Parish Newsletter September 2023 |
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Message From Father Angi
Tomorrow, September 3rd, is the Feast day of St. Gregory the Great, our patronal feast as a family of parishes. Gregory was outstanding as a teacher, pope and doctor of the Church. He wrote many exhortations to the people he served. It seemed wise to hear from him today rather than the pastor. One of his exhortations is to trust in God’s promises and take what comes. In his own words:
Trust God’s promises, and take what comes
When Jesus was transfigured, says St. Gregory the Great, Peter wanted to live in that glory forever. But the time was not right. We have work to do here before we can live in glory with Jesus forever.
The Apostle Peter was excited by the revelation of these mysteries. He despised what was mundane and scorned what was earthly, and he was filled with a sort of frenzied craving for what was eternal. Filled with rapture at the whole vision, he wanted to make his home with Jesus in the place where he had been blessed with the manifestation of his glory. This is why he said, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4).
But the Lord made no answer to this proposal, showing that what he wanted was certainly not wicked, but contrary to the divine order. The world could not be saved but by Christ’s death. The Lord’s example called the faithful to believe that, although we should not have any doubt about the promises of happiness, yet we should understand that we must ask the power to endure among the trials of this life, rather than the glory, because the joy of reigning cannot come before the times of suffering.
–St. Gregory the Great, Sermon 51, 5
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
What difficulties am I facing right now?
Have I prayed for the strength to endure them?
Prayer of St. Gregory the Great
O Lord, You received affronts
without number from Your blasphemers,
yet each day You free captive souls
from the grip of the ancient enemy.
You did not avert Your face
from the spittle of perfidy,
yet You wash souls in saving waters.
You accepted Your scourging without murmur,
yet through your meditation
You deliver us from endless chastisements.
You endured ill-treatment of all kinds,
yet You want to give us a share
in the choirs of angels in glory everlasting.
You did not refuse to be crowned with thorns,
yet You save us from the wounds of sin.
In your thirst You accepted the bitterness of gall,
yet You prepare Yourself to fill us with eternal delights.
You kept silence under the derisive homage
rendered You by Your executioners,
yet You petition the Father for us
although You are his equal in Divinity.
You came to taste death,
yet You were the Life
and had come to bring it to the dead.
Amen.
Sincerely,
Fr. Steve
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Feast of the Guardian Angels Parish Picnic
The annual Feast of the Guardian Angels parish picnic will be on Sunday, October 1st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, immediately following 10 AM Mass. There will also be GA School Showcase for current students and their families, parishioners, and alumni during this time! Please note that this is not an open house for prospective students—prospective students and their families should contact the school to schedule a personal tour.
GA will provide drinks and the main entrée (pulled pork and chicken from City BBQ). We ask parishioners to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share in a throw-away container. Please RSVP for the picnic here.
You do not need to RSVP if you plan to attend only the open house, but please RSVP for the picnic so we have an accurate count for food. The deadline to RSVP is Monday, September 25th.
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Great news for anyone who pays Ohio income tax and supports Guardian Angels
We have many students at Guardian Angels who benefit from scholarships provided by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF). Ohio taxpayers who donate to the CEF may be able to claim a dollar-for-dollar, non-refundable tax credit on their state income tax return, up to $750 per donor. For more information, click here.
We hope you consider a donation before the end of the year and choose "Guardian Angels School (Cincinnati)(C00160)" from the drop-down when prompted.
Parishioner and tax expert, Brien Dulle, is donating. Here's what he had to say. "Supporting the CEF is a no-brainer for me for two reasons. As a graduate of GA that is also sending my daughters to the school, I want to invest in the education that our children receive. Secondly, there's no extra money out of pocket since I can claim a dollar-for-dollar Ohio tax credit."
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St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes Mass |
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St. Gregory the Great Health Ministry Events
Dr. Irene Hamrick, MD, Chair of the Office of Geriatrics at the University of Cincinnati
Saint Gregory the Great Health Ministry will be hosting a 3-part health educational program this fall! We will be bringing Dr. Irene Hamrick, MD, Chair of the Office of Geriatrics at the University of Cincinnati, to each parish campus to present on common health topics that affect older adults. Join us at IHM on Thursday, September 14th in Heritage Hall to hear her presentation on depression, on Tuesday, September 26th at Guardian Angels in the undercroft to hear about insomnia, and on Thursday, October 12th at Saint John Fisher in the Resurrection Room to learn about nutrition in older adults. There is no charge and no need to register. Each presentation will begin at 7 pm. For information or questions: please contact Mary Selvaggi, RN, Parish Nurse at 513-388-4184 or marys@ihom.org.
