Happy Friday!
Did you hear all the sirens in town Thursday afternoon? They were here for us! Well, for one of our own - Lexi Cerio, the 10-year-old daughter of Brian and Kelly Cerio, who is undergoing treatment for a rare form of cancer. After 7 weeks in Seattle to take part in a clinical trial, Lexi came home via a fire truck parade that passed in front of our church. About 100 parishioners came to stand and wave, some with signs, balloons and noisemakers, to welcome her back and show their love. Still more people stood at the Medina Square, or along the route to her Lafayette Township home. It was an awesome display of support for this dearly loved family of our parish.
If you missed the news coverage, here's where you can see their reports (click on each name for their story):
The Gazette is working on a story set to appear in Saturday's paper.
Last week, in light of a change to our livestream services, we asked about your Mass-viewing habits.
Of 1,463 people who receive this weekly email, some 197 responded to our little poll. This is one question you have a few thoughts about!
- 14 said they've never watched Mass on the livestream.
- 44 said they've not watched Mass on the livestream since the church reopened during the pandemic
- 75 said they've watched Mass online when they've been sick
- 48 still "occasionally" watch Mass online
- 2 said they use it to hear another priest's homily than the one they heard at Mass
- 12 rely on the Mass livestream every week
- and 2 said "other," including one who said a better answer would be "often"
We're filled with joy as we help 55 young people receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Sacrament of Confirmation this Sunday evening. Let's think back on our own confirmation...
What was most special about your Confirmation?
Choosing my Confirmation saint.
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Choosing my Confirmation sponsor.
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Receiving the confirmation slap as a soldier of Christ
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Receiving the Holy Spirit and knowing I'm fully initiated in the Catholic Church
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The party (and gifts)!
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Honestly, I don't remember my Confirmation
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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!
Fourth Sunday of Easter
In this weekend's Gospel reading we hear Jesus referring to himself as “the good shepherd.” His sheep know him, trust him, listen to him and follow him; having faith that no harm will come to them as long as they stay close to him.
We reaffirmed our faith in Christ when we renewed our baptismal promises at Easter. As stewards of our relationship with Jesus Christ, are we, like the sheep, willing to listen to Jesus, trust him, follow him no matter the cost to our comfort?
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council
Mental Health Matters
Reflections from Sacred Heart Counseling
April 21, 2024
In John 10:11-18, Jesus gives us the image of the Good Shepherd, a powerful image for prayer and reflection. This passage reveals the depth of Jesus' commitment to His flock, emphasizing care, sacrifice, and a profound understanding of each individual's needs and vulnerabilities. Unlike the hired hand who flees at the sight of danger, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, illustrating a deeper level of dedication and love.
This image speaks to the universal human need for safety, belonging, and being understood. In the midst of struggles, the notion that someone knows us deeply and cares for us unconditionally can provide significant solace and strength. Jesus' assertion that He lays down His life willingly, out of love, and with the authority to take it up again, offers a powerful metaphor for resilience in the face of mental health challenges. It suggests that suffering and healing are both integral parts of the human experience, neither of which diminishes our value or worth.
Saint Teresa of Ávila once 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." Her words give us an example of finding peace and stability in the eternal love and care of the Good Shepherd.
In moments of turmoil, remembering that we are never alone and that we are always known and loved deeply can be a source of immense comfort and healing. Through the figure of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to lean into this divine presence, allowing it to guide us through the valleys and shadows toward peace and wholeness.
- Luke Brown, LPCC
Please pray for our recently deceased parishioners
- Robert Graf, 70, husband of Roberta, died Nov. 7 and will be buried April 27 at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City. Father Tony will lead a graveyard service.
- George "Huck" Granakis died Feb. 6, 2023, and his wife Sherri Granakis on March 27, 2024; both will be buried following a Mass of Christian Burial at our church (date TBD).
Celebrate Mark Tomecko's ordination
to diaconate on May 4
We are thrilled 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!
Our very popular summer camp program for young children is accepting registrations! Vacation Bible School is open to children ages 4 through those completing 4th grade (right now). Almost half of the 150 available slots are full! Register today!
Volunteer for VBS from the comfort of your home!
Thank you to the Recker family and about 13 others who have offered to make some of our underwater-themed props for Vacation Bible School! Aren't these octopuses (octopi?) adorable??
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
