen Jesus enjoyed a good piece of fish -- baked, not fried. (No Filet-o-Fish for this guy.)
The big news this week at church was the removal of the camera pole from the pews. During the pandemic shutdown, when livestreaming was the key to keeping us all connected to the Mass and to each other, the cameras on that pole provided the best way to record and deliver a quality video to worshipers at home. Was it the most attractive? Nope, but we did our best. And you were so patient, respecting the need to protect the equipment by avoiding those pews.
But almost four years later, with the vast majority of our people back with us in person, we decided it was time to rewire the space so that the cameras could be mounted on each wall. The project was completed this week. The result is not half bad.
We still do believe in the importance of providing the Mass online for those in our community (and beyond!) who are not able to come to the church. We know some of you have had surgery or illness, but want to remain connected to our parish family. We are so glad you can still join us. And we know for a fact that the livestream serves as an evangelization tool for non-Catholics interested in exploring our faith.
At least now, those of us in the pews don't have to look around a pole. And we have 2 more pews for seating! There's something very satisfying about returning the church to "normal."
Today doesn't feel much like baseball weather, but that's what most of you said you were watching these days.
Last week's highly scientific poll found:
- 49 were singing "take me out to the ballgame" (although probably not in this weather) and ready for baseball
- We're not sure what it says that 13 respondents said they're still watching the end of the Cavaliers' season, with an EQUAL number ditching all of it for youth sports. Sometimes the pros do act more like children.
- 5 said their favorite is NASCAR or Formula 1 racing. Gentlemen, start your engines!
- And 2 admitted they're not especially sports fans. That might be best for your hearts!
With this change in our livestream ministry, we're wondering...
Have you ever watched Mass online? (More than one of these might be true - pick what fits you best. Reply if you wish to clarify!)
Never.
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Not since the church reopened.
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Yes, when illness has prevented me from coming.
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Yes, occasionally.
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I tune in to hear a different homily from what I heard at Mass.
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I watch every week (and don't/can't come in person).
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Other
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This week's bulletin is available here.
Just click on the image of this week's bulletin to be taken to a digital version. Read it for much more information than we can include in this e-newsletter!
Third Sunday of Easter
An underlying lesson from all three readings this weekend is that the Risen Christ has wiped away our sins, not only for individuals, but throughout the world and its history.
The terrible power of sin has now been reversed and our coming to perfection through the love of God is part of the Easter experience.
As stewards of God’s love we are called to participate in Christ’s redemptive activity. The stewardship questions for us are many: How do we resist injustice at home or in the workplace? How do we confront violence in our language and attitudes? How do we bring Christ to others?
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council
Mental Health Matters
Reflections from Sacred Heart Counseling
April 14, 2024
Reflecting on the passage from Luke 24:35-48, we encounter a profound moment of transformation and understanding. The disciples, enveloped in the aftermath of confusion and despair following the crucifixion, are suddenly graced with the presence of the risen Christ. This encounter is not merely a reunion; it is an unveiling of truth and a call to conversion.
Jesus greets his followers with peace, a peace that transcends mere absence of conflict; it is a wholeness and completeness found in understanding and embracing the divine mystery of resurrection. He invites them to touch and see, for faith is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality that demands personal engagement and discernment.
Often, we find ourselves shrouded in the shadows of confusion, doubt, or despair. The invitation to "touch and see" can be understood as a call to acknowledge and confront our struggles, to seek understanding, and to allow ourselves to be transformed by the truth of our experiences.
Saint Teresa of Ávila said, "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices."
In moments of turmoil, these words remind us of the constancy of divine love and the peace that comes from surrendering to God's will. Just as the disciples' understanding was opened, we too are called to open our hearts to the transformative power of faith and the healing presence of Christ in our lives. In embracing our vulnerabilities and seeking the divine within our struggles, we find a path to peace and wholeness. The journey of mental health, much like the disciples' journey to understanding, is one of constant growth, healing, and the revelation of truth in the light of divine love.
- Luke Brown, LPCC
Please pray for our recently deceased parishioners
Celebrate Mark Tomecko's ordination
to diaconate on May 4
We are thrilled to announce that Bishop Edward Malesic has called our parishioner Mark Tomecko to ordination as a deacon for the Diocese of Cleveland. After five long years of preparation and formation, Mark will be ordained Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland.
All are invited to attend the ordination of Mark and his five classmates. No tickets are required. Free parking is available in the adjacent garage; it fills up, but street parking is available nearby. (You may want to plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m.)
The following week, on Sunday, May 12, we will celebrate Mark's Mass of Thanksgiving at our noon Mass.
A reception will follow in the church basement social hall.
Plan to attend this special Mass (it will also be livestreamed) to pray with Mark as he begins his service to the Church.
Please continue to keep Mark, his wife Denise, and their children Grant and Allison, in your prayers as they reach this new milestone of the journey!
Please continue to keep Mark, his wife Denise, and their children Grant and Allison, in your prayers as they reach this new milestone of the journey!
Volunteer for VBS from the comfort of your home!
We're so grateful to those parishioners who have stepped up and offered to take on making some of our underwater-themed props for Vacation Bible School! We still need more help before VBS starts the first week of June. This is a great way to earn service hours on your own schedule. Great for busy families or empty-nesters! They're not hard, and directions are available. Please click on the green button for links to preview directions for these props. Click on the purple button to let us know which one you will do! Thank you for your help!
Questions? Contact Summer Kish at skish@sfxmedina.org.
Thank you for reading, and for your continued prayers and support of St. Francis Xavier Parish!
Blessings,
Jennifer Webb
Director of Ministry & Communication
Jennifer Webb
Director of Ministry & Communication