Preventative Health Screenings
The Saint John Fisher Parish Health Ministry is hosting a health fair on Saturday September 30th from 9 am-noon! Preventative health screenings (mammograms, flu shots, blood pressure checks) will be offered to all including information about relevant health care topics. To register for the fair, call Mary Selvaggi, RN and Parish Nurse at 513-388-4184. To register for a mammogram, call the Jewish Hospital Mobile Mammography Unit at 513-686-3300 (OPTION 1). Most insurance plans are accepted. See you there!"
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St. Gregory the Great Youth Ministry Summit
Join St. Gregory the Great Youth Ministry for a meeting on the morning of September 9th. All parishioners of any age or family dynamic are welcome. We will gather for 8:15 am Mass at IHM and then retire to Heritage Hall for light breakfast treats and an update on youth ministry. Come to hear about what God has been doing and how you can be involved in supporting the youth of our family. RSVP here. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Help Defeat the Abortion Amendment
Training Opportunities are open!
The Catholic Conference of Ohio in collaboration with the USCCB will be hosting training sessions around Issue 1 on the November ballot.
The first training is for women interested in learning how to be parish speakers about this topic. After registering with the link below, the Respect Life Office of the archdiocese will confirm with pastors the individuals who are interested in being trained.
The second training is for anyone interested in learning about Issue 1 and how to talk to family and friends about the dangers of the amendment.
After registration the Catholic Conference of Ohio will supply the Zoom meeting links and run the meetings.
Messaging Training Dates & Invites:
Women of Ohio: Help Defeat the Abortion Amendment
Training on How to Speak at Local Catholic Parishes about the Dangers of Issue 1
Monday, September 11 from 7-8:30pm ET
Spread the Word: Help Defeat the Abortion Amendment
How to Speak with Friends and Family about the Dangers of Issue 1
Wednesday, September 13 from 1-2pm ET
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Guardian Angels Mobile Food Pantry Collection
Thank you to all those who donated goods or their time to the GA Mobile Food Pantry Collection. Because of your generosity, we were able to pack over 200 bags for those in need!
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Beautifying Our Church Update
Our Beautification Committee continues to work hard on improvements at Guardian Angels.
Now that the four marble statues have been cleaned and repaired and lighting has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED fixtures, the low-dropped cieling are being replaced in both transepts and the Beechmont lobby, the outer doors to the church have been refinished, and the Stations of the Cross from a prior church, which have been in storage in the rectory attic for several decades. These are being reframed and will be hung with new lighting. We will be posting pictures of these beautiful Stations as soon as they are available.
Phase 2, which will begin next year, will include new flooring, paint, new pews and kneelers and, possibly, some artistic work.
We are finalizing our overall cost estimates and will soon have a funding program identified.
This project is designed to improve our worship space and experience and is an important investment to improve the worship area for our Church. We welcome your continuing comments and suggestions at our email address – chbeauty@gaparish.org. Thank you for your feedback, support and prayers.
GA Beautification Committee
Rick Oberschmidt, Chairman
Brice Berger
Julie Bruns
Mark Gillming
Mirna Feghali
Don King
Kathy King
Dick Vogelgesang
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Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts Events
The Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts is hosting programs and events to help our scouts grow in their faith. Please see the attached flyer for more details and to register.
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Special Marriage Blessing
On Sunday, September 18 at the 10 a.m. Mass there will be a special marriage blessing for couples who are celebrating a 5 year increment wedding anniversary any time during 2022. For example, 5, 10, 15, or 20 year anniversaries.
We would also like to display your wedding photo in the Gathering Space. If you would like to submit a copy, be sure to include your wedding date.
Please let the Parish Office know by Friday, September 9th if you would like to receive this special blessing and be recognized in the bulletin.
Parish Office (513) 231-7440
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Save the Date for this year's GA 5k Halo Hustle!
Join us for a scenic 5K walk/run through the neighborhoods of Mt. Washington on Saturday, September 30th at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy the race with music and fans cheering you on along the way! The race will be followed with a party, including an awards ceremony, live music from the Remains, food trucks, beverages, and games!
Sponsorship Opportunities
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Greeters and Gift Bearers
Greeters and gift bearers are needed for all 3 weekend Masses. Sign up here.
Please consider helping out in these important ministries! This helps the ushers prepare for Mass and not have to scramble to find gift bearers last minute.
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Registration Is Open For 2023-2024 CCD Classes
CCD is offered for grades K-8. All Catholic children attending a public school or who are home-schooled should receive religious education at all grades. Any child who wishes to receive First Holy Communion or Confirmation should be registered in CCD at least one year before receiving the sacrament. Classes begin September 10.
Those wishing to enroll their children in CCD classes can find registration information attached or on the parish website. You can also click here to register and here to pay.
If you know someone who would be interested in learning more about CCD, please feel free to forward this email to them or email me their contact info!
