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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

St. Monica St. Monica

13623 Rockside Road Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125

Parish Office: (216) 662-8685

fax: (216) 662-1245 website: saintmonicachurch.net

St. Benedict: (216) 662-9380

Early Learning Center (216) 475-3633

OCFCU (216) 663-6800

March 10, 2019

MASSES: 7 days a week Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m.

and 10:45 a.m. Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.

Catholic Church

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 8:00 a.m.‒7:00 p.m.

Wednesday & Friday 8:00 a.m.‒4:00 p.m.

(Closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch)

Saturday 9:00 a.m.‒12:00 p.m.

PARISH CLERGY

Rev. Thomas A. Haren, Pastor Rev. Theodore Marszal,

Senior Parochial Vicar Rev. Jerome Lukachinsky, Retired, in Residence

Rev. Thomas G. Montavon, Retired, in Residence

Stan Drozell, Deacon

PASTORAL STAFF

Sister Helene Skrzyniarz SSJ-TOSF,

Parish Catechetical Leader srhelene@saintmonicachurch.net

Bob Soeder, Director of Liturgy and Music

Stan Jakosh, Business Mgr Mrs. Sue Shepka, Office Mgr

Jim Triptow, Pastoral Council Chairman

Kathy Wendling, Finance Council Chairman

BAPTISM: Please make arrangements in advance. Baptisms are performed on Sundays, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. Mass. Pre-Baptismal instruction is required for parents. Please call the Parish Office for time of next scheduled class.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): Adults and school-age children seeking full membership in the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist can make an appt. to continue their conversion process by calling the Parish Office.

RECONCILIATION: Opportunities to celebrate God’s forgiveness in one’s life are available on Saturday afternoons from 3:15‒3:45 p.m. Individual appointments with a Priest can be arranged.

MATRIMONY: The Diocese of Cleveland requires a 6-month preparation period for marriage. Call the Parish Office to set your wedding date and plan your celebration.

CONFIRMATION: Any adult or high school student needing Confirmation, please call the Parish Office to schedule preparation.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Celebrated upon request. Call the Parish Office to make arrangements with one of our Priests.

NEW PARISHIONERS: Please call the Parish Office to register.

ST. BENEDICT CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Provides Catholic education for students K‒8. School hrs.: 8:00 a.m.‒2:30 p.m. Before & After Care available. Mrs. Lisa Oriti, School Principal

Bulletin Announcements due to

smedvetz@saintmonicachurch.net

by NOON on Monday

Sunday in Lent

1st

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

LITURGY SCHEDULE Monday –Friday 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer and Rosary

following 8:00 a.m. Mass

Monday, March 11 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Diana Metro

Tuesday, March 12 Lenten Weekday 8:00 All Souls

Wednesday, March 13 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Frances Lenchak

Thursday, March 14 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Donna Rae Lukachinsky

Friday, March 15 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Ramey & Ramatowski Families 3:30 Living Stations 7:00 Stations of the Cross

Saturday, March 16 Lenten Weekday 3:15 Confessions 4:00 Frank Pugely

Sunday, March 17 Second Sunday in Lent 9:00 Selma & John Dowd 10:45 John S. Szymkowski

