although he will not be with them (us) in person much longer, he is going to be with the Father, and the Spirit will guide our way. There are times when we celebrate at St. Mary Magdalene, that this Spirit is so very present, it is palpable. There are times when I struggle to feel the Spirit’s gentle guidance, yet I am confi dent that, as I follow this journey we have begun, it is indeed there. Summed up in the words of “Enter the Journey” (which we have sung many times this Easter Season): God’s spirit will guide us, God’s gifts will unfold…

The stories on the following pages share a glimpse into the lives of many of those who recently “got going” on their faith journey. May we as a community be ever aware of God’s gifts in our midst, especially as we celebrate new beginnings!

The dictionary defines initiation as “to begin, or to get going”. When I think of my faith life, it is defi nitely a journey – perhaps not always a smooth path, but one fi lled with leaps. There are times where we obviously “get going” on the next step. Washed in the waters of

Baptism, we begin anew. Confi rmation, when we are empowered by God’s Spirit, given the grace to continue the next step…again is a momentous beginning. First Communion is just that – the fi rst of many to come. It’s easy to see how these three sacraments constitute our initiation as Catholics: the beginnings of what will be a life-long journey. In marriage, we begin our life again, transformed forever as two who have become one. Even our funeral is a step on the path, even if it’s into a life we cannot see right now.

At Triduum – literally, “three days” – we began again. We washed each others’ feet as an outward sign of how we are called to serve. We brought our needs and adoration to the cross, where Jesus bore all of our pain. We retold the beginning stories again at Easter Vigil, to remember our origins, and we welcomed new members who celebrated sacraments of initiation – “getting going” on their faith journeys. Over the next couple of weeks, we were blessed to initiate nearly 100 more members, who made the next leap on their faith journeys. What a gift it is to be part of the beginning; to watch stories unfold as our lives leap ahead!

As we approach the end of the Easter Season, our gospel stories tell us over and over again how Jesus reminded his apostles (and us) that,

60 Years of serving has changed people’s lives - May 2010

“Enter the journey. Cometo the song. By God you are chosen, by name youare called, To follow the

vision, carry the cross.Enter the journey of faithas the family of God”.

Enter the Journey By: Mary Hrich

Enter The Journey – Mark Friedman and Janet Vogt

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR - EILEEN CATALAN

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Whether I walk down Lakeshore Boulevard, Vine Street, East 305th Street, or East 326th Street I know I will not be lost because I am at home. I know my way around. I know where to go for food, gas and if I need it, help. Emotionally, physically or spiritually when I feel worn, frazzled or vulnerable I come to St. Mary Magdalene and your smile and embrace surround me with peace. You welcome and accept me. You build me up and strengthen me. You share my joys. You laugh at me when I am silly and pray for me when I am afraid. When I can no longer love myself, you help me fi nd that love again. And I grow. I make good decisions. I change. I can change because you love me.

Please join me and welcome our new members. Their names are on the following page. Take a moment and say a prayer for each one and their family. Also, read the articles our members have written about the Sacraments and how their lives have changed. They want to share their faith journey with you because you helped them along the way. As you read each article consider the many ways you have changed. Take the time to reach out to those who have shared your journey and helped you grow. Let them know how they touched your life and made a difference. Let them know how their love has made a difference. Pass on that love to others. If your love is fragile, join us and be strengthened. Our love always fi nds a way, always hopes, always seeks good. If your love is strong, please share it! Let it shine and grow! God’s love is here! Our God sees our love and joyfully dwells with us. May God’s love continue to guide and direct us.

A Thousand Blessings,

Eileen R. Catalan

DoyouknowanyonewhowouldliketolearnmoreaboutourCatholicfaithorcelebratingtheSacramentsofInitiation?

