January 5, 2025 The Epiphany of the Lord
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Psalm 72
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The claim of the first reading, that everyone who had been put into exile would come home to Israel, was filled with such an exuberant hope that not only would the children of Israel come back, but also that the whole world would come to see Jerusalem as their home.
They would come bringing their wealth, and as we sing the Psalm we see that it would be a glorious day. The visit of the Magi recounted in the Gospel makes this dream a reality, but the true treasure comes in the second reading, where Paul recounts how God revealed to him that the Gentiles could be saved, that they could come home too. No more do we speak of ‘us’ and ‘them’ there are no longer nations, gentiles, Jews, Israelites, all take on that marvelous name of ‘coheir’ ‘copartner’ and members, truly sisters and brothers of Christ and in Christ and through Christ.
It is a great day indeed, but also a great challenge. For if all of this is true, no Christian can discriminate on the basis of race or nation - we are all called to share in the one destiny.
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Please take some time to read this important letter from Bishop Malesic. He's talking to ALL of us! | |
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I am writing you today my first pastoral letter, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. It has been over four years since I was appointed by Pope Francis to be the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, and the time is right for me to share with you where I think the Holy Spirit is calling us as a diocese, a local Church. The goal of this letter is to provide you with a resource for reflection, that you might be drawn more deeply into prayer and a more intimate relationship with Jesus. This letter is composed of four sections, and they build on each other, like St. Paul’s letters. The first three sections remind us of who we are and whose we are, and the final section articulates specific strategies to boldly follow the call of the Holy Spirit as sons and daughters of the Father.......
Read the Bishop's letter in it's entirety HERE.
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Click the above picture each week to share the weekly Gospel reflections with the kids. | |
The next Parish Council meeting is set for February 4th.
The next Finance Council meeting is set for January 13th at 7pm in the rectory. | Join the Moriah House Meals Group that prepares a hot meal for the residents of the WSCC's Moriah House. On the 3rd Saturday of every month, meet up in the STW parking lot with prepared foods to deliver. You don't have to participate every month. To join, text or call Carol at 2164104068. | YOU can help! We're about to begin the plaster and paint project to fix many ceiling areas that are damaged. Through the #weGIVECATHOLIC campaign we raised $8k of our $12 goal. Send a check or scan our Paypal QR code to donate. Thank you! | | |
Traveling Healing Mass by Catholic Renewal Ministries, Friday, January 17th, 7pm. Julie Billiart Parish in North Ridgeville. Fr. Bob Franco, Celebrant. All are welcome! More info, call 440-944-9445. |
TOTR-West
First Ever – Night of Reflection
Nunc Coepi & Ho’oponopono (the Hawaiian Blessing) Retreat
A look at the New Year. A time to start over, a time to begin. Tom Pussel, Dir. of Evangelization/St. Raphael’s Parish & Ginny Pippin, Cert.Lay Ecclesial Minister & Spiritual Dir. will provide talks, time for reflection & group discussion to draw us closer to God & God’s plan for us.
Cost is $15.00 per person. Includes all materials, light appetizers & refreshments. Cash Bar is also available. Advance tickets highly recommended for catering purposes. Register in advance HERE. Doors open at 6:30pm. Program begins at 7pm.
| For a complete list of diocesan events, click the Diocese of Cleveland Events Page here. | "My Daily Prayers" is a daily email with an audio recording featuring clergy of the diocese of Cleveland introducing the day and reciting prayers. Sign up here. | | |
Set up a mass by filling out the form on our website (click picture above and scroll to Mass Request), or call the rectory 216.696.1926 or send an email to office@stwendelincleveland.org with the month/day you prefer. | | |
Pray for the recovery of Dennis Vok, Thomas Medwetz, Marilyn McCarthy, Gloria Ashworth, Julia Class and Wilmer Carroll.
Pray for the health of Jane Hilf, Charlotte Hardy, Terry Chura, Joe Humenik, Red Rodio, Sharon Chitty, Frank Novak, George Cummings, Bob Becker, Steve Dabrowski, Larry Blasius, Roselyn Cowell and for many special intentions for strength, mercy and healing.
Reply to this email to add a name or intention to our list.
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Listen to all things Catholic at AM 1260 The Rock here. Deepen your and your family’s faith, AM 1260 The Rock offers daily Mass, devotionals, apologetics, Advent, and Christmas programming, and much more. Don’t forget about AM 1260 The Rock’s own Wisdom From The Rock, where you can hear Daily Gospel Reflections from local priests and deacons, special interviews, and more. Listen anytime on the AM 1260 The Rock app, online, or on your favorite podcast platform. | |
Including St. Wendelin in your Will is Easy!
Do you have life insurance you may no longer need? By naming our parish as a beneficiary, you will provide lasting financial support and may qualify for tax benefits as well. It will not cost anything to change the beneficiary on your policy- and will do much to help strengthen our parish for the future.
Contact your trusted advisor, visit https://catholiccommunity.planmylegacy.org/life-insurance, or call Moira Wopershall of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x8070, for more information.
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As Christian stewards, we share the responsibility of making St. Wendelin Church a true community of faith and a vibrant source of service to the larger community. That includes providing financial support for today's needs -- and building a firm financial foundation for tomorrow.
Your IRA can be a tool to help you do this. If you are 70 ½ years old or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution today for up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to your parish.
It will not count as taxable income, and it can satisfy your “required minimum distribution." Looking to the future, consider naming our parish as a beneficiary IRA. Speak with your financial advisor, visit https://www.catholiccommunity.org/ira, or contact Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070 for more information.
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If you are 70 ½ or older, you may be able to make a gift of a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA that will help us in our ministry and reduce your taxable income. Talk to your advisors and IRA administrator for more information and to be sure that your IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution gift is made directly from an IRA to a qualified charity such as St. Wendelin Parish. Questions? Contact Jean Ann Montagna (jmontagna@catholiccommunity.org) of the Catholic Community Foundation at 216-696-6525 x 8070 or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/ira. | |
See Fr. Kropac for details regarding Baptism or the Sacrament of Marriage.
Text or call him if you need a hospital visit or communion brought to you, 216.205.2433.
| Do you get a birthday card from Fr. K in the mail? If not, we do not have your current information! Click here and update for us. We'd really appreciate it! | |
Want to learn more about our parishioners? Check out the Parishioner Profile Book (blue 3 ring binder) in the back of the church and get copies of all of the stories printed so far.
Nominate yourself or a friend to be the next subject of Parishioner Profiles, just reply to this email with your suggestion.
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