Pastoral Scene “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Yogi Berra

Whenever I introduce the Sacrament of Penance and the for-mation of conscience to both the second graders and the RCIA candidates, I am reminded of this quote. We are bombarded daily with making decisions, some important and others seeming-ly inconsequential. Those I catechize soon learn that choices make a significant difference in one’s spiritual life, affect the lives of those around us, and can alter our lives forever by setting us on a course that may last a lifetime. Even small decisions made in haste, or even no decision, can become very serious. Forming a ‘right conscience’ is not always an easy task as my little ones soon learn. Many of you have seen the cartoon of a person who has an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the oth-er, both whispering simultaneously into the character’s ears. (Talk about mixed messages!) When there are two choices and it is reasonably evident that one is good and the other is not so good (or sinful), the decision is easier. The fork in the road is very clear. However, sometimes doing the right thing exists in a gray area where three or more choices -- none of them sinful -- are accepta-ble options. The challenge in that case becomes choosing the one option among those available that will make God and you happy. Important decisions result in options that can take us down different forks on the road of life. A situation where each option is acceptable can paralyze us because we put way too much pressure on our decision (sometimes hoping for a sign from God as to what we should do). Being a person who often ‘overthinks’ a response, I needed to develop a personal process to filter through all the data points that go into making a wise decision, especially where there is no direct prohibition in God’s Law. Surprisingly, the process I use involves only three major steps for making a ‘best option in God’s eyes’ decision’ in deciding which fork in the road to take. Please note: the order of the process is vital!

Take time for prayer and ask yourself. ‘what do I know, have

read, or have been taught about each option.’

Weigh all the options – what do you see happening if you did

each one. Feel free to make a list of the consequences you see.

Ask God for the courage to act, and then do what you feel is

best!

Unfortunately, there is no unfailing assurance that you have se-lected the best choice. However, this process functions like the bumpers on a bowling lane. Bumpers do not guarantee that you will bowl a strike every time, but they usually keep you from falling into the gutter on a regular basis. “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” is an important piece of advice because we must go one way or the other. No one can make our decisions for us. Choices determine the road we travel, shape our lives, and even affect the future of others. Most importantly, taking the correct fork in the road is always a step that creates a lifetime of personal integrity.

Looking for those forks in the road and taking them with you – Sister Helene

Congratulations to our newly-baptized Christians:

Layla Marie Galla Aubrey Marie Galla

March 3rd, 2019

Next Baptism Class is this Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30 in the Parish Office.

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

The following members of our Parish Community:

Deborah Dowling, Bonnie Heidenreich, Mary Pigat, Louis Kapolka, Baby Desmond, Lisa Bielawski, Linda Chapple, Aubrey Rae, Rita Sliv-ka, Baby Dresden Andrew, Maria Ventura, Loretta Langel, Crystal, Meghan, Carol Weiss,

Paul Varrati, Baby Odin, Pat Bednarchik, Roberta Virzi, Daria Mel-nyc, Jean Maust, Taylor Serafine, Fr. Lawrence Tosco, Jean Harter, Carol Bican, Tim & Paulette Daley, Scottie Rossell, Eugene & Sue Glover, Joanne Reddinger, Thom Machar, Mike Uyek, Lois Mansour, John Rozmarynowski, Paul Melzer, Patricia Zak, Abby, Sarah Burket, Robin Buckley, Jim Trostle, Lisa Thomas, Bob Dora-zewski, Karen Wheeler, Richard Movens, Irene Burke, Bill Exton, Larry Piechowiak, Robert Phipps, and Richard Rosberil

If you have a special intention you would like remembered in prayer, please call

Lillian Neptune (216) 662-5464

WELCOME TO ST. MONICA CHURCH Welcome one another, then, as Christ, welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Rom 15:7

Welcome to St. Monica’s! We hope you’ve experienced the hospitality and welcoming spirit for which our parish is known. A diverse number of people have found their way to make our parish their spiritual home. We would love to have you!

If you are visiting or new, please tell one of our ushers, deacon, or priests before or after Mass.

We are blessed to have you!

Scheduling for spring

Liturgical Ministers March 11 deadline

Spring is in the air which means it is time for the April/May/

June schedules! Please turn in

any special requests to the Parish Office – including your

preference for Easter – by Monday, March 11th.

Thank you for your help with this.

Our

Dearly

Departed

Please pray for the

following members of our Parish Community:

May they rest in peace!

Fr. Edward Czech February 26, 2019

Mary Attinato February 28, 2019

Cathy Provenzano

March 2, 2019

Martin George Clawson March 3, 2019

Divine Mercy Holy Hour This Sunday, March 10th (2:30 p.m.)

