5th Sunday of Lent

John 12:24-26 - words of wisdom...

Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.

STOP the HHS Mandate!!! Defend your rights!

The HHS Mandate is dangerous to all Americans! It is dangerous because of the attack on morality and the free practice of religion and because it also opens the door to the government mandating other things as well.

Please Read:
https://www.stophhs.com/stop_hhs_mandate/hhs-issues-new-rule-on-obamacare-scheme-to-fund-abortion-insurance/?utm_source=3-16-12&utm_campaign=3-16-12&utm_medium=email

The First Amendment even states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Some perspective in light of the Chardon tragedy...

SOME PERSPECTIVE... along with the tragedy that occurred at Chardon High School this week comes dealing with the questions and wrestling with the big life questions about how, why, what's important, and where do I go from here. When I was a senior in high school, the tragedy at Columbine in Littleton, Colorado happened and the experience of being a normal 'safe' high school student changed forever. Since then a number of tragedies have happened from Virginia Tech to Chardon. Steve Angrisano is a Catholic musician and youth minister who lives in Littleton, CO and experienced aftermath of the shooting at Columbine first hand with the youth in his parish. In light of what has happened in Chardon, I have found listening to Steve Angrisano's "Columbine Testimony" and "You Are My God/Here I Am, Lord," which are his reflections about Columbine given shortly after the Virginia Tech shootings, to be particularly helpful and powerful in the coping process and these can be downloaded on itunes, I recommend listening to them. Lastly, I have come to realize that as we move forward and search for meaning what we can do is make an extra effort to live out our faith the best way we can and in the memory of those whose lives were lost to be the positive influence and change we desire to see in this world from the everyday small things to fulfilling big ideas. May we all find a way to live out our faith more and be the change we wish to see in this world. Prayers for Chardon and peace be with you all! Fr. Ed

Chardon Shooting

I am sure that you have heard by now the unfortunate incident at Chardon High School today. First, we keep the victims, families, and Chardon Community in prayer. Second, and perhaps more important in terms of learning and going forward, especially for any teen or young adult, PLEASE, if you find yourself alone, in a dark place, or in trouble know THERE IS HOPE, personally I can ...say that I have been in dark places in my life especially in high school and I know that no matter how dark, if you reach out you can get to the light. Again if you are in trouble reach out to a parent, teacher, youth minister, campus minister, priest, nun, or someone else you trust and ask for help.... AND as a person of Christ, no matter what your differences are with classmates or any of your acquaintances be kind and understanding and where there is conflict seek peace! Also, reach out to those who are in trouble, a simple smile, or asking how your day is can be the key that could unlock the door to diffusing someone's hurt. If you know of someone who is struggling or know something just isn't right say something to someone who can help! In peace, prayer, and hope - Fr. Ed