If they are between the ages of 7 and 18, please contactTerrie Baldwin at terrie@smmwillowick.org or (440) 854-6013

If they are age 18 or over, please contactDeacon Carl Toomey at carl@smmwillowick.org or (440) 854-6016

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. John 14:15

To Contact Us

Postal Address32114 Vine Street

Willowick, OH 44095

Phone Number440 943-2133

Fax Number440 943-3780

Web Addresshttp://www.smmwillowick.org

Newsletter Addressnewsletter@smmwillowick.org

Photo Addressphotos@smmwillowick.org

Newsletter Staff

Team MemberFr. Ron Wearsch

Staff MemberTerrie Baldwin

EditorEileen R. Catalan

PhotosDan PruceyPaul Lender

Layout and DesignDan Vanah

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

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Victoria Allen Kayla Andryscik Kyle AndryscikLuke Austin Julia Bangerter Nicole BarnesEric Bittner Madelyn Bliss Richard Bliss

Ryan Burdecki Patrick Byrne Charles CarriganChristine Carrigan Erin Carrigan Kate Carrigan

Zachary Carroll Dillon Cendol Nicholas ClarkCameron Corona Rachel Dempsey Vincent D’EusanioNicholas Donia Michael Durigon Dylan ExtonKayla Exton Hannah Federico Kelsey Fiorello

MacKenzie Foss Mary Fredriks Samuel GuzikMadelynne Harwood Erin Hoback Taylor Hope

Jillian Horan Michael Horan Matthew HungerNicholas Jankus Julia Kerns Madalynn KleinHaley LaBenne Joseph LaRiccia Maria LaRicciaCarter Lender Christian Lisak Ellyse LuzarNicholas Madda Isabella Maffei Brianna Maiden

Kara Maiden Victoria Malta Kate MarijolovicSara Marijolovic Kathleen Matier Amanda MerchantDominic Milicia Jessa Milicia Jamie Naymick

Benjamin Novitski Amanda Nubert Kelli NubertGavin Orlandi Kendall Orlandi Madison Orlandi

Alexander Parker Maximus Patrick Lauren PetraskoAlexandria Piascik Kayla Pintar Michaela Quinn

Dylan Rajk Elizabeth Regovich Nicholas RemleZachary Remle Diana Rieth Christina RossiJacob Rupsic Jennifer Sanzo Vincente SanzoColin Segulin Zachary Segulin Alexandria Severino

Louis Severino Samantha Siepka Kurstin SignorelliMandi Sisler Max Skale Sage StaabSerena Staab Jared Turner Samantha VelezRiley Velichka Justin Walker Mary WielandEvan Wienhold

Initiated This Easter Season:

The Baldwin Family - Growing in Faith - Growing in GodBy: Terrie Baldwin

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CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

“We are called to actwith justice, we are

called to love tenderly, we are called to serveone another, to walkhumbly with God”.

In 2003 St. Mary Magdalene embarked on a journey of faith formation that restored the order of the Sacraments of Initiation to Baptism, then Confi rmation, then Eucharist, a process we called ROSI. As part of the ROSI team who initiated this

process, I whole-heartedly agreed with and assisted with this change. Together my son Samuel and I went through the ROSI process this fi rst year to prepare for Sam’s celebration of the Sacrament of Confi rmation. And, on April 9, 2004, I was fi lled with joy that my son Samuel was the fi rst candidate to be confi rmed at a Eucharistic Liturgy where we restored the order. I realize now, years later how important it was for us to have shared this time during that sacred year. This faith formation process we shared together as mother and son has provided many opportunities since, using the topics of Community, Baptism, Confi rmation and Eucharist for many conversations about our spirituality and how we live as disciples in the world today. Our lives have been changed because we shared in the ROSI process.

Over the past six years, since our parish community began ROSI, I have had the privilege of listening to many heart-warming

stories of families and witnessed families who have come together and have had their lives changed because of the time they shared during the ROSI process. ROSI has welcomed many children and brought many adults back to the faith alongside their children by renewing their faith lives through the time of preparation and celebration of their Sacraments of Initiation. It has created a spirit of joy in many parents and grandparents to see their extended families in love with God, one another and this faith community.

It is the faith community of St. Mary Magdalene that has made these joyful experiences happen. Sharing faith with others and inviting others to participate in the faith is evangelization. Here at St. Mary Magdalene, we evangelize very well as evidenced by the 1,214 who have celebrated Baptism, Confi rmation or First Eucharist over the past seven years; that averages out to 173 per year. St. Mary Magdalene is known for our welcoming spirit and beautiful celebrations of the Sacraments of Initiation that invite and welcome so many, as you have welcomed my son and me. Because of this spirit, I am very proud to be a part of this community of faith and I look forward to continuing to evangelize more in the future!

