Last week's poll
We often have a little fun with our poll here, but this time we actually wanted to know - who's planning to come to Mark's ordination activities?
Here's what you said:
- 2 said the ordination only
- 13 said they'll be at his Mass of Thanksgiving next week (we'd like to know for reception food!)
- 7 said both! (including Fr. Tony and Mark himself, so that's good)
- 44 said they had no plans to attend either event but would remember him in prayer
- 8 weren't sure
- and 7 said they'd pray and watch the livestream(s).
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!
Sixth Sunday of Easter
In this weekend's Gospel, Jesus commands his disciples, whom he calls “friends,” to love one another as he loves them. Jesus uses the word “love” as a verb or a noun nine times. He also employs the word “command” or “commandment” five times. His command to love one another is explicit.
Those who understand the depth of Christ’s love for us have reason to be joyful. We are called to be stewards of this loving friendship; to love one another as Jesus loves us.
Do we give serious attention to what this love requires of us? What is the price of this friendship with the Lord? Are we willing to pay this price to keep Christ’s friendship?
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council
Mental Health Matters
Reflections from Sacred Heart Counseling
May 5, 2024
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to love each other as He has loved us. We Americans tend to have an emphasis on independence that can lead us to isolation from our neighbors not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.
While independence is a good thing, it can be problematic if taken too far. No man is an island and God made us for each other.
I often like to ask individuals if the communities they spend time with are making them the person that they want to be. Is your community making you a better spouse, parent, and Catholic? If not, it might be a good time to re-evaluate how you spend your time with others.
- Luke Brown, LPCC
Thank you for praying with us
We so enjoyed hearing reflections on "light" from Deacon Paul and three pastors of nearby Medina churches on Thursday as we celebrated the National Day of Prayer.
We were pleased to host Pastor Arthur Ruffin Sr. of Second Baptist Church, Rev. Henry Pearce of Medina Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Kelly Aughenbaugh of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, as well as Medina's Mayor Dennis Hanwell.
Pastor Ruffin suggested that we all need God to be our light - a bright and reliable light that won't flicker out and leave us in the dark. Rev. Kelly said God's Word is like a lantern that lights our path, one step at a time, as we move forward in life, and if we stay close to His Word we will not lose our way. Rev. Pearce reminded us that, as followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect God's light into the world. And Mayor Hanwell tells us how he tries to use his light to bring parts of our community together, and that he can only do that by staying close to God and being rooted in prayer and Scripture.
Thank you to all who attended!!
Celebrate Mark Tomecko's ordination
to diaconate on May 4
We are thrilled that Bishop Edward Malesic has assigned our parishioner Mark Tomecko to OUR PARISH following his May 4 ordination as a deacon for the Diocese of Cleveland. After five 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!
Boosterthon Success!
The school's Boosterthon fundraiser hit their goal, raising over $24,000 on Wednesday and earning students and staff a day off on Friday, May 10. The funds raised will be used to purchase programs to our students to enhance our 21st-century learners.
The high-energy day included a fun run for the younger students, and a color run for the older grades. Mad props to Tiffany Ziegler and Annie Bailey for organizing and leading this event!
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). Only about 40 of the 155 spots are left! Don't wait!
Volunteer for VBS from the comfort of your home!
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