Saint Monica Church All are welcome!

To help build an endowment fund, please

consider St. Monica Church in your will.

Stewardship Offertory

Collections

Regular Offertory…...$7,819.oo St. Monica Fund……$1,379.00 Children’s Envelopes……$8.00

We Share Electronic Giving: February 2019

Regular Sunday…….$3,695.50 St. Monica Fund……$814.50

For: March 3, 2019

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

The First Sunday of Lent Dear Parishioners,

The following is an article written by Paul Harvey, a very popular radio broadcaster during the 20th century.

What makes this article so relevant is the fact that it was written in 1996:

Paul Harvey was so prophetic. But there are two ideas that he missed:

“If I were the devil I would convince women that motherhood is not a blessing. I would encourage

them to abort their children, and protect their bodies. Then I’d tell the nation that working for a living

was an evil, and that Socialism could make the world a utopia.”

The twenty-first century world does not have to be this way. But all of us must take our Christianity

seriously, and live it out in our everyday lives. ~Fr. Thomas

If I Were the Devil

“If I were the prince of darkness, I would want to engulf the whole world in darkness. I’d have a third of its

real estate, and four fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I seized the ripest apple on the tree

– thee. So I would set about however necessary to take over the United States.

I’d subvert the churches first, and I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a

serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: Do as you please.

To the young I would whisper that the Bible is a myth. I would convince the children that man created God

instead of the other way around. I’d confide that what’s bad is good and what’s good is square.

And the old I would teach to pray after me, “Our Father which are in Washington…”

Then I’d get organized, I’d educate authors how to write lurid literature — exciting, so that anything else

would appear dull and uninteresting.

I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d

tranquilize the rest with pills.

If I were the devil, I’d soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and

nations at war with themselves until each, in its turn, is consumed. And with promises of higher ratings, I’d

have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.

If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions. I’d

tell teachers to let those students run wild. And before you knew it, you’d have drug-sniffing dogs and metal

detectors at every schoolhouse door. Within a decade, I’d have prisons overflowing and judges promoting

pornography. Soon, I would evict God from the courthouse and the schoolhouse and then from the houses of

Congress. In his own churches I would substitute psychology for religion and deify science. I’d lure priests

and pastors into misusing boys and girls and church money.

If I were the devil, I’d take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the

incentive of the ambitious. What’ll you bet I couldn’t get whole states to promote gambling as a way to get

rich? I’d convince the young that marriage is old fashioned, that swinging is more fun, and that what you see

on television is the way to be.

In other words, If were the devil, I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.”

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

MONDAY, March 11 4:00 p.m. Athletic Practice (g) 4:30 & 5:30 p.m. Walking with Leslie Sansone (J) 5:30 p.m. Career Services Session (F) 7:00 p.m. CWV Meeting

TUESDAY, March 12 2:00 p.m. Senior Group Meeting (AR) 2:45 p.m. Cooking Club (c) 4:00 Athletic Practice (g) 6:30 p.m. Baptism Class (F) 6:30 p.m. Yoga (J) 6:45 p.m. Boy Scouts (c)

WEDNESDAY, March 13 12:00 Tai Chi (J) 3:00 p.m. Fish Fry Prep (c) 4:00 p.m. Athletic Practice (g) 4:30 & 5:30 p.m. Walking with Leslie Sansone (J) 6:30 p.m. Growing Our Faith #6 (c) 7:00 p.m. G.A. (AR)

THURSDAY, March 14 3:00 p.m. Fish Fry Prep (c ) 4:00 p.m. Athletic Practice (g) 6:30 p.m. Athletic Board Meeting (F)

FRIDAY, March 15 Stations of the Cross (See Liturgy Schedule)

4:00 p.m. Fish Fry #2 (c) 4:00 p.m. Athletic Practice (g) 4:00 p.m. Maggie’s Place (F)

SATURDAY, March 16 3:00 p.m.PTU My Guy/Father-Daughter Dance(g)

SUNDAY, March 17 After 9:00 a.m. Mass Coffee & Donuts (c) 1:00 p.m. Baptist Bible Study (F) 8:00 p.m. A.A. Meeting (AR)

PARISH ACTIVITIES

Religion Question of the Week What are the last three days of Lent called?