We Are Called – David Haas

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CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

Christina Rossi is the mother of two children Dylan and Kayla Exton. Christina’s mother Louise wanted to create a faith connection for her family by having her grandchildren baptized in the Catholic Church and her daughter confi rmed. Christina thought that the time seemed right. Christina faithfully brought her children to the GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) program and to all of the sacramental preparation sessions. They also participated in the celebrations at church. At the Easter Vigil they celebrated their Sacraments. Dylan chose his grandmother Louise to be his sponsor. Kayla chose Tina Kohl and Christina chose Gina Rossi as sponsors. Louise Rossi felt a sense of fulfi llment in having been able to be a positive infl uence in their lives and by being able to be a part of the process with them. The Rossi’s and Exton’s began sharing their gifts by volunteering at the fi sh fry. Christina says that celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation are not the end; they look forward to more involvement in our parish community. The celebration of Sacraments has had an effect on all three generations and has brought their family together through their faith and within the parish community of St. Mary Magdalene.

Every Easter Vigil experience is one that allows many who have come through the waters of Baptism on that night a chance to renew their Baptismal promises and to share in the joy of others as they are welcomed and initiated into the Catholic faith. This year, Colin Boothe came to the Easter Vigil to recall his baptism from last year.

Colin met Samantha Golden (who was confi rmed on April 19th last year) at his fi rst sacramental preparation (ROSI) session last year. This year, they shared a special evening at the Easter Vigil. For him, the Easter Vigil was a reminder of God’s goodness as proclaimed by Fr. Ron in his homily, “No amount of darkness can cover God’s love.” Colin, a senior at North High School is planning on attending college in the fall. His conviction for his faith in God and his power in spreading the gospel message will be evidenced wherever he decides to go.

The Rossi and Exton Families – Generations of Faith

Colin Boothe - Remembering the Celebration –Living the Celebration

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First of all, I want to say that my family and I are extremely lucky and blessed to live in this great community of Willowick. With all it has to offer and the people that we have met, we have found that this is the city that we want to live in for the rest of our lives!

I began my spiritual journey through RCIA in August 2009. Throughout my journey I have discovered that there is so much more to live for than just living for the here and now. God has helped my family and me become closer and more respectful of ourselves and others. Our faith introduced us to a better way of living. We now say grace before every meal, talk more frequently, have family game/movie nights and most of all - we love and respect life more. We look at and refl ect on situations in the Bible. Having God in our lives has also taught us all how to be better people. My wife, as a Catholic herself, has become more active in the church. She feels that our being members of this congregation has bettered our lives together as husband and wife and has brought her closer to her spirituality as well.

With St. Mary Magdalene Church, I’ve personally found that coming to Church has changed my life. I look forward to hearing the gospel and trying to incorporate the readings into my own life. I have always met warm and loving people here. I don’t feel judged, or treated like I or my family are strangers. We always feel welcome. I truly believe God is present here 24/7.

My faith journey started while working at MBNA America Bank. Lewis Timberlake, a motivational speaker came twice a year and told us inspirational personal stories. Before the end of his speech he always drew a circle and cut it into 8 different parts. Each part represented a factor in our life and without one of them he said, we could not be complete. I always seemed to be missing the part titled SPIRITUALITY. Even though I strayed off center, God brought me back. God blessed us and led us to St. Mary Magdalene.

My daughter and I were baptized, confi rmed, and made our First Communion together on April 18th 2010! We are the fi rst father and daughter to do this together in the history of this church!! I chose my Confi rmation name as Anthony because St. Anthony is the fi nder of lost things and I feel I found my faith which has led my family and I here - to a beautiful city, with a beautiful church fi lled with beautiful people. I thank God everyday for giving my family and me that honor, and I thank all of you on behalf of my family for accepting us with nothing but love.