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is back at Guardian Angels Parish 10 a.m. Mass on the third Sunday of every month. This ministry relies on the support of volunteers to serve our parish. Two adults and 4 teenage volunteers are needed each month. To sign up, click here.
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Eastside Catholic Youth Ministries
Eastside Catholic Youth Ministries (ECYM) is the group of ministries serving our Family of Parishes. There are a wide range of opportunities for students in grades 5-12, open to youth of all schools and faith backgrounds. Join us as we seek to have fun, enjoy fellowship, and grow as disciples. For event details, please watch for emails from Bradley Barnes or visit gaparish.org.
If you would like information about upcoming opportunities, please contact Bradley Barnes at youth@gaparish.org or 513-624-3148.
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Volunteer Healthcare Professionals Needed |
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Young Men's Faith and Fellowship
When: 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, and 12/4 from 8:00-9:00pm
Where: Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Room B in the undercroft or by zoom
Age: 20s - 40s
Join together in brotherhood with other men to grow in virtue and faith. This fall, we will be using the Mass Series by Bishop Robert Barron from the World on Fire Institute. Contact the group at mensfaith@gaparish.org to join our email distribution list, receive more information, or to join via Zoom.
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Young Women's Faith and Fellowship
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month from 8:00-9:00 pm.
Where: Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Room B in the undercroft
Age: 20s - 40s
Join together with other women to expand your Catholic faith and build meaningful relationships as we dive into various faith studies from the Blessed is She, Rooted devotional. No prior knowledge or materials needed; come as you are! Contact the group at womensfaith@gaparish.org for more information.
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Fathers Team
Each Friday, Fathers Team will be meeting for Fathers Team "Lite” which consists of a review and discussion of the upcoming Sunday's scripture readings. All GA fathers are invited to join either in person or via Zoom. Our meeting will start at 6:05 am Friday morning and last for one hour. Together we explore the readings and consider how the scripture's message can be applied to our daily lives. If you are holding back because you’re not an expert, join the crowd....neither are any of us! Join us in person in the Undercroft (Conference Room B), or by Zoom, this Friday at 6:05 am. Contact us at GAfathersteam@gmail.com for the zoom information, or to get on the GA Fathers Team email distribution. |
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Make Offertory Donations Online
Giving to Guardian Angels Parish has never been easier. Offertory donations can be made online. If you are interested in establishing a one-time or recurring gift through our online platform, just click the button below. Once you have an account setup, you can make any changes to your giving yourself through the website.
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8am & 10am Masses Streamed Each Sunday
The 8am and 10am Masses are livestreamed each Sunday and can be viewed on our YouTube channel and Facebook page live or they can be played back on either channel at a later time.
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Enrollment Open For 2023-2024 School Year
Enrollment is now open for all students entering preschool through eighth grade for the 2023-2024 school year. You'll find all the information you need on the school website.
If you missed our Open House events but would still like to learn more about our school, we invite you to take a personal tour. A tour allows you to meet with our administration to discuss the classes and programs available through GA and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. These are typically done during school hours so you can see what a typical day is like for students. Call the school office at (513)624-3141 to schedule a tour.
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School Playground Hours
We want to remind everyone of the hours of operation for our newer playground equipment. The portion of the playground that was installed last year sits outside the area where our old equipment sat. Since it is outside the mulch area and is now closer to other property lines, the portion of the equipment with the slide CANNOT be used outside of the posted playground operating hours. Those hours are 8:00am-6:00pm.
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Learn More On FORMED.org
Did you know that all parishioners have access to a bevy of incredible Catholic content through Formed.org? Parishioners can use this platform to discover the many ebooks, audio resources, movies and Bible studies that are available on your phone, tablet, smart tv or computer.
If you are new to the website:
- click on sign-up
- Choose I belong to a Parish or Organization
- Search Guardian Angels Parish (make sure you select the one on Beechmont in Cincinnati)
- Then create your own account
This treasure trove of material is provided as a gift to you as a valued member of our Faith Family.
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Stay Connected with GA on Social Media |
Stay up-to-date with all things GA by following us on social media.
Guardian Angels is active on several social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The links to our social media channels at the bottom of every parish newsletter.
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Bulletin Advertising Available |
Our bulletin publisher is looking for new advertisers and sponsors. Thanks to our sponsors, the bulletin is published weekly at no cost to our parish. Please consider purchasing an ad. Your ad and participation make the bulletin successful, and you attract customers! If interested, please email Sherry Montel or call/text her at 614 301-7444.
Advertisements and sponsorships can be purchased for a business, family, charity, in Honor or in Memory of a Loved One, or to support the church or a community service organization, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We appreciate your support.
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If you are part of a parish organization and have news you would like to share with our community, please email the parish office. To be included in next month's newsletter, your information must be received by the last Monday of this month. |
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Guardian Angels Parish | 513.231.7440 | 6531 Beechmont Ave | gaparish.org
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