Did You Know? Did you know that originally, when our Church was built, the choir area was located behind the screen which is behind the present Altar?

One Liner “If I agreed with you, we would both be wrong”.

Answer to the Religion Question of the Week located on page 8 of this bulletin

EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES Easter Flower Envelopes were included in your most

recent packet of Church envelopes.

You are encouraged to

remember your

deceased loved ones

by using this envelope.

We ask that you

please CLEARLY

PRINT the names on

the envelopes, then

turn them in to the

Parish Office or drop them in the collection

basket as soon as you can, but no later than Palm

Sunday, for the names to appear on the bulletin

boards in the Rockside Road vestibule on Easter.

Coffee & Donut Social Sunday, March 10

There is no social/breakfast for this weekend. Join us next week when members from our St. Vincent DePaul Society will host.

Join us for the Senior Meeting Tuesday,

March 12th at 2:00pm. Come have some fun

and play games!! Wear your green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

All are invited.

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

St. Benedict Catholic School

Spotlight

Seventh and eighth grade Junior Holy Name members are request-

ing donations of empty egg cartons (12-egg

size). We need 350 cartons. Also,

we need 3,500 plastic Easter eggs that

open. These are going to be for a project we

are completing for our Holy Thursday

Retreat for the students of St. Benedict Cath-

olic School. Please drop items off at the

school office. Thank you and God bless you.

~Mrs. Donna Przybojewski, Junior Holy Name Moderator

St. Benedict School is currently spon-

soring a Malley’s Easter Candy Sales

Initiative. Forms to order your favorite

Easter treats are available both in the

back of the Church and in the Parish

Office.

Take a Leap of Faith and ask those questions about:

Who Am I To Judge?

The Challenge of Morality and Relativism

How do we talk about morality in a world that no longer believes in truth? When we are

bombarded with messages with “Be tolerant” and “Don’t judge” are we afraid to say

anything that is right or wrong? Where can we learn about the balance between truth and

compassion? Session 6: March 13

Practical ways to engage with our relativistic friends that is not just tolerance,

and to show that disagreeing on a moral truth does not mean I hate you.

Growing Our Faith Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Begins at 6:30 p.m. with a light meal in the Cafeteria

Please return this Form to the Parish Office or place it in the Collection Basket At Mass

Name: ________________________

Phone Number: __________________

Number of Adults: ________________

Number of Children: _______________

St. Monica Guild’s 35th Annual

Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show Sunday, April 14, 2019 (1:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $25

includes an automatic entry into the Lucky #35 Door Prize Raffle, and your

choice of:

• Chicken Marsala, or

• Roast Beast with Gravy, or

• Baked White Fish with Lem-on-Butter Sauce

For more info or to get your tickets:

Debby (216) 581-6470

Mediterranean Event Center

25021 Rockside Road Bedford Heights

Career Services Ministry

FREE RESUME WRITING The Month of March (5:30-7:30 p.m.) Attend a Career Services Meeting in the Parish Office building on any Monday night in March, and get a brand new resume written -- FOR FREE! Includes a one-hour interview, the writing and design of a jaw-dropping resume, and 3 proofings. For more info: victoria writerswithspark@gmail.com

Answer to this Week’s Ques-tion:

What is the name given to the last three days of Lent? Answer: The Sacred Triduum.

St. Monica Parish Lenten

Fish Fries

Fridays: March 8, 15,

22,& 29; April 5 & 12

Serving: 4pm-7pm All are Welcome, Please Join us!

Volunteers needed! Please call

the Parish Office for more info:

216-662-8685

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019

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First Sunday in Lent March 10, 2019