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

The Bliss Family – The Sacraments – The BeginningBy: Richard, Lisa and Madelyn Bliss

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CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

In the summer of 2008, Katrina was in second grade. Dawn Hartman came to St. Mary Magdalene and requested information on the preparation process for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist for Katrina. At

that time, she heard that adults of children who are in the Sacramental process were welcome to complete their initiation Sacraments as well and inquired for herself as to whether she could prepare for her Sacraments with her daughter. Dawn had yearned to receive Confi rmation and First Eucharist, and the time seemed right. Dawn also felt that it would be a good time for her husband, who had never celebrated Confi rmation to join in the process. For Dawn, it was about feeling connected in faith as a family. Dawn, David, and Katrina Hartman were initiation into the Catholic faith on April 19, 2009.

Dawn described the celebration as feeling like a whole new person. It was a good feeling that brought her inner peace. David felt a

The Hartman Family – On Fire with the Holy Spirit!sense of completion and happiness in knowing that now that he was fully initiated, he was now able to be a Godparent and looks forward to the possibility of that someday. Dorothy Hartman, David’s mom, was thrilled that her son had come into full communion with the church. Katrina felt excited and ever since has enjoyed coming to church.

Since April 19, 2009 Dawn Hartman is on fi re with the Holy Spirit! She tells everyone she knows about the welcoming spirit of the people of St. Mary Magdalene and about her experience of Sacraments. This year, Dawn’s mother, Cathy Wieland converted to Catholicism and her niece Kelsey Fiorello celebrated the Sacraments of Confi rmation and First Eucharist on April 18, 2010.

On the same day as her mother and niece, Dawn’s friend’s son, Zachary Carroll celebrated Confi rmation and First Eucharist here at St. Mary Magdalene. For Dawn, the Sacraments have brought about connectedness in faith for her family and friends and those are things that she values in her heart. Next year, Ben, Dawn’s son is looking forward to receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

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CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

Ron Goertler has been a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene since birth. His parents brought him to mass at St. Mary Magdalene as an infant. He recalls being a part of a faith-filled family. His grandmother brought him to catechism classes and Mary Lou Beers was one of his catechists. Ron received First Eucharist on May 13, 1979 at age eight and was confi rmed on March 13, 1985. Ron and his friend Jeff Molter created the artwork for the front cover of their Confi rmation program booklet. In public school, Ron and Jeff took an art class and learned to draw perspectives. For the Confi rmation artwork, they drew a two point perspective of a cross. The cross appeared to continue on to infi nity and that is how Ron sees his faith and his life with Jesus. It goes on forever. Jeff and Ron are still friends to this day.

Ron Goertler first brought Christina to church as his friend. Christina fell in love with our parish community that day and decided to inquire on her own about becoming Catholic. She admits that her desire to be a part of this faith community had nothing to do with Ron. Christina loved RCIA and she felt it was a way that God helped her become closer to her then fi ancé, Ron. At

the Easter Vigil on April 20, 2003 Christina was welcomed fully into the Catholic Church.

Christina and Ron celebrate each Easter Vigil as a “Class Reunion” date as they remember the others who came into the faith that day with Christina. Christina

feels a special connection when she sees others who celebrated Sacraments with her that day.

Fr. Ron Wearsch assisted in preparing them for marriage and they

feel that Fr. Ron helped to bring them closer to God. Christina Goertler and Ron Goertler were married at St. Mary Magdalene on June 25, 2004. But the couple’s faith story doesn’t end there. During the Marriage Course they participated in here at the parish, they conceived their first child, Gavin. Since that time their family has grown to also include their one year old daughter Gabriella. As a married couple now of fi ve years, they have come to believe that God has helped them along every step of their journey together, by bringing them together and blessing them with children. They seek guidance from God and often fi nd answers in the homilies at church. It seems to them that every time a question is

asked, the answer is provided at church. They believe that “God is trying to lead and guide them in the right direction.”

The Goertler Family – Guided by God – Growing in Love

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CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

One of our favorite gospels is the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-49).The disciples did not recognize Jesus until He broke the bread and handed it to them. Our road of marriage began 35 years ago this coming September and it has been quite a journey.

