On February 16 we
celebrate Lithuanian Independence Day. The Act of Independence of
Lithuania Lietuvos Nepriklausomybės Aktas was signed by the Council of
Lithuania on February 16, 1918, proclaiming independence from Russia and the
restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic
principles, with Vilnius as its capital. Over the last century we have
seen our beloved homeland occupied by many foreign powers, but the strive to remain independent remains within all of our
hearts. Occupied during the Second World War by the Soviet Union,
Lithuania again gained independence on March 11, 1990, the day of Restoration
of Independence of Lithuania. Many of us have lived through these
events. I am personally blessed to have been the first of my family to be
born in the United States, my family fleeing from Soviet oppression. My
father would have been proud to have seen an independent Lithuania. Today
we give thanks to almighty God, may He bless our homeland and keep her safe.
In
God’s time, Father
Andrew
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CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is
one of the three sacraments of initiation, Baptism and Eucharist being the
other two. It is usually received at age 13 or above. In order to be a
Godparent for Baptism or Confirmation, a person must have been confirmed
themselves. In some cases, they may be
required to receive the sacrament of confirmation before they are married in
the church. If you are not confirmed and
would like to be, please contact Fr Andrew or Jackie Taylor. We are beginning classes now, with the hope
of having the sacrament of Confirmation celebrated here in the fall.
PRAYER
Informal prayers are a spontaneous
expression of faith that do not adhere to a specific structure. They are not written down or part of
liturgies or rituals of the church. These
prayers are personal and come from the heart.
They can be similar to talking to a friend over dinner or on the phone.
Take time to talk to God, when you are happy, in need, or just have a break in
your day! God is always there and would
love to hear from you.
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ASH WEDNESDAY
This Wednesday. February
18 is Ash Wednesday. Ashes will be
distributed at the Masses which will be celebrated at 7:30am (English) and 7pm (Bi-lingual).
At the entrances to the church there is a booklet which contains
the spiritual opportunities available at our Parish and in Collinwood during
this season, along with the dietary regulations regarding fasting and
abstaining from meat. Also, at the
entrances to the Church we are providing daily reflection booklets for the
Lenten season. These will be available
during the entire Lenten season. We invite you to make use of the
opportunities provided for your own spiritual growth.
CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
This weekend, February 14/15, our
special collection supports the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Your
donation helps restore the Church and build the future in more than 25
countries still struggling to recover from former communist rule. Funds from
this collection support reconstruction, education, formation, and poverty
outreach. An envelope is included in your church envelopes, please be
generous.
BLACK & INDIAN MISSIONS
Next weekend, Feb. 21/22
we are accepting donations for the annual collection to support the Black and
Indian Missions. This is the oldest
designated collection in the United States.
We ask everyone to be generous in supporting this important work of
the Catholic Church. An envelope is included in your church envelopes.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL
The
2026 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal in-pew commitment process takes place
this weekend. Our parish goal for this
year’s appeal is $12,452.00. Your support helps Catholic Charities carry out
the mission that Jesus entrusted to us: “I say to you, whatever you did for
one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Please consider a generous gift that will
change the lives of the nearly 400,000 people who are served each year in
Northeast Ohio. Many in the parish have already received a letter from the
Bishop Malesic seeking support for Catholic Charities. If you did not receive a letter or have not
responded to it, please respond to the in pew commitment today. Also, please pray for the success of the
Appeal, which provides essential programs and services throughout all eight
counties of the Diocese of Cleveland.
HELPERS NEEDED
This
year, Lent begins on Wednesday February 18th. Again, this year during Lent, the four
Collinwood parishes are having the Monday cluster Masses. Our turn to host the
Cluster Mass will be on Monday, February 23rd. Along with the other parishes,
after Mass we will have a reception for all attendees. Sign-up sheets can be
found on the tables by the entrances to the church or you can call Jackie at
the rectory.
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Lietuvi
