Dear Parish Family,

I want you to know you are all in my prayers. These are very difficult times. Now is the time to lean on the Lord.

Psalm 23 tells us though we walk in the dark valley, the Lord is at our side to give us courage. St. Paul tells us: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” and in that same chapter of Romans (8), goes on to say that NOTHING can separate us from the Love of Christ. And earlier in that chapter, he reminds us that “All things work together for good for those who love God.”

One of my favorite sayings is, “God can write a straight line with a crooked pen.” Somehow good things, positive things can come out of all this. Just think of the down time we will have not being able to go to as many places as we would like—dine-in restaurants, school, movie theaters, sporting events and now public Masses through Easter in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and more.

At the time I write this letter the church is open until 8:00 pm daily and our Adoration Chapel (with the code) is open 24/7. Now is the time more now than ever to come together as a Domestic Church to pray together as a family. The family Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Liturgy of the Hours and other prayers . . .all are encouraged.

Not being able to attend Mass or receive Communion for the next three or four weeks hopefully will increase our longing and gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist. Since we cannot make a sacramental Communion, we are all encouraged to make a daily Spiritual Communion. In the space, to the right of this page, please see a few examples of Spiritual Communion Prayers and other prayers for the end of the Corona Virus.

Love in JMJ,
Father Dave
 

Going to the doctor’s office is low on the list of places most people enjoy going.  I can remember a time when I went to the doctor as a kid and he tapped my kneecap with a rubber hammer.  My leg magically shot up on its own.  I was amazed and amused at the same time.  Of course, when I got older, I understood the doctor was gaining information about my internal physical state.  Similarly, in today’s Gospel Jesus meets the woman at the well as the Divine Physician.  He not only gains information about her state of spiritual being but sees the opportunity to evangelize and lead her toward the conversion she is ultimately after, something that is important for us to reflect on during this Lenten season. 
       
Conversion is often a misunderstood word in the Christian life.  At its core, conversion is about moral clarity.  Getting rid of the obstacles that block the flow of grace.  What was blocking the Israelites from receiving life-giving water in the desert?  It was their own bickering and scapegoating that prevented them from quenching their thirst.  Sadly, this still happens in our Church.  Sometimes we get in our own way of receiving what God wants to give us, if only we could help clear some room for Him.
  
In the parable it is the “well” that serves as the metaphor of all the things we try to fill ourselves with other than God.  And Jesus does not mince words here.  He knows the woman is seeking God, but her own relationship failures and immorality have gotten in the way of God totally filling her with the well that never runs dry – the well of His infinite love.  At the end of Jesus’ conversation with the woman, however, she puts down her water jar and walks away.  This is very symbolic of taking on a new life with Christ at the center (conversion).  The woman makes a conscious decision to make room for life-giving waters, waters that God alone can give.  How are we like the woman at the well?  Are we seeking conversion?  What things do we need to get rid of this Lent in order to allow grace to flow freely through our lives?  
 
Have a blessed week,
 
Steven Dyer

Dear Parish Family,
 
Welcome to the second full week of Lent. How is your Lent going? I hope your Lenten resolutions of praying more, giving out more, and giving up more are working for you!
 
Lent is a wonderful time to pray “The Stations of the Cross.”  Actually, praying the Stations year-round is a wonderful time to pray them but especially during Lent when we focus more on the Passion of Christ. We wait for Easter to meditate more on His Glories.
 
Attending St. Vincent Grade School in Akron (1960-1968), I always looked forward to the Stations every Friday of Lent. I loved the little Stations booklet they gave us, the prayers, and meditations about the suffering of Our Lord and Our Lady; their great love for us made a lasting impression on me. I especially liked the color pictures in the pamphlet. Perhaps, one of the reasons it made an impression on me, was that we were dismissed from school after the Stations and often dismissed early (a reward for our devotion)!
 
The church highly recommends us to make a habit of praying the Stations. Did you know the Church grants indulgences for praying the Stations of the Cross? (Please read about indulgences granted below.)
 
Lastly about the Stations:  For many years when my family moved to St. Sebastian Parish, I would see a lady after every weekday Mass that she attended. She would walk and pray the Stations. I complimented her on her daily devotion, and she told me she offered each station up for one of her forty grandchildren. What an awesome way to pray the Stations…offering them up for a person on our heart!
 
Of other things…
 
This Wednesday, March 11, from 5:00-8:00 pm there will be “An Evening of Confession” at our parish (and all parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland). Two or three priests will be here for all three hours to hear confessions.
 
Sign-ups for our Solemn Eucharistic Devotions (Forty Hours of Adoration on Tuesday-Thursday, March 17, 18, and 19) will be this weekend and next weekend after all Masses. We would like to have all forty hours covered with someone praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
 
God Bless Your Lent!
 
Father Dave
 
INDULGENCES GRANTED FOR PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
 
A plenary indulgence is granted to those who piously make the Way of the Cross.