Trust us, marriage is not for the faint of heart! Our marriage has been full of sunshine, like when our children Adam and Anna were born, when they each married and blessed us with fi ve grandchildren and one great-grandchild and when Larry found his true passion through a career change as a nurse. Those were the times when the path seemed straight but sometimes our path twisted with storms through several job losses, as family members

Will you let me beyour servant Letme be as Christto you Pray thatI may have the

grace to Let you be my servant too.

The Scherrer Family – The Journey of MarriageBy: Larry and June Scherrer

passed away and with the challenges of raising teenagers. We walk well on our road of married life because our foundation is rooted in our faith. During the everyday times of marriage and throughout the highs and lows we have been blessed with people who were willing to walk with us along our road. Some, like the disciples, did not recognize as Christ until later. But we always recognized Christ in Fr. Mike Matusz, who gave Larry the courage to join our faith community. We have made so many great and long lasting friendships since we decided to make our faith community an active part of our lives. We hope that we have lifted others along the way as well. Our advice is simple to anyone embarking on marriage, you fell in love for a reason, look at your partner every day, even on the days you don’t want to, and remember that reason. Wherever the road leads, He is with you and then you will see Him in the “strangers” along that road.

The Servant Song – Richard Gillard

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CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS

The Cathechism of the Catholic Church defines a sacrament as an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. These are only words until we see them lived out in our lives. I feel blessed to work at St. Mary Magdalene and see the waters of baptism give new life, to witness the power of the spirit alive in confi rmation and to see the hungry come to be fed with the Body of Christ. Now that I am helping to plan funerals, I have grown in an even deeper awareness of the strength of God’s grace.

Recently Jack Lardamita died and as I met with his wife Ann, I saw the fullness of the sacrament of marriage. These two were married 72 years ago and have lived in Willowick for over 50 years. As I sat with Ann and listened to her broken heart, she shared so many beautiful stories of their long life together. She even brought out a beautiful wedding picture and remembered with great detail the joys of that day. Ann even offered me a great piece of advice about marriage and told me that

The Lardamita Family – Living in Love By: Mary Lou Beers

when your spouse has a passion, allow him the time and space to pursue it. She spoke from experience as Jack was still working at the age of 95. He became a part of the Euclid football team many years ago and acted as equipment manager, but he was far more than that. He became a mentor, a coach, a dad, and a grandpa to all on the team. Ann said Jack never missed a game. And although I am sure she missed him at home, she held true to her advice. Euclid football was his passion. Ann also shared a story about meeting Jack and how her love for him sparked his spirituality.

They attended St. Mary Magdalene together for years together and only in the last few had Ann’s health prevented her from coming every week. That didn’t stop Jack. He was here at 4:30 every Saturday. In fact, Jack may have suffered his heart attack right here at Mass. His spirituality lives on in his wife Ann. Their faith and trust in God through 72 years of marriage is living proof of the power of the sacraments.

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For more information contact Terrie Baldwin at (440) 854-6013 or terrie@smmwillowick.org

Registeronlineatwww.smmwillowick.org/vbsVolunteeropportunitiesforthoseenteringGrade6throughAdults

VacationBibleSchool–HeroHeadquartersWherekidsareeverydayheroes!

MondayAugust9th–FridayAugust13th9:00am-Noon – daily

7:00pmFriday – evening program for parents and friends

For children entering 4 year old preschoolthrough entering grade 5 in the fall.

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE WORLD

Stewardship Refl ection Questions – John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always. “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Those who do not love me do not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

How do you know when someone loves you?

Do you love Jesus? How can others tell?

Do you like to learn? What has the Holy Spirit taught you lately?

Non Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidWilloughby, OHPermit No. 108

St. Mary Magdalene Parish Community32114 Vine StreetWillowick, OH 44095

Address Service Requested

SundayJuly25th

7:30am – Eucharistic Liturgy 9:30am – Eucharistic Liturgy with Adult Choir and Handbell Choir 11:30am – Eucharistic Liturgy 8:00am-11:30am – Pancake breakfast in the gym

SaturdayJuly24th

4:30pm – Eucharistic Liturgy with Youth Choir6:00pm-8:00pm – Pool Party and Picnic at Dudley Pool Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

St.MaryMagdaleneFeastCelebration

Interested in being in our choirs? Contact Mary Hrich at (440) 854-6015 or music@smmwillowick.org