• It must be done before Stations of the Cross legitimately erected.
• Fourteen Stations are required. Although it is customary for the icons to represent pictures or images, fourteen simple crosses will suffice.
• The common practice consists of fourteen pious readings to which some vocal prayers are added. However, nothing more is required than a pious meditation on the Passion and Death of the Lord, which need not be a particular consideration of the individual mysteries of the stations.
• A movement from one station to the next is required. But if the stations are made publicly and it is not possible for everyone taking part to go from station to station, it suffices if at least the one conducting the exercise goes from station to station, the others remaining in their places.
• Those who are “impeded” can gain the same indulgence if they spend at least one half-hour in pious reading and meditation on the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• One receives the Sacrament of Penance (must make a confession within 7 days before or after completing this devotion).
• Receive communion on the day you pray the Stations.
• Pray for the Intention of the Holy Father (our pope).

Without these only a partial indulgence is gained through the Stations which also helps the poor souls or your own.

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m not a big fan of pro sports. I am, however, a big fan of fellow Catholics who model their faith.
 
Much has been written about the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and others on January 26, 2020. Most of the writing has focused on Kobe’s celebrity life. But did you know that he and his family were practicing Catholics? I came across a touching article written by Cain Pence that appeared on Catholic Philly.com that puts the life of this famous basketball star in a whole different light; I think it bears repeating:
 
Why American Catholics Should Mourn Kobe Bryant’s Death
By Cain Pence • Posted January 29, 2020
 
He knew from a young age he was destined to compete. His professional basketball player father gave him a love of the game. His determined mother gave him an iron will. His Catholic parents also gave him a faith he would never abandon, especially in his darkest hour, a faith he was intent to pass on to his four daughters.
 
The standard American media story on the death of Kobe Bryant has focused on his basketball glory, his incredible scoring prowess, his two-decade career with the storied Los Angeles Lakers. His five NBA championships and 81-point game are often cited. The charge against him of sexual assault is also constantly revived. All fair game on the life of a famous but very real man.
What is rarely mentioned in any news story is Kobe Bryant’s lifelong dedication to his Catholic faith. What is rarely mentioned is the powerful force a priest played in his personal life when he was dealing with serious legal issues, losing endorsements and facing possible prison time.
 
While hundreds of stories on his tragic death mention the fact that he was taking his beloved daughter Gigi to basketball practice in the doomed helicopter, these same stories often fail to mention that at 7 a.m. that fateful morning of January 26 he wasn’t focused on basketball but was taking his daughter to early Catholic Mass, which he did on a very regular basis.
 
Regular parishioners, priests and bishops in Orange County Catholic circles and his home base of Newport Beach have all come forward to testify to the fact that Kobe was a very dedicated Catholic. Many have also noted that Kobe’s preference was to come in quietly, sit in the back, leave discreetly and all the while keep the focus on the sacred mystery of the Catholic Eucharist and never on himself. How many media outlets covered that when Kobe was alive let alone when he passed?
 
The American media loves to tear down not only religious institutions but strong men. They particularly love the demise of proud black men. The story of the black male athlete with many illegitimate children is told all the time. Far fewer are the stories about the many proud black men like Kobe and LeBron James who dedicate everything they have to raising right their sons and daughters.
 
The great outpouring of grief from so many basketball players and other athletes over Kobe’s death comes largely from a deep well of fellow fathers who know the tremendous struggle to raise and keep a family together and strong in a culture that often encourages family breakups and a historical context that often attacked and beat down strong black fathers.
 
Kobe did not let whatever personal sin he may have had stop him from his most important role of fatherhood. When Kobe struggled most, he never forgot the help from a Father greater than any on earth.
 
The tear-down media always seems to trump the build-up media. In the #MeToo era this is particularly true. Sexual sins and abuse dominate the headlines whereas the faithful actions of good husbands and priests are rarely mentioned.
 
I do not play down the real sins of sexual assault and harassment. Yet I come from a religion that believes in forgiveness and redemption. Kobe embraced a Catholic Church that knows far too well that sexual sin is real yet so too is the grace of God to repent and build a new life and priesthood.
 
Many of the testimonials from Kobe’s fellow athletes refer to him as a brother. A brother in arms who spent two decades sacrificing himself and body on the arena of the hardwood floor. A brother to fellow fathers who would not let any personal failing stop his most important role of father to many daughters. A brother to fellow men who would not let a scandal-obsessed media define his role or legacy.
 
I am not famous or a good athlete. I am not a modern Lakers fan although I come from their original hometown of Minneapolis and wish their winning legacy would return to my woeful Minnesota Timberwolves. I am not a father to any children. I am not a black man or a celebrity.
 
I am, however, a Catholic who started last Sunday at morning Mass worshiping a greater power than my very sinful self. I do not often understand God’s mysterious ways but believe they ultimately work for good.
 
Before Kobe Bryant boarded that fateful helicopter, he did not take his daughter to a fancy spa or expensive brunch. He took her to Mass with Jesus. I am proud to say that Kobe Bryant was my brother on the day he died.
 
May our brother Kobe Bryant, his daughter and all who perished that day rest in God’s peace.
 
Deacon Steve